Getting to Darjeeling
Travel Note
eVisa for India
Before you make your way over, be sure to have your eVisa approved and printed for your first time in India! The process is very simple, takes just a few days to get approved and costs just USD $25 for both the 1-year or 5-year visa. Be sure to apply within a month window of your arrival to India! An e-Tourist Visa is required for many nationalities, including our friends from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, United Kingdom, United States, Japan and Republic of Korea. Click View below for the Visa Application website!
Travel Note
Packing for Darjeeling
Darjeeling is quite different to what you may expect of India - low temperatures, warmer clothes and plenty of uphill walking! Just as you would expect when you travel somewhere chilly, warm clothes is much needed! Luckily for us, March is one of the better months to visit Darjeeling, with a high of 20 degrees celsius, and low of around 10 degrees, probably after sunset. Dress casually and comfortably! One thing I've learned over the years of visiting Darjeeling, it's comfort over style, ALWAYS! What's comfortable works best. Reasons for this is because of how much walking uphill/downhill it takes in Darjeeling, and also a bit of navigating required as there isn't any public transportation. Hence, you end up walking to get most places. Make sure you have a good pair of comfy walking shoes! Last point for my city-dwelling family and friends, basically everyone reading: BRING LOTS OF TISSUES AND WET WIPES. Often times you'll encounter loos that are, to put it nicely, very typically Indian. And you won't get toilet paper, just your trusty bidet hose. Be sure that you're prepared and carry plenty with you! Don't worry, not all washrooms are going to be like that. However, do keep in mind when you're on the road and in public spaces, it's best to come prepared. :)
Flight
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) - Siliguri, West Bengal
Bagdogra Airport is the closest domestic airport to Darjeeling, approximately 2.5 hours drive away through the hilly (but insanely scenic) terrains. Easily accessible via India's domestic airlines, such as Indigo and Air India Express. If you're traveling from Singapore, the quickest way to get here is via Kolkata (SIN-CCU, 4 hours) internationally, and then transferring to Bagdogra (CCU-IXB, 1 hour). Depending on your choice of international airport you're arriving at before heading on to Bagdogra, prices, flight time and connection time may differ. DO TAKE NOTE when you're booking your air tickets, and if you're arriving with an eVisa, make sure your first port of arrival are among the following, as these airports provide eVisa acceptance: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Goa.
Travel Note
Getting a ride to Darjeeling
When you exit Bagdogra airport, you'll be overwhelmed with many drivers waiting outside to pick up travellers and overcharge for your travel to Darjeeling in comfort (and in your own car). Unfortunately, there aren't many options to get to Darjeeling on public transportation. So here's what you can do: After making your travel plans, please contact us about your arrival date and time, and we will arrange a car to pick you up! This ride may be shared with one or two other wedding guests coming from abroad, so you can make friends haha. Pro tip: It is recommended to book a flight that arrives in Bagdogra by early afternoon. This is so that you arrive in Darjeeling before dark, and it is generally safer for the driver too!