Darjeeling, a captivating town in the Himalayan foothills always remains the favourite hill station among tourists. Since the British Raj Era, this town has been considered the ideal summer retreat where you can enjoy a peaceful vacation amidst natural beauty, pleasant weather, and amazing sightseeing locations. If you’re busy in your work life and don’t have enough time for a long and relaxing vacation then you can plan a trip to Darjeeling. This is because this town is also a perfect weekend destination where you can book a room at the best hotel in Darjeeling and enjoy a memorable vacation.
The lovely ambiance of Darjeeling has many things to do and enjoying everything is not possible even with 48 hours in your hands. This is why it becomes extremely essential for you to plan everything carefully and curate a proper itinerary so that you can cover the major attractions within 2 days. From age-old tea gardens and heritage buildings to dense forest areas and thrilling adventure activities, your Darjeeling vacation will surely be packed with some life-long memories.
Best Time To Plan Your Darjeeling Trip
Darjeeling witnesses tourist crowds throughout the year. However, if you want to experience a magical vacation with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain ranges then you must plan the trip between April and June. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the sky is clear, and the landscapes of Darjeeling remain covered by vibrant floral blooms.
However, some people who want to witness an unforgettable snowfall also love visiting Darjeeling during the winter months i.e., October to January. Herein, it is recommended that you avoid travelling in Darjeeling during the monsoon months as this region witnesses heavy rainfall that increases the risks of landslides and road blockages. Henceforth, you can consider booking one of the best Darjeeling hotels during the spring or winter season for a perfect vacation.
Itinerary To Cover The Major Attractions Of Darjeeling In Just 48 Hours
Day 1- Mesmerizing sunrise, toy train rides, and sightseeing
Morning:
- Tiger Hill-The first morning in Darjeeling will always be special for you as you will be witnessing one of the most beautiful sunrises of your lifetime from Tiger Hill. Get up early in the morning and hop in a taxi to reach the observatory hill by 4 am. From the watchtower here you can see the sunrise behind the mighty Kanchenjunga while covering the snow-capped mountains in a sparkling golden hue.
- Keventer’s- On your way from Tiger Hill to your hotel, make a stop at Keventer’s to enjoy a healthy and tasty English breakfast. The cozy terrace sitting area with an amazing view is the prime attraction of this place where you can taste some of the yummiest salami, coffee, bacon, and sandwiches.
Afternoon:
- Toy Train Ride- Once you have freshened up in your hotel room, begin a spectacular journey with the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train in Darjeeling. This 2-hour joy ride starting from Darjeeling is a perfect opportunity for you to get a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and lush green tea gardens. If you opt for the steam engine ride the cost for the joy ride can cost you around INR1300.
- Ghoom Railway Station- The first stop that you can enjoy during your toy train ride is the Ghoom Railway Station. This is a popular site among tourists since this place is renowned for being the highest railway station in the country. Consider visiting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum in this station to get information about the toy train's history.
- Batasia Loop- Another major tourist attraction that will be covered during your toy train ride is the majestic Batasia Loop. This spiral railway track provides tourists with a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscapes. Herein, you can explore the beautiful gardens, view Mount Kanchenjunga with a telescope, click amazing pictures, and visit the Gorkha War Memorial.
Evening:
- Observatory Hill- As you complete your toy train ride, you can walk through the bustling streets of Chowrasta and reach Observatory Hill. From this point, you can enjoy a scenic sunset and a mesmerizing view of the nearby mountains and valleys.
- Mall Road- You can end your first day in Darjeeling with a leisurely stroll through the Mall Road. Herein, you can visit the local shops and marketplaces to buy some souvenirs to explore the eateries to drink a cup of aromatic tea. If you’re lucky then you can also witness traditional dance performances here. After the tiring sightseeing day, enjoy a good night's sleep at your booked hotel in Darjeeling.
