Darjeeling or Shimla: which is the best holiday destination for a honeymoon couples?

When planning a honeymoon in India, you will have difficulty choosing between the two stunning hill stations: Darjeeling and Shimla. These two places have fantastic beautiful sceneries and pleasant weather and can offer one of the most memorable experiences couples wish to have when they are on holiday. When it comes to planning a honeymoon, two of the most searched honeymoon tours are the Darjeeling honeymoon package and the Shimla honeymoon package.

In this detailed comparison, we will unravel the beauty of these two charming hill stations and understand the novelty they offer as perfect honeymoon destinations. Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens and colonial style, whereas Shimla is famous for its natural beauty and beautiful colonial buildings; by reading this guide, you can decide where to go for your honeymoon.

Overview of Shimla and Darjeeling

Before we go through the detailed comparison of the Shimla travel guide and the Darjeeling travel guide, let us begin by outlining what each destination offers.

• Shimla: The Queen of Hills

Shimla, also known as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ is a famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. Before the term ‘honeymoon’ became popular among the newlyweds, Shimla set the trend because of its colonial architecture, natural beauty, and favorable climate. It has an approximate elevation of 2200 meters above sea level and beautiful sights of snow-capped adjoining Himalayas.

• Darjeeling: Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal and is reputed for its tea gardens, mountains, snow-covered Kanchenjunga, and British influence. Endowed with all the natural beauty, cultural integration, and historical importance, Darjeeling is ideal for the honeymoon.

Shimla vs Darjeeling: A Side-by-Side Comparison

In this section, we will compare Shimla and Darjeeling based on various crucial factors when choosing a honeymoon destination.

Weather –  Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: The climate of Darjeeling remains relatively cool throughout the year; the summer is cool, while the winter is cold.

• The rainy season is from June to September; during this period, the region receives heavy rainfall, making it more picturesque.
• It is best to visit during March-May and October-November when the climate and the skies are sunny.

Shimla: Shimla is advisable to visit From March to June, while snowfall and other winter activities are from November to February.

• July to September, the monsoon period, sometimes comes with so much rain that it floods and triggers landslide issues, closing some roads.

Geographical Setting – Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: Darjeeling is a town nestled in the Eastern Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal. It offers spectacular views of the peak, Kanchenjunga, which is the third tallest mountain in the world.

• Its altitude stands approximately 2042 meters above sea level.     
• The place is characterized by waterfalls enhancing the beautiful scenery, forest covering diverse forms and species, and steep slopes with green tea farming.                                                     
• The smooth-flowing winding of the Teesta River through the valleys, which provides food and life to the region, adds majesty and beauty to the natural landscape of Darjeeling.

Shimla: Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, located in the Northwest Himalayas, and has magnificent views of the valleys and mountain peaks around the city.

• Shimla is good for tourists during summer because it is at an altitude of about 7,200 feet above sea level.                                                                                         
• Some of the hills where the city lies include Prospect Hill, Jakhu Hill, Summer Hill, etc. These hills also provide vantage viewing points in the middle of the Himalayan landscape.                                                      
• Many people from different parts of the world visit Shimla because of its peaceful countryside, which is represented by numerous pine and deodar forests flowing in streams and rural areas.

In the Darjeeling vs Shimla comparison, one clear thing is that they developed their tourism history with the help of the mighty Himalayas.

Average Budget : Darjeeling Vs Shimla

If you are interested in knowing how much each destination would likely cost, you should continue reading. You will be introduced to all the aspects, ranging from accommodation to sightseeing, that help assess the budget.

Average Accommodation:

Darjeeling: INR 800 approx. (For two people)

Shimla: INR 1,500 approx. (For two people)

Meals:

Darjeeling: INR 150-200 approx. (Per person per meal)

Shimla: INR 100-250 approx. (Per person per meal)

Transfers:

Darjeeling: INR 300

Shimla: INR 500

Sightseeing:

Darjeeling: INR 1,500 – 3,000 approx. (Hiring a taxi or an entire trip)

Shimla: INR 1,500-3,000 approx. (Hiring a taxi or an entire trip)

Miscellaneous:

Darjeeling: INR 1000 approx.

Shimla: INR 1,000 approx.

Average Budget per Day:

Darjeeling: INR 4,000 approx.

Shimla: INR 6,000 approx.

