There’s something about a trip to Darjeeling that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a postcard. The crisp mountain air, rolling tea estates, and that first sight of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga—it’s pure magic. Now, imagine experiencing all of this through the eyes of your little explorer. If you’re planning a trip with kids, buckle up for an unforgettable 3-day adventure to Darjeeling, packed with excitement, coziness, and (of course) endless family fun.
But first, head over to our blog to read about the 7 Best Tips to Plan a Kid-Friendly Itinerary, so that you can customize the plan to suit yourself!
Day 1: The Journey to the Hills Begins!
It’s 6 a.m., and your little one is tugging at your arm, ready for an adventure. You grab your bags, do a last-minute snack check (always pack snacks!), and set off for Train Station or the Airport—depending on how you want to travel.
Option 1: Train Adventure to Darjeeling
If you’ve chosen the train, you’re in for a nostalgic experience. The overnight Darjeeling Mail pulls out of the station as your child’s eyes widen at the idea of a “sleeping train.” It’s a comfortable ride, and soon enough, the rhythmic sound of the rails has lulled your child to sleep, leaving you to dream of misty mountains.
The next morning, you arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station, and the real fun begins. Opt for the Toy Train if you’re up for a 6-hour journey of winding tracks through green hills. Sure, it’s slow, but watching your little one’s face light up as the train whistles through tunnels? Totally worth it.
Option 2: Fly to Bagdogra
For those looking to save time (and possibly their sanity), flying is a great option. A short 1.5-hour flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra means less “are we there yet?” and more excitement as your child presses their face against the window, pointing at the fluffy clouds. Once you land, it’s a 3-hour scenic drive up the mountain to Darjeeling. The roads twist and turn, and you may need to distract the kids with a game of “I spy”—but once you catch that first glimpse of tea gardens and misty hills, the whole family is hooked.
Checking In: Cozy Family Nest
By mid-afternoon, you’re in Darjeeling, and it’s time to check into your hotel. Whether you’ve chosen the Golden Orchid for its homey vibe, Dekeling for the mountain views, Bellevue for a heritage stay or the splurge-worthy Windermere, you’ll be grateful for the comfortable beds and warm blankets. Your little one will likely want to bounce on the bed before you head out to explore.
We stayed in The Bellevue Hotel for that taste of pinewooded floors and vintage ambience, alongwith the vicinity to Mall Road, our second home in Darjeeling. Little A could hardly contain her excitement to see the huge room, where she could run free like the horses in the Mall! After checking in, we relaxed for a bit before heading out to catch the evening hustle of the Mall, before turning in to catch a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: Tea, Trains, and Treasures
Rise and shine! It’s your first full day in Darjeeling, and the mountains are calling. But first, breakfast—momos, anyone? Kids love these delicious dumplings, and honestly, you won’t be able to get enough of them either.
Morning: Sunrise at Tiger Hill
While we opted out of this experience, considering the extreme winters and toddler at hand, Tiger Hill is a quintessential experience of Darjeeling. If you’re up for it, wake your little one in the early hours (if they’re an early riser, this is easy!) and bundle them up for a trip to Tiger Hill. The car ride is silent, but the excitement builds as the dark skies slowly turn pink. And then, as the sun breaks the horizon, there it is—Kanchenjunga, glowing gold in the dawn light. Your child’s sleepy eyes go wide, and for a few moments, the whole family is mesmerized by the view. Totally worth the chilly wake-up call.
Pro Tip: Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or warm milk to keep the little one cozy during this sunrise adventure. Layer them up with thermals, gloves, and a hat—it gets cold up there!
Though we skipped traveling to Tiger Hill, we did catch some unforgettably gorgeous sunrise at the Sunrise Point behind the Mall Road, near the Governor House. Our kid was left speechless, eyes wide in awe and wonder.
Mid-Morning: A Journey to Ghoom
After the sunrise, head back for a quick breakfast, then it’s time for a ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train. It’s a short joyride from Darjeeling to Ghoom, through Batasia Loop but trust me, your child’s excitement as the train chugs along is infectious. They’ll love leaning out the windows (under your watchful eye, of course!) and waving to locals as the train meanders through the mountains.
When in Ghoom, visit the tiny but well-decorated Ghoom Railway Museum. It’s a kid-friendly open-air museum, and if your child is anything like ours, they will LOVE it!
Look forward to a detailed blog on the Darjeeling Toy Train Ride experience shortly!
From the station, take a share ride up to the Ghoom Monastery. The monastery was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside the premises, sits the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha, but that’s not all… the monastery also has an extensive collection of invaluable manuscripts that include the 108-volume Kangyur – supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself. The interior walls are a fantastic representation of Tibetan art.
Afternoon: Up, Close, and Personal with the Himalayas
One of the most sought-after spot in Darjeeling, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (also called the Darjeeling Zoo) is a world on its own. Walk through the different zones to view and wave at the Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Blue Sheep, Sambhar Deer, Siberian Tigers, and much more. You cannot get closer to the mountain fauna than in here. The showstopper for us was the Asiatic Black Bear who interacted with the visitors with much pomp and show!
