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A 6-Day Nature Adventure in North Bengal

Friday, September 29: Arrive in Bagdogra and Transfer to Darjeeling

In the morning, arrive at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling. Enjoy a scenic drive through tea gardens and rolling hills. In the afternoon, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea production and sample some aromatic Darjeeling tea. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, exploring the local shops and enjoying stunning views of the Kanchenjunga Range.

  • Happy Valley Tea Estate: Entrance fee - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Mall Road: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
  • Sonam's Kitchen is a popular breakfast spot in Darjeeling, known for its delicious pancakes and homemade breads. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
  • Glenary's Restaurant, situated in the heart of Darjeeling, offers a wide range of options for lunch including Indian and continental cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
  • Karma Theksum restaurant is a great choice for dinner with its cozy ambiance and delectable Tibetan and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Explore Darjeeling's Natural Beauty

Start your day early with a visit to Tiger Hill to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. After breakfast, take a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," to Ghoom. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Batasia Loop and the Peace Pagoda. End your day with a serene boat ride on the Mirik Lake, surrounded by lush green hills.

  • Tiger Hill: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Train ticket - £10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Batasia Loop: Entry fee - £2, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Mirik Lake: Boat ride - £5, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Sunday, October 1: Journey to Kalimpong

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the charming town of Kalimpong. Spend the morning exploring the lush flower nurseries and panoramic viewpoints, such as Deolo Hill and Durpin Dara. In the afternoon, visit the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist monastery known for its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the bustling local market in the evening.

  • Deolo Hill: Free, Time spent - 1.5 hours
  • Durpin Dara: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery: Entry fee - £3, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Local Market: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Monday, October 2: Discover the Wildlife of Jaldapara National Park

Embark on an early morning drive to Jaldapara National Park, home to the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros and many other fascinating wildlife species. Take an exciting jeep safari through the park to spot diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat. After the safari, visit the nearby Chilapata Forest, known for its enchanting beauty and tranquil surroundings. Spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation.

  • Jaldapara National Park Safari: Safari fee - £20, Time spent - 4 hours
  • Chilapata Forest: Entry fee - £3, Time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, October 3: Delve into the Tea Gardens of Dooars

After breakfast, proceed to the scenic Dooars region, famous for its sprawling tea gardens. Visit the Gorumara National Park, known for its rich flora and fauna, and take a thrilling elephant safari to explore the park's wilderness. In the afternoon, visit the Samsing and Rocky Island, nestled amidst lush green tea estates and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the riverside.

  • Gorumara National Park Safari: Safari fee - £15, Time spent - 4 hours
  • Samsing and Rocky Island: Entry fee - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, October 4: Conclude the Journey in Siliguri

On the final day, head back to Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal. Spend the morning exploring the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers with its dense forests and diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Kali Mandir, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Take a stroll through the vibrant Hong Kong Market to indulge in some shopping and enjoy local delicacies. Depart from Bagdogra Airport in the evening, bidding farewell to the enchanting landscapes of North Bengal.

  • Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: Entry fee - £4, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Kali Mandir: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Hong Kong Market: Free, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
  • A popular breakfast spot in Siliguri is Cafe Coffee Day, known for its delicious coffee and a variety of breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
  • For lunch, head to Mainland China, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of delectable Chinese cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 600 per person.
  • In the evening, dine at The Gourmet Central, a fine dining restaurant known for its exquisite Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature enthusiasts seeking off the beaten path attractions, a visit to Neora Valley National Park is highly recommended. Located in the Kalimpong district, this pristine wilderness is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like the red panda and clouded leopard. Trekking through the lush forests and camping amidst the serene surroundings offers a truly immersive experience. Another local favorite is Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife population. Exploring these hidden gems will leave you with unforgettable memories of North Bengal's untouched natural beauty.

Check here for hotel and flight prices.

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