Darjeeling Facts - Africa and Asia Venture

Darjeeling Facts

Useful Information

Weather

The Darjeeling area is cooler than most of India because it is higher. This means that it is quite cold in January/February, but starts warming up around late February. The very best weather is in October to December. Travelling in the main part of India can get hot in May/June (up to 480C!) and wet during the monsoon (late June to September).

Festivals

There are many festivals in the spring and Holi (festival of colour) is in Feb/Mar. Wear old clothes as the main fun is throwing colour at each other!

Medical

There are nursing homes in Mirik and Kalimpong and your hosts will help you get there. If you need a proper hospital there is a good nursing home in Siliguri. Tendup will help arrange it all.

Expenses

India is not expensive unless you fly a lot or stay in smart hotels (or drink and smoke heavily!). Backpackers can live quite well for less than £20 a day and travel by train is cheap. There are ATMs in most towns now - certainly in Mirik and Kalimpong. You should have VISA credit or Debit card. Mastercard works in a few places but the system does not recognise Switch, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

 FAQ

India
Malaria Area Not above 3000 feet
Wet Season (Global warming permitting!) Monsoon late Jun-Sep
Internet cafes Mirik, Kalimpong & most towns
Electricity Type 210-240volt
Plugs Old UK 3-pin, round pin
In Country Reps Tendup & Uma Lama
Language Nepali, Lepcha and English
"Hello!" "Namaste!" or, for Lepchas, "Camree!"
Money Indian Rupees
Visa or MasterCard Visa

 

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