Darjeeling’s tea gardens span over 17,500 hectares[1] and are just one aspect of its charm. Some of the world’s best teas are produced here. The misty mountains, rich local culture, and pleasant atmosphere of this community make it an excellent location for a quiet holiday. You’ll explore markets, savour local flavours, and enjoy stunning views.
Here’s what to expect when planning your Darjeeling vacation and how much it may cost:
1. Getting to Darjeeling
Whether you prefer to fly, take a train, or go by road, there are several ways to reach Darjeeling that suit various travel styles and budgets.
i. By air: The closest airport is Bagdogra, around 70 km. Depending on the destination, domestic flights to Bagdogra cost between ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 for a round trip.
ii. By train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the closest major railway station. A second-class ticket costs ₹400-₹600, and an AC train costs ₹1,500 to ₹3,000.
iii. Shared cabs/Private cabs: From either Bagdogra or NJP, you can take a cab up to Darjeeling. The Darjeeling trip cost for a couple will be around ₹300-₹500. A private cab can cost between ₹2,500 to ₹3,000.
2. Accommodation costs in Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:
i. Budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 a night.
ii. Mid-range hotels offer more fabulous amenities and might cost between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per night.
iii. Darjeeling’s luxury hotels and resorts range in price from ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 per night, with majestic views and expensive amenities.
3. Food Expenses
For every taste and budget, Darjeeling has food options from casual snacks to refined restaurant meals.
i. Street food and local eateries: You can try street foods, including momos, thukpa, and aloo dum, that cost ₹20-₹50 per serving. Meals in local eateries will cost ₹100-₹200 per meal.
ii. Restaurants: Mid-range restaurants charge a mean Rs.300 – Rs.500. A proper breakfast in a café could cost around Rs.150 – Rs.250.
iii. High-class dining: Luxury hotels could charge ₹1,000-₹1,500 as part of your Darjeeling tour cost per head for a touch of indulgence during your stay.
4. Local Transport
Getting around Darjeeling is easy, thanks to various transport options that cater to various needs and budgets.
i. Jeeps and taxis to share: Darjeeling is compact, so taxis or shared jeeps are convenient for short distances. Shared jeeps run about ₹10-₹50, depending upon the route.
ii. Toy train: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is also called the Toy Train. It offers scenic rides and fares between ₹800 and ₹1,200 for the 2-hour joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum.
iii. Private rentals: Car or bike rental is also available. Daily car rentals range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, while bike rentals range from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
5. Sightseeing and Entry Fees
Darjeeling boasts a variety of stunning attractions, many of which are affordable or free to explore.
i. Tiger Hill: Though there is no entry fee, reaching the spot early in the morning by shared taxi costs ₹200-₹300 per person.
ii. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: The entry fee is around ₹60 from the Darjeeling trip cost per person.
iii. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI): The entry charge is ₹40.
iv. Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple: Free of cost entry.
v. Happy Valley Tea Estate: The plantation visit is free; however, a guided Darjeeling trip cost will be ₹100.
vi. Batasia Loop: The entry fee is ₹20, which allows you to view some of the war memorials and stunning views.
Sightseeing costs, including transport and entry fees, would likely add up to ₹800-₹1,500 over a few days.
6. Shopping and Souvenirs
Souvenirs, woollen goods, tea, and handicrafts are all well-known in Darjeeling.
i. Quality tea packs range in price from ₹200 to ₹500.
ii. You would need ₹500-₹1,000 from your Darjeeling trip budget for souvenirs, including prayer flags, trinkets, and woollen items.
7. Optional Activities
If you’re looking to add some adventure or unique experiences to your Darjeeling trip, there are plenty of optional activities to choose from:
i.Paragliding: This can be done near Darjeeling at places like Kalimpong. This costs between ₹3,000 – ₹5,000.
ii.Rock climbing/Outdoor sports: HMI conducts rock climbing and mountaineering courses, with a base price of ₹1,000 for an introductory experience.
iii.Tea tasting: For the experience of tea-tasting, some tea estates offer between ₹100 and ₹300.
For the activities and experiences, you would like to do depending on your area of interest, spend about ₹1,000-₹5,000.
8. Emergency and other Costs
Unexpected expenses will arise, like medicine, toiletries, or little treats. Yet another ₹500-₹1,000 is a good cushion for the unknown needs.
Sample Budget for a Four-day Darjeeling Tour Cost
Expense Type
Cost Estimate (₹) – Budget
Cost Estimate (₹) – Comfortable
Transportation (Roundtrip)
₹4,000 – ₹5,500
₹7,000 – ₹9,000
Accommodation
₹3,200 – ₹6,000
₹8,000 – ₹16,000
Food
₹1,500 – ₹2,500
₹4,000 – ₹5,000
Local Transport & Toy Train
₹1,500 – ₹2,500
₹2,500 – ₹4,000
Sightseeing & Entry Fees
₹800 – ₹1,500
₹1,500 – ₹2,500
Shopping & Souvenirs
₹500 – ₹1,000
₹1,500 – ₹2,000
Optional Activities
₹0 – ₹1,000
₹2,000 – ₹5,000
Emergency & Miscellaneous
₹500 – ₹1,000
₹1,000 – ₹1,500
Total Cost
₹12,000 – ₹20,000
₹27,000 – ₹45,000
Budget Tips for Darjeeling
Traveling to Darjeeling doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a few smart choices, you can enjoy it without overspending:
i. To reduce transportation costs, consider shared transportation options like taxis or jeeps.
ii. Choose budget guesthouses or homestays that provide minimal amenities at affordable costs.
iii. Avoid tourist traps when shopping. Local marketplaces like Chowk Bazaar offer a greater selection and better deals on goods.
iv. Try street food and neighbourhood cafés to save money on your meals.
v. Plan and bundle tourist trips to save on transportation expenditures.
Conclusion
Whether on a tight budget or seeking to spend, a well-planned vacation to Darjeeling may be cost-effective and unforgettable. Tata Capital provides flexible loans for travel to help make your trip dreams come true. Visit the Tata Capital website and download the app to learn more about specialised financing choices, budget planning, and getting one step closer to your dream
11 December 2024
5 mins read
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