Day 1: Arrival at NJP & Transfer to Sittong - The Orange Village Morning (Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours drive): Arrive at NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station). Your pre-booked vehicle will pick you up. Begin your scenic drive to Sittong, also known as the "Orange Village." The route will take you through picturesque tea gardens and winding hilly roads. Check into your cozy homestay in Sittong. Afternoon: Sittong Orange Orchards: Depending on the season (October to January is ideal), explore the vast orange orchards. You can walk amidst the trees laden with bright oranges. Sittong Monastery (Lepcha Monastery/Mana Monastery): Visit this ancient Buddhist monastery, believed to be over 350 years old and built with mud and bamboo. It offers a glimpse into the local culture and history. Jogighat Bridge: Enjoy the serene surroundings of Jogighat, a picturesque spot with a charming bridge over a stream. Nature Walk/Birdwatching: Sittong is a paradise for birdwatchers. Take a leisurely walk around the village, soaking in the tranquility and spotting various bird species. Evening: Enjoy a traditional homemade dinner at your homestay. Relax and immerse yourself in the peaceful village atmosphere.
Day 2: Sittong to Darjeeling - The Queen of Hills Morning (Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours drive): After breakfast, check out from your Sittong homestay. Begin your journey to Darjeeling. En route, you can make a stop at: Ahaldara Viewpoint: (If time permits and you didn't cover it on Day 1) This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Kanchenjunga range, especially stunning during sunrise. Mungpoo Rabindra Museum: (Optional, if time allows) Visit the former residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, now a museum showcasing his life and works. Afternoon: Arrive in Darjeeling and check into your hotel. Chowrasta and The Mall: Take a leisurely stroll along Chowrasta, the heart of Darjeeling, and explore The Mall Road with its shops, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the views and do some souvenir shopping. Late Afternoon/Evening (Darjeeling Local Sightseeing): Japanese Peace Pagoda: A beautiful monument promoting world peace, offering serene surroundings and panoramic views of Darjeeling town and the Himalayas. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) & Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: (Located together, generally open till 4 PM) Visit HMI to learn about mountaineering history and see artifacts. The adjacent zoo is home to rare Himalayan fauna like Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. Happy Valley Tea Estate (Outer View/Optional visit if time permits): Witness the sprawling tea gardens that produce the famous Darjeeling tea. You can observe the tea plucking process (seasonal) and enjoy the lush green landscapes. Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Darjeeling's many restaurants. You can explore local eateries or opt for a multi-cuisine experience.
Day 3: Darjeeling Sunrise & Tinchuley - The Village of Three Ovens Early Morning (Pre-dawn): Tiger Hill: Wake up early (around 4:00 AM) for a drive to Tiger Hill to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest. Morning (Post-sunrise sightseeing): Batasia Loop & War Memorial: On your way back from Tiger Hill, stop at Batasia Loop, a marvel of railway engineering that offers a panoramic view of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains. Visit the War Memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers. Ghoom Monastery (Yiga Choeling Monastery): One of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, housing a magnificent 15-foot clay statue of Maitreya Buddha. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Mid-morning (Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours drive): Check out from your Darjeeling hotel and proceed to Tinchuley. The drive will be scenic, passing through lush landscapes. Afternoon (Tinchuley Sightseeing): Arrive in Tinchuley and check into your homestay. Gumbadara Viewpoint: A short walk from many homestays, this viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the Teesta and Rangit rivers, along with the surrounding hills. You might also find some old caves here. Tinchuley Monastery: Visit the local monastery for some peace and tranquility. Tea Garden Visit (e.g., Rangli Rangliot Tea Estate): Tinchuley is surrounded by several tea estates. Take a walk through one of them to experience the tea-making process (if allowed) and enjoy the fresh air. Orange Garden Visit (Nirmal's Orange Orchard): If you didn't get enough of oranges in Sittong, Tinchuley also has its own orange orchards, like Nirmal's, where you can see the cultivation and even buy local products. Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at your Tinchuley homestay. You can relax by a bonfire (if available and weather permits) and stargaze.
Day 4: Tinchuley to NJP Departure Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your Tinchuley homestay. Depending on your train schedule, you can take a final walk around the village, enjoy the views, or revisit a favorite spot. Late Morning/Noon (Approx. 3.5 - 4 hours drive): Check out from your homestay. Begin your drive back to NJP. The route will offer more scenic views as you descend from the hills. You can stop at Lovers Meet View Point or Triveni (confluence of Teesta and Rangit rivers) for a final panoramic view before reaching the plains. Your driver will drop you off at NJP for your onward journey.

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