Looking down on the vast plains of Siliguri, the Queen of Hills, stands tall in the eastern Himalayan region. Draped in a robe of lush greenery and veiled by ethereal mists, Darjeeling is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With a wide variety of activity and exploration options, along with access to the top hotels in Darjeeling, your trip can become an unforgettable one. If you are planning to plan a customized itinerary for your next trip to Darjeeling, here are some tips and things to expect.
Customisation Facilities
In recent years, customized stays have become a trend among travelers and tourists. In a town with a rich culture and history like Darjeeling, a customized stay offers guests the luxury of choosing from a wide range of categories for their accommodations. Whether you want to wake up to the views of Kanchenjunga or stay in a room that resonates with your style, the best hotels in Darjeeling have everything ready for you.
You can also expect hotels to provide you with a customized experience, such as specialized tea rooms and guided walks through tea estates. Hotels in Darjeeling are experts at preparing itineraries that suit your taste or even bring your dream celebrations to life with perfect room decor.
Choosing The Right Location
Choosing a location for your accommodation should be your top priority, as it will help you navigate through the town seamlessly. If you visiting for the first time, try to find accommodation near the major tourist spots. You can choose accommodations in locations such as Mall Road, Chowrasta, and near Observatory Hill. If you are a seasoned traveler and looking to explore tranquil parts of Darjeeling, you can look for accommodations in Lebong, Ghoom, and Pattabong.
Many of the hotels in Darjeeling now also offer hybrid locations for travelers. These accommodations are within the proximity of the town, but are also coupled with serene, undisturbed settings. Some hotels also provide shuttle services to town, making sure that you don't miss out on the local attractions.
Custom Amenities and Experiences
Other than the basic amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast buffets, and toiletries, the evolving hospitality of top hotels in Darjeeling provides various luxurious experiences. When planning your trip, you can pick your accommodation based on these amenities and expertise, and let go of the hassle of extra planning. Some activities to explore are bonfires and barbeques, in-room spa treatments, guided storytelling walks, and photography tours.
Luxury or not, these accommodations provide you with facilities to take part in uniques activities like tea- tasting, and private mountain view dinners. Don’t hesitate to communicate your preferences before booking as many hosts are more than happy to craft moments that matter.
Blend With Local Community
If you are looking to experience the authentic culture of the town, you can ask your hosts to provide you with locally sourced-meals. These may consist of local cuisines such as gundruk (soup made of fermented leafy greens ), alu momo (dumplings with potato stuffing), sekuwa (marinated meat grilled over an open flame), and churpee ( curry made of local Himalayan cheese).
You can also blend with the local culture by exploring the Gurkha haat, which is a marketplace held wealy. It offers a wide range of traditional cuisines to try, along with handicrafts. This is the perfect spot for picking souvenirs for your loved ones, and allows you to play a role in helping the local economy.
Miscellaneous Planning Tips
To make the most of your customised trip to Darjeeling make sure that you book in advance. As a popular tourist destination, booking becomes impossible during the peak seasons of March to June and October to December. It is also essential to communicate with your hosts about all the concerns you have to get the perfect customised stay. Whether it’s room décor, dietary requirements, or specific activities, make sure your hosts know your requirements to avoid disappointments.
Consider staying at Darjeeling for a minimum of 3 to 5 days. This lets you soak in the experience and beauty of the lush hills, without rushing through.
Additionally, speak with local trip planners or use local travel forums. They can assist in bridging the gap between what you envision and what Darjeeling has to offer.
Conclusion
A customized stay in Darjeeling is all about letting the region’s magic meet your personality. Whether you dream of sipping tea on a private deck with a panoramic view or learning traditional dances at a village homestay, Darjeeling welcomes you with open arms and endless options. And with so many of the top hotels in Darjeeling now embracing tailored hospitality, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Start planning now and prepare for a journey as unique as you are!
