15-Day Scenic Road Trip from Surat to Darjeeling: A Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Surat to Mumbai Drive

Surat to Mumbai, India on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Gateway, Surat

Start your journey with a hearty traditional Gujarati breakfast; the place opens at 7:00am ensuring you fuel up before the road trip.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Surat to Mumbai

Embark on approximately a 280 km drive via NH48 which typically takes 5-6 hours, so enjoy the scenic western Indian highways.
Fuel and toll approx INR2000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Madras, Matunga, Mumbai

Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine, highly recommended for a rejuvenating meal after the long drive. Open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Juhu Beach

Cool down with a stroll along Juhu Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and local culture. Open all day, no cost to enter.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Marine Plaza, Mumbai

A comfortable hotel stay with a sea view to rest after the day of travel.
INR6000, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Gajalee, Vile Parle

Savor Malvani seafood delicacies; the restaurant is known for authentic dishes and closes at 11pm.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 2: Mumbai Exploration & Pune Drive

Mumbai to Pune, India on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Leopold Cafe, Colaba

Start the day at this iconic café with diverse menu options; open from 7:30am.
INR450, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Gateway of India

Explore this famous monument, a must-see Mumbai heritage site with picturesque views of the Arabian Sea.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Pune

Head towards Pune located about 150 km from Mumbai via NH48; a 3-4 hours drive.
Fuel and toll approx INR1200, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Vaishali Restaurant, Pune

Try some delicious South Indian snacks and meals, a Pune favorite open till late evening.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Shaniwar Wada

Discover the historic fortification in Pune, offering insights into Maratha history. Open from 8am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Sayaji, Pune

Stay at a well-reviewed hotel with comfortable amenities for overnight rest.
INR5000, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Malaka Spice

Enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine in a cozy ambiance open till 11pm.
INR900, 1h0m
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Day 3: Pune to Nagpur Drive

Pune to Nagpur, India on June 29, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A quick breakfast before embarking on a long drive.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

7:15am

Drive to Nagpur

Cover approximately 800 km on NH53, a long drive estimated at 12-14 hours, so plan rest stops accordingly.
Fuel and toll approx INR3500, 14h0m

9:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Centre Point, Nagpur

Arrive late evening in Nagpur and rest for the night at this central hotel.
INR4500, Overnight

9:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Order room service or visit the hotel restaurant, which is open till 10pm for a light meal after a long day.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Nagpur Leisure & Local Exploration

Nagpur, India on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de Italiano

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with excellent coffee and bakery items; open from 7:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sitabuldi Fort

Historic hilltop fort with panoramic views, open from 9am to 5pm.
INR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Maharaj Bagh and Zoo

Large garden and zoo complex great for a nature stroll and animal viewing, open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Barbeque Nation

Enjoy a lively buffet experience with varied grilled offerings, open till 11pm.
INR900, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Ambazari Lake

Peaceful lakeside spot for an afternoon walk or boat ride, entry is free and open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gadhicha Dinning Hall & Bar

Taste authentic Nagpuri traditional food with a warm ambiance, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 5: Nagpur to Kolkata Drive

Nagpur to Kolkata, India on July 1, 2025

5:30am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel or nearby and prepare for the long drive to Kolkata, about 1,100 km ahead.
INR300, 0h45m

6:15am

Drive to Kolkata

A long drive on NH53 and NH19 expected to take around 18-20 hours with planned stops.
Fuel and toll approx INR5000, 20h0m

2:15am

Overnight rest stop en route

Plan a midway stop for rest and refreshment, such as at a highway hotel or dhaba, depending on your preference.
INR2000, 4h0m
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Day 6: Arrival in Kolkata

Kolkata, India on July 2, 2025

10:00am

Check-in at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Luxury hotel located in the heart of Kolkata for a comfortable multi-day stay to rest after the long journey.
INR9000, Overnight

11:30am

Brunch at Flurys

Historic patisserie famous for its English breakfast and sweets, open from 8am to 8pm.
INR600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Visit Victoria Memorial

Iconic marble museum and garden showcasing British Raj history; open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Park Street

Enjoy the bustling Kolkata street lined with shops, cafes, and colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Peter Cat

Relish authentic Kolkata cuisine with their famous Chelo Kebabs; open till 11pm.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 7: Kolkata Cultural Tour

Kolkata, India on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Historic café chain serving simple, inexpensive South Indian coffee and snacks; opens at 7:30am.
INR150, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Famous Hindu temple on the river Hooghly, open from 6am to 9pm, set perfect for morning spiritual visit.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Marble Palace

An exquisite mansion and museum showcasing art, antiques, open 10am to 4pm (closed Mondays).
INR10, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Oh! Calcutta

Taste classic Bengali cuisine in an elegant setting, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Science City

India’s largest science center offering interactive exhibits and IMAX theater, open 10am to 7pm.
INR80, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at 6 Ballygunge Place

