How To Reach Tea Garden
How to Tea Gardens in Darjeeling
Planning a visit to a tea garden offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the serenity of nature and witness the captivating process of tea cultivation. This detailed guide will provide comprehensive information on how to reach a tea garden, including routes, travel modes, distances, travel times, and valuable travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
There are about 80 Tea Gardens that you can visit to learn about the tea varieties in Darjeeling. While you visit the Tea Gardens, you will learn about the history of how it all started. Every tea garden in Darjeeling has a story, which seems pleasurable when you sip the tea and listen to it.
Choosing Your Route to Reach Tea Garden
Darjeeling, nestled in the state of West Bengal, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The most convenient option depends on your origin point, budget, and travel preferences.
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located approximately 95 km from Darjeeling.
Connectivity: Regular flights connect Bagdogra to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati.
Onward Journey: Upon arrival at Bagdogra, you can hire taxis or prepaid cabs to reach Darjeeling. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, traversing scenic mountain roads.
By Rail:
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), a major rail junction around 88 km from Darjeeling.
Connectivity: New Jalpaiguri offers excellent rail connectivity to various Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
Onward Journey: From NJP, you have several options to reach Darjeeling:
Shared Taxis/Cabs: These offer a budget-friendly option, but can be crowded.
Private Taxis/Cabs: More comfortable and convenient, but costlier.
By Road:
Road Network: Darjeeling is accessible by road from major cities like Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Gangtok.
Distance and Time: Distances can vary depending on the starting point. The journey from Siliguri is around 100 km (4-5 hours), while Kalimpong is 51 km (2-3 hours) away.
Considerations: Road conditions can be challenging, with steep climbs and winding turns. Factor in potential delays due to traffic or landslides.
Travel Tips:
Booking Flights/Trains: Book your air tickets or train reservations well in advance, especially during peak season (March-May, October-November).
Shared Taxis: If opting for shared taxis, negotiate the fare beforehand.
DHR Bookings: DHR tickets can be booked online or at the station. Seats get filled quickly, so book in advance, especially during holidays.
Road Travel: Consider hiring an experienced driver familiar with the mountain roads.
Unveiling the Tea Trail: Exploring Darjeeling’s Tea Gardens
Once you reach Darjeeling, the real adventure begins! Here’s how to navigate your way to the tea gardens:
Location of Tea Gardens:
Many tea estates are located on the outskirts of Darjeeling town, nestled amidst the hills. Popular ones include Makaibari Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and Puttabong Tea Estate.
Reaching the Tea Gardens:
Several options exist:
Taxi/Cab: This is the most convenient option, allowing you to directly reach the estate entrance.
Local Buses: Budget-friendly, but routes might not directly serve all estates.
Walking/Cycling: For the adventurous, some estates are accessible by scenic walks or bicycle rides through the hills (check with the estate for feasibility).
Travel Tips:
- Contacting Tea Estates: Many tea estates offer factory tours and/or tea tasting sessions. Contact the estate directly to inquire about timings, booking procedures, and any associated fees.
- Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you might be walking through the gardens. Light rain gear is also a good idea considering the mountain climate.
Don’t miss immersing yourself in the Darjeeling Tea Experience by witness the entire tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to final packaging. Learn about the different types of Darjeeling tea, the meticulous techniques involved, and the factors that contribute to its unique flavor.
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By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is approximately 40 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling.
By Train: The nearest major railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling.
By Road:
- From Bagdogra (Airport): Taxis and cabs are readily available at Bagdogra Airport. You can also book a pre-paid taxi or opt for shared cabs.
- From New Jalpaiguri (NJP): Taxis and shared cabs are available at NJP for the journey to Darjeeling.
- Self-Drive: You can rent a car and drive to Darjeeling from nearby cities. The roads are generally well-maintained.
By Bus:
- Public Buses: Regular state-run and private buses operate from Siliguri (close to NJP and Bagdogra) to Darjeeling. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
- Private Taxis and Cabs: You can hire a private taxi or cab to travel from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
By Toy Train: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular way to reach Darjeeling. It starts from Siliguri and takes a scenic route up to Darjeeling. The toy train ride is a unique and memorable experience.
By Helicopter: There are helicopter services available from Bagdogra to Darjeeling, providing a quicker and more scenic mode of transport.
Darjeeling is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are:
Spring (March to May):
Weather:
Spring brings pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C during the day. The tea gardens are lush and in full bloom, creating a vibrant landscape.
Autumn (October to November):
Weather:
Autumn offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures between 10°C to 20°C during the day. This season provides excellent visibility for enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.
You just need to choose your Package and come to Bagdogra rest will be handled by Etripto.in.
If you are coming through Train then you need to reach NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station).If you are coming through flight then you can come to Bagdogra Airport.
You want to visit then September to June will be the proper time to visit Darjeeling.If you want to avoid high cost then don’t come in holiday dates.
You can explore Darjeeling Zoo, Ropeway,Tea Garden,Himalayan Mountaineer Institute and Tigerhills.
To visit Darjeeling 4 Days 3 Nights is the best plan in which you can explore Zoo,Tea Garden,Mountaineer Institute, Lamahata and Tinchuly.
Darjeeling is 85 Km away from Njp and it takes 6 hours to reach Darjeeling.
In Darjeeling you wont get snow rather you can get snow in Sikkim.
- Darjeeling is known as the “Champagne of Teas” due to its unique and exquisite flavor profile.
- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest functioning steam engines in the world.
- Darjeeling is home to the highest tea estate in the world, the Thurbo Tea Estate, situated at an elevation of about 6,800 feet.
- The region’s climate and altitude contribute to the distinctive taste and aroma of Darjeeling tea, which is prized by tea connoisseurs globally.
- Darjeeling has breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas, making it a popular destination for tourists and trekkers.
- The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese monks, is one of the 30 Peace Pagodas around the world and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is dedicated to the conservation of endangered Himalayan species like the red panda and snow leopard.
- Darjeeling’s diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its population, which includes a blend of Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutia, and Bengali communities.
- The Darjeeling Ropeway, one of the oldest cable cars in India, provides stunning aerial views of the valley and the Himalayan peaks.
- Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two men to reach Mount Everest’s summit in 1953, was born and raised in Darjeeling.