Top 10 Destinations in North Bengal with Comfortable Cab Services in 2026
Introduction
North Bengal is one of India’s most rewarding travel regions — and in 2026, it is more accessible than ever. So, what are the top destinations in North Bengal? In short: Darjeeling leads for iconic hill station experiences; Dooars is the top pick for wildlife; Kalimpong is best for a peaceful Himalayan escape; Sandakphu is unmissable for trekkers; and Mirik, Kurseong, Lava, Lolegaon, Lepchajagat and Sevoke complete a diverse circuit that covers forests, rivers, colonial heritage, and mountain panoramas.
With Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and NJP Railway Station in Siliguri as the main gateways, reaching any destination in North Bengal has never been more straightforward. Shared cabs and reserved taxis now connect these gateways to every hill station, forest, and riverside town in the region — making comfortable, affordable travel the norm rather than the exception.
🚕 Wizzride Cab Services Pre-booked shared and reserved Innova Crysta cabs from Bagdogra Airport and NJP to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, and all major North Bengal destinations. Visit wizzride.com
All 10 Destinations at a Glance
| # | Destination | Distance from Siliguri | Drive Time | Best For | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darjeeling | 75 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Tea gardens, toy train, views | Mar–May, Oct–Dec |
| 2 | Kalimpong | 65 km | 2–2.5 hrs | Peaceful escape, monasteries | Oct–May |
| 3 | Dooars | 80–120 km | 2–3 hrs | Wildlife, forests, safaris | Nov–May |
| 4 | Mirik | 52 km | 2 hrs | Lake, tea gardens, couples | Mar–Jun, Oct–Dec |
| 5 | Lava & Lolegaon | 100 km | 3–3.5 hrs | Offbeat, forests, canopy walk | Mar–May, Oct–Nov |
| 6 | Kurseong | 45 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Tea estates, colonial charm | Mar–Jun, Oct–Dec |
| 7 | Sandakphu | ~100 km to Manebhanjan | 3–3.5 hrs | Trekking, Himalayan panorama | Apr–May, Oct–Nov |
| 8 | Lepchajagat | ~70 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Hidden forest village, sunrise | Mar–May, Oct–Dec |
| 9 | Bindu & Jhalong | ~160 km | 4–5 hrs | Riverside, Bhutan border | Oct–Mar |
| 10 | Sevoke | 17 km | ~30 min | Scenic gateway, Teesta river | Year-round |
Darjeeling — The Timeless Queen of Hills
Darjeeling is the crown jewel of North Bengal — and one of India’s most iconic hill stations. At 2,042 metres above sea level, the town offers the rare combination of colonial architecture, a thriving tea culture, the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), and on clear pre-monsoon mornings, an unobstructed view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.
The early morning sunrise from Tiger Hill — where Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse are visible simultaneously on clear days — remains one of the most spectacular natural experiences in Eastern India. The town’s vibrant Mall Road, tea gardens stretching across the hillside, and the living museum of the Batasia Loop make Darjeeling a destination that rewards first-time visitors and repeat travellers equally.
Top Attractions
- Tiger Hill: Sunrise viewpoint at 2,590 m — arrive by 4:30 AM for the best views
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: UNESCO World Heritage toy train — the Batasia Loop section is the most photogenic
- Happy Valley Tea Estate: One of Darjeeling’s most accessible tea estates — guided tours available
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: A tribute to Tenzing Norgay, with climbing exhibits and a small zoo
- Peace Pagoda: A Japanese-built white stupa with panoramic valley views
- Mall Road: The social heart of Darjeeling — local food, handicrafts, and mountain cafés
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | 75 km |
| Distance from Bagdogra Airport | 70 km |
| Travel Time | 2.5–3 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | March–May and October–December |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹4,000–₹12,000 for 2 nights (budget to mid-range) |
| Permit Required | No (Indian nationals) |
| Wizzride Option | Shared cab or reserved Innova Crysta from Bagdogra Airport or NJP |
Kalimpong — A Relaxing Himalayan Escape
Kalimpong is the quieter, less-crowded alternative to Darjeeling — and for many travellers, it is the more rewarding destination. Perched at 1,250 metres in the Darjeeling hills with sweeping views of the Teesta Valley, Kalimpong has a distinct personality: part Buddhist hill town, part flower nursery capital of India, part old colonial outpost.
