TRAVEL TIPS
Tour Documents
1. Tour confirmation voucher in printed format is a must for all travellers. It is needed for check-in at the hotels and for the Cab and driver details.
2. Make sure to carry a detailed itinerary in printed format. The tour will commence as per the itinerary provided. Always read the cost included section carefully. Anything not mentioned in the itinerary is considered excluded.
Weather Conditions
Most areas of Darjeeling are largely warm to hot in summer (25 degrees to 15 degrees), and mild to pleasant in winter (15 degree to 5 degrees). Pack your clothing depending on your location and the month of travel. For summers, full sleeves t-shirts to sweatshirts should be carried but for winters, heavy woolen clothing is recommended.
Temperature in hills may change any moment, therefore, apart from the regular clothes you carry, a windcheater is a must.
Id proofs
Government issued identity proofs need to be shown at the hotel or resort before check-in. Always keep the Id proof with yourself while travelling. Keep a digital copy of your documents in your mobile devices in case of loss or emergency.
Check and Review your Hotel
Please check the Hotel amenities and ratings before booking the hotel. If you may need add-ons like heater, extra beds, blankets, room refreshments and more, request your travel agent to customize your package before making the payments. If you are travelling with children or the elderly, ask your agent to book a hotel closer to the mall roads/ lower altitudes.
Emergency Numbers
Always keep the emergency contacts of the place you are visiting and your family members handy. Always save the details of your accommodation in your mobile devices and share the information with your family members. Here’s a list of quick contacts for your reference.
Police : 100
Ambulance : (0354) 2252131, (0354) 2254218
Disaster Management : (94340-58101_
Emergency Contact Number [Integrated Police/ Fire Station/ Medical Services] : 100
Tourist Information Office (Darjeeling) : 0354-2254214, 0354-2254879
Tourism Information Office (Kalimpong) : (03552)-57992
Tourism Information Office (Kolkata) : ( 033) 2282-1715,2282-5813,2282-1402
Tourism Information Office (Bagdogra) : (0353) 2551794
Health Precautions
Stick to bottled water for drinking purposes. Water and food (cut fruits and more) served in open may not be clean or pure and may cause stomach infections. Carry personal medication (Mainly Crocin, ORS/Electrol, Eno, Disprin/Asprin, Band Aids, Thermometer, Adhesives, Alcohol based sanitizer, Tensor Bandages, Antiemetics). Do not over eat while travelling to a higher altitude to avoid nausea/ vomiting.
Maintain Distance
While travelling to a new destination always maintain distance from unknown locals like tourist guides, taxi drivers etc. Do not be rude or over friendly with them. Always keep a track of the cab drivers information. Avoid travelling or driving in late in the night due to low visibility and safety issues. Make sure your driver follows the itinerary as planned.
Take Permissions
Some buildings and monument may require special permissions for photography or filming. District Administration & Tourism office will help you with the same. Also, tourists intended to take adventure activities are advised to book with certified operators and seek necessary permissions. You may need to present your id proofs to seek permissions. Call your travel agent in case you need any help related to getting permissions.
Stay Prepared
While on adventure trips, read about the location you are visiting and keep heavy woolen clothing, rubber soled shoes, gloves, torch, stick, food (energy bars, dry fruits, packaged food etc.), water, mosquito repellent, toilet paper, some instrument to lit fire (match box/ lighter etc.). Water may freeze in high altitude areas, thus, thermos is recommended.
Safety Precautions
Water currents in rivers of GTA region are strong. It is highly advised to not stand near the cliff or on the bolder near the bank of the river or step into the river for photographs etc.
Must Carry
1. Sunscreen lotion & Moisturizing lotion
2. Heavy Woolen Clothing & socks
3. Good rubber-soled shoes
4. Personal Medication
5. Camera with sufficient batteries and film / memory cards
6. Dark polarized Sun glasses with retainers
7. Id Proofs