From the smell of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea to the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, “The Queen of Hills” is the dream destination for many tourists. This dreamy destination, with its ambience a blend of local and colonial heritage, has made it one of the most visited tourist destinations across the world.
To make your way from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling seamless, you can connect with a reputed travel agency or make use of car rental services. To ease your next trip to Darjeeling, here is a short 3-day itinerary.
Day 1 - Arrival and Cultural Immersion
The ride from Bagdogra airport passes through various destinations, which are picturesque and popular among tourists. Across the rustic villages, winding roads, and forests, this ride itself becomes a heart-warming and exciting one. You can make it to Darjeeling in 2-3 hours, and the first thing you should do after aerial is rest in your accommodation.
In the afternoon, you can make a visit to the Mall Road and walk up to the popular Chowrasta. In the late afternoon, you can make your way to the Peace Pagoda by a cab. If you still have time during the evening and the weather is clear, you can head to the Jalapahar Hill, which offers great views of the Darjeeling hills in the dark.
Day 2 - Heritage and Himalayan Wonders
You can start your second day early and head to the Tiger Hill, which lies 13 km away from Darjeeling. From here, you can witness the ultimate sunrise along with the glistening peaks of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga at a distance. This experience can be as fullfinig as the ride from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling.
After resting and having breakfast, you can head to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoo. After a full day of exploration, you can end your evening by making a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, which is located in Lebong, very near the main town of Darjeeling. Here you can spend time with the elderly and have enriching conversations, and also get your hands on authentic and beautiful handicrafts
Day 3 - Relax, Reflect, and Return
On yur last day, you can start by exploring the local market that is in the central part of the town. The markets are lined with local produce, woolen products, and homemade jams, pickles, and cheese. After you car done shopping, you can leisurely make your way to the Mahakal Dham temple, which lies on the Observatory Hill.
Lastly, you can begin your descent toward Bagdogra in the early afternoon to ensure you catch your return flight with eas. The route from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling, when taken in reverse, offers a fresh perspective. This time, perhaps you'll notice the prayer flags fluttering, the wildflowers on the roadside, or the distant sound of a hill train whistle.
Conclusion
A 3-day retreat in Darjeeling is short, but deeply fulfilling. From panoramic Himalayan sunrises to the earthy fragrance of fresh tea leaves, the journey rejuvenates both mind and soul. With easy accessibility via Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling, the hill station is an ideal escape for urban souls seeking something real, refreshing, and rooted in nature.
