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Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” Darjeeling is a particularly attractive hill station situated in West Bengal, India’s lesser Himalayas. Its large and magnificent tea estates, fantastic mountain views, and world-class Darjeeling Himalayan Railway have made it among the most visited sites. Although Darjeeling has plenty to draw one in, getting to Darjeeling by air could involve some preparation and understanding of choices. This comprehensive guide will teach you about the airports in Darjeeling and how to get there for hassle-free travel.
Location
Photo: Aranya449 / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, India, perched at an elevation of 2,042 meters (6,700 feet) above sea level. The town is located approximately 600 kilometres north of Kolkata and about 80 kilometres north of Siliguri, the nearest major city. Its strategic position in the Himalayas offers visitors stunning views of the Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain peak, creating a backdrop of unparalleled beauty.
How To Reach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re searching for domestic or international airports in Darjeeling, you must know that there are none. Thus, you have to get there through a combination of modes of travel. Reaching Here are the primary options:
By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, located about 94 kilometres away in the plains of Siliguri.
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railway station, situated approximately 80 kilometres from Darjeeling. The famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a scenic narrow-gauge train journey from NJP to Darjeeling.
By Road: Well-maintained roads connect Darjeeling to major cities in the region. Shared jeeps and buses are readily available from Siliguri to Darjeeling, offering a cost-effective option for budget travellers.
Airports Near Darjeeling
Here’s a list of airports near Darjeeling so that you can have a variety of options to choose from at your convenience when you plan your trip to Darjeeling:
1. Bagdogra Airport
Photo: Abymac / Wikimedia Commons
Bagdogra Airport, established in 1950, is the primary gateway for travellers to Darjeeling and surrounding areas. Located in Siliguri, West Bengal, approximately 94 kilometres from Darjeeling, it serves as a crucial link for the entire region. This is one of the popular airports to reach Darjeeling and has undergone significant expansions to accommodate increasing tourist traffic. Thus, making it the preferred choice for tourists travelling to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and North Bengal. Its strategic location at the foothills of the Himalayas offers travellers their first glimpse of the mountainous terrain.
Airlines Operating: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and GoFirst
Connections: Major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai
Facilities: Restaurants, lounges, duty-free shops, car rentals, and prepaid taxi services
Timings: Operational 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A (standard airport security procedures apply)
2. Pakyong Airport
Photo: VishuN / Wikimedia Commons
Pakyong Airport, inaugurated in 2018, serves as Sikkim’s primary airport and is situated about 124 kilometres from Darjeeling. Positioned at 4,500 feet above sea level, it offers unique aerial views of the Himalayas. Despite its scenic beauty, the airport faces operational constraints due to weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season, which can disrupt flights. SpiceJet is the sole carrier currently servicing the airport, with routes connecting to Delhi and Kolkata. However, it can be used as a stop during suitable weather conditions for a convenient trip to Darjeeling.
Airlines Operating: SpiceJet Connections: Delhi and Kolkata
Facilities: Cafeteria and taxi services
Timings: Daylight hours, weather permitting
Entry Fee: N/A (standard airport security procedures apply)
Where To Stay
Photo: Mr. Debapriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While there are no airports in Darjeeling, the place has a diverse range of accommodation options for all budgets. Luxury seekers can enjoy the colonial charm of the Windamere Hotel or the opulent rooms and Kanchenjunga views at Mayfair Darjeeling. Mid-range travellers find value in The Elgin’s Victorian elegance or the comfortable rooms and stunning vistas at the Dekeling Hotel.
Budget-conscious visitors can opt for clean, cosy stays at the Revolver Hotel, Bellevue Hotel or other Darjeeling hotels, offering lower prices and featuring in-house restaurants, Wi-Fi, and mountain views. Many also provide additional services like local tour arrangements and transportation assistance, ensuring a memorable stay for all guests in this picturesque hill station
Where To Eat
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Darjeeling’s culinary scene blends Nepali, Tibetan, and British influences, offering unique gastronomic experiences. Glenary’s, a local institution, houses a bakery, restaurant, and pub under one roof, famous for its sausages and baked goods. For authentic Tibetan fare, Kunga Restaurant is the go-to place as it serves delectable momos and thukpa. Keventer’s, an old-world café, is known for hearty English breakfasts and creamy milkshakes. Tea enthusiasts should visit Nathmull’s Tea Room for a wide variety of local teas. The Park Restaurant at Mayfair Resort offers fine dining with Kanchenjunga views. These eateries not only satisfy hunger but also provide a taste of Darjeeling’s diverse cultural heritage.
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Having no airports in Darjeeling speaks much about this hilly terrain, thus you must plan your trip keeping in mind the climate changes of the place. The best time to visit Darjeeling is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), offering pleasant weather and clear mountain views. Spring brings the added charm of blooming rhododendrons.
Summer (June-August) can be crowded but allows visitors to witness the tea harvest. Monsoons (July-September) turn the landscape lush green but may cause travel disruptions. Winter (December-February) brings cold weather and occasional snowfall, with many tourist spots closed. However, it offers the clearest views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Each season in Darjeeling has its unique appeal, catering to different preferences and creating varied experiences for visitors throughout the year.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
A week-long trip to Darjeeling can cost anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹45,000 per person, depending on your choice of accommodation, activities, and mode of travel. This estimate includes flights, lodging, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing.
Tips For Travellers
- Book flights to Bagdogra Airport well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Consider taking the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway “Toy Train” for a unique experience.
- Pack warm clothes, as evenings can be chilly even in summer.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a tea estate and sample the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
- Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center to support local artisans and learn about Tibetan culture.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and religious sites.
- Be prepared for occasional rain showers, even outside the monsoon season.
- Hire a local guide for trekking to ensure safety and to learn about the local flora and fauna.
- Carry cash, as ATMs can be unreliable in remote areas.
- Allow time for acclimatisation to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
While there are no airports in Darjeeling, reaching the hill station by air has become increasingly convenient with improved connectivity to the nearby airports. The journey from the airport to Darjeeling is an experience in itself, offering a preview of the natural beauty that awaits. For a trip to Darjeeling, consider booking with TripXL. Let us handle the details while you focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Cover Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
