Darjeeling or the Queen of the Hills is a popular hill station in North Bengal which is famous for its scenic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, aromatic tea gardens, and rich colonial heritage. If you’re willing to explore this charming town then you can board a flight to Bagdogra airport since it is the nearest airport from the hill station. After reaching Siliguri, you can hire a car from Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling to enjoy a mesmerizing road trip.
Bagdogra is located around 68 km away from Darjeeling which may take you around 3-4 hours to reach. However, during your entire road journey, you won’t be bored for a single minute as you will be witnessing magical views of the snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying the cool mountain breeze. On your way, you can also view various picturesque villages, lush green tea gardens, and green forests.
Popular Ways To Reach Darjeeling From Bagdogra
By Road
There are many routes through which you can reach Darjeeling by road. However, all of these routes eventually meet at Ghoom town which is known for being the highest altitude point of the area. From Ghoom, there is only one way to reach Darjeeling. Various available private and shared taxis near the Bagdogra airport can take you to the destination comfortably.
Route 1: Darjeeling via Rohini
This is the most suitable and comfortable route to travel to Darjeeling. You will be going through NH 100 by this route which will enable you to get magnificent views of valleys, mountains, and authentic village life. Depending on traffic, you will reach Darjeeling within 2.5 hours via this route.
Route 2: Darjeeling via Pankhabari
Another road through Darjeeling goes through the scenic Pankhabari village. This is mainly a one-way route with sharp and narrow bends that are mostly used by downward vehicles. If you have experience in driving on mountain roads then you can take this route, which eventually meets NH 100 in Kurseong. By taking this route, you can get amazing viewpoints with majestic tea garden views of Longview and Makaibari Tea Estate.
Route 3: Darjeeling via Mirik
The scenic road to Darjeeling via Mirik is also popular among tourists which will help you cherish the amazing beauty of Sukhiapokhri and Mirik. You must know that this is the largest route towards Darjeeling which may take you around 4.5 hours from Bagdogra.
By Train
Apart from hiring a Darjeeling car rental, you can also reach Darjeeling by train. To board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, you can take a taxi to New Jalpaiguri Station. From the station, you can buy tickets for the toy train and begin a nostalgic journey. It will take 7-8 hours to reach Darjeeling by train which will take you through charming mountain villages and viewpoints.
Recommended Tourist Places To Visit Along The Road Trip
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary- During the road trip, this sanctuary is a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. This place is known for its diverse flora and fauna, where you can spot tigers, elephants, and various vibrant migratory birds.
- Kurseong- This is another scenic stopover that you can enjoy during the journey. Kurseong or the Land of White Orchids is a beautiful hill town surrounded by various tourist attractions such as Eagle’s Craig, Giddapahar, and Dowhill.
- Mirik- If you’re travelling to Darjeeling via Mirik road then you must stop near the Sumendu Lake. Try boating, photography, or horse riding near Mirik Lake to make your trip unforgettable.
- Ghoom- You can also visit the scenic Ghoom Town during your Darjeeling Journey. Some of the best tourist attractions here are Ghoom Monastery and the vintage Ghoom toy train station.
- Batasia Loop- Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track near Ghoom which is well-known for its breathtaking view of the entire Darjeeling town and surrounding hills. The War Memorial and well-maintained garden are also the major attractions here.
On your Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling road trip, you will also come across mesmerizing cafes and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy some aromatic Darjeeling tea and steamy momos. Starting from good food to picturesque views, your road trip will surely be packed with capture-worthy spots and unforgettable memories.