The town is renowned for its flower nurseries — Kalimpong supplies a significant portion of India’s cut flowers, and the nurseries are genuinely worth visiting. Deolo Hill at 1,704 metres offers arguably the best views of Kanchenjunga in all of Kalimpong. The town’s local food scene — particularly its momos and traditional Nepali cuisine — is outstanding.
Top Attractions
- Deolo Hill: Best viewpoint in Kalimpong at 1,704 m — views of Kanchenjunga and Teesta Valley
- Durpin Monastery (Zang Dhok Palri Phodang): A significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery with rare manuscripts
- Morgan House: A colonial-era bungalow converted into a heritage guesthouse with stunning gardens
- Pine View Nursery: One of the oldest and most beautiful flower nurseries in Kalimpong
- Teesta Viewpoint: A dramatic lookout over the Teesta River gorge
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | 65 km |
| Distance from Bagdogra Airport | 75 km |
| Travel Time | 2–2.5 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | October–May |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1–2 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹3,000–₹8,000 for 2 nights |
| Permit Required | No |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved or shared cab from Bagdogra Airport, NJP, or Gangtok |
Dooars — Forests, Wildlife, and Riverside Beauty
Dooars — the foothills of Bhutan and the Himalayas in North Bengal — is one of India’s most underrated wildlife destinations. The region is named after the Tibetan word for “doors”, referring to the passes leading to Bhutan. It is a vast landscape of sal and teak forests, tea estates, rivers, and national parks that shelter rhinos, elephants, bison, leopards, and over 300 species of birds.
Gorumara National Park is the most accessible and popular for day safaris from Siliguri or Jalpaiguri. Jaldapara National Park, slightly further west, has the highest Indian one-horned rhinoceros population in West Bengal. The Dooars is best visited between November and May before the monsoon closes forest roads.
Best Places to Explore
- Gorumara National Park: Best accessible wildlife park in Dooars — jeep and elephant safaris, rhinos and gaur (Indian bison)
- Jaldapara National Park: Highest rhinoceros population in West Bengal — elephant safaris from Hollong Forest Camp
- Chilapata Forest: Dense sal forest with ruins of Pragjyotisha kingdom — ideal for nature walks
- Buxa Tiger Reserve: Tiger reserve bordering Bhutan — trekking trails and river crossings
- Samsing & Suntalekhola: Scenic riverside villages near Rocky Island — popular for camping
- Murti River: Crystal-clear mountain river — fishing, riverside picnics, and camping spots
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | 80–120 km depending on destination |
| Travel Time | 2–3 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | November–May (parks close June–October) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹3,500–₹9,000 for 2 nights (including safari fees) |
| Permit Required | Safari permit required at park entrance |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved cab recommended — covering multiple forest locations in one trip |
Mirik — A Peaceful Lakeside Destination
Mirik is one of North Bengal’s best-kept secrets — a small, beautifully maintained hill town at 1,495 metres surrounded by pine forests, cardamom plantations, and rolling tea gardens. The centrepiece is Sumendu Lake, a picturesque oval lake with a bridge connecting its two banks, boating facilities, and an evening walking circuit that rivals anything in the better-known hill stations.
Mirik is quieter than Darjeeling and less developed than Kalimpong, making it ideal for travellers who genuinely want to slow down. The orange orchards around Mirik are particularly beautiful from October to December when they are in fruit. The scenic drive from Siliguri through Soureni and the tea estates is itself one of the most enjoyable road journeys in North Bengal.
