Perfect Weather, Places to Wander, and Stay to Remember
“Darjeeling Diaries: Best Time to Visit, Places to See &
Where to Stay”
Darjeeling isn’t a place you visit—it’s a feeling that lingers long after you’ve left. Perched in the lap of the eastern Himalayas, this charming hill town draws you in with its rolling tea gardens, colonial-era architecture, and the crisp scent of pine in the air. Whether you’re wondering about the best time to visit Darjeeling or simply curious about the must-see spots, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.
From watching the sunrises at Tiger Hill to meeting red pandas at the famous Darjeeling Zoo, this place has a little magic tucked into every corner. In this blog, we’ll explore the ever-changing weather in Darjeeling, the top places to visit, and all the little details that help you plan the perfect trip.
“Are you in with yourself or Darjeeling?”
“Ask yourself that which part of Darjeeling makes you fall in with it?”
“Whispers of Darjeeling: The Enchanting Tale of Tea’s Timeless Charm.”
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
🌡️ Weather Overview
⦁ Temperature Range:
⦁ Daytime: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
⦁ Nighttime: 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F)
⦁ Climate: Cool, Fresh, and full of surprises
⦁ Why visit in the summer?
⦁ Offering Uninterrupted views of the snow-capped
Kanchenjunga.
⦁ The Tea Garden is in full bloom.
What to Pack for Shimla in Summer
Clothing:
⦁ Warm layers: Light woolens or a fleece jacket (even in summer, evenings can be chilly).
⦁ Heavy winter wear: If visiting in winter (Nov.–Feb.), pack thermals, a heavy coat, gloves, a muffler, and a woollen cap.
⦁ Rain gear: Umbrella or waterproof jacket (especially important in monsoon months, June–Sep).
⦁ Comfortable shoes: Preferably trekking shoes or sneakers with a good grip for walking on slopes.
⦁ Casual wear: T-shirts, jeans, warm tops. Avoid too many fancy outfits—keep it comfy.
⦁ Sleepwear: Something warm enough for cool nights.
Toiletries & Essentials
⦁ Sunscreen and lip balm (UV can be strong in the hills)
⦁ Moisturizer (the air is dry)
⦁ Personal hygiene items
⦁ Tissues/wet wipes
⦁ Hand sanitizer
Medicines
⦁ Basic first aid (band-aids, antiseptics)
⦁ Motion sickness tablets (for winding roads)
⦁ Any personal medication
⦁ Paracetamol, cold/cough tablets
⦁ Miscellaneous
⦁ Power bank
⦁ Chargers
⦁ ID cards (Aadhar, etc.)
⦁ Cash (ATMs can be unreliable)
⦁ A camera or a phone with a good camera
⦁ Sunglasses
⦁ Snacks for the road
Travel Guide for Darjeeling
⦁ By Air
Bagdogra, 90 km (via NH 110) away from Darjeeling, is the nearest airport connected by flights from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati.
⦁ By Rail
Apart from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station (88 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station), the two closest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities of India.
⦁ By Road
The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, 77 km (via NH 55), which is connected to all the major cities of India. Bus service is available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, Siliguri. Smaller vehicles are also available on seat-sharing/hire from the airport, railway station, motor syndicates, and police motor stands. The facility of a prepaid taxi stand from NJP Railway Station & Bagdogra Airport can also be availed. The four routes that one can opt for from Siliguri to reach Darjeeling are
⦁ Tindharia–Kurseong route
⦁ Dudhia – Mirik route
⦁ Rohini route
⦁ Pankhabari
Top Darjeeling Visiting
Place
⦁ Tiger Hill: It was very surprising and memorable for me when I visited the Tiger Hill is primarily known for its stunning views of the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak before that, I have given 50 INR as entry fees there was also 200 INR for the vehicle It’s also famous for panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest. Darjeeling tourism reports that the traffic office issues tickets to drivers and that there are different pricing levels at the Observatory Tower.
⦁ Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): Have you ever asked yourself why these trains are so expensive?
