Darjeeling is a popular hill station situated in the state of West Bengal, renowned for its picturesque beauty, tea plantations, and colonial architecture. The town is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and boasts several famous tourist attractions, such as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Tiger Hill, and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. By booking a Gangtok cab service with Savaari, you will have the flexibility to make multiple stops and explore nearby places.
Best time to visit Darjeeling by road:
For sightseeing purposes, the best time to visit Darjeeling by road is from March to June and September to December, when the weather is agreeable and ideal.The monsoon season, from July to August, can make the roads slippery and difficult to navigate, while the winter months, from January to February, can be very cold.
Popular route to take from Gangtok to reach Darjeeling:
There are mainly two road route options to travel from Gangtok to Darjeeling:
- Route 1 – Gangtok to Darjelling Via NH10
This is the most common and popular route that takes you through the scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills. The total distance is approximately 100 km and it can take around 4-5 hours to reach Darjeeling depending on traffic and weather conditions. You’ll travel via NH10 and pass through places like Singtam, Ranipool, and Teesta Bazaar before reaching Darjeeling.
- Route 2 – Gangtok to Darjelling Via Kalimpong
This route takes you through the charming town of Kalimpong before reaching Darjeeling. The total distance is approximately 115 km and it can take around 5-6 hours to reach Darjeeling depending on traffic and weather conditions. You’ll travel via NH10 till Rangpo and then take a right turn towards Kalimpong. From Kalimpong, you’ll travel via Peshok Road and reach Darjeeling.
The most popular route to take from Gangtok to Darjeeling is via National Highway 10. It is a scenic and well-maintained road that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The distance between Gangtok and Darjeeling is around 98 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours by car. Experience the joy of being on the road by booking Gangtok to Darjeeling car rental from Savaari.
Places to visit along the route:
- Rumtek Monastery: One of the most famous and largest monasteries in Sikkim is Rumtek Monastery, situated in proximity to Gangtok. The monastery is famous for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings.
- Tashi Viewpoint: Tashi Viewpoint, positioned on the outskirts of Gangtok, presents a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga.
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Siliguri, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination among nature lovers. Several animal species, such as elephants, tigers, and leopards, make their home in the sanctuary.
- Batasia Loop: A unique engineering feat, the Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track located near Darjeeling.The viewpoint presents breathtaking views of both the Himalayas and the town of Darjeeling.
Places to eat along the route:
- Highway Restaurant: Located on National Highway 10, the Highway Restaurant is a popular stopover for travelers. The restaurant serves delicious Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
- Glenary’s Bakery & Cafe: Located in Darjeeling, Glenary’s Bakery & Cafe is known for its delicious cakes, pastries, and sandwiches. With breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the cafe provides an ideal setting to relax and unwind.
- Keventer’s: A Darjeeling institution, Keventer’s is a popular cafe known for its breakfast items such as sandwiches, omelettes, and pancakes. The cafe also offers stunning views of the town and the Himalayas.
In conclusion, a road trip from Gangtok to Darjeeling can be a great way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of West Bengal and Sikkim. The route offers several interesting stops along the way, and there are plenty of options for food and refreshments. Just remember to plan your trip carefully and drive safely.
Download our Savaari car Booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey.