8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Darjeeling

1. Day 1: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
   10 minutes (3 km) from heart of Darjeeling

   Ride the iconic toy train on the heritage railway with the stunning views of the mountain range and valleys below.

2. Day 2: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

   See the rare snow leopard, red pandas, and other Himalayan wildlife in their natural habitat.

3. Day 3: Happy Valley Tea Estate
   30 minutes (10 km) from Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

   Walk through the verdant tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy fresh tea and snacks amidst the tranquil surroundings.

4. Day 4: Tiger Hill
   1 hour (12 km) from Happy Valley Tea Estate

   Wake up early and watch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range from the summit of Tiger Hill.

5. Day 5: Mahakal Temple
   20 minutes (6 km) from Tiger Hill

   Visit the holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva with its unique architecture and serene ambience.

6. Day 6: Ghoom Monastery
   15 minutes (5 km) from Mahakal Temple

   Explore one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Darjeeling, known for its traditional art and architecture.

7. Day 7: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
   10 minutes (2 km) from Ghoom Monastery

   Discover the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas and see the gear used by the famous mountaineers like Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.

8. Day 8: Japanese Peace Pagoda
   30 minutes (9 km) from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

   Unwind and soak in peacefulness at the Japanese Pagoda with its scenic view of the Kanchenjunga range, and Makaibari tea gardens.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (2 hours, INR 800)
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (2 hours, INR 200)
• Happy Valley Tea Estate (2 hours, INR 300)
• Tiger Hill (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mahakal Temple (1 hour, no entry fee)
• Ghoom Monastery (1 hour, no entry fee)
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (1 hour, INR 100)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda (2 hours, no entry fee)
Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 1900

Useful Tips

If you have a few more days, consider adding a trip to Senchal Lake, Rock Garden, or the nearby city of Siliguri. If you have less time, you can skip visiting the Ghoom Monastery or the Peace Pagoda, or shorten your stay at other places. It's advisable to book the train and safari park tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Also, remember to carry warm clothes as the weather can get chilly in the mountainous region.