north India travel guide

⛰ Darjeeling | Slow Living in the Himalayan Foothills 🍵 Must-Do Experiences: Toy Train Ride: Catch the 7:40 AM UNESCO-listed steam train chugging through emerald tea estates—pure magic! 🚂Happy Valley Tea Estate: Free factory tour to see how world-famous Darjeeling tea is processed. ⚠️ Heads Up: High Altitude: Pack a windbreaker—temps swing from 5°C at dawn to 25°C at noon!Sensitive Area: Some hotels restrict Chinese guests—email ahead to confirm. 🏙 Kolkata | The Grand Finale of Colonial India 📸 Iconic Stops:Victoria Memorial: A marble palace (₹500 entry) with gardens perfect for British-era photoshoots.Tagore House: The Nobel poet’s final home—a pilgrimage for literature lovers. New Market: Hunt for handicrafts (start bargaining at 50%!). 🚗 Smart Transport:Prepaid taxis from airport (~₹300 to city)—insist on the meter to avoid scams. 💡 Ultimate India Travel Hacks Trains: Avoid non-AC Sleeper class—book AC3 or higher for sanity.Mindset: Embrace the chaos—India rewards those who accept its contradictions Souvenirs:Darjeeling First Flush tea (look for "FTGFOP1" grade)Agra’s marble pietra dura (mini Taj replicas make perfect gifts) #Darjeeling# Kolkata#Victoria Memorial#India#travel guide#trip diary#India guide