Start your trip by visiting the famous Tiger Hill to catch a mesmerizing sunrise over the Himalayas. Afterward, head to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare Himalayan animals, including the majestic snow leopard. In the evening, take a scenic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, and enjoy the charming tea gardens along the way.
For breakfast, head to Keventer's and indulge in their famous English breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Glenary's Bakery and Cafe, known for its delicious pastries, sandwiches, and pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a cozy dinner at the iconic Glenary's Restaurant, offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Visit Kalimpong
In the morning, explore the beautiful flower gardens of Kalimpong, such as the famous Morgan House and Deolo Hill. In the afternoon, visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, known for its magnificent architecture and serene surroundings. End the day with a leisurely stroll through the local market, where you can pick up souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
Morgan House: Estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 1 hour
KC's Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe known for its delicious omelets and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Gompu's Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at this Tibetan restaurant, offering a variety of traditional Tibetan dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering momos. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Cloud Nine Restaurant: Indulge in a delightful dinner at this rooftop restaurant, offering panoramic views of Kalimpong. Serving a range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental, their signature dishes are worth trying. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Explore Jaldapara National Park
Embark on an exciting wildlife safari in Jaldapara National Park, home to the majestic Indian one-horned rhinoceros and several other endangered species. Enjoy the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat while riding on an elephant or jeep safari. In the evening, relax in the serene surroundings of the park and soak in the tranquility.
Wildlife Safari in Jaldapara National Park: Estimated cost - INR 1,000, Time spent - 5 hours
Relaxation in Jaldapara National Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Flavors Cafe. Enjoy a variety of delicious options like sandwiches, omelettes, and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Royal Dhaba. Indulge in authentic North Indian cuisine with dishes like butter chicken and paneer tikka. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day with a flavorful dinner at The Spice Garden. Savor the taste of traditional Bengali dishes like fish curry and prawn malai curry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Visit Siliguri
In the morning, visit the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary for a nature walk amidst lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna. Then, head to the Kali Mandir, a popular Hindu temple known for its religious significance and stunning architecture. Spend the afternoon exploring the Hong Kong Market, a bustling shopping hub offering a wide range of products at affordable prices.
Kali Mandir: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Hong Kong Market: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day, a popular chain of cafes that serves a variety of hot and cold beverages along with delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, visit Nimtoh, a quaint restaurant known for its authentic Bengali cuisine. Enjoy dishes like macher jhol (fish curry), shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce), and cholar dal (Bengal gram lentil curry). The average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
For dinner, dine at Mainland China, a renowned Chinese restaurant offering a wide range of dishes from different regions of China. Indulge in mouth-watering dim sums, noodles, and delicious seafood. The average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Friday, November 24: Discover Mirik
Begin your day with a visit to the picturesque Mirik Lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains and dense forests. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake and indulge in some fishing. Afterward, explore the Pashupati Market, located near the Nepal border, where you can find a variety of goods at affordable prices. Don't forget to taste the famous orange pekoe tea in Mirik.
Taste of Orange Pekoe Tea: Estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
A quaint little café called The Riverside Café is a perfect spot for breakfast, offering a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to The Himalayan Dhaba, a rustic restaurant serving authentic local cuisine. Try their thalis, which include a selection of curries, rice, and breads. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Whispering Woods, a romantic restaurant nestled amidst the serene forests. Enjoy a candlelit dinner with a menu featuring a fusion of Indian and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, November 25: Visit Lava and Lolegaon
Start the day by exploring Lava, a serene hill station known for its beautiful landscapes and the Neora Valley National Park. Take a nature walk through the park and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, head to Lolegaon, a nearby village famous for its hanging footbridge and lush green forests. End the day by watching the mesmerizing sunset from Jhandidara viewpoint.
Neora Valley National Park: Estimated cost - INR 100, Time spent - 3 hours
Hanging Footbridge in Lolegaon: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
For breakfast, head to Cafe Good Times in Lava, a cozy little cafe known for its delicious spread of pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try out the traditional Bengali cuisine at Hotel Rhododendron in Lolegaon. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and the average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Enjoy a delectable dinner at Savin Kingdom's rooftop restaurant in Siliguri. This restaurant offers a stunning view of the city along with a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Sunday, November 26: Explore Cooch Behar
Visit the historic Cooch Behar Palace, known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the Madan Mohan Temple, a popular Hindu temple with intricate carvings. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Sagar Dighi lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. End your trip with a visit to the Baneswar Shiva Temple, a tranquil spot for spiritual reflection.
Cooch Behar Palace: Estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 2 hours
For breakfast, head to Cafe Shillong, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Sonar Tori, a restaurant known for its authentic Bengali cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Royal Ball, an elegant restaurant offering a variety of cuisine options. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring North Bengal, make sure to visit the scenic beauty of Jhalong, a small hamlet on the banks of the Jaldhaka River. Experience the tranquility of Bindu, a charming village known for its cardamom plantations. Additionally, don't miss a trip to the beautiful Chilapata Forest, home to elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
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