Tour Location: Darjeeling, Sittong, and Majhidhura
Pickup Location: NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport
Tour Durations: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a popular hill station in West Bengal, known for its tea plantations, colonial charm, and stunning views of the Himalayas.
Key Attractions:
- Tiger Hill: Famous for its sunrise view over Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Batasia Loop: A spiral railway track offering panoramic views.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Known for its red pandas and snow leopards.
- Tea Gardens: You can visit several estates to experience tea production.
- Peace Pagoda: A serene Buddhist site with beautiful vistas.
Sittong
Sittong is a quaint Lepcha village located in the Kurseong sub-division of Darjeeling, primarily known for its oranges and tranquil environment.
Key Attractions:
- Orange Orchards: Sittong is famous for its orange cultivation, especially during winter.
- Ahaldhara Viewpoint: Offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, valleys, and Kanchenjunga.
- Monasteries and Churches: Explore the cultural heritage of the region.
- Birdwatching: It’s a haven for bird lovers with a wide variety of bird species.
- Sittong Monastery: A peaceful spot to experience the local Buddhist culture.
Majhidhura
Majhidhura is a less-known, offbeat destination nestled between Darjeeling and Kurseong. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the hills.
Key Attractions:
- Tea Gardens: Similar to Darjeeling, Majhidhura is surrounded by lush green tea estates.
- Viewpoints: Offers splendid views of the hills, tea gardens, and sometimes the distant Kanchenjunga range.
- Tranquility: It’s not crowded, providing a serene atmosphere away from tourist hotspots.
- Nature Walks: Ideal for short treks and walks amidst nature.
These three destinations together offer a blend of vibrant tourism (Darjeeling), rural charm (Sittong), and peaceful retreat (Majhidhura), making them perfect for a relaxing yet exploratory journey.
Here’s a 3-day itinerary for Darjeeling, Sittong, and Majhidhura, blending popular attractions with offbeat experiences.
Day 1: Arrival and Darjeeling Exploration
- Morning: Arrival in Darjeeling
- Arrive at NJP/Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling (around 3 hours).
- Check into your hotel/homestay.
- Freshen up and relax.
- Afternoon: Sightseeing
- Darjeeling Mall Road: Stroll around the iconic Chowrasta for local shopping and a leisurely walk.
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: Explore the museum and learn about the region’s mountaineering history.
- Tea Garden Visit: Visit a nearby tea garden to learn about Darjeeling tea and its processing.
- Evening:
- Batasia Loop: Witness the engineering marvel and war memorial with beautiful views.
- Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea at a local café.
Day 2: Sittong Exploration
- Early Morning: Tiger Hill Sunrise (Optional)
- Early morning drive to Tiger Hill to witness the stunning sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga (if the weather is clear).
- Return to your accommodation for breakfast.
- Morning: Drive to Sittong
- Post breakfast, drive to Sittong (1.5-2 hours).
- Check into a cozy homestay in Sittong.
- Afternoon: Explore Sittong
- Orange Orchards: Visit the famous orange orchards (especially vibrant in winter).
- Sittong Monastery: A serene place to enjoy the peaceful Buddhist culture.
- Ahaldhara Viewpoint: Take a short walk to this viewpoint for sweeping views of the hills and Kanchenjunga.
- Evening: Leisure Time
- Enjoy the tranquility of the village, engage with locals, and savor homemade food at your homestay.
- Bonfire or storytelling session (if available at your homestay).
Day 3: Majhidhura and Departure
- Morning: Drive to Majhidhura
- After breakfast, drive to Majhidhura (45 mins to 1 hour).
- Enjoy a peaceful morning amidst the tea gardens.
- Take a nature walk around the village to admire the scenic beauty and calm atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Return to NJP/Bagdogra
- After lunch, drive back to NJP/Bagdogra for your departure (4-5 hours drive).
Tour Highlights:
- Experience the bustling charm of Darjeeling.
- Bask in the serenity and greenery of Sittong’s rural charm.
- Relax in the peaceful ambiance of the offbeat Majhidhura.
This itinerary provides a mix of popular sightseeing in Darjeeling and a tranquil experience in the lesser-known villages of Sittong and Majhidhura.
Here’s a set of policies that you can implement for the Sittong – Takdah – Tinchuley – Dawapani itinerary package. These policies can help ensure a smooth experience for both your guests and your homestay:
Booking Policies
- Advance Booking:
- Reservations should be made at least 7 days in advance to secure accommodations and arrangements.
- Confirmation:
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful booking, detailing the itinerary, accommodations, and payment instructions.
- Payment:
- A deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 3 days before arrival.
- Payments can be made via bank transfer, online payment methods, or cash upon arrival.
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellation by Guest:
- Cancellations made 14 days before the check-in date will receive a full refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations made between 7 to 13 days before check-in will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the deposit.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in will forfeit the entire deposit.
- Cancellation by Management:
- In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to cancellation by the management, guests will receive a full refund or an alternative arrangement.
Refund Policies
- Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days after the cancellation request is approved.
Itinerary Changes
- Guest-Initiated Changes:
- Any changes to the itinerary requested by guests must be communicated at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
- Management-Initiated Changes:
- The management reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions, road closures, or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the safety and comfort of guests.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Inclusions:
- Standard homestays at Sittong, Takdah, Tinchuley, and Dawapani.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Private sightseeing and guided tours.
- Pickup and drop from NJP/Bagdogra.
- Exclusions:
- Entry charges for specific tourist sites.
- Camera charges.
- Train or airfare.
- Room heater charges (if applicable).
- Porter charges.