Top Attractions
- Sumendu Lake: The centrepiece of Mirik — boating, bridge walk, and evening promenade
- Tea Gardens: Rolling estates surrounding the town — guided walks available
- Bokar Monastery: A scenic Buddhist monastery above the lake with mountain views
- Orange Orchards: Best visited October–December when in fruit
- Tingling Viewpoint: A panoramic hilltop with views toward Darjeeling and Kanchenjunga
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | 52 km |
| Distance from Bagdogra Airport | 48 km |
| Travel Time | ~2 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | March–June and October–December |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1–2 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹2,500–₹7,000 for 2 nights |
| Permit Required | No |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved or shared cab from Bagdogra Airport or Siliguri |
Lava & Lolegaon — Offbeat Nature Retreats
Lava and Lolegaon are two of North Bengal’s finest offbeat destinations — both located in the Kalimpong district, both covered in misty rhododendron and oak forests, and both refreshingly free of the crowds that fill Darjeeling in peak season. They are best visited together on a 2–3 day circuit, ideally combined with Rishyap for the most complete offbeat North Bengal experience.
Lava at 2,350 metres is the gateway to Neora Valley National Park — one of the richest biodiversity zones in the Eastern Himalayas, home to red pandas, clouded leopards, and Himalayan black bears. Lolegaon, slightly lower at 1,675 metres, is famous for its canopy walk — a suspension walkway through the forest canopy with views of Kanchenjunga.
Top Attractions
- Neora Valley National Park (Lava): One of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the Eastern Himalayas — red panda territory
- Canopy Walk (Lolegaon): A suspension walkway through the forest canopy — unique in North Bengal
- Sunrise Viewpoints: Both Lava and Lolegaon offer spectacular Kanchenjunga sunrise views on clear mornings
- Nature Trails: Well-maintained forest trails through rhododendron and oak woodland
- Buddhist Monasteries: Small gompas with prayer flags and mountain backdrops
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | ~100 km |
| Travel Time | 3–3.5 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | March–May (rhododendrons) and October–November |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2 days (combine Lava + Lolegaon) |
| Budget (per person) | ₹2,500–₹7,000 for 2 nights |
| Permit Required | No |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved cab recommended — hilly roads require experienced drivers |
Kurseong — The Land of White Orchids
Kurseong — its name meaning “Land of White Orchids” in Lepcha — is one of North Bengal’s most undervisited gems. Sitting at 1,458 metres between Siliguri and Darjeeling on the iconic Hill Cart Road, Kurseong has a character that is entirely its own: quiet colonial bungalows, steep tea gardens tumbling down the hillside, cloud forests above the town, and the sound of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train passing through the bazaar.
Makaibari Tea Estate, established in 1859, is one of the world’s oldest and most famous organic tea estates — their first-flush Darjeeling tea consistently fetches among the highest prices at auction globally. Guided estate walks are available and highly recommended.
Top Attractions
- Makaibari Tea Estate: One of the world’s oldest organic tea estates (est. 1859) — guided tours and tea tastings
- Eagle’s Crag: A dramatic rock outcrop viewpoint above Kurseong with sweeping plains views
- Dow Hill: A forested hilltop above the town — known for colonial-era Victoria Boys’ School and misty forest walks
- Deer Park: A small wildlife reserve on the outskirts of town
- Hill Cart Road: The historic road alongside the toy train track — one of the most scenic drives in North Bengal
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | 45 km |
| Distance from Bagdogra Airport | 40 km |
| Travel Time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | March–June and October–December |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1–2 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹2,000–₹6,000 for 2 nights |
| Permit Required | No |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved or shared cab from Bagdogra Airport or Siliguri — en route to Darjeeling |
Sandakphu — Paradise for Trekkers
Sandakphu at 3,636 metres is the highest peak in West Bengal and one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in Eastern India. From the summit, trekkers can simultaneously see four of the world’s five highest peaks: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This panorama — known locally as the “Sleeping Buddha” from the silhouette of the ridgeline — is the defining image of North Bengal trekking.
