15-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey from Surat to Darjeeling

Day 1: Travel & Relax

Surat to Kolkata, India on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Alfresco, Surat

Enjoy a fresh start with a coffee and continental breakfast at this popular local cafe before heading to the airport.
INR300, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight from Surat to Kolkata

Take a direct flight from Surat Airport to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
INR3500, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Peter Cat, Kolkata

Famous for its Chelo Kebabs, this iconic restaurant in Park Street offers a taste of Kolkata's rich food culture.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Rest and refresh at a centrally located hotel such as The Park Kolkata to prepare for local sightseeing.
INR4000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Victoria Memorial

Visit this iconic marble building and museum dedicated to Queen Victoria, open 10:00am to 5:00pm. A major Kolkata landmark.
INR30, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Oh! Calcutta

Enjoy authentic Bengali cuisine in a comfortable setting, open until 10pm.
INR1000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kolkata Culture

Kolkata, India on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flurys

Start your day at this historic bakery and cafe on Park Street serving delicious pastries and eggs.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Indian Museum

Visit Asia’s largest and oldest museum, showcasing extensive collections in art, archaeology, and natural history, open 10am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place

Relish traditional Bengali thalis and regional dishes in this heritage bungalow restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat ride on Hooghly River

Take a leisurely 1 hour boat ride and enjoy views of Howrah Bridge and the city skyline.
INR200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Marble Palace

Explore this 19th century mansion filled with sculptures and antiques, open 10am to 4pm.
INR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mainland China

Enjoy upscale Chinese cuisine in Kolkata, open until 11pm.
INR1200, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kolkata to Darjeeling Travel

Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before the long journey ahead.
INR350, 1h0m

8:00am

Train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri

Board the train Rajdhani Express or similar for the overnight journey to New Jalpaiguri, approximately 15 hours.
INR1000, 15h0m

10:00pm

Overnight train journey

Rest on the train as you make your way towards the foothills of Darjeeling.
Included, Overnight
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Day 4: Arrival & Relax

New Jalpaiguri on June 30, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at New Jalpaiguri

Reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and prepare for transfer to Darjeeling by road.
Included, 0h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at local dhaba

Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast at a local eatery near the station to refresh before the journey.
INR150, 0h45m

10:30am

Drive from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling

Travel about 3 hours by taxi or shared jeep to Darjeeling town.
INR1500, 3h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and rest at hotel

Check in at a cozy hotel such as Mayfair Darjeeling to enjoy mountain views and comfort.
INR5000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll along Mall Road

Take an easy walk on Mall Road to enjoy shops, cafes, and views, perfect for acclimatizing.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Glenary’s Bakery & Cafe

Have a relaxing dinner with continental dishes and famous baked goods at this heritage cafe.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 5: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Darjeeling, India on July 1, 2025

5:30am

Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise

Drive early to Tiger Hill to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga.
INR200, 3h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Tibetan and Himalayan dishes in a warm setting after the early morning adventure.
INR400, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Batasia Loop

See the famous railway loop and war memorial, with beautiful garden views, open 8am to 6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

11:30am

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ride

Take a charming ride on the 'Toy Train' between Darjeeling station and Ghoom station, open from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.
INR120, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Glenary’s Bakery

Enjoy western style fare and local sweets at the bakery-cafe.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Peace Pagoda

Explore this serene Buddhist stupa that offers panoramic views, open 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Learn about Tibetan culture and see handicrafts made by Tibetan refugees.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

Try hearty Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa at this popular local spot.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Tea Gardens & Museums

Darjeeling on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a relaxed hotel breakfast enjoying mountain views.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Tour Happy Valley Tea Estate

Walk through one of the oldest tea plantations, learn about tea production, and sample fresh Darjeeling tea.
INR150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Darjeeling Tea Centre

Enjoy hands-on experiences and purchase fine teas, open till 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Park Restaurant

Indulge in a mix of Indian and continental dishes in a beautiful garden setup.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Museum

Discover mountaineering history and exhibits on famous expeditions, open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore local markets

Shop for souvenirs such as handicrafts and woollens on Mall Road.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Enjoy Tibetan delicacies in a cozy environment to end the day.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Exploration & Leisure

Darjeeling on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Glenary’s

Savor pastries and strong Darjeeling tea to start your day.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to Mirik

Visit the peaceful Mirik Lake, surrounded by pine trees and orange orchards, approximately 2 hour drive each way.
INR2000 round-trip taxi, 7h0m

5:00pm

Return to Darjeeling and rest

Relax at your hotel after the day trip.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sonam’s Kitchen

End your day with Tibetan and Nepali dishes at this friendly restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 8: Local Culture

Darjeeling on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views of the hills to energize for the day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Darjeeling Zoo (Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park)

Home to high altitude animals like snow leopards and red pandas, open 9am to 5pm.
INR60, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Explore exhibits and learn mountaineering history, open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Glenary’s Bakery

Relax with western delicacies and bakery treats.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda

Serene pagoda built to promote peace, great for photography, open 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Tea tasting at local tea shops

Sample different Darjeeling teas at charming shops near Mall Road.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kunga Restaurant

Savor your last Tibetan-style dinner in Darjeeling.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 9-14: Explore Region

Darjeeling and Surroundings on January 1, 1970

Daily Morning

Breakfast at hotel or local cafes

Enjoy fresh local breakfast with teas and regional dishes.
INR350-500, 1h0m

Daytime

Day trips to nearby attractions

Plan visits to Lepcha Museum, Takdah village, Sandakphu trek (day hikes), and nearby monasteries to fully experience Darjeeling’s cultural and natural beauty.
Varies INR200-2000, 5-8h per day

Evening

Shopping and dinner options

Explore Darjeeling’s evening markets and try local or continental cuisines at recommended spots like Glenary’s, Sonam’s Kitchen, and Kunga Restaurant.
INR500-1000, 2h
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Day 15: Return Journey

Darjeeling to Surat on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have an energizing breakfast before checkout and travel.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri

Travel back to New Jalpaiguri Airport/Railway Station by taxi for onward journey.
INR1500, 3h0m

12:00pm

Flight/train from New Jalpaiguri/Kolkata to Surat

Take connecting flights or trains back to Surat, completing the trip.
INR3500+, Varies 5-10h
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