I visited Darjeeling when we were staying at Siliguri, WB. It was about 85 kms from Siliguri and so it took us a max of 3 hrs by road and about double that time if you decide to travel by the Toy train. Each of the journeys has been extremely beautiful and there is no wonder why Darjeeling is called the queen of hill-stations. The actual fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy train as the slow speed gives you enough time to watch and appreciate the natural beauty. This train passes through the green forests, bridges and tunnels, waterfalls, over deep gorges and valleys and through the mountains
There are a couple of small towns like Kurseong and Kalimpong which come on the way to Darjeeling and these are typical small bazaar towns with slanting rooftop houses and bright colored flowers planted in front of almost every house/hotel/shop. The whole combination of mist, chilling breeze and the lovely colors n fragrances make the experience enthralling. You can see the tea plantations, trekking paths and if you are lucky even the glimpse of the mountain peaks covered with snow and reflecting the golden light of the Sun. 2 kms before Darjeeling is the town of Ghoom which is the highest railway station in the world. And trust me, this place is completely covered with mist all throughout the year and visibility through this small town is almost nil…it has a gothic element to it.
Darjeeling is beautiful, with tall pine trees and quite setting and lovely people. The Church and school bells ringing, couples walking hand in hand, the lovely flowers and their vibrant colors…You can just sit back and relax and not know when time flew. The Tiger hills is one place you must visit to catch the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. It is the highest point in the area, which provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. From this place the other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas can also be seen. If you are lucky, you can see Mt.Everest on a clear day. Bargaining at the roadside Tibetan shops and tasting dishes like momos, sizzlers, thukpa, and ofcourse the mouth watering pasteries are the added attractions of visiting Darjeeling.
Though I’ve visited Darjeeling at almost all the seasons, I would still suggest Oct- Nov as the right time for travelers as the chill in the air and the views are just fabulous during these times. Hotel Seven Seventeen is one of my favorite places as its economical and accessible.