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Visitors' Reviews & Comments
Asok Sanyal (July 2024)
Please suggest a route where there are very few/less turnings while going from NJP to Darjeeling as I would be taking my Sr Citizen mother 80+ years who has a vomiting issue. Moreover there are a couple of family members having Vertigo. Thank you.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) July 2024
Hello, There is no such route to Darjeeling with a few or hardly any sharp turnings. The usual route (the one taken by cabs) via Rohini has several hairpin bends. You can try the route via Mirik (a much longer route), which has relatively fewer turnings but still has several. Instead of a road route, you can consider the toy train from NJP to Darjeeling... since it moves very slowly, one having a nausea or vertigo problem can find it as a better alternative.
Avick (June 2022)
Hi Raj, I'm planning to visit Darjeeling in end of October with my wife and 5 year old son only. what will be the cheapest option for reaching Darjeeling via Mirik from NJP? and I/ve same question for reaching Gangtok from Darjeeling.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2022
Hi, there are NBSTC bus services between Siliguri and Mirik. Buses leave from Siliguri (Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus at Hill Cart Road) at 7:30 am, 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. However, timings change, so you will need to check out the latest timings at the bus station. The other option is to take a shared taxi from NJP or Siliguri up to Mirik. From Mirik, you can occasionally get a shared taxi to Darjeeling, otherwise, take one up to Sukhiapokhri, and from there, another one to Darjeeling (Chowk Bazaar). This would be the cheapest mode of transport.
Note that in Mirik, there are two taxi stands... one near the lake and one at the Market. The one at the market is a larger stand and you will have a better chance of getting shared taxis there.
From Darjeeling (Chowk Bazaar area), you can get shared taxis to Gangtok in the first half of the day (i.e. usually up to 2 pm).
Som (March 2022)
Hi Raj, I just want to know, if I book a cab from NJP railway station, will it drop me to my hotel at Darjeeling, which is The Elgin, Darjeeling? or I have to get down at Darjeeling taxi stand and from there i have to walk to the hotel with my backpack? Thanks in advance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2022
Elgin is quite centrally located and the taxi (a reserved cab) should drop you at the hotel... just tell the driver where you want the drop before you start.
Arunav (February 2022)
If you could guide me a bit that is it possible to book a reserved car from Siliguri to Darjelling via Kurseong covering major tourist attractions, and if so what shall be an approximate cost for the reserved vehicle for the day?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) February 2022
Yes, it's quite possible to do that. You should ideally book a car from a Siliguri-based operator. The cost will depend on what attractions you want to visit along the way and how long do you plan to reserve the car. The taxis at the stands can ask for erratic fares and therefore it's better to book a car through an operator. Gourik Cab Services in Siliguri have impressive reviews... you can search on Google, contact them and take a quote, but you should spell out your exact plan including the attractions you want to visit in Kurseong. If you also plan to take lunch, then Kurseong Tourist Lodge (of WBTDCL) is a good place for Indian food. For tea/snacks, Margaret's Deck (8kms ahead of Tourist Lodge and towards Darjeeling) would be a good choice.
Shweta (December 2021)
Hello sir, I am Shweta from Kolkata.We will reach Darjeeling on 23rd December, 2021.Me and my husband have our vaccination certificate. But my 2 years old daughter does Not have as per vaccination system. Does she need any documentation for travelling ??? Respect and regards
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2021
If your daughter is above 2 years of age, then she needs to have a negative RTPCR test certificate... check with your hotel for the latest updates on the travel guidelines.
Ashutosh Kumar Sinha (December 2019)
Dear sir, I am from Jharkhand and I want to know that can I go by own car which is registered in Jharkhand. Is there any permit required to enter Darjeeling by own car. Thank you.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2019
Hello, there is no permit required in Darjeeling, you can drive your own car.
Katharina (October 2019)
Dear Sir, thank you for your amazing website and all the valuable information! My question: I Will be travelling with my husband and two young daughters (1y and 3ys) in November from France to Bagdogra, then by taxi to Darjeeling and further on to Pelling. We were wondering if it makes sense to bring an infant car seat for travelling by taxi/jeep in Darjeeling and Sikkim? Are there seat belts to attach an infant car seat? or is it not customary to travel with car seats in taxis/jeeps? Thank you!
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2019
Hello, infant car seats are not customary although there are seat belts to attach them.
John (June 2019)
Hi Raj, Good to have bunch of useful information! Kindly help for 1 issue. I will reach Bagdogra airport by 10AM and have to catch toy train from Ghum-DJ at 3:00PM. How should I reach there except private cab option-as it is waste of money for 2 people.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2019
You can take a cab up to Siliguri main bus stand and then either take a bus (if you can time it right) or a shared taxi up to Ghum.
