The road trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling is best expressed as City of Joy to Queen of Hills journey. On this road trip, you get to see a panorama of beautiful tea gardens and many scenic Himalayan landscapes. This road trip is best for riders; they do enjoy it. You can also complete this road trip by car or cab. The cab facility from Kolkata to Darjeeling takes 17h 56m to reach. It is a 625 KM distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling by road.
Himalayan landscapes
Kolkata to Darjeeling itinerary is full of the most attractive views of the Himalaya. This is one of the best scenic drives in West Bengal. You will see such a landscape of the Himalayas to cover this trip from kolkata to darjeeling by road, which will definitely make you think, “If I have not seen this in my life, I have not seen anything.”. Darjeeling attracts tourists for its tea plantations, amazing sky, and breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains.
Best route from Kolkata to Darjeeling
This trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling by road is about 620 kilometers long NH12 takes you to Siliguri and then from Siliguri NH12 leaves you takes you to Darjeeling. This is the best route from Kolkata to Darjeeling. There are two possible stops before Siliguri. You can take stop on Krishnanagar and Kishanganj.
Off-beat spots on Kolkata to Darjeeling route
The most important factors in making the journey from Kolkata to Darjeeling special are some of the off-beat locations that come along during this journey. Traveling from Kolkata to Darjeeling provides an opportunity to visit some of the lesser-known locations along the way. These locations give excitement to Indian Wanderers and allow them to interact with local culture and historical memories. It is a suggestion to travelers that they should spend some of their time at these locations to carry unforgettable memories along. Major off-beat locations along this journey are:
Chandannagar
Chandannagar, a former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian culture, is about 35 kilometers from Kolkata during the trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling by road. Strand Road, the promenade along the Hooghly River, is a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll. The town carries a confluence of French culture and Indian culture. The architecture of French colonies attracts tourists from Kolkata to Darjeeling to explore Chandannagar.
Bandel
Bandel, another town in Hoogly District, carries the architecture from way before independence. This town is 52 km from Kolkata. A beautiful blend of Portuguese architecture and Bengali culture can be seen at Bandel. This town is famous for Bandel Church, built by the Portuguese way back in 1599. This place is good for picnics.
Shantiniketan
In 1901, Shantiniketan was established by Ravindra Nath Tagore. Although a little off the beaten path, Shantiniketan is a cultural hotspot founded by Rabindranath Tagore. It lies 152 north of Kolkata, and come during the trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling by road. The Visva-Bharati University and its tranquil surroundings make it an ideal destination for art and nature enthusiasts. The town carries the literary and artistic heritage of Rabindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose.
Mirik
Mirik, located near Darjeeling, is a picturesque town surrounded by tea gardens and orange orchards. Sumendu Lake in Mirik is a tranquil boating destination with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Samendu Lake is about 1.25 km long, and tourists get a pleasant view of mountains from Samendu Lake.
Kurseong
Kurseong is a charming hill station with its own distinct appeal. Darjeeling often overshadow Kurseong. The Eagle’s Crag viewpoint provides breathtaking views, while the Makaibari Tea Estate is an excellent place to learn about tea processing. Kurseong is also known as the ‘Land of White Orchids’. It is heaven for nature lovers. Kurseong has an amazing climate, beautiful hills, and waving green tea gardens that give tranquil feeling.
The best time to Visit
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from April to June. This time, the weather is very pleasant. The average temperature these days is 13°C to 19°C. The monsoon starts after June, which is going on to October. Winter is very cold here, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 9°C. It is better to avoid going here in the winter. The summers of darjeeling give you a tranquil experience.
Best way to Complete Kolkata to Darjeeling road trip
A road trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling is an exciting adventure that takes you through the heart of West Bengal, offering picturesque landscapes, winding mountain roads, and a refreshing change from the city’s hustle. You can cover distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling by Car as well as by Bike.
The most common route from Kolkata to Darjeeling is via NH12 and NH27, covering approximately 630 km and taking 14-16 hours. Major stops include Bardhaman, Malda, and Siliguri before you ascend the hills to Darjeeling.
Kolkata to Darjeeling by car
This trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling by Car is more comfortable. A car journey offers comfort and space for luggage, making it ideal for family trips. Start early to avoid city traffic and aim to reach Siliguri by evening. The major rest stops during the trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling by Car include Shaktigarh (for famous Bengali sweets) and Raiganj. Opt for an SUV for better control on hilly terrain. Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced, especially the brakes and tires. The climb from Siliguri to Darjeeling via Hill Cart Road offers breathtaking views but requires careful driving due to sharp curves.
Kolkata to Darjeeling by Bike
For bike enthusiasts, this journey is an adrenaline-filled experience. During your journey from Kolkata to Darjeeling by Bike you must have pack light and wear protective gear. The ideal bikes include Royal Enfield or Adventure Tourers for long distances. During the trip you should take break every 150 km to avoid fatigue. Remember to fuel up the bike at major towns and prepare for cooler weather as you approach the hills.
Whether you are covering this distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling by car or bike, this trip promises stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories.