Visitors' Stories/Comments
Sharat Sinha (November 2022)
Hello Mr Raj. Your blog and responses to the queries posted here are very helpful for any tourist. Thank you for that. I am planning to visit Darjeeling from 28th December, 2021 to 1st January, 2022 with my family (wife and 2 kids, 10 & 3 year olds) in our sedan. Is the time peak tourist season? Is it safe (weather-wise) for the 3 year old?
For a visit to Tiger Hill, do we need to get pass from authority beforehand and if so, how can we avail that. Is sunset at Tiger Hill worth watching as much as the sunrise from Tiger Hill? Also, is it possible to get toy train tickets from the Limbugaon station (Darjeeling-Ghum-Darjeeling) or do we need to avail them beforehand?
Any other suggestions from your end is much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2022
Hello, it will be freezing cold in Darjeeling in January... so book your hotel wisely that has adequate heating and other amenities. Also, take all possible winter precautions including heavy woollens, otherwise, it can be quite risky for an infant. These days they do not allow self-driven cars to Tiger Hill... you need to book a taxi or a car through an agency one day in advance.
Tiger Hill is known for its sunrise view when you can see the sparkles of lights on the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga with changing colours as the sun rises. But, the sunset is on the opposite side and nothing spectacular. If the sky remains clear, you can still see the snow peaks during the daytime, but usually, the clouds set in by mid-day and the views can get blocked.
You are visiting during a peak tourist time... although you can get toy train tickets at Darjeeling station, they may get sold out. It's better to buy the tickets online in advance.
Abhijeet (December 2021)
Hi Raj, Just couldn't stop myself from asking you this. We are a group of 4 families visiting from 7-13 of January and planning to travel to Darjeeling, Gangtok and Pelling. Firstly is it the right time to travel with kids and if yes then what would be the best options to stay. Kindly suggest. The impression I get of you is a very helpful, supportive and a genuine one, so, your opinion matters a lot for my plans. Thanks n regards,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2021
Hi, it will be extremely cold around that time at all these places and it can become quite uncomfortable unless you are well prepared with adequate winter clothing. Most hotels provide only small room heaters/blowers which are often inadequate. Few hotels have panel heaters and you should try to book rooms in those... you need to call up the hotels and check. You should also ensure that they provide electric bed-warmers... many hotels and even budget hotels do so these days. Hotel Ramada in Darjeeling is the only one that has central heating... depending on your budget, you may like to consider this option.
Venkatesan (November 2021)
Hi Raj, Gone through your prompt reply to the queries. Thank you for your service.
We total of 6 adults & 3 kids(4, 4, 5 years) planning to visit Darjeeling from 28 January 2022 to 30th January (26th & 27th in Gangtok). I have been to Gangtok already. This is my first time visiting Darjeeling with kids. My queries
1) What things should I see regarding hotel booking
2) what precautions should I take for kids since it's their first time travel to Darjeeling like hill station
3) Any specific things to be noted priorly regarding our travel to Darjeeling.
Please enlighten us so that we can plan accordingly. Thank you
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2021
Hi, you may be aware that it is usually freezing cold in Darjeeling around that time and you should choose a hotel with proper heating systems... most hotels offer small heaters/blowers which are inadequate, although some upscale ones do offer panel heaters... but the bathrooms remain horribly cold. Only Ramada Hotel in Darjeeling has central heating. Carry heavy woolens.
Unless fully vaccinated, all including kids above 2 years of age will require RTPCR negative test reports. If you are arriving at Darjeeling from Gangtok, it is possible that all non-vaccinated persons may be required to take RTPCR tests again in Gangtok before entering Darjeeling in order to meet the acceptable timelines... there are stringent Covid related protocols to be followed both in Darjeeling and Sikkim... so check with your hotels before you proceed.
Sanjay Agarwal (October 2021)
Will it be a good idea to visit Daj in winter, when it is this cold? What are the benefits and what are the cons. If shops close by 6.30 pm then we can't go out for dinner. So should we just confine ourselves to the hotel in the evening? This can be very boring. Is Ramada a centrally heated hotel. I was choosing Cedar Inn , then Mayfair , but it seems heating can be inadequate. So I may go in for Ramada which claims itself to have central heating. How is the location , view from rooms and service of Ramada hotel. Please give me your opinion. This will help me decide. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2021
It can be extremely cold in Darjeeling during the winters and can get quite uncomfortable. Although the shops close early, some restaurants like Glenaries and The Park take orders till 8 - 8:30 pm.
