The Swiss Hotel
15/A Gandhi Road, Near Circuit House, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734101, India
More about Darjeeling
Photos
Tensing Norgay
Tea Tasting at Nathmulls
Peace Pagoda
Day 1 - Manebhangjang
Forum Posts
Any restrictions to travel to Darjeeling
by Ang2011
Hi, anyone would know if there are current restrictions or strikes in Darjeeling?and what are the options to travel from Varanasi to Darjeeling.any worthwhiile tours (which are not too expensive!)that goes from Varanasi or Bodhgaya?
Re: Any restrictions to travel to Darjeeling
by Donna_in_India
Hi - check www.makemytrip.com or www.cleartrip.com for packages (should be inexpensive). You may have to get to Bagdogra Airport on your own. You can fly via Delhi on Spice Jet, GoAir, Jet Airways, etc. Enjoy!
Re: Any restrictions to travel to Darjeeling
by lynnehamman
Hi
I am not sure about how much time you have available in India-
You might have a think about going to Darjeerling from Kolkata.
Kolkata is an overnight train trip from Varanasi, and then the Darjeerling Express goes north from Howrah Station in KOlkata.
Kolkata is a wonderfully interesting city- well worth a visit. My homepage has a KOlkata link.
Any restrictions to travel to Darjeeling
by anilpradhanshillong
1. There are no restrictions to travelling to Darjeeling.
2. Owing to the ongoing stir in support of Gorkhaland, a strike may be called any time by the Gorkha JanMukti Morcha (http://www.gorkhajanmuktimorcha.org/). You learn to live with this. However, they normally give adequate time to tourists to leave the hill station.
3. Like mentioned in the post above, try makemytrip.com for your railway ticket. The result I got are, you leave Varanasi at 3.30 pm and arrive New Jalpaiguri (NJP) the next day at 8.05 am.
Asr Dbrt Express - 5934 Varanasi to New Jalpaiguri
Varanasi Jn (BSB) a. 15:30 d. 15:40
Ghazipur City (GCT) a. 16:50 d. 16:55
Ballia (BUI) a. 18:00 d. 18:05
Chhapra (CPR) a. 20:30 d. 20:45
Desari (DES) a. 22:40 d. 22:42
Barauni Jn (BJU) a. 00:20 d. 00:30
Khagaria (KGG) a. 01:28 d. 01:30
Katihar Jn (KIR) a. 03:50 d. 04:10
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)a. 07:45 d. 08:05
4. From NJP, you'll get plenty of buses or taxis going to Darjeeling. It normally takes three and half hours. The roads are pretty bad. Had been to Gangtok during the Pujas just recently. Phew! The moonsoons have wrought havoc on these hill roads - whatever is left after the mighty Teesta river had taken her share.
5. Confirm your seat and the amount BEFORE you board the vehicle. Front seats in taxis are more comfortable.
Re: Any restrictions to travel to Darjeeling
by ashokSPB
Delhi is in opposite direction and so flying from there I donot recommend. For Darjeeling you have to drop at New jalpaiguri/Siliguri Rly stn. Take AC 3 Tier or 2 tier boggey. From New jalpaiguri/Siliguri Rly stn you can hire a van (Approx cost Rs 900) to darjeeling or can take a shared trekker (cost approx Rs 100). If train reservation is not available you can use Tatkal sewa of Railway (starts 2 days in advance from scheduled journey)for which Railways charge extra.
Currently no restrictions I find. Tours you better arrange at Darjeeling.
Re: Any restrictions to travel to Darjeeling
by Donna_in_India
Yes Ashok, thanks for correcting me. I meant fly via Kolkata, not Delhi!
Travel Tips for Darjeeling
Nepali dances-Chyabrung dance
by mantru
It is Limboo's traditional musical instrument. The dancers hang the 'Chyap-brungs' around their necks and beat the drum with an open palm on one side and with a stick on the other side. This maneuvers produces two different sounds. In this fashion, groups of Limboos or Subba men dance executing delicate and complicated footwork son the hypnotic beats of the Chyap-Brung. It is song less dance, which is only rhythmic music. In this age-old fold dance the Limboo dancers depict graceful movements of wild animals and birds.
Ava Art Gallery
by Donna_in_India
We were not familiar with the Ava Art Gallery prior to our trip. It was one of those places that your driver insists on taking you to although this time the stop was welcomed!
The gallery was started by the late Ava Devi in 1965. Ava is known as the "embroidery maestro" of Darjeeling. The gallery houses dozens of her works - some done by traditional methods of painting. But it is her hand embroidery ("thread" paintings) that you won't want to miss. Her embroidery work was very dark in color but you will appreciate her skill.
Among the paintings on display are "Still Strong" and "Torture", considered two of her best works.
Make a point to stop in while on your way to Ghoom or Tiger Hill. No photos inside.
The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
There is no entrance charge.
Toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom
by sachara
From Darjeeling you can take the toy-train for a short 7 KM ride to Ghoom. It takes one hour, costs 6 eurocent and brings a lot of fun. Spectacular on the track is the Bastasia Loop. The train makes here a whole circle for bridging the height. All passengers have to go out.
The toy-train is like a mascot for Darjeeling, In 1882 was the 90 KM extension of the Northern Bengal State Railway to Darjeeling completed. This 90 KM track climbs 2000 M in 9 hours. So if you like, you can make the whole track.Nowadays most people choose the fast way and go by car.
A Little Piece of Heaven in India
by Donna_in_India
Darjeeling (meaning place of the Thunderbolt) is located in the far northwestern corner of West Bengal. It's a hill station known as the "Queen of the Hills" and is surrounded by tea plantations. The town itself straddles a ridge over 6,000 feet high.
With the exception of nearby neighbors who come to escape the summer heat, most travellers don't seem to make it this far off the well-worn India travel route. I am so glad we did. Darjeeling is one of my favorite Indian cities. The air is crisp, the people are wonderful, the surroundings clean and green. The alpine scenery is stunning - with the star being Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. When the clouds play hide and seek with Kanchenjunga, it's almost mystical.
There is also something tranquil about Darjeeling. Maybe it comes from all the colorful monasteries or maybe it's the pace of life. Whatever it is, it's definitely a little piece of heaven in India!
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