Start your trip by arriving in Darjeling, a picturesque hill station known for its tea gardens. In the morning, take a leisurely walk to the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Afternoon is the perfect time to visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see various Himalayan species. In the evening, explore the bustling Mall Road for local shopping and try some delicious local cuisine.
A cozy café called Keventer's is a popular choice for breakfast, offering a range of options such as English breakfast, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Glenary's, a charming bakery and restaurant that serves a mix of Indian and continental dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, try the famous Kunga Restaurant which serves delicious Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. Their momos and thukpa are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, November 19: Exploring Darjeling
In the morning, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate for a guided tour of the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Afternoon is a great time to take a ride on the heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, and enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. In the evening, visit the Mahakal Temple and seek blessings.
Happy Valley Tea Estate: INR 150 per person, 2 hours
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: INR 800 per person, 3 hours
Mahakal Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Glenary's, a popular bakery and cafe in Darjeeling. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to Keventers Restaurant, known for its wide variety of delicious momos and Tibetan cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, satisfy your taste buds at Sonam's Kitchen, a charming cafe that offers a range of international dishes. Don't miss their lip-smacking pancakes and salads. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, November 20: Journey to Gangtok
In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. On the way, take a break at the picturesque Teesta River for some stunning views and photo opportunities. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Enchey Monastery, known for its intricate architecture. In the evening, stroll around the vibrant MG Marg and indulge in local street food.
Teesta River: Free, 1 hour
Enchey Monastery: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
MG Marg: Variable expenses, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Gangtok is The Coffee Shop, known for its delicious pancakes and excellent coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Taste of Tibet, a cozy restaurant that serves authentic Tibetan cuisine. The momos and thukpa are highly recommended. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a scrumptious dinner at The Square, a trendy restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The ambience and live music make it a perfect place for a memorable dining experience. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Discovering Gangtok
Start the day by visiting the famous Tsomgo Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offering breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. In the evening, take a cable car ride to reach the Tashi Viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of Gangtok.
Tsomgo Lake: INR 200 per person, 3 hours
Rumtek Monastery: INR 100 per person, 2 hours
Tashi Viewpoint: INR 70 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker's Cafe, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Square, a popular restaurant offering a wide variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Parivar Restaurant, specializing in authentic Nepali and Bengali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Journey to Shillong
Start the morning by driving to Shillong, the "Scotland of the East." On the way, make a stop at the charming Umiam Lake for boating or simply enjoying the serene surroundings. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Don Bosco Museum to learn about the culture and heritage of Northeast India. In the evening, visit the vibrant Police Bazar for shopping and trying local delicacies.
Umiam Lake: Free, 2 hours
Don Bosco Museum: INR 100 per person, 3 hours
Police Bazar: Variable expenses, 2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Shillong: A cozy cafe offering a variety of breakfast options including English breakfast, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Gigi's Kitchen: A popular lunch spot known for its delicious burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dejavu: A multi-cuisine restaurant offering a range of dinner options including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Exploring Shillong
Start the day by visiting the famous Elephant Falls, cascading down amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, known for its unique biodiversity and sacred rituals. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk at Ward's Lake and witness the beautiful sunset.
Elephant Falls: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
Mawphlang Sacred Forest: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
Ward's Lake: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Café Shillong, known for its delicious local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Dylan's Café, a cozy eatery with a wide range of international and Indian cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
Treat yourself to a dinner at City Hut Family Dhaba, offering an extensive menu of mouth-watering Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
Friday, November 24: Arrival in Kolkata
Start the morning by taking a flight to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. Afternoon can be spent visiting the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble building surrounded by lush gardens. In the evening, explore the vibrant Park Street for its buzzing nightlife and try some delectable street food.
Victoria Memorial: INR 30 per person, 2 hours
Park Street: Variable expenses, 2 hours
Restaurants
A great breakfast spot in Kolkata is Flurys, known for its delicious pastries and cakes. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 400 per person.
For lunch, head to 6 Ballygunge Place, a famous restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine. Their thali meals are a must-try, and the average cost per person is around INR 800.
For dinner, try Oh! Calcutta, a popular restaurant known for its Bengali seafood delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 1,200 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Darjeling, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where you can learn about the rich mountaineering history of the region. In Gangtok, make sure to visit the Flower Exhibition Center, showcasing a variety of exotic flowers and orchids. Shillong's Laitlum Canyons offer breathtaking views of the lush green valleys, a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. Finally, in Kolkata, visit Kumartuli, the traditional potters' quarter famous for its clay idols and craftsmanship.
To find the best hotel and flight prices for your journey, check out KAYAK Hotels & Flights.