Yes, Ramada is the only hotel in proper Darjeeling that has central heating. However, I have heard recently that in one or two rooms, the heating is faulty and the room can get overheated. Hopefully, they have repaired it by now. In any case, from a heating perspective, there is no better alternative. And in winter, unless you go during the festival times, you should get enough choices for rooms. Only the Superior and Premium Rooms (with balconies) have good views of the peaks.
The hotel is very conveniently located on Gandhi road... a short & easy walk to all restaurants, shops and Chowrasta (mall)... there can not be any better location really when you consider convenience. The hotel mainly serves vegetarian food, but they also serve limited non-veg food in the restaurant... so, if you are a non-vegetarian, your options will be quite limited here. Go through Ramada Review read my review of the hotel.
Sanjay Agarwal (October 2021)
Sir, Thanks a ton for your insightful information ,which is unbiased and based on facts. Cold for my son will be no problem as he is used to sub zero temperatures. For myself and my wife ,we shall be taking more than adequate heavy woolens. I in fact wanted to stay at Cedar Inn. the second choice was Mayfair and the 3rd was Ramada. However I am not too sure about the heating facility at the first two. Since they don't have central heating, will it be warm enough in the first two hotels?
Other things being equal which would be your order of ranking among the three.You are welcome to give other good options too. I plan to base at Darjeeling for 5-6 nights and do several day trips from there, instead of packing and unpacking and changing hotels regularly. I have contacted all the three hotels asking for good rates as mid December is before the festive holiday rush. However they are not yet offering any good rates. Some are saying to book online for better rates.
I am in a fix. I have never booked online.I always book directly. Should I wait till end November and then try again to book directly. I do not feel comfortable paying 9000Plus rates per day (rate just now) , in Mid December. Your suggestions on this will be most helpful. Will I get discount in these hotels if I take your discount card?
Also from which taxi stand should I arrange cars for daily trips? Is the entrance to Ramada really very dirty? Thanks
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2021
All three hotels are good in their own way... when you consider views of Kanchenjunga, then Cedar Inn is the best out of the three, however, it is in an odd location and you won't usually get a taxi there to get to the main town... you will need to use the hotel's vehicle. Walking to Chowrasta Mall is possible, but it's a fairly long walk.
If the mere quality of the hotel and its heritage status is important to you, then Mayfair would be the best choice. However, in these two hotels, although they provide heaters in the rooms, the main problem is with the bathrooms that remain very cold.
Being on the busy but narrow Gandhi road, there can be vehicle congestion at times at Ramada's entrance (particularly during the high season), and that may lead to an unimpressive entryway to the hotel... but, otherwise, it's okay. There was also an issue with filth earlier, but that seems to have been addressed.
I doubt if the hotel rates will come down at the end of November because the rates usually get finalized much in advance, and due to the prolonged closures caused by the pandemic, the hotels are unlikely to cut down their rates during the short periods of low seasons in order to make up for the losses.
Cedar Inn is enlisted on my Card but not the other two... however, as my card page now mentions, it will be hard for many hotels to honour the card now given the impact of the pandemic on them for the past two years... so, one needs to check with the hotel concerned (as well as with any other outfit that is enlisted) and accordingly purchase the card. However, several resorts I know are still honouring the card such as Singtom Tea Resort, Windamere etc, but it is still advisable to check beforehand.
Shiva (January 2021)
If we pre-book a taxi from Darjeeling at 4 AM , can we reach Bagdogra Airport by 7 AM in February, considering Fog in winter ?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2021
Many drivers in the hills drive blindly as if they know the route by heart including all bends and turns, and that's where the problem lies. You can usually reach Bagdogra well within 3 hours, but there is a risk at that early hour. Secondly, if you book a taxi in advance, there are good chances that the driver may not turn up.
