Fondly called the “Queen of Hills,” Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in India. With its pleasant weather, rolling tea gardens, peaceful monasteries, gushing rivers, and breathtaking mountain views, it continues to charm travellers year after year.
Developed during the British colonial era, the town still carries a distinct old-world charm — from its heritage architecture to the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring these colonial remnants is a highlight of most Darjeeling Tour Packages from Kolkata.
The town’s quiet charm and romantic atmosphere also make it a favourite among honeymooners and couples. Many of Darjeeling’s heritage hotels, converted from old colonial estates, offer a blend of history, luxury, and scenic beauty — making your mountain retreat truly unforgettable.
Even in a country like India, which is home to some of the most breathtaking hill stations, Darjeeling stands out proudly as the “Queen of the Hills.” From its lush emerald tea gardens and snow-capped Himalayan peaks to its colonial charm and rich cultural heritage — Darjeeling Tour Packages from Kolkata offer an enchanting escape into tranquillity and timeless beauty.
Darjeeling’s world-famous tea needs no introduction. Known as the “Champagne of Teas,” it has put this hill station on the global map. The picturesque tea estates that stretch across rolling hills are not just about tea production — they offer a complete sensory experience.
Many estates, like the luxurious Glenburn Tea Estate, have heritage bungalows where guests can stay amidst scenic plantations, learn the art of tea-making, and sip the freshest brew while gazing at mist-covered mountains. A stay here promises serenity, warm hospitality, and a glimpse into colonial-era luxury — a must-include in your Darjeeling Tour Package from Kolkata.
Darjeeling has long been the hub of Himalayan trekking. Trails like Tonglu, Sandakphu, and Phalut offer awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. The Singalila National Park trek is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, where lucky trekkers might spot the rare red panda or the Himalayan black bear.
These treks are not just about adventure — they take you through quaint villages and homestays, offering a peek into the warm and simple lives of the mountain folk. Watching the sunrise from Sandakphu after a rewarding hike is an experience you’ll cherish forever. This is a great place to include in your Darjeeling Tour Package from Kolkata.
Darjeeling isn’t just about tranquillity — it’s also a hub for thrill-seekers. The Teesta and Rangit rivers are perfect for white-water rafting, catering to both beginners and experts. Paragliding over tea gardens with the Kanchenjunga in view is another unforgettable experience, with launch sites like Jalpahar and Jamuney being popular choices.
For mountain biking, the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Trail is a stunning route that ends at the charming village of Chatakpur. Rock climbers can test their skills at Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock, named after legendary mountaineers.
The British legacy still echoes through Darjeeling’s streets and architecture. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a scenic toy train ride through misty hills to Ghum, India’s highest railway station.
The Batasia Loop, built to ease a steep descent, now doubles as a garden filled with colourful blooms and panoramic Himalayan views — it’s a favourite stop for travellers and photographers alike. Don’t miss the Tiger Hill sunrise, where the first rays of dawn paint Kanchenjunga in gold and pink hues — a sight that defines Darjeeling’s magic.
Darjeeling’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich blend of cultures — Tibetan, Nepali, British, and Indian. Relish steaming plates of momos, bowls of thukpa, and the tangy flavours of aloo tama and gundruk.
Heritage cafés like Glenary’s, Keventer’s, and Shangri-La serve everything from Continental breakfasts to Tibetan noodles, all with charming colonial ambiance and gorgeous hill views.
Whether it’s sipping tea in a colonial bungalow, hiking through rhododendron forests, or watching the sunrise over the Himalayas — Darjeeling offers experiences that linger long after your trip ends.
Plan your perfect mountain escape with Flying Squirrel Holidays’ Darjeeling Tour Package from Kolkata and discover why this timeless hill station is truly the Queen of the Hills.
One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, the Old Ghoom Monastery, also called the Yiga Choeling Monastery, belongs to the Gelupka sect of Buddhism. The massive 15-feet statue of Future Buddha is one of the biggest in the city, and draws a lot of devotees. The monastery holds a collection of Buddha’s manuscripts, including the Tibetan Buddhist Gospel Kangyur. From the premises, the views of the Kanchenjunga are also stunning.
Another Buddhist temple in Darjeeling is the Nipponzan Myohoji Temple. Attending the prayers that are held twice a day is a humbling experience, and allows one to connect to their spirituality. The white-domed Peace Pagoda stands near the temple, and according to Buddhist teachings, Peace Pagodas bring peace and non-violence to the land and people surrounding it. The Pagoda stones have beautiful engravings of the stories of Buddha. The views from the Temple are stunning too.
The Tea Estates of Darjeeling are lush and produce the finest tea in the world. Happy Valley is the closest garden to Darjeeling, and tourists find it convenient to visit it because of its accessibility. Take a guided tour to understand how Darjeeling Tea is made, and witness the process first hand, from plucking, to drying and packaging. The Happy Golden Café is a tea shop adjacent to the estate where visitors can have a cup of the finest tea from Happy Valley.
