Exploring North Bengal in 5 Days

1. Day 1: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
   20 minutes (8 km) from Bagdogra Airport

   Experience a memorable ride in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed toy train. The 7-hour journey offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape and charming mountain villages.

2. Day 2: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour (25 km) from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

   Explore the lush green forest and spot exotic wildlife like the Royal Bengal tiger, elephant, bison, deer, and bird species. The Khairbari Leopard Rescue Centre within the sanctuary is also worth a visit for animal lovers.

3. Day 3: Kali Mandir Temple
   2 hours (68 km) from Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

   Visit the holy shrine dedicated to Kali, the Hindu goddess of power and destruction. The temple attracts devotees from all over the country and the panoramic views of the hills from the temple compound are awe-inspiring.

4. Day 4: Gorumara National Park
   2 hours 30 minutes (96 km) from Kali Mandir Temple

   Experience an elephant safari and spot the one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, leopard, deer, and various bird species. The towering trees and glistening river within the park make it a perfect place for nature lovers.

5. Day 5: Jalpaiguri Raj Palace
   1 hour 30 minutes (52 km) from Gorumara National Park

   Discover the grandeur of the past in this magnificent palace. The palace was home to the royal family of Jalpaiguri, and the intricate design and architecture of the palace are awe-inspiring. The museum within the palace showcases the history and culture of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (7 hours, INR 400)
• Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 200)
• Kali Mandir Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Gorumara National Park (4 hours, INR 3600 per elephant)
• Jalpaiguri Raj Palace (2 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreigners)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 3920 for Indian nationals and INR 4000 for foreigners

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can add a visit to the tea gardens in Darjeeling or explore the historic town of Cooch Behar. If you have less time, you can skip the Kali Mandir Temple and explore the cultural village of Lava instead.