You should ideally take a car through your hotel if they have their own cars & drivers (note... most budget hotels only arrange for a car and basically book a taxi where you can have similar problems). It is advisable to go down to Siliguri in the previous evening and stay there overnight.
Manoj Tiwari (December 2016)
Loved your honest to the point blog and website. Filled with relevant information without much of forced sales pitches. Thank you. what would you recommend for good high end hotels for winter month of February. We live in those kind of temperatures in winter so temperature is not the problem but no central heating and hot water can be a problem. Any recommendation will be helpful. Thanks
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2016
You won't get central heating at any hotel in Darjeeling as it's not economically viable. But most upscale hotels like Mayfair, Windamere, Viceroy etc do have good room heating systems and even fireplaces. Hot water is not a problem in any of these hotels.
Emily (November 2016)
Hello Raj, I am visiting Darjeeling this December and have been scrawling through every one of your articles for some ideas on what to do when I get there. So far I've planned to visit Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway and Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park.
From reading your blog I understand that there is hardly ever any snow in Darjeeling during the winter months but I was wondering if there are any tourist attractions or sights that may be out of bounds during winter. Maybe the paths are too slippery or they just aren't accessible. Any information you can provide would be a massive help.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2016
Hi, all tourist attractions in Darjeeling are usually open in winter. One exception is the tea garden factories because tea plucking or processing doesn't take place in winter months. Timings (open hours) of some attractions may get shortened in winter due to low demand and short day time.
Suman Mallik (December 2015)
Hi Raj, Thanks for this wonderful informative site of yours. I am planning to visit Darjeeling along with my wife from 24-29 Jan 2016. Since, it will be off season during this period, can you please suggest about the cab rates from NJP to Darjeeling and also about the local sightseeing tours in Darjeeling ? Also you mentioned that during this period the restaurants generally close down by around 7pm in the evening. So, is it advisable to book hotel rooms with dinner package since we generally take our dinner quite late ?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2015
The restaurants & shops close early in winter, however few restaurants (mainly larger ones like Glenary's) would remain open until about 8:30pm if there are customers. Most budget hotels close down their kitchen in winter due to lack of customers. So if you are booking a budget hotel, check if the kitchen would be open for dinner, and if yes, ask them if they can serve dinner in hot case in the rooms which you can have later. Several hotels do that. Otherwise prepare to have early dinner.
Koel Chaudhuri (July 2015)
Dear Mr. Bhattarcharya, Greetings. Your site is 'the most' informative website on Darjeeling that is available and thank you so much for the good work. Me and my husband would be visiting Darjeeling in the year end and I want to stay in a place that should have great Kanchenjunga views and as close to mall as possible. Since it is end of December, sufficient heating arrangement, keeping in mind the power situation in Darjeeling, is an important requirement. In light of that, between Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Shangri La, Classic Guesthouse, Central Nirvana and Central Heritage, and Retreat....which one would you recommend? I know they are all different price range, but I am willing to pay Central Nirvana/Heritage prices if the heating arrangements are insufficient elsewhere...but at the same time not the kind of tourist who want to stay in fancy places for the heck of it when perfectly nice places with good view are available. Waiting to hear your opinion before doing the booking.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) July 2015
All the hotels you mentioned will provide blowers or heater coils, and some even hot water bags. But it may not still be sufficient. So choose one with a fireplace. Shangri La has few rooms with fireplace, so does Central Heritage (the heritage wing).
Namratha Chandra (January 2015)
Hi. Thank you for all the information provided, it is very useful. A few family members and I are planning to visit darjeeling and gangtok in January and I know January is peak winter and you have advised heavy winter clothing, but i was wondering if there is a place where we can hire the winter clothing from? We are from bangalore and we won't be using the heavy winter clothes much if we do buy it.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2015
Hi, You won't get winter clothes on rentals in Darjeeling. You need to buy them. There are many Bhutia shops (local temporary stalls lined up along a narrow lane off the Mall) where you can get plenty of winter clothes at attractive prices (you can bargain). Some trek operators offer high altitude gears on rentals like sleeping bags, heavy jackets, gloves, boots etc, but they are meant for trekking in winter and not vacationing.