Jon F (April 2019)
Hello, I've been reading the posts here and been super impressed with your detailed replies. Thank you for this service! I have a question regarding getting from Gangtok to Darjeeling; I see the normal shared taxi route goes via Rangpo. Now I would quite like to see Samdruptse monastery (at Namchi) and was wondering if I could do this on the way from Gangtok to Darjeeling? I guess this would involve an early-morning shared taxi Gangtok-Namchi and then an afternoon shared (or private if needed) taxi from Namchi down to Darjeeling.
My question to you is - is this feasible in terms of timings or would this take too long including an hour or two at Samdruptse? And do you know how much a private taxi from Namchi to Darjeeling would cost, and what the latest time is that they would depart? Thank you so much!
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2019
Hello, You can usually get a shared taxi from Gangtok up to Namchi at the stand below MG Marg (usually available from 7am). If there aren't enough people to share a taxi, take one to Singtam and change to another one to Namchi. However at Namchi you need a private taxi to visit Samdruptse Monastery (it's little off the main route). It's unlikely that you will get a shared taxi from Namchi all the way to Darjeeling... you can take one up to Teesta bazaar and then a private taxi (shared ones are not always available) to Darjeeling.
Although there is a shorter route from Namchi to Darjeeling (via Jorethang and Jamuni), unfortunately foreign nationals are not allowed to exit Sikkim through that route. You need to exit through Melli (the longer route). Private taxi fare from Namchi to Darjeeling would be in the range of Rs. 2400 - 2500. However you can save cost using a shared taxi up to Teesta Bazaar. Shared taxis are usually available (at the stands) until 3pm. Private taxis operate all the time but lesser after 6pm. Time wise the day plan is manageable.
Arijit Chatterjee (April 2019)
Hi Raj, Is it possible to drive from Pelling to Darjeeling via Ravangla and Namchi? We are short of time and need to reach Darjeeling the same day. Would appreciate if you could help with this.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2019
Hi, you can... from Jorethang you need to take the route via Jamuni and Tukvar Tea Garden... that stretch of the road is bad at several places and you need a large vehicle. But this route (Pelling - Ravangla - Namchi - Jorethang - Darjeeling) will take well over 7 hours and considering additional time required for lunch and other breaks, not sure how much sightseeing can you do along the way. Otherwise take the shorter route from Legship to Jorethang (via Sikkip) ... would take around 3 hours 45 minutes to reach darjeeling.
Vignesh Mrurgan (January 2018)
Sir, is there any bus service from Gangtok to Darjeeling during night. And how much time will it take to reach Darjeeling by bus?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2018
Hello, there is no direct bus between Gangtok and Darjeeling. You need to take a bus from Gangtok all the way down to Siliguri, and from there another one to Darjeeling. Gangtok to Siliguri takes around 5 hours by bus and Siliguri to Darjeeling takes around 4 hours plus the change-over time. There are no night buses. All buses operate during the day time. It's wiser to take a direct shared taxi from Gangtok to Darjeeling (about 4.5 hours) instead of a long bus journey. Shared taxis too operate during the day time.
Christine Witton (September 2017)
Hi Raj, I have visited Darjeeling back in the mid 60s. I now wish to show Darjeeling to my husband. We are now senior citizens and although healthy would find trekking too difficult. However, we do like walking. We are considering visiting Darjeeling in mid March. Travelling from Delhi to Calcutta for a week or so. I am a bit puzzled as to how we travel from Calcutta to Darjeeling. Most posts seem to start in Gangtok or Siliguri. How do I get to these places (without private transport) from Calcutta. Do we fly to Gantock or Siliguri or what? Look forward to your response.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2017
Hi, you should take a flight from Calcutta to Bagdogra which is the nearest airport for Darjeeling. From there it's a 3-hour drive to Darjeeling. There are also trains from Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri which is the nearest railway station for Darjeeling... better take a flight.
Anurag Kela (December 2016)
Greetings of the day, I will reach NJP at 7:45 am on 3 march 2017. Various tour planners suggested me itinerary and the day 1 of their itinerary is same - Transfer to Gangtok or Transfer to Darjeeling. But I read it is Just 4-5 hours distance so my rest of the day is wasting please and also the last day of the trip is wasting in only transfer. I will buy the return ticket at night hour. Is it possible to utilize both days ? Such as Day 1: Transfer to Gangtok via Namchi Sightseeing, and Last Day: Transfer to NJP from Darjeeling Via Mirik route sightseeing. And I'm visiting Pelling also. Is there any good place to visit while Traveling to Pelling From Gangtok, as well as for Pelling to Darjeeling. Please Help me in this , I'll be very grateful to you.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2016
You can consider the following plan to utilize time enroute to your destinations: NJP to Darjeeling via Mirik. Darjeeling to Pelling via Namchi. Pelling to Gangtok via Ravangla. Gangtok to NJP via Kalimpong.
