Tour Location: Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Mirik
Pickup Location: NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport
Tour Durations: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Here’s a detailed overview of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Mirik, three picturesque towns in West Bengal’s hills, each offering unique experiences.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the most famous hill station in the region, known for its cool climate, colonial charm, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Key Attractions:
- Tiger Hill: Known for its stunning sunrise views over Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage site offering scenic rides.
- Batasia Loop: A spiral railway track with a war memorial and panoramic vistas.
- Tea Gardens: The sprawling tea estates, such as Happy Valley, offer tours and tastings of the world-renowned Darjeeling tea.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Famous for red pandas, snow leopards, and conservation efforts.
- Peace Pagoda: A serene Buddhist site offering peaceful surroundings and lovely views.
- Ghoom Monastery: An important Buddhist monastery with ancient manuscripts and artifacts.
Kurseong
Known as the “Land of White Orchids,” Kurseong is a peaceful hill station located between Siliguri and Darjeeling, surrounded by tea gardens and lush forests.
Key Attractions:
- Eagle’s Crag: A popular viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the plains, rivers, and hills.
- Makaibari Tea Estate: One of the oldest tea estates in the region, known for producing organic tea. Visitors can tour the tea gardens and factory.
- Dowhill and Forest Museum: A forested area known for short hikes and birdwatching, along with a museum showcasing local biodiversity.
- St. Mary’s Hill: A serene and picturesque spot with a church, a monastery, and views of the rolling hills.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum: This museum was once the house where Netaji stayed during his captivity, and it’s now dedicated to his life and legacy.
Mirik
Mirik is a small, peaceful town near Darjeeling, famous for its scenic beauty, centered around the picturesque Sumendu Lake.
Key Attractions:
- Sumendu Lake: The central attraction in Mirik, with a picturesque backdrop of hills and pine trees. Boating on the lake is a popular activity.
- Bokar Monastery: A peaceful Buddhist monastery that offers spiritual tranquility and views of the surrounding landscape.
- Tea Gardens: Mirik is surrounded by lush tea gardens like Thurbo Tea Estate, where visitors can take leisurely walks.
- Rameetay Dara: A viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
- Orange Orchards: Like Sittong, Mirik also has orange orchards, especially vibrant during the winter.
- Pashupati Market (Nepal Border): Located just across the Indo-Nepal border, it’s known for selling imported goods from Nepal.
Tour Highlights:
- Darjeeling offers colonial charm, bustling markets, tea estates, and magnificent views of the Himalayas.
- Kurseong provides a peaceful retreat with less touristy spots, beautiful tea gardens, and serene viewpoints.
- Mirik is perfect for a laid-back experience, with its stunning lake, tea gardens, and monasteries.
Each of these towns is well-connected and offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation amidst the hills of North Bengal.
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.
