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A Week of Family Fun: Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kolkata

Saturday December 16: Arrival in Darjeeling

Start your adventure in the charming hill station of Darjeeling. In the morning, take a scenic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the tea gardens and mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare Himalayan animals like the snow leopard and red panda. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, lined with shops and eateries.

  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Cost: INR 500 per person, Time: 2 hours
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Mall Road: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Sunday December 17: Exploring Darjeeling

Start your morning with a visit to the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the stunning sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Afterward, head to the Happy Valley Tea Estate for a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to see mountaineering artifacts and attend a rock climbing demonstration. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride at the serene Mirik Lake.

  • Tiger Hill: Cost: INR 40 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Cost: INR 40 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Mirik Lake: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Monday December 18: Journey to Gangtok

Today, embark on a scenic drive from Darjeeling to Gangtok. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and stop at the enchanting Rumtek Monastery along the way. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok, known for its shops, cafes, and flower displays. In the evening, visit the beautiful Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park for a serene nature experience.

  • Rumtek Monastery: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • MG Marg: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: Cost: INR 50 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
Tuesday December 19: Discovering Gangtok

Begin your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Tsomgo Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Buddhist prayer flags. Enjoy a yak ride and savor the tranquil ambiance. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, housing a vast collection of Buddhist artifacts. End the day with a visit to the Enchey Monastery, known for its unique architecture and serene atmosphere.

  • Tsomgo Lake: Cost: INR 200 per person (permit required), Time: 3-4 hours
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Cost: INR 10 per person, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Enchey Monastery: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Wednesday December 20: Arrival in Kolkata

Today, take a flight or a train to Kolkata. After arriving in the city, head to the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent white marble monument surrounded by lush gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India, to explore its extensive collection of artifacts. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along the Howrah Bridge, an iconic symbol of Kolkata, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bustling streets.

  • Victoria Memorial: Cost: INR 30 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Indian Museum: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Howrah Bridge: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience in Darjeeling, visit the Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car. Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the Teesta River while gliding through the air. In Gangtok, explore the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, a lesser-known gem where you can spot various species of flora and fauna. Kolkata offers the Science City, an interactive science museum where kids can engage in hands-on learning experiences.

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