Rachit (September 2016)
I found your website, comments and views extremely helpful in deciding tour to Darjeeling and Gangtok. I will be travelling in January 2017. I wish to have your comments whether should I travel to Darjeeling 1st or Gangtok 1st from Bagdogra airport starting at around 4:00 PM (My Flight Arrival, so Evening travel to Darjeeling). I appreciate your time and efforts to read and reply my query. Thank you so much.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2016
Hi, you can travel to either place first. However Darjeeling is nearer (about 3 hours) and in my opinion is a better choice in your case as this would involve driving in the dark.
Anthony (June 2016)
First of all thank you for providing all the information in great details. I would like to know if we are coming by private vehicle and if we happen to stay in place which is not accessible to vehicle then what are my option for parking my car at night.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2016
You need to park by the street-side and that won't be safe. Better take a hotel with parking facility. Parking in commercial areas won't be allowed.
Rahul Mishra (March 2016)
Hi, We are planning to come to Darjeeling in March third week. Needed to know whether it is better to travel from Bagdogra to Darjeeling or NJP to Darjeeling as far as the cost and time are concerned. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2016
Time and cost to Darjeeling would be almost same from both NJP and Bagdogra, in fact the pre-paid taxi fare is the same. From NJP you can additionally get shared jeeps which are not available at Bagdogra airport.
George Jo (January 2016)
Hi Raj, I live in US and plan to travel from Kochi, Kerala to Bagdogda in 2nd week of June. Can I rent a car from Bagdogda airport for Darjeeling/Sikkim for 3 days.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2016
Hi, you can rent a car with a driver. But self driven car rentals are not available in Bagdogra or NJP/Siliguri. Other than self owned private cars, only local commercial vehicles with drivers are allowed for Darjeeling and Sikkim. Moreover there are entry restrictions in several places in Sikkim including in Gangtok for non-Sikkim registered vehicles.
Ana Sabuwala (March 2014)
Hi Raj, Was happy to come across a "helpline" of sort like this. Hats off to your good efforts. My reason to write to you is that, we, my husband and myself are planning to travel in the first week of May, 3-8 precisely. We are landing in Kolkata on 3rd morning. Have checked out the train schedule and feel that the night train, Darjeeling express suits us good so that we reach New Jalpaiguri in the morning. Would love to experience the toy train but seems that it takes 7 hrs to reach Darjeeling !! We are planning to cover 2-3 destinations in those 5 days; including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri & a little time in Kolkata of course. Would these destinations be proper or do we visit some other too to get a good feel of the region ?? Though Darjeeling is must !! :) Would appreciate your expert opinion and kind response on this, for us to plan our trip accordingly. Thanks :)
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2014
Hi, It's Darjeeling Mail (not Express) ... a good train. There is no toy train these days from NJP all the way up to Darjeeling. A part of the track is lying damaged in between. Option ... take a taxi (pre-paids are also available) from the station and go to Kurseong (takes about 1hr 45mins). You can take your lunch at the WB Tourist Lodge (nice restaurant with a view) and then take the 3pm toy train that leaves Kurseong station (located nearby) for Darjeeling.... takes about 3.5 hours. If this is too much of a hassle, then take a 2 hour toy train joy ride from Darjeeling itself on any day (there are 4 round trips on a day). Plan Darjeeling and Kalimpong or Gangtok (NOT Siliguri.... it's a messy crowded township and you will hate to spend a minute).
Ranjeet Banerjee (March 2014)
I have plan to travel to Darjeeling on 18th May'14, my flight shall reach Bagdogra at 3.45pm, is it safe to travel to Darjeeling at that late evening with family. if not then kindly let me know which is the hotel to put in for the night in Bagdogra. Kindly let me know.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com), March 2014
There is no problem as such. You will reach Darjeeling by 7:30pm. But driving in mountains in the dark is not enjoyable. Sometimes fog can create visibility problems, but it's unlikely around that time. There are several hotels in Bagdoga. You can see reviews in Tripadvisor and select one based on your budget. You will be better off staying in Siliguri. There are far more options both with stay and restaurants. There is nothing much in Bagdogra.
CA. Rajiv Chanda (May 2013)
Hi Raj, In your earlier mail you mentioned prepaid taxis are available unless we reach at odd hours. We would be reaching at about 6 to 7 p.m. Though the schedule arrival time is 3pm but Barmer Gauhati exp. normally runs 3-4 hrs late. So arriving at 7pm, would we get transportation for Darjeeling from NJP ? Thanks again !! Warm regards.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com), May 2013
At 7pm, you might get private taxis outside the station. You will be better off going through a travel agent and booking a car to pick you up if you anticipate that you may be that late. But I would recommend not to travel in the hills after dark (mainly because of the fog problems around this time) and reach the hotel at night when there may be nobody to receive you. If you reach late at NJP, stay back at Siliguri and travel next morning. If you still decide to go ahead, call up the hotel and tell them that you will be arriving late at night and there should be somebody to check you in. Otherwise you will end up banging the doors whole night shivering in the cold.
