To reach Darjeeling, a popular hill station in West Bengal, India, you have several transportation options. Here are the common ways to reach Darjeeling:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 68 kilometers away. You can take a flight to Bagdogra Airport from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, or Guwahati. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From New Jalpaiguri, you can take a toy train or hire a taxi to reach Darjeeling. The toy train is a popular and scenic option, but it takes longer compared to a taxi. The train journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes approximately 7-8 hours.
- By Road: Darjeeling is well-connected by road to nearby towns and cities. You can reach Darjeeling by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from places like Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, or Kolkata. The road journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. The route offers beautiful views of the mountains and tea gardens.
It’s important to note that Darjeeling is a hilly region with narrow and winding roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s advisable to carry appropriate medication. Additionally, it’s recommended to check the current weather conditions and road status before planning your journey, especially during the monsoon season when landslides can occur.