Cultural Bengali cuisine in a traditional ambiance; open till 11pm.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 8: Kolkata to Siliguri Drive

Kolkata to Siliguri, India on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before driving north to Siliguri, about 560 km via NH12 and NH27.
Included, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Siliguri

A roughly 12-hour drive on highway routes with several rest stops recommended en route.
Fuel and toll approx INR3000, 12h0m

8:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Sinclairs Siliguri

Rest after your long journey in the city that is the gateway to Darjeeling.
INR4500, Overnight

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 9: Siliguri to Darjeeling Drive

Siliguri to Darjeeling, India on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading up to the hills.
Included, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Darjeeling

Short but scenic 3-4 hour drive ascending the Himalayan foothills via NH110.
Fuel approx INR300, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in at Mayfair Darjeeling

Luxury resort with panoramic views, ideally located for exploring the hill station.
INR8000, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at Glenary’s Bakery and Cafe

Famous bakery with excellent cakes and continental cuisine, open from 8am to 8pm.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Museum and training center devoted to mountain climbing history, open 9am to 4pm.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll through Chowrasta and Mall Road

Relax with shopping and street food along Darjeeling’s vibrant central promenade.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tibetan and Himalayan dishes, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 10: Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour

Darjeeling, India on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Early start with a quick breakfast to catch sunrise views.
Included, 0h45m

5:00am

Tiger Hill Sunrise

Witness spectacular sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga mountain peak, accessible early morning; best time is around 4:30am-6:30am.
INR10, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Keventers

Iconic Darjeeling cafe known for milkshakes and breakfast items, open from 6:30am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate

Explore one of oldest tea gardens and learn about Darjeeling tea production; open 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

11:30am

Tour to Makaibari Tea Estate

Visit this organic and heritage tea estate about 15 km away with guided tours by appointment; best to pre-arrange.
INR500, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Glenary’s Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with variety of choices and a relaxed atmosphere.
INR700, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre

Learn about Tibetan crafts and culture, open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Popular spot for authentic momos and thukpa, open till 9:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 11: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Darjeeling, India on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a full day of sightseeing with a fresh breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Ride

Take a heritage toy train ride to Ghum and back, a unique UNESCO site; running hours roughly 8:30am to 4pm, tickets needed in advance.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Sample traditional Tibetan dishes amidst lovely decor, open until 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Peace Pagoda

Situated at the Japanese Temple, this spiritual landmark offers stunning views; open 9am to 6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Batasia Loop

A scenic railway loop with gardens and war memorial, perfect for photographs.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Darjeeling Ropeway

Enjoy panoramic aerial views; operates 9am to 5pm, last ride at 4:45pm.
INR150, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Park Restaurant

International and Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting, open till 10pm.
INR1000, 1h0m
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Day 12: Day trip to Mirik

Darjeeling Region, India on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast for a day excursion to Mirik.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Mirik

Approximately 49 km away, a scenic 2-hour drive visiting this peaceful hill town.
Fuel approx INR300, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Mirik Lake

Beautiful calm lake with boat rides and walking trails, open all day with no entry fee.
INR200 for boating, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby local restaurant

Try local Nepali and North East Indian dishes in a casual setting.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Bokar Monastery

Visit this serene Tibetan Buddhist monastery with beautiful architecture and views.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive back to Darjeeling

Return to Darjeeling for overnight stay.
Fuel approx INR300, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Glenary’s

Relax with a favourite dining spot in Darjeeling before the final days of your trip.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 13: Local Markets & Relaxation

Darjeeling, India on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Keventers

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with local favorites and fresh bakery items.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Shop at Darjeeling Market

Explore the local markets for souvenirs including tea, handicrafts and woolens.
Free to browse, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre

Discover beautiful handcrafted Tibetan products and support local artisans.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Corner Courtyard

Enjoy a mix of Indian and continental dishes in a charming setting.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Hotel or Spa

Take a restful afternoon with spa treatments or leisure time in your hotel.
Optional spa from INR1500, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Casual dinner with delicious momos and noodle dishes, open till 9:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 14: Darjeeling Leisure Day

Darjeeling, India on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Slow morning breakfast before your last full day to explore or relax.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Observatory Hill

Explore this spiritual site offering views and local temples, accessible any time.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Famous for Himalayan species like snow leopards and red pandas; open 9am to 4pm.
INR60, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kunga Restaurant

Final delicious meal at one of Darjeeling’s most popular eateries.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Free time or revisit favorite spots

Take the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to revisit any sites or relax.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Mayfair Darjeeling

Celebrate your trip with fine dining in their beautifully scenic restaurant.
INR1500, 2h0m
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Day 15: Darjeeling to Surat Return Prep

Darjeeling, India on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and prepare for your return journey or onward travel.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Pack and check out

Complete packing and check-out from your hotel.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive or plan onward travel from Darjeeling

Organize your return journey by road to Surat or book onward flights/trains from Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station.
Depends on chosen travel method, Varies
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