6‑Night Itinerary: Kolkata, Darjeeling & Pelling

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Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata – Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the iconic Howrah Bridge for panoramic views of the Hooghly River.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Victoria Memorial, strolling through its gardens and exploring the museum’s colonial artifacts. Follow up with a walk through the bustling streets of New Market for a quick snack.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Bengali restaurant and take an evening stroll along the Princep Ghat, where you can watch the river lit up against the night sky.

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Day 2: Kolkata – Culture & History

Morning: Explore the extensive collections at the Indian Museum, India’s oldest museum, and then wander through the artistic lanes of College Street.

Afternoon: Discover the heritage of the Marble Palace, a 19th‑century mansion filled with sculptures and antiques, before enjoying a boat ride on the Hooghly River.

Evening: Experience the lively atmosphere of Park Street, sampling street food and perhaps catching a live performance at a local café.

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Day 3: Travel to Darjeeling – Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Morning: Depart early for Darjeeling (≈8‑hour drive). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and refresh.

Afternoon: Head to Tiger Hill for a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, then visit the nearby Batasia Loop to admire the railway’s engineering marvel.

Evening: Relax at the bustling Chowk Bazaar, sampling local teas and momos, and enjoy a quiet walk along the Mall Road.

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Day 4: Darjeeling – Nature & Tea

Morning: Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare snow leopards and red pandas, followed by a visit to the nearby Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Afternoon: Tour the scenic Happy Valley Tea Estate, learning about tea processing and tasting fresh Darjeeling tea amidst rolling plantations.

Evening: Attend a cultural show featuring traditional Sikkimese dance, then unwind with a cup of tea at a local café.

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Day 5: Travel to Pelling – Arrival

Morning: Depart for Pelling (≈4‑hour drive) and check into your hotel overlooking the mountains.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Khecheopalri Lake**, a sacred site believed to grant wishes, and take a short trek around its perimeter.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel, soaking in the views of the distant Kanchenjunga peaks.

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Day 6: Pelling – Monasteries & Waterfalls

Morning: Explore the historic Pemayangtse Monastery, admiring its intricate frescoes and peaceful ambiance.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient ruins of Rabdentse and later marvel at the cascading Kanchenjunga Falls, perfect for photography.

Evening: Conclude your trip with a sunset viewpoint at Rongli Khorang, capturing the last light over the Himalayas.

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Day 7: Departure

Morning: After breakfast, transfer back to Bagdogra Airport (or Siliguri) for your onward flight, carrying memories of West Bengal’s diverse charms.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Howrah Bridge – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹0
  • Victoria Memorial – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: ₹30
  • Indian Museum – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: ₹20
  • Marble Palace – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹20
  • Tiger Hill – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹0
  • Batasia Loop – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹30
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: ₹100
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: ₹150
  • Pemayangtse Monastery – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹10
  • Rabdentse Ruins – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹20
  • Khecheopalri Lake – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: ₹50
  • Kanchenjunga Falls – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: ₹0
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹430

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Kolkata to explore the artistic neighborhoods of Kumartuli and the colonial charm of South Kolkata, or add a day in Darjeeling for a trek to Ghoom and the nearby tea gardens. Conversely, to shorten the trip, you can combine Kolkata’s highlights into a single full day and skip the evening cultural show in Darjeeling, focusing on the must‑see sunrise at Tiger Hill and a quick tea estate visit.

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