Business Class Flights to Darjeeling, India

Located north of Bangladesh, near the borders of Nepal and Bhutan, the Indian city of Darjeeling is perhaps best known internationally for its Darjeeling tea. The region, occupied by the British East India Company during the 19th and early 20th centuries, is still home to many tea plantations and is considered by many to be the origin of the best tea on earth. Today, visitors fly to Darjeeling from locations around the world to visit these plantations as well as to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, Himalayan views, historical sites, and Tibetan food and culture.

Flights to Darjeeling, India, arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB), the only airport in the region. Although Bagdogra Airport is small by Indian standards, serving just over 3.1 million passengers each year, direct flights to Darjeeling are available from a number of cities in India, including several daily Delhi to Darjeeling flights. Travelers who book air tickets – Delhi to Darjeeling – can expect a two-hour direct flight.

A top destination for tourists who travel on flights to Darjeeling is the Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of the oldest tea gardens in the city. Visitors can tour the factory, learn how Darjeeling tea is made, enjoy tea tastings, and enjoy the mountain vistas. Other tea estates worth visiting for those interested in immersing themselves in the heritage and culture of Darjeeling tea include Arya Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, and Makaibari Tea Estate, all founded in the mid- to late-19th century and located within a short drive of Darjeeling.

Tourists who fly to Darjeeling also won’t want to miss visiting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1879-1881, the railway offers a slow, scenic ride through the hills. Travelers can take the loop ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, about a 2 hour trip, for the full experience.

In Ghum, tourists can check out the famous Ghum Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling to locals. Built in 1850, this is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region. With a 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient Buddhist manuscripts to explore, this site is a must-see for anyone interested in the region’s Buddhist roots.

For travelers looking to immerse themselves in the culture of Darjeeling, visiting during one of the city’s numerous religious and cultural festivals throughout the year would be ideal. The Hindu festival of Dashain is typically celebrated in the fall, and the festival of Buddha Jayanti, which celebrates Buddha’s birthday, is generally in the spring, around April or May. In addition to these festive celebrations, visitors may also want to experience the Darjeeling Carnival, a large music and dance festival. Typically held in November, this ten day art and culture-filled event attracts visitors from throughout Asia who book flights to Darjeeling each year just for this festival.

People who fly to Darjeeling will enjoy a cuisine that is a unique mix of different cultures, including Tibetan, Bengali, Nepali, and even British. One signature dish that can be found everywhere in the city, from high-end restaurants to street stalls, is momos, or dumplings. These are typically filled with minced chicken, pork, or vegetables and either steamed or fried. Another common dish is Nepali and Gorkha Thali, a complete meal platter with rice, dal, fermented leafy greens, spicy potatoes, and meat or vegetable curry. Locals also enjoy Thukpa, a traditional Tibetan noodle soup made with vegetables, meat, and spicy broth.

Whether taking flights to Darjeeling to enjoy its food, cultural festivals, or its famous tea, travelers are sure to be delighted by the sights, tastes, and experiences of this vibrant Indian city.

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