Shelley Kundu (December 2014)
Hi Raj, Thank you for taking the time to read my question. I would like to visit Darjeeling early February ~ 4th Feb. However my mom says it will be too cold and the tourist places will be closed. I am used to ski resort weather and cold weather so that does not bother me. However I would like to be able to see mountains and sunrise and do the other tourist things. Do you think it is wise to visit at this time of year?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2014
In Feb, other than being cold it remains foggy at times which makes it unsuitable for views. But you do get views on other days. Most tourist places usually remain open. But do plan to stay in a decent hotel with good heating system. In most budget hotels, the service reduces and in-house dining closes as staff go on leave during this time.
Dipankar Mondal (December 2014)
Dear Sir, We are planning to visit Darjeeling on 1st week of February with 3 yrs old son. Please suggest:
1. Advance booking of hotel required?
2. Sightseeing and mirik trip by car possible?
3. Hotels and restaurant s will operate normally?
4. Any other suggestion from you which will be helpful
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2014
Advance booking is not required. Mirik visit and Sightseeing possible. Most small and budget hotel won't have their in-house dining operating and will have reduced staff. Otherwise okay. Outside restaurants and shops will close early (mostly by 7pm). It'll be very cold so go with heavy woolens and full winter protection.
Suraj Desai (December 2014)
Hi Raj, Please guide me whether first week of January 2015 will be ok to visit Darjeeling.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2014
Will be very cold but otherwise good for tours and sightseeing. Services in smaller hotels get reduced ... in many such hotels even the in-house dining closes down due to lack of tourists. Most staff go on leave. So choose a good hotel. Winter rates will be lower and local tours will be cheaper. Shops and many eateries close down by 7pm, some even earlier.
Swanima Rajhans (November 2014)
Dear Raj, We are planning to reach Darjeeling on 14th Jan and stay till 19th Jan,2015. We also, have a daughter (5Yrs ) old with us, we need to know the following:
1. What Adventure sports are available in Jan
2. Is the Toy Train Running
3. Is it okay for a child that small
4. Should we book in advance or do our bookings for stay / sports / activities before hand or explore after we reach as it is off season. We found your website very informative and request you to help us in our queries.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2014
It will be very cold so take heavy woolens and all winter protections. Joy ride will operate. All adventure sports may not operate. No need to book in advance.
Arun Sharma (October 2014)
Hi Raj, Hope you are doing good. Darjeeling is the place I really wanted to be there once in my life and now it has given me the chance. After spending 20-30mins of internet search I found this portal which is written incredibly. At-least someone is proud of his native place.
Raj, I have couple of questions listed below:
1. Is December is the right time to come over? 2. Please tell me Do's and Don't? 3. Will I see green tea garden and rain as well as I like rain and greenery? 4. Which key places to visit?
Please let me know above. Hoping for a quick and positive reply as I need to book it asap Thanks,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2014
December is a good time and high season, but it'll be very cold. Go through the 'Weather' menu option in my site. No rains in December. You can sea tea gardens but no tea plucking takes place around that time and factories remain closed. You can try Viceroy Hotel. Take a 7-point tour or a mixed point tour (described in my site under local package tours). Also try to make a day trip to Kalimpong (particularly Graham's Home and Dello Hills).
Rajesh Sharma (December 2013)
Hi Raj, First of all, this is a fantastic site and service you are providing and I have spent already one hour on your site with improved information than I have seen in other places on the net. We are planning a 4 or 5 day trip to Darjeeling in Winter months of January. It is our only free time and coming from Delhi. We know scenery will be our main focus since tea plantation visits and long hikes will be too cold. What do you suggest during this time of the year so my wife and I have as many unique views of the area. We are considering staying in Darjeeling as our home base. Your advice to maximize our very short period of time for most unique scenic views of this beautiful region of our country.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2013
Hi, for scenic views take a few day trips (particularly to Mirik, the route passes through lovely tea gardens on mountain slopes). I have discussed those Day trips here: Also take the ropeway (cable car) ride, toy train ride, visit the HMI & Zoo. The zoo here is special with lots of high altitude Himalayan animals like Tibetan wolf, snow leopards, Red Panda, Yaks and more. You can't see such animals in other places.
