They call it the ‘Queen of Hills,’ and once you visit the place you will realize that they are not wrong. Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station in the state of West Bengal that sits at the Himalayan foothills. Darjeeling is one of the famous tourist destinations on the eastern side of the country. Its attractive tea gardens, evergreen plantations, pristine forests, and mesmerizing hills and valleys attract tourists from all over the world. 

This pretty town is surrounded by enchanting Himalayan peaks like Mount Khangchendzonga; it invites travellers and visitors to witness its magical views. You can visit Darjeeling any time of the year. However, the best time to visit the town is in the months between April-June and October-March. 

Darjeeling is one of the best places to visit with your friends, family, or your partner. It is also a popular honeymoon destination in the east. If you are planning to visit this lovely town in the hills soon, you must check some of the things to know before entering Darjeeling. 

7 important Things to know before you enter Darjeeling

(1) Research and proper planning

It is advised that you check some of the popular places to visit in Darjeeling and plan the number of days of your stay accordingly. As there are many places of tourist attractions in Darjeeling, make sure you cover some of the best if you’re not planning to visit again.

(2) Interact with your travel agents

If you are traveling to Darjeeling for the first time and you are not sure about the places to visit and book your stays, then get in touch with a travel agent. 

Make sure to give all your requirements to your travel agent and be in touch with them. Check the hotels or the homestays, go through the reviews, and ratings. If you feel like you want to change your stay or the place, tell your agent. Be specific of what you want and check with your agent if that is feasible. 

If you want any customization in your package, let them know. And in case you want any add-ons, like extra bed, blankets, or heaters, do not hesitate to inform them. 

(3) Keep track of the weather forecast in Darjeeling

No matter which season you visit Darjeeling, you can always expect a sudden change in the weather. This unexpected change in the weather is not very common but the temperature may drop even during the summer season sometimes, for a day or two. 

So keeping track of the weather forecast can help you plan and dress for the day accordingly. 

(4) Clothes to carry during your trip to Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a hill station nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas and it remains cold most of the time. However, the weather becomes warm and pleasant during the summers. The temperature of Darjeeling in summer ranges between 180C to 200C and between 20C to 70 C during the wintertime. 

Even during summer, the temperature may drop down unexpectedly sometimes. So it is suggested to carry a pair of warm clothes even if you are visiting Darjeeling in summer. During the winter season, you must carry warm woolen clothes, jackets, and coats. If you are visiting in winter, then you should also carry warm socks and shoes.

The kind of clothes to carry on your trip to Darjeeling totally depends on the season that you are visiting and the kind of activities you will be doing. If you are going trekking, you must carry some comfortable trekking or running shoes or rubber-soled shoes, mosquito repellents, toilet papers, etc. And if your trip is during the monsoon season, try to carry waterproof luggage bags. Always carry an umbrella.

(5)  Carry your original identity documents

Carry your government-authorized original identity document while travelling. To be sure not to lose your documents, make sure to carry soft copies in their original format as well. And when you are about to check-in, keeping the document handy can help you make the process hassle-free.

It is also suggested to keep at least some photocopies of your documents and stamp-sized photographs with you. Also, keep a count of how many identification proofs and other documents you’re carrying with yourself.

(6) Carry a medical kit

It is always advised to keep a medical kit handy when travelling. Carry some of the necessary medicines for emergencies. If you are traveling to the hills for the first time, then you must know that the roads in Darjeeling are not straight like that of the plains. You will come across many turnings and twists, which may make you nauseous. Even frequent travellers can also become nauseous while travelling. So as a precaution carry anti-vomiting tablets and take it before your journey begins to avoid such kind of sickness. 

Also, make sure to include general fever, cough, cold medicines, painkillers, bandages, balm, and antiseptic creams. A sudden change in the altitude and temperature can make you feel uncomfortable for some time, so you must also make sure that eat well before travelling.

(7) Carry cash as a backup

If you are thinking of carrying and using only your debit or credit cards while travelling to Darjeeling, then abandon the thought as the use of such cards is not as popular in Darjeeling as they are in the mainland.

You must always carry some cash with you as a backup as you may not be able to withdraw money from ATMs sometimes. Do not rely on ATMs or your cards all the time in Darjeeling. 

Darjeeling is truly a magical town with spectacular, natural wonders and rich culture and biodiversity. Darjeeling – the ‘Queen of Hills’ is a picture-perfect landscape. While you are in Darjeeling, do not forget to indulge in tea tasting and ride the popular toy train and Darjeeling cable car that passes above green tea fields. Visit Darjeeling with your loved ones and take home unforgettable memories. 

Additional read:

Things to remember before entering Sikkim 

8 Must-knows before you plan a trip to Northeast India