Just next to the zoo, an unmissable sight is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Founded long back in 1954 by PM Nehru, this massive institute is a curation of all the attempts made to embrace the magestic peaks of Himalayas, including the first conquer of Mt. Everest, by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. If there was one thing we felt after walking through this institute, it was humility – at the grace of the Himalayas and the valour of man.
Break for Lunch: Experience Colonial Cuisine at Glenary’s
By now, everyone’s hungry, and Glenary’s is the perfect spot to refuel. Grab a seat by the window, order a plate of momos, thukpa, or noodles, or perhaps a steak platter, and take in the panoramic views. Your little one will love the freshly baked goodies from the downstairs bakery—don’t leave without trying a cup of hot cocoa!
Golden Hour in the Evening: Tea Gardens and Peace Pagoda
What’s Darjeeling without tea? Head to a tea estate like Happy Valley for a tour. While you sip on the finest blends, your child can have their own mini tea party—sans caffeine, of course. Some estates offer herbal or fruit-infused options for kids, turning the experience into a fun, family-friendly tasting session.
The tea estate stretches out before you, endless rows of green bushes, and your little one can run freely between the narrow paths, pretending to be a tea plucker. It’s a picture-perfect family moment, and you will be glad you brought your camera.
To end your day, head to the Peace Pagoda. With its foundation guided by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order, this temple has undertones of the Japanese culture in its tranquil ambience. It showcases the four avatars (incarnations) of Lord Buddha. The short climb up the few steps to the massive white structure exudes calmness. Since this is a place of somber practice, ensure your child knows how to behave and be respectful.
Day 3: Shopping, Souvenirs, and Mall Road Shenanigans
The final day in Darjeeling, and the adventures keep coming. Start with a hearty breakfast at Keventer’s, where the kids can enjoy pancakes or omelets while you sip on their legendary hot chocolate and hog on the meat platter. The morning is crisp, but your family is ready for the day’s explorations.
Morning: Mahakal Temple
After the calorie intake, walk it off with a short hike up the Mahakal Tilla to reach one of the most unique Shiva temples in the world. Though a Hindu temple, it has strong influences of the Buddhist cultures, with prayer wheels, flags, and low-key hymns being chanted by priests, monks, and visitors alike. The ambience turns to be very surreal and perhaps might put you in a trance, like it did for us.
Mid-Morning: Darjeeling Ropeway
After the visit of reverence, perhaps you would want to continue to ‘high’. Well, if not spiritually, help yourself go literally ‘higher’ with the Darjeeling Ropeway. Gliding over lush tea estates and the valley below, your child’s excitement is at its peak. The cable car ride is smooth and offers breathtaking views that will make even the most energetic kid pause in awe (and you, too!).
Afternoon: Lunch at Kunga Restaurant
Your Darjeeling trip is incomplete without tasting the Tibetan flavours at the legendary Kunga Restaurant. While it’s always busy and a long queue waits patiently anytime you go near it, the patience is worth it. Vegeterians beware, this is a carnivore restaurant.
Late Afternoon: Shopping on Mall Road
It’s time for some souvenir hunting on Mall Road. Your child’s eyes will light up at the vibrant stalls selling everything from woolen hats to tiny wooden toys. Maybe you pick up a couple of Tibetan prayer flags for your home, while your kid insists on a fluffy yak keychain. A small prayer wheel may catch their attention, and soon enough, they’re going to be spinning it like a pro. It’s the perfect end to your trip, watching them interact with the local culture in their own curious way.
Shop for Tibetan ceramics, jewellery, handicrafts, and perhaps pick up a couple woolen apparels and accessories too! We splurged on some fine tea from Golden Tips, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll find it hard to choose from their unlimited assortment!
Evening: Soak in the Darjeeling Vibe
As the day winds down, feel free to explore the local street food market. Perhaps you taste a plate of homemade momos offered by small-time vendors, or sip on some steaming tea and coffee freshly prepared by busy women deftly carrying their kid on their back, managing work and home.
You can treat your little one to a pony ride on Mall Road. They will giggle with glee as they trot around, waving at passersby from atop their new four-legged friend. You can savour the sunset behind the mountains, and Darjeeling’s lights will start to twinkle. As you walk alongside, you light up as well, watching their joy and feeling grateful for a perfect family adventure.
Wrapping Up: The Journey Home
As your trip comes to an end, your family leaves Darjeeling with hearts full of adventure, bellies full of momos, and bags full of tea and souvenirs. The memories of pony rides, sunrises over the mountains, and sipping tea in the misty hills will stick with you for years to come. Most importantly, your little one’s wide-eyed wonder at everything they experienced is the cherry on top of a perfect family escape to Darjeeling. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip today!
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