West Bengal’s enchanting city Siliguri offers the best access to Eastern Himalayan hill station Darjeeling. With the convenience of a reliable car fare from Jalpaiguri to Siliguri, which takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes, you will be on an incredibly scenic drive with several stopovers.
Travellers seeking beautiful mountain scenery, refreshing mountain breezes, and the scent of freshly brewed tea will find bliss in Queen of Hills Darjeeling, which is tucked away in the verdant Himalayan foothills. With advice on routes, modes of transportation, and the greatest places to stop along the way, this book will help you get the most out of your trip from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
Overview of the Journey
The trip from Siliguri to Darjeeling is about 63 km. Although the distance may appear small, depending on your transportation, the trip usually takes three due to the beautiful scenery and twisting mountain roads. You may feel like taking a few breaks and relishing the breathtaking landscape on this journey.
Transport Options from Siliguri to Darjeeling
By Car
The most practical and pleasant mode of transportation is using a cab or renting a private vehicle. You have a choice between:
- Shared taxis are accessible and reasonably priced at the NJP, Bagdogra Airport, or Siliguri Junction train stations.
- For families or groups seeking a more individualized experience, private cars in Siliguri are perfect for their Darjeeling trip with ease.
By Train
The renowned "Toy Train," also called the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), is a once-in-a-lifetime event to enjoy on the trip and use as a means of transport. You have plenty of time to take in the scenery as the train moves slowly from its starting point in New Jalpaiguri (NJP). If you travel by train, NJP is the nearest railway network, and right outside the junction, you’ll see many cab rental options available for Darjeeling.
By Bus
Between Siliguri to Darjeeling, there are both commercial and state-run buses, making transfers easy and budget-friendly. Even though they are less expensive, they are not as comfortable as shared taxis or private taxis, particularly on curvy mountain routes with no stopovers like a rental car provides.
Well-traveled Paths
The most popular route from Siliguri to Darjeeling - Siliguri City — Rohini Tea Garden — Kurseong — BamanDhuraForest — Sonada — Darjeeling.
The Hill Cart Road
One of the most popular and picturesque paths is this one, and it goes through:
Kurseong: A charming hill town known for its colonial beauty and tea plantations.
Ghum: The location of India's tallest railway station.
The Rohini Road
This is an alternate path that provides ease of transfer from Siliguri to Darjeeling. This route offers breathtaking vistas of the tea gardens and adjacent valleys.
The Pankhabari Road
- Despite being less used, this steep and twisting trail remains exciting. It is best suited for highly experienced drivers or motorcycle riders.
- Avail of budget car fare from Siliguri to Darjeeling at SuvidhaaAapki, offering car rentals with compete tour packages.
Stopovers to Enjoy On Your Siliguri to Darjeeling Journey
Kurseong
Kurseong, often called the "Land of White Orchids," is a great area to take a break, and quickly relish the beauty of Eagle's Crag Perspective, The Makaibari, Tea Estate, etc.
Rohini Park
An excellent place for a day picnic or refreshing break on the way.
Rintong Tea Garden
About 16 kilometers from Darjeeling town, on the hills of Sonada, sits the scenic Ringtong Tea Garden, located in the Sukhiapokhri, Jorbunglow division.
Advice for a Stress-Free Trip from Siliguri to Darjeeling
- This is a handy guide to tips for your Siliguri to Darjeeling holiday.
- To maximize daylight hours and avoid traffic, depart early in the morning in Siliguri.
- Due to the weather unpredictability of Darjeeling's weather, bring warm clothing even in the summer. Do carry some warm clothes even in summers and monsoons with an umbrella and raingear.
- Drink enough water on your Darjeeling trip. Since the trip entails a considerable elevation climb, drink an adequate amount of water to stay well-hydrated on the Darjeeling tour.
To prevent last-minute problems, make your reservations in advance whether you're renting a private car. Book your accommodations in Darjeeling in advance so that you get the best choices as per your budget and preference.
- Don’t forget to carry first aid medicines and reusable water bottles.
- Having some snacks on hand on your Darjeeling tour is usually a smart idea, even if there are many restaurants along the road.
Let this adventure fill with the genuine charm of Easter Himalayan beauty accompanied by comfort, convenience, and safety. Beautiful scenery, quaint stopovers, and cultural encounters abound on this journey will enrich your travel experience to Darjeeling from Siliguri with the best car rental in Siliguri City.