Spend an evening at the Mall Road and shop for local products, including woollens and curios
Visit the tea estates and experience how tea is made
Take a trip back in time by boarding the Toy Train
Enjoy the scenic views of the valley and the hills from the Darjeeling Ropeway or a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Get an adrenaline rush by rafting on the rivers of the city
Darjeeling Ropeway, the first ropeway in India, has consistently been ranked the top tourist attraction in the city. The cable starts from Singamari, which is close to the Mall Road. The ropeway moves slowly, allowing guests to fully absorb the stunning vistas- the dense tea gardens, the meandering course of the rivers, the waterfalls, and of course, the snowy peaks of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains. The cable car stops at many points, allowing passengers to climb on and get off easily. Most tourists make a stop at Tukvar and explore the tea gardens.
The Senchal Lake falls inside the premises of Senchal Sanctuary, which is an extension of the Singhalia National Park. The spring water fed lake supplies water to the whole of Darjeeling. A great place to enjoy a picnic among peaceful, natural surroundings, the Lake’s proximity to Tiger Hill means that visitors usually club the two attractions together. The Sanctuary is home to the beautiful rhododendrons and orchids of Darjeeling, and the forests have a considerable population of Himalayan Black Bears, Scaly Ant Eaters, Barking Deers and Flying Squirrels. One can spend a lazy picnic day here, or go on a guided hike to explore the unique flora and fauna of the area.
The Lebong Race Course is the smallest and the highest race course in the world, and it is an oft-visited tourist attraction. Catch a race if you are in the area during May to June or October to November.
No trip to Darjeeling is complete without riding the famous Toy Train. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hooting train passes through the area at a pace just perfect to allow people on board to soak in panoramic views of the hills and valleys. The Joy Ride between Darjeeling and Ghum uses a steam engine, allowing you to experience the history of trains. Passing through the Batasia Loop, the steam engine also makes a halt at the viewpoint offering unmatched views of the Kanchenjunga.
We at Flying Squirrel Holidays aim to make your vacation as close to your dream as possible. Personalised Darjeeling Tour Packages from Kolkata help to make sure you get the best out of your time spent in the queen oh hills.
The following Darjeeling Tour Packages are samples, and we craft your itinerary to your exact wishes.
Charming Darjeeling- 4 Nights 5 Days
Darjeeling Tour Packages for Couples: 7 Nights 8 Days
Weekend in Darjeeling: 2 Nights, 3 Days
Charming Darjeeling [Please note that this is a sample itinerary. We specialise in personalising your Darjeeling Tour Guide for you]
DAY 1
Arrive in Darjeeling and check in to your hotel. Spend Day 1 leisurely, head to Chowrasta Mall and soak in the bustling energy. Enjoy dinner at the iconic restaurants, like Shangri La or Glenarys.
DAY 2
Early in the morning, start for Tiger Hill to catch the mesmerizing sunrise. On the way back, stop at the Batasia Loop for breakfast and visit the War Memorial. Head to the Old Ghoom Monastery for a peaceful time and stunning views. After lunch, head to the Happy Valley Tea Estate and see how Darjeeling Tea is made. Return to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 3
After a hearty breakfast, head to ride the Darjeeling Ropeway. Enjoy the scenic views from the oldest cable car ride in the country, and do not forget to take pictures. The afternoon is for trying your hand at white water rafting or paragliding. Head back to Mall Road for dinner.DAY 4
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed picnic at Senchal Lake and go for a hike around the forests. Spend a few peaceful hours at the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. Head to the Lebong Race Course, which is the smallest and highest course in the world. Return to the hotel for dinner.DAY 5
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head back to the airport to board your flight back home.Please email me a copy of the sample itinerary
Cost of a trip depends on places you plan to visit, the duration of the stay, the class of travel and accommodation and the inclusions you seek. We have years of experience in conducting tours and are rated as one of the best holiday planners in Kolkata. Let us at Flying Squirrel Holidays get the best deal for you.
When is the best time to visit Darjeeling?
April to June is an ideal time to visit Darjeeling. Honeymooners prefer to visit during the winter months from October to December.
Which are some of the must-visit places in Darjeeling?
Singalila National Park, Rock Garden, Nightingale Park are some of the must-visit places in Darjeeling.
Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling with family?
The best places to visit in Darjeeling with family are Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, and beautiful tea plantations.
If Darjeeling were to be described in one word, it would be charming. The hill station has a range of charms- the memories of the colonial era preserved in its buildings and landmarks, the quiet spirituality of the Buddhist Monasteries, the bustling energy of the Mall Road, the exhilarating sports, the fragrant tea estates, and of course, the incredibly scenic views of the Eastern Himalayas. If a vacation replete with a range of activities is what you want, Darjeeling is where you should head! The charms of the Queen of Hills will stay with you forever, and make you want to come back again and again.
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