Darjeeling Tour Guide for Families: Tea Gardens, Toy Train & Smart Travel Tips

With its picturesque tea estates and heritage toy train, Darjeeling is a perfect location for a family vacation. This hill station in the northeast is a great place to get away from the stress of everyday life. We strongly suggest that you book a tour package to Darjeeling. But it can be overwhelming to plan a family trip here, because of its unpredictable weather.

To ease your stress, Musafir Baba has brought in a comprehensive Darjeeling tour guide that covers everything you need to know before you book your trip to this beautiful hill station.

Where Is Darjeeling Located?

Darjeeling is tucked in the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal and is about 6,700 feet above sea level. It's also a melting pot of different cultures as it lies close to the borders of Sikkim, Nepal and Bangladesh.

How to Reach Darjeeling?

Although there are no direct flights to Darjeeling, travellers can book flights to Bagdogra Airport, which is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Guwahati.

In case you are on a trip to the North-East, you should also visit Darjeeling to complete the circuit. Most travellers reach Darjeeling from Siliguri, which is only around 70 km away. You can cover the distance from Siliguri to Darjeeling via the famous Darjeeling Himalayan toy train or the scenic Hill Cart Road. Although the Rohini Road is a faster and smoother route.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Darjeeling?

Autumn is probably the best time to visit Darjeeling. In the months of October and November, you can enjoy clear mountain views and the weather is especially suitable for families and photography enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the spring season allows you to see the blooming rhododendrons. The pleasant temperatures between 10°C and 15°C also make up for a perfect weather to take your kids outdoors for sightseeing.

If you are travelling between May and June, you can expect mild showers and light mist, offering a relief from the summer heat in most other parts of the country. This also makes it a top tourist spot for summer vacation in India. It is the ideal time to see the tea gardens and take the toy train.

In case you have a really young baby, you should avoid the Darjeeling winters because the temperature often drops to 2°C to 3°C at night. Besides, it goes without saying that you should avoid visiting the North-East during its peak monsoon.

Top 7 Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Once you have figured out the basics, it is time to craft a Darjeeling itinerary for a truly memorable trip. A family-friendly Darjeeling tour package should cover the following spots:

1. Tiger Hill

Even if you are not an early bird, if you are in Darjeeling, you should see the stunning sunrise at Tiger Hill. Waking up early will feel completely worth it when you see the first golden rays hitting the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga. On a clear day, you may also spot the Mount Everest.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the iconic toy train is one of the major highlights of a Darjeeling tour package. Running since 1881, this narrow-gauge train passes through steep hills, misty forests, local markets and tiny mountain villages, The short ride on the toy train from Darjeeling to Ghum is especially a hit with families and kids.

3. Batasia Loop

On the toy train ride, you will also come across the Batasia Loop. An engineering marvel, Batasia Loop was designed to help the toy train navigate a sharp fall in altitude. As the train makes a full spiral turn, travellers are greeted with the panoramic views of Darjeeling as well as the majestic Kanchenjunga range. There is also a War Memorial in the middle of the loop that honours the Gorkha soldiers who gave their lives for their country.      

4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Home to some of the rarest Himalayan species, including the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf and Himalayan Black Bear, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the located at the highest altitude among all zoos in India. It is a must-visit spot if you are travelling with children, who are the most excited to see rescued animals and educational exhibits that explain their natural habitats.

5. Happy Valley Tea Estate

The Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most beautiful tea gardens in Darjeeling. It gives you a taste of the world of aromatic Darjeeling tea. Visitors to the estate can take a guided tour of the tea gardens, where they can watch workers pick tea leaves, learn how to process tea, and taste fresh Darjeeling   

6. Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda was built to encourage peace and harmony between different cultures. It is on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill and has a white stupa that gives you a panoramic view of the mountains around it. People also like the golden Buddha statues and the carved panels that illustrate important events from Lord Buddha’s life.

7. Chowrasta Mall Road

Whether you are travelling with your friends or family, Chowrasta Mall Road has something for everyone. You can enjoy an evening stroll with your partner, while kid can enjoy horse riding. Besides the view of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the area is also lined with cafés, bookshops and local boutiques and Tibetan artefact shops, where you can buy handcrafted souvenirs to remember your Darjeeling trip.

Travel Tips for A Smooth Darjeeling Trip

Travelling with family always needs a little extra planning. Here are essential tips that can make your hill holiday stress-free:

Prepare for Unpredictable Weather

You should carry light woollen clothes even in summer months and heavier jackets if you are travelling between October and February.

Book the Toy Train in Advance

Tickets for the Darjeeling Toy Train quickly sell out during the peak season, especially for the Darjeeling–Ghum route. So, you should book tickets in advance to avert any last-minute spoilers.

Keep Motion Sickness Medicine Handy

If you usually face motion sickness on road trips, uphill drive to Darjeeling with sharp curves can cause immense nausea. We strongly recommend keeping a medicine for motion sickness if you are travelling to the city for the first time.

Start Your Day Early

To make the most out of your destinations, you should start your day early as most tourist spots get crowded after 11 am. Early mornings are also ideal to catch sunrise from its scenic points like Tiger Hill.

Walk Where You Can

Narrow roads in Darjeeling often cause traffic jams. Walking short distances will save you a lot of time and also allow you sneak peaks into the real hill life.

Best Family Resorts in Darjeeling

Families travelling with kids need comfortable stays with good views and accessible locations. Some of the best family-friendly resorts include Mayfair Darjeeling, Cedar Inn, Windamere Hotel and Summit Grace Hotel & Spa. With Musafir Baba, you can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, based on your budget and priorities.

Make Your Darjeeling Trip Count

Darjeeling is a rare hill station that never feels old. It is a perfect place to spend quality team with your family and enjoy a serene holiday.

At Musafir Baba, we make sure travellers get to experience Darjeeling in a way that they will remember it for a lifetime. With the right Darjeeling tour package, smart travel planning and a customised itinerary, your family can enjoy one of the most wholesome vacations in the Darjeeling hills.