Nidhi
Sameer Staff answered 7 months ago
Getting to Darjeeling involves multiple transportation options, each with its own pros and cons in terms of time taken, convenience, and cost. Here are some common ways to reach Darjeeling:
By Air:
Pros: Fastest mode of transportation; convenient for long-distance travelers.
Cons: Limited direct flights to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), the nearest airport to Darjeeling; then, a road journey is required.
Time Taken: Flight duration depends on the origin city; from major cities like Delhi or Kolkata, it typically takes around 2-3 hours. From Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive.
Cost: Flight costs vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and origin city. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected, so flight prices can range from moderate to expensive.
By Train:
Pros: Scenic journey; convenient for those who enjoy train travel.
Cons: Limited direct trains to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, the nearest major railhead to Darjeeling; then, a road journey is required.
Time Taken: Train travel duration depends on the origin city; from Kolkata or Delhi, it typically takes around 12-20 hours. From NJP to Darjeeling, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive.
Cost: Train ticket prices vary based on class of travel, train type, and booking class. Generally, train travel is more economical compared to flights.
By Road:
Pros: Flexibility in travel timings; access to scenic routes.
Cons: Longer travel time; roads can be winding and prone to traffic congestion.
Time Taken: Road journey duration varies depending on the starting point. From Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive to Darjeeling.
Cost: Cost depends on mode of transportation chosen (taxi, bus, or shared jeep), distance traveled, and bargaining skills. Shared taxis and buses are more budget-friendly options compared to private taxis.
Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway):
Pros: Iconic and scenic journey; part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Cons: Slow travel; limited schedules and availability.
Time Taken: The journey from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station to Darjeeling via the Toy Train takes approximately 7-8 hours.
Cost: Toy Train ticket prices vary based on class of travel and route. While it’s a unique experience, it can be more expensive compared to other modes of transportation.
Comparing costs, air travel tends to be the most expensive but the fastest option, while train and road travel offer more economical choices with scenic experiences. Ultimately, the choice depends on factors such as budget, time constraints, and personal preferences for travel experiences.
Anvi Staff answered 5 months ago
To reach Darjeeling, a picturesque hill station in West Bengal known for its tea gardens and scenic beauty, you have a few options depending on your starting point and preferences:
By Air:
Bagdogra Airport (IXB):
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, located near Siliguri, West Bengal.
From Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a pre-paid taxi or book a private cab to Darjeeling.
The distance from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling is approximately 65 km, and the journey takes about 3 hours by road.
By Train:
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP):
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station to Darjeeling.
Several trains connect NJP with major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
From NJP, you can take a shared jeep or private taxi to Darjeeling.
The road distance between NJP and Darjeeling is about 70 km, and the journey typically takes around 3-4 hours depending on road conditions.
By Road:
Shared Taxis and Private Cabs:
Shared taxis (often jeeps) operate regularly between Siliguri/NJP and Darjeeling.
You can find these taxis at Siliguri Junction or NJP Railway Station.
Private cabs are also available for a more comfortable and direct journey to Darjeeling.
Bus Services:
State-run and private buses operate between Siliguri and Darjeeling.
The bus journey takes longer due to winding mountain roads and frequent stops.
Buses are a more economical option but may be less comfortable compared to taxis or cabs.
Important Tips:
Weather Conditions: Check the weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall can affect road travel.
Altitude: Darjeeling is at a high altitude, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings and mornings.
Permits: Certain areas around Darjeeling may require permits, so check in advance if any permits are needed for your itinerary.
Darjeeling is a popular destination known for its beauty, tea estates, and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Whether you travel by air, train, or road, the journey to Darjeeling offers scenic views and a memorable experience in the lap of the Himalayas.