For Bengali people, Darjeeling evokes strong emotions, as they can vividly picture the lush green hills, the awe-inspiring views of snowcapped Kanchenjunga, the delicious momo, and the fresh green tea directly from the tea gardens, among other delightful features.
We decided to plan a 5-6 day trip during the puja holiday to places near Kolkata. We picked Darjeeling since we prefer hills over beaches. We started planning by booking a train and finally got tickets for the Patatik Express. With 6 nights available, we decided on 4 nights in Darjeeling and 2 nights in Dooars.
At that time, homestays weren’t well-known, but now they offer unique experiences. We began searching various places, including social media. One of our contacts had recently visited Darjeeling and left an excellent review on Facebook. Here is the travel plan for 4 nights/5 days in Darjeeling.
On the Way to Darjeeling – Sukna Forest
Our road trip via Kurseong (NH 55) began from NJP (New Jalpaiguri) to Siliguri. Along the way, we passed through Sukna forest, and as we drove uphill, stunning views of the hills welcomed us. We reached Kurseong and had lunch at a roadside restaurant, knowing it would be around 3 pm when we reached our homestay. We arrived at our homestay around 3 pm, where the members warmly greeted us for our first homestay experience.
Unfolding Hill Views
During the uphill drive, we glimpsed the famous Darjeeling toy train near Kurseong market, shrouded in clouds.
Arrival at the Homestay
We arrived at our homestay near the historic “Kinchin View,” established in 1928. Our homestay, part of this historic building, was just below the hill slope. The view from the homestay was breathtaking.
Evening at Mall Road
In the evening, our driver took us to Mall Road. We spent some time enjoying tea and relished local chicken delicacies. The aroma of chicken dishes and other meals being prepared in the kitchen greeted us. We sat down to plan the next day’s tour. We went to bed hoping for a clear view of Kanchenjunga from our room and lawn the next morning.
The next morning, we were greeted by a spectacular sunrise over Kanchenjunga. The clear, crisp air and the golden hue of the mountains were a sight to behold. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore Darjeeling. Our itinerary included visits to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, known for its conservation efforts and diverse fauna, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which offered insights into the region’s rich mountaineering history.
We also visited the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a serene spot that provided panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains—the day ended with a stroll along the Darjeeling Mall, where we shopped for souvenirs and sampled local street food.
Our Darjeeling tour, filled with stunning views, cultural experiences, and the warmth of a homestay, was off to a promising start. Each day we have promised new adventures and deeper connections with this enchanting hill station.