Hemant Minda (December 2013)
Dear Sir, Thanks for the wonderful website which shows the clear picture of Darjeeling... I could not find is there any party on 31st night 2013. We want some good decent party. Kindly help me to find some good party time. Best Regards
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2013
New Year's Eve celebration are mainly organized by up-scale hotels like Windamere for their own guests. However many restaurants & bars along Nehru road like Glenarys etc will be in festive mood with lots of lighting and decorations which continue from Christmas.
Prachi P (November 2013)
Hello Raj, I would first like to thank you for this wonderful website it is very informative. I am planning a visit either in January or February. Could you please let me know which time among these mentioned above is best and what should I expect with regards to the weather conditions and tourist population. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2013
Prachi, January would be better than Feb considering the overall weather conditions. However usually there are lots of tourists on 1st week of Jan celebrating the new year. But in Feb you get discounts in hotels and there will be virtually no tourists. It can get unpleasantly cold though. So you need to choose a hotel with good room heating systems. Go through this article in details to get a fair understanding of the weather.
L. Baskaran (November 2013)
Sir namaste! My family (three members) have planned to come to Dargeeling in the month of December(9-12-13). What are the safety clothing for the season? Kindly advice. Thanking you sir!
Raj/darjeeling-tourism.com (November 2013)
You will need proper winter clothing and woollens like woollen inners, mufflers, woollen caps, gloves and socks, along with a proper winter jacket. While the day time will be pleasantly cool in the sun, early mornings and night time can be extremely cold.
Rajendra Gajendragadkar (November 2012)
Dear Sir, I have gone through almost the entire site & find it extremely useful & highly informative. We are a group of 4 adults planning to visit Darjeeling in the last week of Jan. 2013. We are from Mumbai & not so much used to cold weather. Could you please suggest anything specific on clothing & any additional tips to make our stay pleasant & memorable.
Raj/darjeeling-tourism.com (November 2012)
Hi, It'll be freezing cold around that time. So choose a hotel carefully... the one which would offer proper heating system. Take adequate warm clothing including mufflers or monkey caps, gloves and woolen socks. All restaurants and shops would close by 6:30-7pm .. so plan to take early dinner. Regards,
Santanu Sanyal (January 2012)
Firstly, congratulations. This site is awesome. 19 of us visited Darjeeling during Christmas / New Year 2011 and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The crystal clear views of the Kanchenzonga, the familiar taste of Keventer's and the sights and smells of the town linger in our memory...
We stayed at the Sunflower on the Mall... I guess one of the most convenient places to stay in Darjeeling if you are planning to soak in the Darjeeling experience... the Mall, Keventers, Glenary's, Das Studio, Habib Mullick, Mahakal Temple, the fantastic lookout points, Joey's Pub ... everything...
The trip would be incomplete without the early morning walk around the mall and experience the wonder of the fresh sunlight on the snowy peaks of the Kanchenzonga. Strongly recommend the Sunflower Hotel - but avoid some of the rooms down below. Look forward to our next visit to Darjeeling...
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2012
I agree Santanu that winter in Darjeeling can be special, particularly in the month of December, when the chill is still tolerable and the weather is at its best. You get sweeping view of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks all time of the day as you walk along the Mall Road and from many other places. This is a great time to take a hotel with mountain views.
One of the very special events during December is the Christmas and New Year Eve celebrations that take place at the heritage Hotel Windamere. Many business tycoons from India and abroad pour into this hotel during this time to enjoy the grand celebrations.
The hotel continues to simulate the sentimental 1920s version of the festivals reflecting the old British colonial aura. The turkeys and the geese are usually brought in from Calcutta while the famous plum puddings and many other table trimmings, as well as the attractive hats are all produced by the in-house staff of the hotel.
But expect tourist rush during Christmas and New Year time. Many visitors come here from the lower plains like Siliguri area. However, from January onwards until end of February, Darjeeling remains at its serene best. The hotels are empty and you get rooms at half the rates in most of the budget and mid-scale hotels.
But it can be extremely cold at nights and early mornings when the temperature hovers around 0-degree Celsius. Sometimes it can also get quite foggy and clouded during January & February. But then if you are lucky, you can experience the amazing snow fall during these two months.
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