Location: Darjiling

Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days

Holiday Type: City Break Tours

Interest Type: Summer Tour

Package Type:

Darjiling :- Darjiling  is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya at an average elevation of 6,710 ft (2,045.2 m). It is noted for its tea industry and the Darjiling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Darjiling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.Darjiling has several British-style public schools, which attract students from India and neighbouring countries. The varied culture of the town reflects its diverse demographic milieu consisting of Nepalese, Bhutia, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups. Darjiling is the main town of the Sadar subdivision and also the headquarters of the district. The history of Darjiling is intertwined with that of Sikkim, Nepal, British India, Bhutan and Bengal. 

The hills of Darjiling are part of the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya.Darjiling is a part of the Eastern Himalayan zoo-geographic zone. Flora around Darjiling comprises sal,oak, semi-evergreen, temperate and alpine forests.  Dense evergreen forests of sal and oak lie around the town, where a wide variety of rare orchids are found. The Lloyd's Botanical Garden preserves common and rare species of plants, while the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park specialises in conserving and breeding endangered Himalayan species. The fauna found in Darjiling includes several species of ducks, teals, plovers and gulls that pass Darjiling while migrating to and from Tibet. Animals found here include the one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, leopard and hog deer, while the main bird species include theBengal florican and herons. As of 2009, work was in progress for setting up a conservation centre for red pandas in Darjiling. 

Apart from the major religious festivals of Dashain (Durga puja), Tihar (Diwali) and Christmas the diverse ethnic populace of the town celebrates several local festivals. The Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate new year in January, while Tibetans celebrate their new year, Losar, in February–March. The birthday of the Buddha is celebrated in mid-June with processions.Darjiling Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as The Darjiling Initiative, is a ten-day carnival held every year during the winter with portrayal of the Darjiling Hill's musical and cultural heritage as its central theme. A popular food in Darjiling is the Nepalese and Tibetan momo, a steamed dumpling containing meat cooked in a doughy wrapping and served with clear soup and achar.

A form of Tibetan noodle called thukpa, served in soup form is also popular. Other commonly eaten dishes include alu dum, a potato preparation, and shaphalay, Tibetan bread stuffed with meat. Tea is the most popular beverage, the Tibetan version is also drunk. Colonial architecture characterises many buildings in Darjiling, exemplified by several mock Tudor residences, Gothic churches, the Raj Bhawan,Planters' Club and various educational institutions. Buddhist monasteries showcase the pagoda style architecture. Darjiling is regarded as a centre of music and a niche for musicians and music admirers. Singing and playing musical instruments is a common pastime among the resident population, who take pride in the traditions and role of music in cultural life.

Darjiling also has a Peace Pagoda built in 1992 by the Japanese Buddhist organisation Nipponzan Myohoji. The Darjiling Himalayan Railway is a 600 mm (2 ft) narrow-gauge railway that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 for being "an outstanding example of the influence of an innovative transportation system on the social and economic development of a multi-cultural region, which was to serve as a model for similar developments in many parts of the world", becoming only the second railway in the world to have this honour. 

The Darjiling Ropeway, functional since 1968, was closed in 2003 after an accident killed four tourists. It was proposed to be reopened in 2007, and finally opened in February 2012.The two most significant contributors to Darjiling's economy are tourism and the tea industry. Darjiling tea, due to the unique agro-climatic conditions of Darjiling, has a distinctive natural flavour, is internationally reputed and recognised as a geographical indicator. Darjiling produces 7% of India's tea output, approximately 9,000,000 kilograms (20,000,000 lb) every year.  

Darjiling had become an important tourist destination as early as 1860.  It is reported to be the only location in eastern India that witnesses large numbers of foreign tourists. It is also a popular filming destination for Bollywood and Bengali cinema. Satyajit Ray shot his film Kanchenjungha (1962) here, and his Feluda series story, Darjiling Jomjomaat was also set in the town. Bollywood movies Aradhana (1969), Main Hoon Na (2004), and more recently Barfi! (2012) have been filmed here. The Darjiling urban agglomeration consists of Darjiling Municipality and the Pattabong Tea Garden.

Places Of Interest :- Batasia Loop, Bhutia Monestry, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Tiger Hills,  Darjiling Himalayan Railway, Mirik Lake,  Sandakphu, Mahakal Temple, Everest Museum, Passenger Ropeway, Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Chowrasta, Suntalekhola, Neora Valley National Park, Lava, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghoom Monastery, Bindu Dam, Barbotey Rock Garden, Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point, Tea Garden, Chattakpur, Dhirdham Temple, Samsing, Druk Thupten Sangag Choling Monastery, Lebong Race Course, Ghanti Dara

Gangtok :- Gangtok is a bustling, friendly hill station, and the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. The name Gangtok is derived from the Tibetan word for 'hillside,' and the city currently has a population of around 80,000 - a mixture of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry. Gangtok is a popular place with tourists heading on treks, though the facilities do not reflect the number of international visitors. However, efforts are being made by the government to improve the conditions.

Gangtok could easily be one of the cleanest cities you've ever come across. Highly organised and beautifully maintained, it is the Switzerland of the east. Tourists are of paramount importance, hence rules have been laid in order to prevent tourists from being cheated. Cab fares are mostly fixed for such a reason. Gangtok is a really nice place to unwind. There are quite a few places for vegetarians to eat, since it is mostly dominated by Buddhist culture. The city resembles the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu.

