How To Reach Tiger Hills
How to Reach Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill, perched majestically above Darjeeling, beckons travelers with the promise of a breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Witnessing the first rays of dawn paint the majestic Kanchenjunga range in a fiery glow is an experience etched forever in memory. But reaching this vantage point requires a little planning. This guide delves into everything you need to know to reach Tiger Hill, from travel modes and routes to insider tips for a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Way To Reach Tiger Hill Darjeeling
Tiger Hill is located 11 kilometers from Darjeeling, a charming hill station nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. To reach Darjeeling, you have three main options:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), approximately 67 kilometers from Darjeeling. Taxis and prepaid cabs are readily available at the airport to take you to your destination.
Train:
For a scenic journey, consider taking a train to either New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) or Siliguri Junction (SJL). Both stations are roughly 70 kilometers away from Darjeeling. From these stations, you can opt for a shared taxi, jeep, or pre-booked cab to reach Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique experience, but be prepared for limited schedules and potential delays.
By Road:
Darjeeling is well-connected by road to major cities in India. If you choose to drive, be aware of the winding mountain roads and potential for traffic congestion, especially during peak season.
Travel Modes to Tiger Hill:
Once in Darjeeling, several options exist to reach Tiger Hill:
Shared Jeep: This is the most economical option. Shared jeeps depart from various points in Darjeeling, like Chowrasta, Nehru Road, and Club Side Stand. However, these jeeps can get crowded, especially during peak season.
Taxi: Hiring a private taxi offers more flexibility and comfort. You can pre-book a taxi from your hotel or negotiate fares with drivers at taxi stands.
Walking (for the adventurous): For the truly adventurous and physically fit, reaching Tiger Hill on foot presents a unique opportunity to soak in the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. However, this is a challenging uphill climb, and starting early is crucial to reach the viewpoint in time for sunrise.
Distance and Travel Time:
The distance from Darjeeling to Tiger Hill is approximately 11 kilometers. Travel time can vary depending on the chosen mode of transport:
- Shared Jeep: 40-50 minutes
- Taxi: 30-40 minutes
- Walking: 2-3 hours (depending on fitness level)
Important Travel Tips:
Early Start: Sunrise is the main draw at Tiger Hill. To secure a good viewing spot and avoid crowds, aim to reach the viewpoint at least 30-45 minutes before sunrise. During peak season, even earlier arrival might be necessary.
Warm Clothing: Temperatures at Tiger Hill can be significantly cooler than Darjeeling, especially during early mornings. Pack warm clothes like jackets, scarves, and gloves.
Sturdy Shoes: Whether you choose to walk or explore the viewpoint on foot, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes with good grip for navigating uneven terrain.
Carry Essentials: Pack essentials like a camera with a charged battery, a torch or headlamp for navigating in the dark, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Respect the Environment: Tiger Hill is a popular tourist destination. Be responsible and dispose of waste properly to maintain the natural beauty of the place.
Beyond the Sunrise:
Apart from the sunrise spectacle, Tiger Hill offers other attractions:
Ghoom Monastery: Located near Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery is the second-highest Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling. It houses a fascinating collection of Buddhist artifacts and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich culture.
Yiga Choling Monastery: Another beautiful monastery located close by, Yiga Choling offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Tea Plantations: As you travel to Tiger Hill, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Darjeeling’s famous tea plantations. Consider taking a detour to explore a tea estate and learn about the process of tea
Best Seller Package in Darjeeling Package
- 7N/8D
Cheapest Darjeeling Tour Package for Honeymoon
(456)
- 3N/4D
Best Budget Sikkim Honeymoon Packages for Darjeeling from Delhi
(657)
Things To Do In Darjeeling
Explore More About Darjeeling
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.