Darjeeling Family-Friendly Itinerary for July 2023

1. Day 1: Batasia Loop
   19 minutes (5.5 miles) from Darjeeling city centre

   Enjoy the morning at Batasia Loop, a scenic railway loop with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a toy train ride around the loop and visit the War Memorial at the centre of the garden. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Tiger Hill to witness the Sunrise. Visit the Ghoom Monastery in the evening to experience the peaceful chants and rituals of Buddhist monks.

2. Day 2: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
   22 minutes (6.5 miles) from Batasia Loop

   Start your morning by visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, red panda and Himalayan wolf. Enjoy the afternoon at the Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa that offers panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountain ranges. In the evening, take a stroll on the Mall Road and engage in shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

3. Day 3: Happy Valley Tea Estate
   17 minutes (4.2 miles) from Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

   Explore the Happy Valley Tea Estate and witness the tea-making process from picking the leaves to packing the tea. Enjoy a cup of tea and learn about the history and culture of tea in Darjeeling. Afternoon, visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, built by the Japanese Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji to promote world peace. Evening, take a toy train ride from Darjeeling to Ghum, the highest railway station in India.

4. Day 4: Darjeeling Ropeway
   21 minutes (6.7 miles) from Happy Valley Tea Estate

   Experience the Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Cable Car, for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Afternoon, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which includes a museum showcasing the history of mountaineering in the region, and the Tenzing Rock, a natural rock formation named after Tenzing Norgay, the first man to climb Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. Evening, visit the St. Andrew's Church, a beautiful Scottish-style church built in 1843.

5. Day 5: Mahakal Temple
   17 minutes (4.5 miles) from Darjeeling Ropeway

   Start your morning by visiting the Mahakal Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afternoon, take a scenic drive to Mirik, a small town known for its picturesque Sumendu Lake, Tea Gardens and Orange Orchards. Evening, experience the Darjeeling Nightlife by visiting the bars and clubs around Chowrasta.

Recommendations

Don't miss a visit to the Lloyd Botanical Garden, a picturesque garden featuring a variety of Himalayan plants and flowers. Take a day trip to the nearby town of Kalimpong, known for its rich history, culture and handicrafts. Don't miss the opportunity to try Darjeeling's famous momos, a type of dumpling filled with meat or vegetables.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Batasia Loop (2 hours, INR 50)
• Tiger Hill (2 hours, INR 1200)
• Ghoom Monastery (1 hour, Free)
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (2-3 hours, INR 100 for Indians and INR 500 for foreigners)
• Peace Pagoda (1 hour, Free)
• Happy Valley Tea Estate (2-3 hours, INR 100)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda (1 hour, Free)
• Darjeeling Ropeway (1 hour, INR 300-500)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tenzing Rock (2 hours, INR 50)
• St. Andrew's Church (1 hour, Free)
• Mahakal Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Mirik (4-5 hours, INR 2000-3000 by cab)
• Darjeeling Nightlife (Variable)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3500-5000 per person

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.