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Romantic hill stations of Darjeeling and Gangtok | Honeymoon Tour

Darjeeling: Queen of the Hills

Darjeeling is a charming town situated in the state of West Bengal. It is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and is famous for its tea gardens, scenic beauty, and toy train. The town has a colonial charm and is known as the "Queen of the Hills." Let's explore more about this beautiful destination.

How to reach Darjeeling

Darjeeling can be reached via air, train, or road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 70 kilometers away from Darjeeling. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is around 62 kilometers away from Darjeeling. You can take a taxi or shared jeep from the station to reach Darjeeling. Darjeeling is well connected by road with other cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and Gangtok.

Best time to visit Darjeeling

The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, providing a perfect view of the Himalayas.

Top things to do in Darjeeling

1. Take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the toy train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Visit the Tiger Hill early in the morning to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas.
3. Visit the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process.
4. Take a stroll on the Mall Road and enjoy shopping for souvenirs.
5. Visit the Peace Pagoda and enjoy the panoramic view of Darjeeling.

Best places to stay in Darjeeling

There are various options for accommodation in Darjeeling, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the best places to stay in Darjeeling are:

1. Windamere Hotel
2. Mayfair Darjeeling
3. The Elgin Darjeeling
4. Cedar Inn
5. Glenburn Tea Estate

Gangtok The Capital City of Sikkim

Gangtok is the capital city of the state of Sikkim and is known for its scenic beauty, monasteries, and adventure sports. The city is situated at an altitude of 5,410 feet and provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Let's explore more about this beautiful destination.

How to reach Gangtok

The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 124 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Gangtok. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is around 148 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or shared jeep from the station to reach Gangtok. Gangtok is also well-connected by road with other major cities like Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kolkata.

Best time to visit Gangtok

The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and from October to mid-December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, providing a perfect view of the Himalayas.

Top things to do in Gangtok

1. Visit the famous Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Sikkim.
2. Take a ride on the ropeway and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city.
3. Visit the Tsomgo Lake, which is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,400 feet.
4. Visit the Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which offers a stunning view of the mountains.
5. Take a stroll on the MG Marg and enjoy shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Best places to stay in Gangtok

Gangtok offers a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the best places to stay in Gangtok are:

1. Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino
2. The Elgin Nor-Khill
3. The Denzong Shangrila
4. Summit Golden Crescent Resort & Spa
5. The Royal Plaza

Darjeeling vs. Gangtok Which one to choose?

Both Darjeeling and Gangtok are beautiful hill stations and offer a lot of attractions to visitors. However, there are some differences between the two destinations. Darjeeling is more famous for its tea gardens and colonial charm, while Gangtok is known for its monasteries, adventure sports, and scenic beauty. If you want to experience the colonial charm and tea gardens, then Darjeeling is the place for you. On the other hand, if you want to explore monasteries, adventure sports, and natural beauty, then Gangtok is the perfect destination for you.

Darjeeling and Gangtok are two of the most romantic hill stations in India and are perfect honeymoon destinations. The serene beauty of the hills, lush greenery, and pleasant weather make these places ideal for a honeymoon. Whether you choose Darjeeling or Gangtok, you will have an unforgettable experience.

How to travel by road to Darjeeling and Gangtok and the nearest bus stand

Traveling by road to Darjeeling and Gangtok is a popular option for tourists, especially those who enjoy scenic drives. The nearest bus stand to Darjeeling is Siliguri, which is about 80 km away. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a private car to reach Darjeeling. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Similarly, the nearest bus stand to Gangtok is also Siliguri, which is about 114 km away. From there, you can take a shared taxi or a private car to reach Gangtok. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

There are also several private bus operators that run buses between Siliguri and Darjeeling/Gangtok. However, the frequency and timings of these buses can be unpredictable, so it's recommended to check the schedule beforehand.

Another popular option to reach Darjeeling and Gangtok by road is to hire a taxi from Siliguri or Bagdogra airport. Several taxi operators provide this service, and the rates are generally fixed. However, it's recommended to negotiate the price beforehand and book a reputable operator.

Overall, traveling by road to Darjeeling and Gangtok can be a memorable experience, thanks to the beautiful scenery along the way. Just make sure to plan your journey in advance and choose a reliable mode of transport.

How to travel by train to Darjeeling and Gangtok and the nearest railway station

Unfortunately, there is no railway station in Darjeeling or Gangtok. The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, which is about 80 km away. From NJP, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Similarly, the nearest railway station to Gangtok is also New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, which is about 120 km away. From NJP, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Gangtok. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, you can also take a toy train from NJP to Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also known as the "Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a unique experience. However, the journey is slow and can take up to 7-8 hours. It's recommended to book your tickets in advance.

Overall, traveling by train to Darjeeling and Gangtok can be a scenic and memorable experience, but it requires some planning and patience. The nearest railway station is NJP, and from there, you can take a taxi, shared jeep, or toy train to reach your destination.

How to travel by air to Darjeeling and Gangtok and the nearest airport
 

The nearest airport to Darjeeling and Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, which is located in Siliguri. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati.

From Bagdogra Airport, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling or Gangtok. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can also book a private car transfer in advance.

Several airlines operate flights to Bagdogra Airport, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara. It's recommended to book your flights in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Overall, traveling by air to Darjeeling and Gangtok is the most convenient option, especially if you're traveling from a distant location. Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, and from there, you can easily reach your destination by taxi or shared jeep.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the best time to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok?

The best time to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok is from March to May and from October to mid-December.

Q.2 What are the popular things to do in Darjeeling?

Some of the popular things to do in Darjeeling are visiting the tea gardens, taking a ride on the toy train, and witnessing the sunrise at Tiger Hill.

Q.3 What are the popular things to do in Gangtok?

Some of the popular things to do in Gangtok are visiting the Rumtek Monastery, taking a ride on the ropeway, and visiting the Tsomgo Lake.

Q.4 Which is better for a honeymoon, Darjeeling or Gangtok?

Both Darjeeling and Gangtok are perfect honeymoon destinations, and it depends on personal preference.