10‑Day North Bengal Adventure – From Kolkata

Day 1: Kolkata → Siliguri – Arrival & Orientation

Morning: Board an early express train or a short flight from Kolkata to Siliguri, enjoying the scenic transition from the plains to the foothills. The journey takes about 8 hours by train or 1.5 hours by air.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel, freshen up, and take a leisurely stroll along the River Teesta promenade. Sample local street foods such as momos and thukpa.

Evening: Visit the bustling **Sil​iguri Market** to experience the multicultural vibe of North Bengal and rest early for the next day's travel.

Day 2: Siliguri Exploration

Morning: Explore the serene **Salugara Monastery**, famous for its massive 100‑ft Buddha statue and tranquil gardens.

Afternoon: Head to the historic **Kali Mandir** at the foot of the hills, a revered shrine offering panoramic views of the city.

Evening: Relax at the **Mahananda Riverfront**, watching the sunset while savoring a dinner of Bengali fish curry.

Day 3: Siliguri → Darjeeling – Hill‑Station Arrival

Morning: Drive through the winding hill roads to **Darjeeling** (≈3 hours), stopping at a roadside tea garden for a quick tasting.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel, then wander along the iconic **Mall Road**, browsing local crafts and sampling the famous **Darjeeling tea**.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a colonial‑style café, soaking in the cool mountain air and distant views of the Himalayas.

Day 4: Darjeeling – Sunrise & Heritage

Morning: Ascend to **Tiger Hill** before dawn to witness a breathtaking sunrise over **Kanchenjunga** and **Mount Everest**.

Afternoon: Descend to the **Batasia Loop**, a unique railway spiral with a war memorial and lush gardens, then visit the **Ghoom Monastery** with its golden Buddha.

Evening: Return to town for a cultural program featuring traditional Nepali music and dance at the **Darjeeling Cultural Centre**.

Day 5: Darjeeling – Nature & Education

Morning: Tour the **Happy Valley Tea Estate**, walking through terraced plantations and learning the art of tea plucking.

Afternoon: Explore the **Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park** and the adjacent **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute**, home to rare snow leopards and mountaineering memorabilia.

Evening: Take a leisurely ride on the historic **Darjeeling Ropeway**, offering panoramic views of the valleys before dinner.

Day 6: Day Trip to Mirik

Morning: Drive to the picturesque **Mirik Lake**, where you can enjoy a paddle boat ride amidst pine‑clad hills.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby **Namchi Tea Garden**, sampling fresh tea and capturing photos of the rolling mist‑covered slopes.

Evening: Return to Darjeeling, strolling through the **Chowrasta** square and indulging in a warm cup of **ginger tea**.

Day 7: Darjeeling → Kalimpong – Cultural Immersion

Morning: Depart for **Kalimpong** (≈2 hours), crossing the scenic **Mahananda River** bridge.

Afternoon: Explore the majestic **Zang Dhok Palri Monastery**, nestled on a hilltop and adorned with ancient Buddhist scriptures.

Evening: Ascend to **Durpin Dara Hill** for sweeping views of the Teesta River valley, followed by a local dinner featuring thukpa and momo.

Day 8: Kalimpong → Jaldapara National Park

Morning: Journey to **Jaldapara National Park** (≈3 hours), a lush grassland sanctuary famed for the **Indian rhinoceros**.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided jeep safari, spotting leopards, wild water buffalo, and a chorus of bird species.

Evening: Relax at the park’s eco‑lodge, enjoying a bonfire and storytelling session about local tribal folklore.

Day 9: Jaldapara → Gorumara National Park – Wildlife Day

Morning: Transfer to **Gorumara National Park**, known for its dense forests and frequent elephant sightings.

Afternoon: Take a forest‑walk trek with a naturalist guide, learning about the park’s flora, including the rare **bamboo orchid**.

Evening: Return to Kalimpong for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the wildlife experiences of the past two days.

Day 10: Kalimpong → Kolkata – Return

Morning: Depart early for the **Siliguri Junction** airport or railway station, enjoying the last views of the Himalayan foothills.

Afternoon: Fly or board the express train back to **Kolkata**, arriving by evening.

Evening: Conclude the journey with a relaxed dinner at a favorite Kolkata restaurant, reminiscing about the adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Travel Kolkata → Siliguri (train/flight) – 8 hrs / 1.5 hrs – ₹3,200
• Salugara Monastery – 1 hr – ₹50
• Kali Mandir – 1 hr – ₹30
• Mall Road (Darjeeling) – 2 hrs – ₹0 (free)
• Tiger Hill Sunrise – 2 hrs – ₹100
• Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery – 2 hrs – ₹150
• Happy Valley Tea Estate – 2 hrs – ₹200
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo & HMI – 3 hrs – ₹300
• Darjeeling Ropeway – 1 hr – ₹200
• Mirik Lake – 2 hrs – ₹100
• Namchi Tea Garden – 1 hr – ₹150
• Zang Dhok Palri Monastery – 2 hrs – ₹150
• Durpin Dara Hill – 1 hr – ₹50
• Jaldapara National Park Safari – 4 hrs – ₹1,200
• Gorumara National Park Trek – 3 hrs – ₹800
• Return Travel Siliguri → Kolkata – 8 hrs / 1.5 hrs – ₹3,200
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹10,880

Tips

If you have an extra two days, consider extending your stay in Darjeeling to explore the nearby **Lepcha village of Sikkim** or add a day trip to the enchanting **Yumthang Valley**. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Kalimpong and Jaldapara visits into a single day by opting for a private vehicle, though this will make the travel pace brisk.