Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Darjeeling

• Morning: Arrive in Darjeeling. The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport (about 70 km from Darjeeling), and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From there, take a cab or the famous Toy Train to reach Darjeeling.

• Afternoon: Check-in at your hotel and freshen up.

  • Chowrasta and Mall Road: Start your exploration with a leisurely walk along Chowrasta, the town's central square, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. Mall Road is lined with shops, cafes, and local boutiques.

  • St. Andrew's Church: Visit this old colonial church, which adds to the charm of the town.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea at one of the local cafes such as Glenary's or Keventers.
  • Explore the local market for souvenirs like woollens, shawls, and tea.

Day 2: Exploring Darjeeling’s Iconic Spots

• Early Morning:

  • Tiger Hill: Start the day early to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, which offers panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga (the third-highest peak in the world). You’ll also see the sunrise glow on the snow-capped peaks.

• Breakfast: Head back to the town for breakfast after sunrise.

• Morning:

  • Batasia Loop: A few kilometers from Darjeeling, visit the Batasia Loop, an engineering marvel of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Here, you can enjoy both the beauty of the hills and the historical significance of the train track.

  • War Memorial: Located at the Batasia Loop, the memorial honors soldiers who fought in World War I and II. The surrounding gardens offer spectacular views of the town.

  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): If you didn’t take the Toy Train from NJP, you can take a short joy ride around Darjeeling to appreciate its colonial charm and scenic views.

• Afternoon:

  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Explore this famous zoo that houses rare species like the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan wolf.

  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Located next to the zoo, this institute honors India's mountaineering history. It also houses an interesting museum that showcases mountaineering equipment and memorabilia.

  • Tea Gardens: Visit one of Darjeeling's iconic tea estates, such as Happy Valley Tea Estate, to see how the famous Darjeeling tea is grown and processed. Don’t miss the chance to taste fresh tea.

• Evening:

  • Head to Darjeeling’s Mall Road for some more shopping or enjoy a relaxed evening with a cup of tea and views of the setting sun.

Day 3: Day Trip to Nearby Areas

• Morning:

  • Mirik Lake: Around 50 km from Darjeeling, Mirik is a small town known for its serene Mirik Lake surrounded by pine forests and tea gardens. You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride here and enjoy the natural beauty.

  • Senchal Lake: Alternatively, visit Senchal Lake and its beautiful surroundings for a tranquil getaway.

• Afternoon:

  • If you prefer a more cultural excursion, visit Dali Monastery (also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery) near Darjeeling, one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

  • Peace Pagoda: Another great spot to visit is the Peace Pagoda located on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hills. It offers both spiritual solace and stunning views of Darjeeling and the surrounding landscape.

• Evening:

  • Return to Darjeeling for your last evening. Enjoy a relaxed meal at a local restaurant such as The Park or Tumling. You can also do a final round of shopping at the local markets.

Bonus Tips for Your Darjeeling Trip:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Darjeeling is between March to June (summer) and September to November (autumn). Winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly.
• Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, so carry warm clothes even in summer, as it can get cold at night.
• Transportation: In Darjeeling, taxis are the primary mode of transport, but walking around the hill station is often the best way to explore.

This 3-day itinerary provides a balanced experience of nature, culture, and colonial history, giving you the full essence of Darjeeling!