And if ‘yes,’ then did you get your answer? If not, then I can
Answer: „Since these are so expensive, they cost a lot in maintenance.“
Schedules and Fares
⦁ Observatory Hill: I loved the winter walk around and up to Observatory Hill. Clear skies and a temperature to encourage an engaging walk.
In particular, the walk provides you with the opportunity to take in the enormity of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the surrounding ridgelines.
The temples are a place of significance and provide you with an insight into other cultures, beliefs, and values. The temple’s ambient calmness, coupled with colourful prayer flags, chimes of bells, and turning of prayer wheels, satisfies the soul.
I was taken aback by how visitors engaged in their own way to acknowledge and pay respect to their beliefs.
⦁ Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park: Both Darjeeling Rock and Ganga Maya Park require an entrance fee of about 20 rupees per person. For around 15 minutes of boating, you must pay 50 rupees.
⦁ Batasia Loop: It’s a good place to do a couple of activities.
1. Panoramic views of Darjeeling City
2. Wear traditional costumes and take photos
3. Pay homage at the war Memorial
4. Take videos/see the Darjeeling Railway steam engine-powered train
The entry fee for Batasia Loop in Darjeeling is typically INR 20 per person. However, visitors who have already purchased tickets for the toy train may not need to pay this fee.
⦁ Japanese Peace Pagoda: The Japanese temple is a haven of peace and simplicity. During my visit, I joined a prayer session, guided by a soft-spoken monk who taught me the rhythm of the chant. Later, I explored the grounds and found a small hidden garden where cherry blossoms were in full bloom. It was the perfect place to reflect and find inner calm. A visit here leaves you lighter and more centred.
This pagoda was erected in 1958 to console the spirits of those who died in WWII and pray for world peace.
⦁ Singalila National Park: I have completed my pleasure trip to Darjeeling. I find the place is highly crowded and looks like a pilgrimage centre. Huge traffic jams (sometimes the car speed in the city is 3 km/hr). I spent more time on the roads in the car. It became highly commercial, and I could not enjoy it as I expected. But I found the other hill station, Kalimpong, is very good for nature lovers. It is very clean and cheap. I felt that we should have stayed more days in Kalimpong rather than Darjeeling. Though the distance between Bagdogra Airport and Darjeeling is only 3 hours, please add another 2 hours to reach your hotel in Darjeeling. On the whole, I find that Darjeeling is a highly overrated hill station.
⦁ Happy Valley Tea Estate: You cannot spend 1-2 hours here since the tour is over in minutes, but to be fair, they tell you about the production process and then let you sample/buy the tea.
No heavy selling, which makes a pleasant change, and you get a genuine sense of being in a working tea factory.
The walk to/from the factory is worth it alone, and you can walk through the tea plantation while people are there picking the leaves.
Definitely recommend, plus a visit to the little independent tea shop on the way out for an excellent cup of tea.
⦁ Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: The zoo offers different species of animals found in the Himalayas. It’s one of the most attractive attractions in Darjeeling and a popular destination for tourists as well. The best part of the zoo is the red panda, which keeps you entangled with its beauty and uniqueness. There’s a snow leopard breeding centre nearby as well.
⦁ Ghoom Monastery: The monastery is located slightly away from Darjeeling town, about a 40-minute drive, on the main Siliguri-Darjeeling road. There is parking next to the road, while you need to take the steps to reach the location. The inside of the monastery is beautiful and calm. Photography is permitted inside. There is a small cafe outside in the courtyard, which is very reasonably priced. Worth a visit if you are coming to Darjeeling anytime soon.
Darjeeling Hotels
1. Mayfair Darjeeling – A Luxurious Escape
Location: The Mall, Opp Governor’s House
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⦁ This property is like my second home. I love coming back here. Everything about the place is wonderful. People working here are very polite. Special mention for Mr. Ranajit Biswas (F&B manager), who is a thorough gentleman. Very warm and cordial.
