Delhi - Darjeeling - Delhi - advice please

horsebox · Jul 25th, 2008, 18:37

Hello one and all,

After 5 years it looks like I'm finally returning to India for a short trip next April.

I haven't done any real research yet, rather I thought I would ask for your suggestions on where and what, based on the information below:

My lady and I will be visiting friends who, by March 2009, will have relocated to Darjeeling.

We'll be flying into New Delhi and then taking the train towards Darjeeling / New Jalpaiguri.

I'll be staying for 3 weeks but my GF (1st time in India) will only be able to stay for 2.

My questions are these:

How can we maximise our time there?
Obviously we will want to see our friends but some touring and sightseeing are 2 musts. Also, the 24hr ish train journey between ND & DJ / is part of our intended itinerary so we don't want to sacrifice this for a (time saving?) flight.

Any suggested itineraries or must sees?

I've spent time in Himachal Pradesh, Varanassi, New Delhi, Manali, Amritsar and touched on Rajasthan before but am not against returning somewhere again if it is practical.

We are very much open in terms of where and what we see and do so if you have ANY suggestions or ideas then please post them up.

Thankyou.

Mickey S · Jul 25th, 2008, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsebox

I haven't done any real research yet, rather I thought I would ask for your suggestions on where and what...

With all due respect, you will get a better response on this forum if you were to do some research of your own first and then come here with specific questions.

ChrisJ · Jul 25th, 2008, 19:35

Hi Horsebox.

I did a similar trip a couple of years ago.

I guess the obvious things to consider are stopping off in Kolkata on the way if you havent been before, and extending the trip to Sikkim from Darjeeling? That's what I did.

If you miss out Kolkata I would definity reccomend a trip to Sikkim whatever you do!

Chris.

horsebox · Jul 25th, 2008, 20:38

ChrisJ, thankyou, that's very useful - I've not heard much about Sikkim before, I'll be sure to look it up.

How long did you spend between Darjeeling / Sikkim / Kolkata and what time of year was this? As our time is limited to 2 weeks together we have to consider this when making plans.

MickeyS, thankyou too, your comments are noted. I was simply using the guidelines in the sticky thread and trying to give as much info about the bare bones of my trip to then research any suggestions.

theyyamdancer · Jul 25th, 2008, 21:12

Hi Horsebox from London! Well, I would definitely include Kolkata and Sikkim in your itinerary next March. We (myself and Mr. T) were there in March of this year. It was not too hot in the city (the trees were in bloom; it was springtime) and then it was the perfect time of year for visiting Sikkim (i.e. there was still snow in the North, the rhododendrons were in bloom on the lower slopes, there were few tourists about). In any case, your permit for Sikkim is only valid for fifteen days, unless you choose to renew it. You can get the permit at Sikkim House in Kolkata (or else when you apply for your Indian visa in London). There is so much to see in Sikkim, it is worth looking at the Sikkim forum. We also went to Darjeeling which was great. The difference between Darjeeling and Gangtok is quite striking. They are both interesting.

The only proviso is to check up on the current political situation which affects Darjeeling periodically, but do not be put off. Just stay informed. There are others here who might help you keep up to date regarding the recurring strikes.

horsebox · Jul 25th, 2008, 22:07

Theyyamdancer, thanks for your info. I wasn't aware of any potential problems in Darjeeling but will bear this in mind. I should be able to get the latest info from my friends out there.

Sikkim and Kolkata seem to be pulling in the votes so far

ChrisJ · Jul 26th, 2008, 01:37

I spent three weeks between Delhi Kolkata Darjeeling Sikkim over Christmas and the new year.

If I had two weeks I might be tempted to miss out the city in favour of the mountains Don't flame me Kolkatans!

I didn't bother getting the permit in advance. Got it on the border. took 15 mins.

Hope this helps.

Chris.

Jul 25th, 2008, 18:37	#1
horsebox Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: London Posts: 13	Delhi - Darjeeling - Delhi - advice please Hello one and all, After 5 years it looks like I'm finally returning to India for a short trip next April. I haven't done any real research yet, rather I thought I would ask for your suggestions on where and what, based on the information below: My lady and I will be visiting friends who, by March 2009, will have relocated to Darjeeling. We'll be flying into New Delhi and then taking the train towards Darjeeling / New Jalpaiguri. I'll be staying for 3 weeks but my GF (1st time in India) will only be able to stay for 2. My questions are these: How can we maximise our time there? Obviously we will want to see our friends but some touring and sightseeing are 2 musts. Also, the 24hr ish train journey between ND & DJ / is part of our intended itinerary so we don't want to sacrifice this for a (time saving?) flight. Any suggested itineraries or must sees? I've spent time in Himachal Pradesh, Varanassi, New Delhi, Manali, Amritsar and touched on Rajasthan before but am not against returning somewhere again if it is practical. We are very much open in terms of where and what we see and do so if you have ANY suggestions or ideas then please post them up. Thankyou.

Jul 25th, 2008, 20:38	#4
horsebox Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: London Posts: 13	ChrisJ, thankyou, that's very useful - I've not heard much about Sikkim before, I'll be sure to look it up. How long did you spend between Darjeeling / Sikkim / Kolkata and what time of year was this? As our time is limited to 2 weeks together we have to consider this when making plans. MickeyS, thankyou too, your comments are noted. I was simply using the guidelines in the sticky thread and trying to give as much info about the bare bones of my trip to then research any suggestions. Last edited by horsebox : Jul 25th, 2008 at 20:58. Reason: I didn't say a personal thanks to Mickey S

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Jul 25th, 2008, 19:35	#3
ChrisJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 183	Hi Horsebox. I did a similar trip a couple of years ago. I guess the obvious things to consider are stopping off in Kolkata on the way if you havent been before, and extending the trip to Sikkim from Darjeeling? That's what I did. If you miss out Kolkata I would definity reccomend a trip to Sikkim whatever you do! Chris.

Jul 25th, 2008, 21:12	#5
theyyamdancer Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 1,716	Hi Horsebox from London! Well, I would definitely include Kolkata and Sikkim in your itinerary next March. We (myself and Mr. T) were there in March of this year. It was not too hot in the city (the trees were in bloom; it was springtime) and then it was the perfect time of year for visiting Sikkim (i.e. there was still snow in the North, the rhododendrons were in bloom on the lower slopes, there were few tourists about). In any case, your permit for Sikkim is only valid for fifteen days, unless you choose to renew it. You can get the permit at Sikkim House in Kolkata (or else when you apply for your Indian visa in London). There is so much to see in Sikkim, it is worth looking at the Sikkim forum. We also went to Darjeeling which was great. The difference between Darjeeling and Gangtok is quite striking. They are both interesting. The only proviso is to check up on the current political situation which affects Darjeeling periodically, but do not be put off. Just stay informed. There are others here who might help you keep up to date regarding the recurring strikes.

Jul 25th, 2008, 22:07	#6
horsebox Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: London Posts: 13	Theyyamdancer, thanks for your info. I wasn't aware of any potential problems in Darjeeling but will bear this in mind. I should be able to get the latest info from my friends out there. Sikkim and Kolkata seem to be pulling in the votes so far

Jul 26th, 2008, 01:37	#7
ChrisJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 183	I spent three weeks between Delhi Kolkata Darjeeling Sikkim over Christmas and the new year. If I had two weeks I might be tempted to miss out the city in favour of the mountains Don't flame me Kolkatans! I didn't bother getting the permit in advance. Got it on the border. took 15 mins. Hope this helps. Chris.

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