Three Days in Darjeeling: A Perfect Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Tea Gardens, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and Darjeeling Ropeway
    Distance: 5km. Estimated time: 4 hours

    Start your day early by visiting the Darjeeling Tea Gardens, which offer stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After this, head to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare animals and birds like the red panda and Siberian tiger. Finally, take a ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway, which will give you a bird's eye view of Darjeeling's breathtaking scenery and cityscape.

  2. Day 2: Tiger Hill, Ghum Monastery, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
    Distance: 6km. Estimated time: 5 hours

    Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range. Next, head to the famous Ghum Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Darjeeling. Finally, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where you can learn about the history and culture of mountaineering and see the preserved specimens of Himalayan mountain flora and fauna.

  3. Day 3: Peace Pagoda, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and Nightingale Park
    Distance: 8km. Estimated time: 6 hours

    Begin your final day with an early morning visit to the Peace Pagoda. This Buddhist shrine offers tranquil surroundings and great views of the Darjeeling hills. Next, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, an organic tea garden that offers guided tours to give you a closer look at traditional tea production. End your trip with a relaxing stroll in the beautiful Nightingale Park.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Darjeeling Tea Gardens (1 hour, Free)
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (2 hours, ₹100 for Indians and ₹400 for foreigners)
  • Darjeeling Ropeway (1 hour, ₹200 for adults and ₹100 for children)
  • Tiger Hill (2 hours, Free)
  • Ghum Monastery (1 hour, Free)
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (1 hour, ₹40 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners)
  • Peace Pagoda (1 hour, Free)
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate (1 hour, ₹100 per person)
  • Nightingale Park (1 hour, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹540 for Indians and ₹1100 for foreigners

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit additional locations like the Dali Monastery, Japanese Temple, and the Lloyd Botanical Garden. Subsequently, if you have less time, switch off some of the destinations. Try to book your accommodations in advance, keeping the location of your places of interest in mind. Finally, always carry your ID documents like passport and license as sometimes while going to the hills, you might be asked for the same at checkpoints.

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