Tourist Attractions – Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: Among all the attractions, the most famous is the superb Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known locally as the Toy Train, which UNESCO recognizes as a world heritage site.

• Visit the land of the snow leopard and many other endangered species of wildlife found in the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.              
• Marvel the sight of the rising sun seen from Tiger Hill as the mountains are tinged in a shade of pink and orange.                                          
• The Peace Pagoda, an exquisite white structure surrounded with greenery, enshrines a spectacular view of the Darjeeling town.

Shimla: Located in Himachal Pradesh and Britain’s former summer capital, Shimla has everything it takes to make travel fun and interesting, with lots of colonial architecture and scenery.

• Go for a walk on Mall Road, which has eye-catching colonial-style buildings, shops, and interesting cafes, giving a glimpse of the city’s glorious past.                                             
• Visit the majestic Viceregal Lodge, a beautiful Victorian-era building constructed as a summer retreat for the British viceroy of India.                                                
• One should not miss the Jakhu Temple, an ancient temple of Lord Hanuman located at Jakhu Hill, the highest point of the town.                                                                                                                                                
• See the beauty of colonial architecture in Shimla at the historic Gaiety Theatre, which was built in the 19th century.

Outdoor Activities –  Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: This is one of the best places for paragliding in India, offering travelers several other adventure and nature-related activities.

• You can go trekking and experience the bio-diversity while visiting the local tea gardens and viewing the rare wildlife like the red panda and the snow leopard.     
• For those seeking wonderful adventure activities, try mountain bike with steep rooty terrains or paragliding through the tingly heights.                                                                         
• Another great and relaxed trip is by boating at the calm Mirik Lake.                                                                                                  
• Train enthusiasts can move to the famous Batasia Loop, which is 5 km away from the town, from where you can view the entire Darjeeling and nearby mountain ranges, which are snow-capped most of the year.

Shimla: The place has endless activities and many things to do, specifically inside the state of Himachal Pradesh, for people of all groups and ages.

• Tourists visiting Shimla cannot afford to miss adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and ziplining in the background of nature. 
• Trek up the slopes on hiking and nature walking trails, where visitors will likely come across several unique species of flora and fauna.  
• Embark on an enthralling rafting experience on the Beas River.  
• Experience the pleasure of skiing or snowboarding down snowy slopes in Kufri or Narkanda during winter.

This range of adventurous activities puts both destinations at the same level in terms of enjoyment between Darjeeling and Shimla.

 Cultural Events and Festivals – Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Unlike most cities in India, Darjeeling has rich cultural assets from both Nepal and Tibet, which are intermingled with Indian culture and festival traditions. Some primary functions include baking traditional foods, traditional music and dance round dances, and any form of activity associated with Losar, also known as the Tibetan New Year. The other noteworthy main cultural events include Buddha Jayanti and the Darjeeling carnival. The festivals of the Tamang and Sherpa tribes are given a very warm welcome with an entire traditional historical atmosphere and cultural parades and dances.

In Shimla, the colonial is intermingled with Indigenous elements, and their annual event, the Shimla Summer Festival, is a rich blend of music, dance, and other performances. Both the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially Dussehra, with the local Gods being taken in chariots on Rath Yatra during Dussehra. The next significant festival is the Winter Carnival, celebrated in Shimla for tourism events such as music, dance, and winter sports.

Both destinations present aspects of traditional culture, and each one is different due to their background and development peculiarities.

 Food & Cuisine –  Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: The food culture of Darjeeling is a mix of Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali food due to the influence of the region’s rich culture.

• Try a cup of Darjeeling tea with the discounted top view of the Himalayas while strolling in one of the tea gardens or having a cup at any tea parlor.    
• Taste the much familiar momos – the delicate steamed dumplings of vegetables or meat with chili gravy or tomato sauce.
• Savor the delicious Thukpa –  a noodle soup similar to Tibetan Thenthuk; filled with vegetables, meat, and spices and cooked in hot water, delicious for cold Himalayan evenings.
• To get an authentic touch of Bengali cuisine, please try alur dom (a spicy potato preparation), macher jhol (fish preparation), and luchi (a deep-fried flat bread) accompanied by cholar dal (Bengal gram lentil).

Shimla: The food in Shimla and overall Himachal Pradesh restaurants is quite rustic, packed with enormous flavors and the consistency of fresh and healthy ingredients.