Jane Hadley (February 2013)
Hello Raj, Thank you for the information; The only thing now is the tricky question of getting to Darjeeling! Tom and I have been looking at the train timetables but honestly, it is a little confusing! From what we can see it looks like we would have to get a train (the Mail Express) to New Jalpaiguri then another one from there up to Darjeeling. It looks like both of them would take several hours; the first one from Kolkata to NJP an overnight one.
Is this correct? How easy is it to book from overseas or would it be better to do this once we are in India??
We would like to do that Toy Train loop but we understand we need to book well in advance. You can see it is hard for us to actually say to a hotel exactly what/how many nights we need. The Shangri-La wants a 50% deposit! We would be leaving Kolkata to travel to Darjeeling on the 28th October so that would probably mean we would need a hotel on the 29th; would that be accurate? We need to be back in Kolkata by the 2nd November so we would need to leave Darjeeling on the 1st November. Again, would this be accurate? I'm thinking of how long the trains take to get from Kolkata to Darjeeling and then return! Thank you again. Regards
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com), February 2013
Jane, You are mostly right. Let me clarify a few points. There are several trains from Kolkata to NJP, and most are overnight trains. Kolkata has two stations - Howrah (HWH) and Sealdah (SDAH). The best train is Darjeeling Mail which leaves from Sealdah station at about 10pm and reaches NJP at 8am. Although the name is Darjeeling Mail, it does not go up to Darjeeling. You will need to get off at NJP.
From NJP, earlier there was a provision to take a toy train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or Mountain Railway train) that would take you up the hill to Darjeeling town. It took some 7 hours to reach. But that is not operational these days (track damaged due to landslides). So you should take a private taxi (although shared jeeps are also available and used mostly by locals) and go to Darjeeling (takes about 3.5 hours from NJP).
Trains from Kolkata to NJP in October would get fully booked 2-3 months in advance, because that is the peak season and Darjeeling will be swamped by tourists. So you must buy the tickets well in advance. Use the Indian Railway website www.irctc.co.in to buy tickets online.
But a much better option would be to fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra (which is the nearest airport for Darjeeling). Flying time is less than 1 hour. From Bagdogra, it takes the same time (3.5 hours) to reach Darjeeling by car. You will get ample pre-paid taxis at the airport. Check out flights to Bagdogra
Abhra Shau (February 2013)
We'll (5 persons) reach NJP around 7 pm from Kolkata by train. Is it possible to get a taxi to travel to Darjeeling at that evening?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com), February 2013
Hi, It may be possible to get a private taxi (you won't get shared jeeps around that time). I won't recommend driving to Darjeeling at night mainly because of fog. Secondly the Hill Cart Road (the main road and the national highway) is closed up to Kurseong. Also note that unless you have booked in an upscale hotel with adequate staff, most hotels in Darjeeling would close their main entrance after 10pm, all staff leave and you may get stranded. You are better advised to stay back in Siliguri for the night and start next morning. Regards,
Subhajit Manna (September 2012)
Hi Raj, We are a group of 5 friends & plan to go to DARJEELING this Christmas 2012. Possible departure date 26 or 27 of Dec. We came to visit your website by searching the info about DARJEELING. I swore it's very helpful...... I want to know one more thing from you. I am sure that you must have bus services at that time in December due to the peak season. If you kindly tell me what will be the bus timing and ticket price and place for spot booking, I will be really thankful to you.......... With Regards,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com), September 2012
Hello, You will get the bus tickets from Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus at Siliguri located on Hill Cart Road. Ticket price is Rs. 50-80 per person (depending on the route it takes. Presently Hill cart road to Darjeeling is closed and buses go via Mongpu). You will need to find out the timing at the bus terminal.
Deepak Kumar Das (Aug 2012)
Sir, Please inform me how to return from Darjeeling by bus/shared jeep to arrive at NJP Railway station by 7pm.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com), Aug 2012
You will get plenty of shared jeeps from the chowkbazaar (lower market) area as well as from Clubside Taxi Stand (across Gandhi Road Police Point). They leave frequently during the day time. So come to the stand by 3pm. Buses also leave from Chowkbazar area, but since a part of the Hill Cart road is closed since a long time, the buses go via Mongpu. Buses will however come up to Siliguri Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand. You will then need to take a taxi, auto rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw for NJP station (only 8kms away). So go to the Darjeeling bus stand a day earlier and inquire about the timings.
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