The standard route starts from Manebhanjan (2,134 m), 26 km from Darjeeling, and takes 4–5 days return. The trail passes through rhododendron forests that bloom spectacularly in April and May. A trekking permit is required from the Darjeeling District Forest Office — arrange this in Darjeeling before departure.
Trekking Highlights
- Summit panorama: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu simultaneously visible on clear days
- Sandakphu–Phalut Route: Extension adds Phalut (3,596 m) for even broader Himalayan views
- Rhododendron forests: Peak bloom in April–May — one of the best wildflower displays in North Bengal
- Mountain camping: Overnight camps at Tumling, Kalipokhri, and Sabarkum
- Land Rover jeep route: An alternative for those who want the views without the trek — 4WD jeeps operate from Manebhanjan
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | ~100 km to Manebhanjan (trek starting point) |
| Travel Time to Manebhanjan | 3–3.5 hours from Siliguri |
| Best Time to Visit | April–May (rhododendrons) and October–November (clear skies) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 4–5 days (full trek) or 1–2 days (jeep to summit) |
| Budget (per person) | ₹5,000–₹15,000 for 4-day trek (guide, accommodation, permit) |
| Permit Required | Yes — trekking permit from Darjeeling District Forest Office |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved cab to Manebhanjan from Bagdogra Airport, NJP, or Darjeeling |
⚠ Permit Required A trekking permit for Sandakphu must be obtained from the Darjeeling District Forest Office before starting the trek at Manebhanjan. Carry your government-issued photo ID. Foreign nationals require an additional restricted area permit.
Lepchajagat — A Hidden Forest Village
Lepchajagat is North Bengal’s most genuinely hidden gem — a tiny forest village at 2,150 metres just 19 km from Darjeeling, almost unknown to mainstream tourism. The village sits inside a dense pine and silver oak forest, and the only sounds are birdsong and wind through the trees. On clear mornings, Kanchenjunga fills the eastern horizon from the treeline.
The village has very few guesthouses and limited public transport, making it a destination that rewards travellers who plan ahead and book a reserved cab. The pine forest walks are outstanding for birdwatching — Lepchajagat sits on one of the best bird corridors in the Eastern Himalayas, with species including the Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, and Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Top Experiences
- Forest walks: Pine and silver oak trails with almost no other tourists
- Birdwatching: One of the best birding spots in North Bengal — Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal
- Sunrise photography: Kanchenjunga visible from the forest edge on clear mornings
- Night sky: No light pollution — outstanding stargazing on clear nights
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | ~70 km (19 km from Darjeeling) |
| Travel Time | 2.5–3 hours from Siliguri |
| Best Time to Visit | March–May and October–December |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1–2 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹2,000–₹5,000 for 2 nights |
| Permit Required | No |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved cab essential — public transport is very limited here |
Bindu & Jhalong — Riverside Escapes Near Bhutan
Bindu and Jhalong are two riverside villages in the Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal, sitting on the banks of the Raidak River near the Indo-Bhutan border. They are among the least visited destinations in North Bengal — and among the most beautiful. The Raidak here is a fast-flowing, boulder-filled mountain river that rushes down from the Bhutan mountains, flanked by dense subtropical forest.
The journey from Siliguri passes through the Dooars landscape — flat, forested, and laced with small rivers — before climbing into the hills near Jhalong. The final approach to Bindu along the riverbank is one of the most scenic short drives in all of North Bengal. Cardamom plantations and riverside camping are the highlights.
