Darjeeling Welcomes Tourists Back with Growing Confidence as Recovery from Recent Landslides Gains Momentum

Published on October 9, 2025

Darjeeling, the queen of the hills, has long been a favored getaway for travelers looking to experience the charm of the Himalayas, colonial-era architecture, and lush tea gardens. However, recent landslides in the region created significant disruptions, causing considerable damage to the tourism sector. As travelers canceled their plans and businesses suffered, it seemed the region’s thriving hospitality and tourism industry was on the brink of collapse. Yet, despite the odds, Darjeeling is beginning to show signs of recovery, offering a glimmer of hope as bookings for the winter months begin to rise.

Devastating Impact: A Hit to Tourism

The landslides that struck Darjeeling had far-reaching consequences. The essential road links between Darjeeling and the rest of the state were severely affected, and tourists quickly became apprehensive about their ability to travel safely. In the wake of the disaster, many travelers opted to cancel their trips, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the status of the Siliguri-Darjeeling-Mirik routes.

For the hospitality industry, the aftermath was harsh. Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators were forced to handle a massive surge in cancellations. Some hotels reported the loss of up to 50 room bookings in a single day, a blow to businesses that depend on the steady flow of visitors, particularly during peak seasons. In addition, the absence of tourists left iconic local spots empty, and the town, which typically bustles with visitors, became unusually quiet.

Hope on the Horizon: A Gradual Resurgence

While the immediate aftermath was difficult, signs of a recovery began to appear shortly after. Over the past few weeks, inquiries from prospective tourists have steadily increased. Many travelers who had originally canceled their plans are now rebooking their trips or opting to reschedule. According to industry experts, this shift from cancellations to rescheduled bookings is an early indication that the tourism industry is slowly finding its feet again.

Tourism stakeholders have noted that many of the new inquiries are focused on the latter half of October and the upcoming winter months. Although it will take time for business to fully recover, the upward trend in bookings is reassuring. Tourists, it seems, are eager to return to the serene hills of Darjeeling once the immediate disruptions are resolved.

Local Businesses Start to Feel the Change

A welcome sign of recovery is the slow return of visitors to the town’s beloved local businesses. For several weeks, some of Darjeeling’s iconic establishments, such as Keventer’s Café and Glenary’s Bakery, saw business grind to a halt. Keventer’s, a historic café that has been a staple of Darjeeling for over a century, saw a steep decline in revenue, with daily earnings dropping by more than half. Despite this setback, business is beginning to pick up again, and the café’s staff are cautiously optimistic that the worst is behind them.

Similarly, Glenary’s Bakery, another cherished Darjeeling institution, experienced a sharp drop in customers, especially following the landslides. Once known for long queues outside its doors, the bakery found itself nearly deserted for a time. However, as more tourists return, the bakery’s atmosphere is gradually coming back to life, and owners remain hopeful that their business will soon recover.

These iconic cafés and other local businesses, which rely heavily on tourism, are beginning to benefit from the renewed interest in the region. Many shops that had remained empty are now seeing more visitors, and as more tourists arrive, the local economy is beginning to recover, piece by piece.

Navigating the Challenges: Difficult Journeys to the Hills

Despite the recovery, challenges remain for travelers attempting to reach Darjeeling. The road conditions, though improving, are still not fully restored to their pre-disaster state. Several tourists have shared stories of arduous journeys to reach the hill station. One traveler recounted her trip from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, which took almost nine hours due to delays and the necessity of taking longer, alternative routes. While such delays are not uncommon in the region, they have become more pronounced in the aftermath of the landslides.

Still, despite these challenges, the determination of tourists to visit Darjeeling remains strong. Many are willing to take the longer routes, driven by their desire to experience the town’s unique charm. The perseverance of visitors, combined with ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure, suggests that the region will continue to draw travelers, albeit with some patience required along the way.

Looking Forward: A Promising Winter Season

Looking ahead, the outlook for Darjeeling’s tourism industry is cautiously optimistic. Winter, traditionally the high season for tourism in the region, is expected to bring an influx of visitors. As road conditions continue to improve, and with renewed interest from travelers, local businesses are hopeful that the upcoming months will help the region recover from its recent challenges.

With its stunning views of the Himalayas, picturesque tea estates, and rich colonial heritage, Darjeeling remains a prime destination for tourists. As the recovery process gains momentum, both visitors and locals are looking forward to a bustling winter season, one that will hopefully restore Darjeeling’s position as a must-visit destination in India.

In the coming weeks, as more bookings flood in and the town comes back to life, Darjeeling’s resilience and the warmth of its people will be key to its successful recovery. Despite the setbacks, the enduring appeal of this hill station continues to shine through, and it seems that Darjeeling is on the path to regaining its place as one of India’s most cherished tourist spots.