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Exploring Darjeeling, Gangtok & Kolkata: 7-Day Itinerary

Monday, December 25: Arrival in Darjeeling

Begin your trip by arriving in Darjeeling, a charming hill station known for its tea gardens and stunning views of the Himalayas. Start your morning by visiting the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, to experience the scenic beauty of the region. In the evening, explore the bustling Chowrasta Mall and enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea while witnessing the vibrant local culture.

  • Tiger Hill: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 2 hours
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Estimated cost - INR 800, time spent - 2 hours
  • Chowrasta Mall: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Gangtok Exploration

Travel to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Start your morning by visiting the Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery known for its vibrant architecture. Explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in the afternoon, which houses a vast collection of Tibetan artifacts and manuscripts. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

  • Enchey Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 1 hour
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated cost - INR 20, time spent - 2 hours
  • MG Marg: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Gangtok Excursion

Embark on an excursion to Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Visit the nearby Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. In the evening, unwind at the Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, a beautiful park showcasing traditional sculptures and waterfalls.

  • Tsomgo Lake: Estimated cost - INR 400, time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Baba Mandir: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 1 hour
  • Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: Estimated cost - INR 50, time spent - 2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Darjeeling Tea Experience

Return to Darjeeling and indulge in a tea-tasting experience at one of the tea estates. Learn about the tea-making process and savor the flavors of premium Darjeeling tea. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to explore its mountaineering artifacts and learn about the history of mountaineering in the region. End your day with a visit to the Peace Pagoda, a serene Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of Darjeeling.

  • Darjeeling Tea Estate: Estimated cost - INR 500, time spent - 2 hours
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Estimated cost - INR 40, time spent - 2 hours
  • Peace Pagoda: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 1 hour
Friday, December 29: Kolkata City Tour

Fly to Kolkata, the bustling capital of West Bengal. Start your day by visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial, a grand marble building showcasing the colonial architecture. Explore the Indian Museum in the afternoon, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts and art pieces. Stroll through the vibrant College Street, known as Boi Para (Book Market), and indulge in book shopping.

  • Victoria Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 30, time spent - 2 hours
  • Indian Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20, time spent - 2 hours
  • College Street: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 2 hours
Saturday, December 30: Kolkata Heritage Walk

Embark on a heritage walk through the narrow lanes of North Kolkata, known for its architectural gems and historical sites. Visit the Marble Palace, a stunning mansion adorned with intricate marble sculptures. Explore the iconic Howrah Bridge and Victoria Market, a bustling market offering a wide range of goods. End your day with a visit to the lively Park Street, known for its restaurants and nightlife.

  • Marble Palace: Estimated cost - INR 100, time spent - 1 hour
  • Howrah Bridge: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 1 hour
  • Victoria Market: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 1 hour
  • Park Street: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 2 hours
Sunday, December 31: Farewell to Kolkata

End your trip with a visit to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, an institution dedicated to serving the poor and needy. Spend your morning volunteering or simply learning about the inspiring work done in the facility. In the afternoon, explore the lively New Market, known for its variety of shops and street food. Bid farewell to Kolkata and cherish the memories of your incredible journey.

  • Missionaries of Charity: Estimated cost - Free, time spent - 2 hours
  • New Market: Estimated cost - Variable, time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Darjeeling, don't miss Glenary's Bakery, known for its delicious pastries and baked goods. In Gangtok, visit the Flower Exhibition Centre, a paradise for nature lovers showcasing a wide variety of colorful flowers. In Kolkata, try the famous street food at Dacre Lane, a buzzing street filled with food stalls offering mouthwatering snacks.

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