Darjeeling: The Unplanned Moments That Make Travel Magical
Finding magic in the unexpected.
Friday, September 5, 2025Sometimes, the best travel memories aren’t the ones you plan.
Leaving Delhi that morning, I felt a strange mix of relief and anticipation. The city was loud, chaotic, and relentless, with horns blaring and crowds pressing in from every side. I craved silence, even if only for a few hours. Darjeeling promised misty hills, crisp mountain air, and a slower rhythm.
I thought I had it all mapped out: land at Bagdogra, meet my driver, head straight into the hills. Simple. Right? Almost immediately, reality laughed at my plans. Stepping outside the airport, I was swallowed by shouting drivers, clattering trolleys, and people brushing past in every direction. My driver was nowhere in sight. A few panicked calls later, I was told he was holding a sign with my Indian number written on it, not with my name (as I assumed). The problem was, I didn’t actually know or memorise my Indian mobile number. I fumbled through my phone, heart pounding, until we finally connected. Ridiculous. Stressful. Perfectly India.
Finding My Driver (and Laughing at Myself)
By the time we finally drove off, I couldn’t help laughing at the absurdity. That chaotic start felt like the perfect introduction to what was ahead
Image: Darjeeling Train Station
Into the Hills: Mist, Tea Gardens, and the Toy Train
By the time I reached Darjeeling, every turn of the winding road felt like a reward. Tea gardens draped the hillsides, mist rolled over the peaks, and the landscape looked like it had been painted just for me. Then came the moment that stole my breath: the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, puffing clouds of smoke, threading its way alongside the road. Cars and jeeps passed by, modern and ancient side by side. I laughed aloud. Only here could history and chaos move together so gracefully.
Settling In: Coffee, Alleys, and Small Joys
Dropping my bag at Mysa Homestays, I set off for coffee at Granary’s. Ten-minute walk, they said. More than an hour later, I arrived, distracted at every turn: colourful stalls, fluttering prayer flags, winding alleys filled with locals going about their day. My camera felt glued to my hand, capturing small scenes that made my chest tighten with delight. Even in quieter lanes, the town never truly paused. At one point, the steam train rumbled past again, smoke curling around me, and I couldn’t help but feel like I’d stepped into a living film.
Why the In-Between Moments Matter
Finally, coffee in hand, I sat outside, breathing the mountain air. Bells rang faintly in the distance, rooftops caught the sun’s light, and strangers greeted each other with a warmth that made me feel entirely at home. In that moment, I realised why I love solo travel. It isn’t the landmarks or the “must-sees.” It’s the unplanned, in-between moments, the chaos, the surprises, the small joys that belong to no one else but you.
Image: Darjeeling Chowrasta square
Image: Darjeeling View
Reflections: What Darjeeling Taught Me
Darjeeling stays with me, not just for its misty hills or toy trains, but for those first messy moments at Bagdogra that set the tone for the whole trip. By the time the sun slipped behind Kanchenjunga, I felt the rare contentment of discovering a place on my own terms.
Solo Travel on Your Own Terms
Your turn: Have you ever had a travel mishap that became a memory you cherish? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories.
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