Darjeeling, tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas of West Bengal, India, is famously called the “Queen of the Hills.” It’s a peaceful hill station away from busy city life. Here, you can enjoy incredible views of Kangchenjunga, wander through vast tea plantations, and ride the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Despite its small size and population of around 30,000, Darjeeling feels like a cozy town but bursts with diverse cultures. It’s cooler up here, making it a perfect spot to cool off from the summer heat of the plains. Tea is big in Darjeeling. It’s not just about the economy; it’s a massive part of the town’s identity. Tea lovers from all over the world come here to explore and taste.
| Mode of Transportation | Route Description | Time Taken | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Air | Fly to Bagdogra Airport (nearest airport, 70 km from Darjeeling) | 2 – 3 hours (flight + road) | Regular taxis available from airport to Darjeeling |
| By Train | Take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station (nearest station, 62 km from Darjeeling) | 3 – 4 hours (train + road) | Taxis, buses, and shared jeeps available from NJP to Darjeeling |
| By Road (Bus) | Regular state-run and private buses from Siliguri to Darjeeling | 3 – 4 hours (road) | Comfortable for budget travelers, scenic route through hills |
| By Road (Private Vehicle) | Drive from Siliguri to Darjeeling via NH110 | 2.5 – 3 hours (road) | Ideal for those preferring convenience, road conditions are decent |
| By Toy Train | Take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) from NJP to Darjeeling | 7 – 8 hours | Scenic journey, UNESCO World Heritage experience, slower travel |
How to Reach Darjeeling Temple by Train
Nearest Railway Stations
If you’re heading to Darjeeling Temple by train, your best bets are Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri Junction. New Jalpaiguri, or NJP for short, is the main gateway for trains coming from big cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. It’s about 70 kilometers from Darjeeling.
Once at NJP, you can grab a taxi or hop into a shared jeep. The drive up to Darjeeling is scenic, so keep your camera ready. Siliguri Junction isn’t used as much for long trips but is suitable for shorter, local routes. It’s also near Bagdogra Airport, which is handy if you fly in and then take a train. It makes mixing plane and train travel easy.
How to Reach Darjeeling Temple by Air
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra International Airport, about 67.5 kilometers away in Siliguri. It’s the main airport for Darjeeling and nearby areas in the Eastern Himalayas. Bagdogra Airport offers flights to and from big cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
See Also – How To Reach Rameshwaram: Complete Travel Guide & Tips
Airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo fly here. When you land, you can find taxis right outside the airport. A taxi ride to Darjeeling usually takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic. This is a good option if you’re flying.
How to Reach Darjeeling Temple by Road
Road Conditions and Routes
Driving to Darjeeling Temple is both thrilling and a bit tricky. Take the main road from Siliguri, Hill Cart Road (NH 110). It’s a beautiful drive, curving through the hills and tea gardens. But, it’s also narrow and often gets crowded, especially when lots of tourists are in town. If you want to avoid the crowds, try Pankhabari Road or Rohini Road. These are quieter but still have those twisty climbs.
The weather makes a big difference, too. During the rainy season, landslides can happen, making travel risky. It’s a good idea to check the latest travel updates before you head out. And make sure your car is in tip-top shape. That way, you can focus on enjoying the fantastic views on your way to the temple.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get to the beautiful hills of Darjeeling. You can take a scenic train ride, fly for speed, or drive for flexibility. Each option offers a different experience. Darjeeling is well-connected and you can choose what suits you best in terms of comfort and convenience. Once there, you’ll find plenty of places to stay, from fancy hotels to charming resorts. They all offer great views and a taste of local life.
There’s lots to do, too. You could tour a tea estate or immerse yourself in the local culture. When planning your trip, think about what’s most important to you—comfort, cost, or adventure. This will help you make the most of your visit to the stunning Darjeeling area.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.