Devoid of large stores and book shops, this place is a nice break from typical city lives. The city is a fascinating place to spend a few nights, the winding side alleys hide some unexpected gems, and the main street (MG Marg) is pedestrianized and a pleasant place to take a stroll.The city sleeps by 9 pm mostly, except for a few pubs which are open till 11pm.Beware that Sikkim has banned all forms of tobacco. It is illegal to smoke anywhere in Sikkim or buy/sell cigarettes. Gangtok also has strictly enforced traffic and littering laws among others.

Places Of Interest :- Nathu La pass, Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Pemayangtse Monastery, Tashi View Point 

Distance :- Darjiling 75 Kilometres Approx. From New Jalpaiguri By Road . 
                 Gangtok 100 Kilometres Approx. From Darjiling by road

Best Time To Visit :- The best time to visit queen of hills Darjiling and Gangtok is between April to June and from September to December. For tourists, there are two best seasons to visit Darjiling town, one during the Spring which is short lived from March to April, and the other during Autumn (September to November). These are the times when the temperature is pleasantly cool and the sky is usually clear.

• Daily breakfast.
• Welcome drink on arrival (Non alcoholic).
• One complimentary bonfire arrangement during the stay.
• Pick up and drop from Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. 
• Accommodation for 2 nights at Gangtok in 3 star hotels/Resort or similar category.
• Accommodation for 2 nights at Darjiling in 3 star hotels/Resort or similar category.
• This package includes local sightseeing, and excursion by small Car as per the dedicated itinerary.
• Meal Plan :- 2 Breakfast at the hotel in Darjiling, and 2 in Gangtok.

Please Note :- These rates are valid for Indian Passport holders only, foreigners are requested to, please cross check the rates with our tour experts before booking the package.

Important Note :- This is a proposal of quotation and not a confirmation of booking. Rates are subject to revision, hence we requests our customers to check the current rates with our Tour Experts in the moment of confirmation of the services or before the final booking...

• Personal expenses are not included in the package.
• X-Mas & New Year supplements will be charged extra.
• Any monument entrance fee/activity charges/adventure sport charges / Gaming charges, Jungle Safari etc. (if applicable).
• Guide charges are not included in the package. This can be arranged at additional cost as per the guest request if available on that location.

Day 1: Pick Up From Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway Station Drive To Darjiling And Hotel Check-in

Pick up from Bagdogra Airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway station and proceed to Darjiling. Check in hotel post lunch. Fresh up at the hotel and in the evening go for some local sightseeing and return back to the hotel for a comfortable night stay.

Day 2: Full Day Sightseeing At Darjiling

Early morning get up and have your breakfast, now go for sightseeing and excursion by car aligned for the itinerary. Return back to the hotel in the evening for a comfortable stay.

Day 3: Check-out From Darjiling And Drive To Gangtok Hotel check-in

Get up early in the morning have your breakfast at the hotel and after breakfast further proceed to your next destination Gangtok. Post lunch check-in the hotel and half day sightseeing. Return back to the hotel in the evening for a comfortable stay.

Day 4: Full Day Sightseeing At Gangtok

Early morning get up and have your breakfast, now go for sightseeing and excursion by car aligned for the itinerary. Return back to the hotel in the evening for a comfortable stay.

Day 5: Check-out From Hotel At Gangtok And Drop To Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

Get up in the morning pack your bags have your breakfast at the hotel and now it’s the time to say good bye, check-out the hotel and car will drop you at the Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

• Transportation as per the itinerary only.
• The package can’t be clubbed with any other offer/deal.
• Package inclusions and itinerary can’t be change/negotiate.
• Service Tax would be charged extra as per the govt. rule (as applicable).
• The package can’t be booked for a single person, it is for two adults only.
• Local sightseeing as per the itinerary depends on the local weather conditions.
• Refund on cancellation depends upon the concerned hotel’s cancellation policies.
• Guests are not allowed to drive the cab, provided for the above mentioned itinerary.
• Per person rates (in Rs.), and applicable on 2 persons, sharing the same room (maximum 2 adults are allowed).
• The above package is not valid during the festival season, national holidays, long weekends, and New Year.
• In case of delay in departure occur by guest, cab extra charges will be charge to the guest. Cab will be available till 12 am of last day of booked package.
• Guests are not allowed to drink (alcohol)/smoke / do any other illegal activities as per the Indian laws inside the cab, provided for the above mentioned itinerary.
• All transfers, excursions, sightseeing and travel as per itinerary in an air conditioned vehicle (The air conditions will work in plain areas only and not on hills).
• Package rates are subject to change without prior notice. However the new package rates would be conveyed to the guest depending on the availability in the hotels.
• Air condition is allowed in the moving position of the cab provided and not in the standing position if it is more than 10 minutes for the above mentioned itinerary.
• One Child between 0 to 4 years is complimentary (without bed) after that each child between 0 to 4 years 50% of per person package cost without extra bed, child between 4 To 12 years will be charged 70% of the per person package cost with extra bed ( mattress ) sharing the same room with parents, beyond 12 years 100% per person package cost will be charged with extra bed (mattress) sharing the same room with parents and we request our guest to declare the actual age of the child at the time booking.
• Bariza Holidays reserves the right to change/modify/terminate the offer any time at its own discretion and without any prior notice. However the guests who have already booked their packages would be informed on time.