Top Experiences
- Bindu Dam & Raidak River: The confluence point where the river meets the Bhutan border — dramatic scenery
- Riverside camping: Several camps operate on the Raidak riverbank — the sound of the river at night is extraordinary
- Cardamom plantations: The slopes around Jhalong are covered in large cardamom farms — guided walks available
- Birdwatching: The Bhutan border forests are exceptional for rare Himalayan bird species
- Village walks: Small Nepali and Bhutia villages with traditional wooden architecture
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | ~160 km |
| Travel Time | 4–5 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | October–March (avoid monsoon — roads can flood) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2 days |
| Budget (per person) | ₹2,500–₹6,000 for 2 nights |
| Permit Required | No (Indian nationals) |
| Wizzride Option | Reserved cab recommended — long distance, limited local transport |
Sevoke — Gateway to the Eastern Himalayas
Sevoke is the dramatic point where the North Bengal plains meet the Himalayan foothills — the literal gateway through which the Teesta River descends from the mountains into the flat Dooars. Just 17 km from Siliguri, it is one of the most scenic short drives in the region and a near-essential stop for every traveller heading toward Gangtok, Kalimpong, or Darjeeling.
The Coronation Bridge — a graceful suspension bridge built in 1941 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI — spans the Teesta gorge at a particularly dramatic point. Standing on the bridge with the river rushing below and forest-covered mountains rising on either side is one of the most atmospheric experiences near Siliguri. The Sevoke Kali Mandir temple on the hill above is also worth visiting for its views.
Top Attractions
- Coronation Bridge: A historic 1941 suspension bridge over the Teesta gorge — photography essential
- Teesta River: Stunning blue-green mountain river — visible from the bridge and surrounding forest roads
- Sevoke Kali Mandir: A hilltop temple with views over the Teesta valley
- Forest landscapes: The Sevoke Forest Reserve flanks the highway with dense sal and mixed forest
| Route Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Siliguri | 17 km |
| Distance from Bagdogra Airport | 22 km |
| Travel Time | ~30–45 minutes |
| Best Time to Visit | Year-round (avoid heavy monsoon days) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | Half day (usually en route to Gangtok or Kalimpong) |
| Budget (per person) | Minimal — usually a free stop en route |
| Permit Required | No |
| Wizzride Option | All Wizzride cabs to Gangtok and Kalimpong pass through Sevoke — ask driver to stop |
Comfortable Travel in North Bengal in 2026
Traveling across North Bengal’s hills has become significantly more convenient. The three main gateways — Bagdogra Airport (IXB), NJP Railway Station, and Siliguri — now connect seamlessly to every destination on this list via pre-booked shared and reserved cab services.
Key Routes and Wizzride Options
| Route | Distance | Shared Cab Fare | Reserved Cab Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra Airport → Darjeeling | 70 km | ₹350–₹600/seat | ₹2,500–₹3,500 |
| Bagdogra Airport → Gangtok | 124 km | ₹400–₹700/seat | ₹3,500–₹5,000 |
| Bagdogra Airport → Kalimpong | 75 km | ₹350–₹600/seat | ₹2,500–₹3,500 |
| Siliguri → Darjeeling | 75 km | ₹300–₹500/seat | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Siliguri → Mirik | 52 km | ₹250–₹400/seat | ₹1,800–₹2,500 |
- Shared cabs: Best for solo travellers and couples — pay per seat, fixed schedules, affordable fares
- Reserved cabs: Best for families, groups, or routes with limited shared cab availability
- Premium Innova Crysta fleet: Comfortable on North Bengal’s winding hill roads
- Fixed schedules and pre-booking: No waiting at the stand for a cab to fill up
- Direct airport pickup: Coordinated with flight arrivals at Bagdogra (IXB)
🚕 Book with Wizzride Shared and reserved Innova Crysta cabs from Bagdogra Airport and NJP to all major North Bengal destinations. Fixed pricing, pre-booking, professional drivers. Visit wizzride.com or book via the Wizzride app (Android / iOS).
