Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Kolkata to Darjeeling. Upon arrival, step into the rolling emerald carpets of a Darjeeling tea estate. Walk through the rows of tea bushes, learning the delicate art of plucking only the “two leaves and a bud.”

Inside the factory, see the age-old process—rolling, fermenting, drying—that gives Darjeeling tea its unique “champagne of teas” reputation. End with a tasting session, savoring every golden sip as mist curls across the hills.

The next day, step aboard the iconic blue Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel. The steam locomotive huffs and puffs as it pulls you along narrow tracks through bustling bazaars, past houses with flower-laden balconies, and into misty bends where children wave excitedly.

The highlight is the Batasia Loop, where the train curves dramatically around a manicured garden, with snow-capped peaks forming the backdrop. It’s not just a train ride—it’s time travel. The train is only included when it is available, if tickets are not available then a car ride of the loop is substituted.

Disembark from the train at Ghoom, where prayer flags flutter against the sky. Step into the 19th-century Ghoom Monastery, its giant statue of Maitreya Buddha radiating peace. The scent of incense and the chants of monks add a touch of serenity to your morning.

Next, head to Darjeeling’s Mall Road. Walk past charming colonial-era shops, little cafes serving hot chocolate, and stalls selling woolens. Stop at Chowrasta Square, where travelers have gathered for generations to take in the views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.

Finally, take a leisurely stroll through Nehru Road, where stalls brim with handwoven shawls, wooden curios, and, of course, packets of world-famous Darjeeling tea to carry home.