• To get an authentic feel of the Himachali cuisine, there is madra, a dish made from split Mung beans cooked in a tangy yogurt-based curry and flavored with the choicest of spices, best relished with hot steamed rice or soft naans. 
• White wheat flour stuffed with deciduous spicy pulse mixture and served hot with a dollop of ghee on top of tangy chutney.
• If one loves seafood, then there is no better place than to have fresh trout caught from the cold streams coming from the Himalayas, prepared to one’s style and preference. 
• A serving of gur ka halwa, a wheat flour-based sweet dish, is prepared with ghee and jaggery and flavored with nuts and dried fruits.

When comparing Darjeeling and Shimla, both tourist destinations provide great food tastings, leaving your taste buds wanting more.

Shopping Experiences – Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: Shopping in Darjeeling is an enjoyable experience as there are numerous markets and shops selling items of different types.

• Visit the Chowk Bazaar weavers making traditional Tibetan handicrafts like carpets, shawls, jewelry, etc.  
• When in Darjeeling, especially for a tea lover, it would definitely be helpful to visit one of the tea estates or tea boutiques. Taste one or two Darjeeling teas from the first flush to the autumnal ones, and buy your preferred brand at home. 
• Don’t forget to explore the Mahakal Market, known for its antique shops and vibrant street food stalls, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors.

Shimla: The shopping centers of Shimla are as quaint as the city itself, with crowded markets and stately emporiums, making it an excellent shopping hub for the entire Himachal Pradesh.

• Visit the Lakkar Bazaar area, famous for wooden items, including ornamental walking canes and souvenir items & artifacts. 
• Stroll through Mall Road, the main shopping strip of Shimla, with shops that offer Himachali traditional shawls, caps, jewelry, specialties, other branded clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.
• Also, do not forgo an opportunity to taste Indian cuisine street food, including jalebis, samosas, bal mithai, chana madra, etc.

 Transportation and Accessibility – Darjeeling vs. Shimla

• Shimla Honeymoon:

Shimla is well connected through roadways and railways. The nearest airport is in Chandigarh, which is about 120km away, from where one has to reach the venue either by taxi or bus. Shimla is also connected by the Kalka-Shimla toy train, which passes through the most beautiful scenery on the way to Shimla.

• Darjeeling Honeymoon:

Tourism in Darjeeling can, therefore, be easily accessed by air, rail, and road transport means. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is about 70 kilometers away from the place. You may also avail of the famous toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, which may be an adventurous ride on the train.

Accommodation- Darjeeling vs. Shimla

Darjeeling: Accommodations in Darjeeling range from luxury hotels with elegant rooms that capture the stunning Mountain View of the Himalayas to simple, affordable hotels. The accommodation may vary from 800 to 1,500 rupees per night depending on the place and is expected to accommodate 2 people.

Shimla: Shimla’s accommodations include luxurious heritage hotels and budget guest houses, homestays, and cottages. The average accommodation price here is somewhat higher – 1000-2000 INR for two persons.

Darjeeling vs Shimla: Which is Better Destination and Why?

Considering everything we have discussed – climate, activities, cost- it would be relevant to answer the main question of which of the two destinations is better for your honeymoon.

Darjeeling is most suitable for those couples who would love to spend their honeymoon at a place with no hustle of the city but beautiful graphics of the snow-capped mountains. This region is very interesting because of its unique Tibetan culture, beautiful tea gardens, picturesque beauty, and pleasant weather, making it enjoyable for nature lovers and adventure freaks.

Shimla, on the other hand, presents an entirely different scenario, with its structures influenced by the British era, historical landmarks, and crowded markets. It is suitable for couples who would love to take a mix of nature and city break kind of holiday. The town is also quite accessible and has many events and other things to see.

But if you are the one who loves to spend calm and peaceful time and enjoy nature, then the Darjeeling honeymoon package is the best one for you. The Shimla honeymoon package would be the best for tourists who would like to embrace history and culture and travel a lot.

Final Words

Both Shimla and Darjeeling offer unique experiences for honeymooners. Both Shimla and Darjeeling are equally fascinating, with colonial architecture, snow-capped mountains, and tea gardens as the main attractions. All these destinations boast natural sceneries and challenges that suit the couples to test their togetherness. Therefore, the population gets down to your decision depending on the climate, activities, and atmosphere.

FAQ