Best Time to Visit North Bengal
| Season | Months | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Clear skies, rhododendrons in bloom, pleasant temperatures | Trekking (Sandakphu), Lava–Lolegaon, all hill stations |
| Summer | June–August | Monsoon begins — lush greenery but landslide risk on mountain roads | Dooars (waterfalls), Kalimpong, lower altitude destinations |
| Autumn | September–November | Post-monsoon clarity — best Kanchenjunga views of the year | All destinations, best for photography and Sandakphu trek |
| Winter | December–February | Cold at altitude (0–5°C in Darjeeling/Sandakphu), snow possible above 2,500 m | Dooars wildlife, Kalimpong, Sevoke — avoid Sandakphu without proper gear |
Conclusion
North Bengal continues to be one of India’s most rewarding travel regions in 2026. Whether you choose the iconic charm of Darjeeling, the wildlife of Dooars, the tranquillity of Mirik, the offbeat forests of Lava and Lepchajagat, or the dramatic river gateway at Sevoke — every destination offers something genuinely memorable.
The combination of improved road connectivity, comfortable shared and reserved cab services, and easy access via Bagdogra Airport and NJP Railway Station makes North Bengal more accessible than ever. Plan your route, book your cab in advance, and start with an early morning departure for the best hill driving experience.
Useful Resources
- West Bengal Tourism — Official Portal
- Incredible India — North Bengal Tourism
- Wizzride — Cab Booking from Bagdogra Airport & NJP to North Bengal
Frequently Asked Questions — Top Destinations in North Bengal 2026
Q1. Which is the best destination to visit in North Bengal in 2026?
Darjeeling remains the most iconic destination in North Bengal — its tea gardens, UNESCO toy train, Tiger Hill sunrise, and Kanchenjunga views make it a must-visit at least once. For first-time visitors, a Darjeeling and Kalimpong circuit covering both destinations in 3–4 days is the best introduction to North Bengal. For wildlife lovers, the Dooars is the top pick.
Q2. What is the best time to visit North Bengal?
March to May is the best time for clear mountain views, rhododendron blooms, and comfortable trekking temperatures. October to December is the best for post-monsoon clarity — the Kanchenjunga views in October and November are extraordinary. Avoid high-altitude destinations like Sandakphu in monsoon (June–September) due to landslide risk. Dooars wildlife parks are best visited November to May, as they close during the monsoon.
Q3. Are luxury shared cabs available in North Bengal?
Yes. Premium shared Innova Crysta cab services are available across all major North Bengal routes — including Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling, Bagdogra to Gangtok, Siliguri to Kalimpong, and Siliguri to Mirik. Wizzride offers pre-booked shared seats with fixed schedules, verified drivers, and transparent per-seat pricing on all these corridors.
Q4. How can I travel from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling?
Bagdogra Airport is approximately 70 km from Darjeeling — a 2.5 to 3-hour drive on mountain roads. The most comfortable and affordable option is a Wizzride shared cab (₹350–600 per seat) or reserved Innova Crysta (₹2,500–3,500 for the full vehicle). Book in advance at wizzride.com or via the Wizzride app to ensure pickup at the airport arrivals gate coordinated with your flight time.
Q5. Is North Bengal suitable for family vacations?
Yes, North Bengal is excellent for family vacations. Darjeeling offers the toy train experience, zoo, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute that children love. Dooars jeep safaris are thrilling for all ages. Mirik Lake is perfect for a relaxed family day. The reserved cab option on Wizzride is ideal for families — the full Innova Crysta gives a comfortable private journey on North Bengal’s winding hill roads.
Q6. Do I need a permit for any North Bengal destinations?
Most North Bengal destinations do not require permits for Indian nationals. The key exception is Sandakphu, which requires a trekking permit from the Darjeeling District Forest Office. Wildlife park entry fees (Gorumara, Jaldapara) are paid at the gate. For Gangtok and Sikkim, a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required for certain restricted zones. No permit is needed for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Kurseong, Dooars, Lava, Lolegaon, or Lepchajagat.