Day 2- A unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty
Morning:
- Happy Valley Tea Estate- After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, start your day 2 in Darjeeling. The first stop in your sightseeing itinerary will be in Happy Valley Tea Estate. Herein, you can indulge in a guided tour and learn about the process of tea cultivation and production. After the tour, you can just take in the splendid views while sipping a cup of flavourful tea. You can also buy some teas from here to take back home as souvenirs.
Afternoon:
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park- In the afternoon, visit the HMI and Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. This place is especially perfect for you if you’re an adventure and wildlife lover. Herein, you can spot various exotic species such as red pandas, Himalayan black bears, tigers, and bird species. Don’t forget to visit the mountaineering institute to try some adventure activities.
- Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center- Your next stop is the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre which was established in 1959 during the Chinese invasion. This place is a major hub of Tibetan artisans that enables you to witness the intricate Tibetan arts and crafts. During your visit here, it will surely be impossible for you to resist buying the beautiful shawls, carpets, and handicraft items.
- Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway- After completing your sightseeing in the refugee center, you can reach the Rangeet Valley Ropeway site to enjoy a memorable cable car ride. This one-way journey takes around 45 minutes to complete and costs Rs. 200 per person for adults.
Evening:
- Japanese Peace Pagoda- Spend a peaceful evening at the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling. This serene temple offering panoramic views reflects traditional Japanese-style architecture and the avatars of Lord Buddha. You can spend some time meditating here to soothe your body and mind.
- Glenary’s- Wrap up your 2-day tour in Darjeeling with a visit to the age-old Glenary’s bakery. This two-storied restaurant is one of the most popular landmarks in the town which is known for its delicious bakery products and colonial charm. You can taste a wide range of menus here starting from confectionaries and Indian cuisine to Chinese and continental dishes.
Additional Tips For A Perfect 2-Day Vacation In Darjeeling
- Develop a detailed itinerary: If you have just 48 hours in your hands for your Darjeeling trip then the first thing that you must keep in mind is to curate a detailed itinerary. Herein, the itinerary must have a full plan about the places you will visit, things you will do, and eateries you can explore. This planning will help you save time during the trip and complete the vacation as per your interests and needs.
- Book everything in advance: Visiting Darjeeling during the peak season may sound amazing due to the comfortable weather and sightseeing opportunities. However, during this time also expect to see huge tourist crowds. To avoid any last-minute problems during the trip, it is always recommended to book everything in advance. Herein, you can search online and find the best car rental as well as accommodation options so that you can pre-book it.
- Select the best accommodation: Accommodation can make or break the entire vacation and to make your 48 hours in Darjeeling remarkable, consider staying at a good hotel. To uplift your overall vacation experience, you can also stay at a heritage hotel in Darjeeling that can transport you to the colonial era. Remember that these hotels are located in prime locations so be sure to get some amazing mountain views from your room. The spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and serene ambiance here will make your vacation unforgettable.
- Relish the local cuisine: Your 2-day Darjeeling trip will be incomplete if you don’t get the taste of the local and authentic cuisine. There are various posh and local eateries in the town that serve some delicious Nepali cuisine. Some of the drooling dishes that you shouldn’t miss here are steaming hot momos, flavourful thukpa, and crispy Sel roti. Herein, you must also consider starting your day with a refreshing cup of hot Darjeeling tea.
- Pack appropriately: No one likes to be ill during their vacation as it entirely spoils the entire itinerary. This is why during your trip to Darjeeling you must pack everything smartly. If you have any altitude sickness tendencies then you should pack the required medications. Herein, the temperature of Darjeeling can drop suddenly and for that, you need to be prepared with all warm clothing. Additionally, also pack a camera and good walking shoes as you may have to walk a while to reach certain sightseeing attractions.
There are so many things to do in Darjeeling as a tourist and by planning your staycation at the best hotel in Darjeeling, you can turn your dream hill vacation into a reality. Steep yourself in the diversity and colonial of this hill town while getting lost in the silence of natural beauty. Although you have just 48 hours for the trip, don’t forget to enjoy some slow travel experiences in Darjeeling so that you can understand the true essence and peacefulness of the town.
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