Detailed 3-Day Darjeeling Trip from Kolkata by Train

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Kolkata to Darjeeling, India on May 3, 2025

6:45pm

Train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri

Board the Darjeeling Mail (train number 12345) from Howrah Station, Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri. This overnight train takes approximately 10 hours, offering scenic views as you head north to the Himalayan region.
INR500 (Sleeper Class, approx.), 10h0m

4:45am

Arrival at New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

Reach New Jalpaiguri Station early morning. After disembarking, you will arrange a private taxi or shared cab to Darjeeling, around 70km away.
INR1500 (Taxi approx.), 3h0m

8:00am

Check-in at Hotel in Darjeeling

Check-in and refresh at your chosen hotel. Recommended hotels include Hotel Dekeling or Mayfair Darjeeling for comfort and views.
INR3500/night approx., 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Glenary's Bakery & Cafe

Enjoy freshly baked pastries, bread, and hot tea at Glenary’s, a popular cafe open from 7am to 10pm in Darjeeling for a light and delicious breakfast.
INR250, 1h0m

10:00am

Oriental Research Institute & Museum

Visit this museum showcasing Tibetan culture and Buddhist artifacts. It’s open 10am-5pm, giving insight into local history and religion.
INR30, 1h0m

11:30am

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Explore the Himalayan Zoo famous for its conservation of snow leopards and red pandas. Open 9:30am-4:30pm.
INR60, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tibetan and Nepali dishes such as momo and thukpa at this local favorite, open from 11am to 9pm.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Peace Pagoda

Visit the Ghoom Monastery's Peace Pagoda, a serene site with panoramic views and Buddhist stupa, open till dusk.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Ride Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train

Experience the UNESCO heritage Toy Train, taking a short ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back. Check timings at station; generally available in afternoon.
INR80, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening leisure

Return to hotel to relax or explore Mall Road shops and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sonam's Kitchen

Dine at Sonam’s Kitchen for organic Tibetan dishes in a cozy setting; open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Darjeeling, India on May 4, 2025

4:30am

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Drive early morning to Tiger Hill (opens 3:30am to 7:30am) for breathtaking sunrise views over Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest.
INR20, 2h0m

7:00am

Breakfast at Keventers

Savor their iconic milkshakes and simple breakfast menu at the famous Keventers, open from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Batasia Loop

Visit this historic railway loop with spectacular gardens and war memorial, open dawn to dusk.
Free, 0h45m

9:30am

Tea Garden Tour - Happy Valley Tea Estate

Take a guided tour of the oldest tea garden in Darjeeling, learn about tea processing, and sample fresh Darjeeling tea.
INR250, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Glenary's Restaurant

Enjoy continental and Indian dishes at Glenary’s upstairs restaurant, open 12pm to 9pm, with lovely mountain views.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Darjeeling Ropeway

Experience one of Asia’s longest cable cars offering aerial views of tea gardens and hills; runs 9am to 4:45pm.
INR180, 1h0m

3:00pm

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Visit this serene Pagoda with stunning views, open till sunset.
Free, 0h45m

4:00pm

Shopping and exploring Darjeeling Mall Road

Browse for local handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs in the bustling market on Mall Road.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glenary’s Bakery & Cafe

Wrap up the day with a cozy dinner and fresh baked goods at Glenary’s, open till 10pm.
INR450, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Return Journey

Darjeeling to Kolkata, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checkout.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri Station

Begin the 3-hour taxi ride downhill to New Jalpaiguri to catch your train back to Kolkata.
INR1500, 3h0m

11:00am

Arrival at New Jalpaiguri Station

Arrive fresh at NJP, grab refreshments and prepare for train boarding.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Train from New Jalpaiguri to Kolkata

Board your return train, the Darjeeling Mail, back to Kolkata. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride back across the plains.
INR500 (Sleeper Class, approx.), 10h0m

10:30pm

Arrival in Kolkata

Reach Howrah Station, Kolkata, concluding your memorable Darjeeling trip by train.
Free, End
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