– Review by TripAdvisor
⦁ The behaviour of the entire staff is amazing. We had a special time at breakfast and dinner. Chef Alok Swain treated us like special guests. Starting from entry to checkout, we love the atmosphere. My kid enjoys it so much, with all due respect. Room service is amazing.
– Review by TripAdvisor
2. The Elgin Darjeeling – A Timeless Heritage
Location: 18, HD Lama Road, Chauk Bazaar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⦁ “Typical Indian breakfast with European alternative”
– Review by Booking.com
⦁ “Amazing, attentive staff; great breakfast offering; beautiful surroundings; unique heritage feeling; multiple areas to relax and enjoy.”
– Review by Booking.com
3. Dekeling Resort – Colonial Charm with a Cozy Vibe
Location: Near Mall Road
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
⦁ It’s one of the best resorts I’ve ever stayed at. The staff is always on their toe. I would like to thank Mr Lawang and Miss Ria for their support and helpful nature. They took care of my 1-year-old child. I strongly recommend Udaan Dekeling to all the tourists
– Review by TripAdvisor
⦁ Enjoyed the hospitality of the staff, nirjala, Lawang et all. A fulfilling range of dishes. Located at a great scenic place. A wonderful resort to stay with family and kids. Situated on of mini hill. It’s amazing to get the view of Kanchenjunga Hill from the lawn of the resort.
– Review by TripAdvisor
4. Ging Tea House – A Stay Amidst Tea Gardens
Location: Ging Tea Garden, Darjeeling
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⦁ “The staff are excellent: professional as well as friendly.”
– Review by Booking.com
⦁ “Location was wonderful. Calm & serene. Staff are friendly. The food was good. Enjoyed our stay thoroughly.”
– Review by Booking.com
5. Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa – Serenity at Makaibari Tea Estate
Location: Makaibari Tea Estate, Kurseong
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⦁ The location is jaw-dropping, overlooking the hills, valleys, and a lush green tea garden. The property is exquisitely decorated with great attention to detail. Food is top-notch. The best part of this property is its staff. Staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable stay. 100 percent recommended.
The mattress and pillows in the twin bedroom were mediocre. Not great for side sleepers.
– Review by Booking.com
⦁ One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. Book a valley view room.
Everything was great.
Darjeeling Zoo
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo)
Location
⦁ Address: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
⦁ Coordinates: 27°03′31″N 88°15′16″E
🕒 Visiting Hours
⦁ Summer Season (March–June): 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
⦁ Winter Season (September–January): 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
⦁ Closed on Thursdays
Entry Fees
⦁ Indians & SAARC Nationals: ₹110
⦁ Foreign Nationals: ₹180
⦁ Children below 6 years: Free
⦁ Camera Fee: ₹10 Note: The entry fee includes access to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Bengal Natural History Museum, both located within the same complex.
Notable Species
The zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and houses several endangered species native to the Eastern Himalayas:
⦁ Mammals: Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Black Leopard, Common Leopard, Indian Tiger, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Goral, Blue Sheep, Asiatic Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf
⦁ Birds: Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Himalayan Cuckoo, Large Niltava, Pygmy Cupwing
⦁ Reptiles & Amphibians: Himalayan Newt, various species of snakes, and fish
⦁ Flora: A variety of alpine and temperate plants native to the region
Final Thoughts: Why Darjeeling Should Be on Your Bucket List
⦁ Scenic Beauty: Darjeeling captivates with stunning views of the Himalayas, tea gardens, and vibrant landscapes, offering a perfect blend of nature and tranquilly.
⦁ Cultural Richness: From colonial-era architecture to cultural landmarks like the Japanese Peace Pagoda, the town is steeped in history and tradition.
⦁ Wildlife & Conservation: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park showcases rare species like snow leopards and red pandas, highlighting conservation efforts.
⦁ Ideal Weather: With its cool, fresh climate and pleasant temperatures, Darjeeling is a year-round destination, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.
⦁ Variety of Stays: The town offers diverse accommodations, from luxurious heritage hotels to cosy boutique stays, catering to every traveller’s needs.
