darjeeling tourist places to visit

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Places to Visit in Darjeeling

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Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Here are some of the best places to visit in darjeeling:.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Visit Tiger Hill in Darjeeling to experience the unique opportunity to see the magnificent sunrise over Kanchenjunga Mountain. At 2,590 metres, it's the ideal vantage point, drawing travellers from all over the world. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga from the top of Ghoom. Moreover, you can also Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of nature as the morning sun rises.

Top Experiences To Do in Tiger Hill

Batasia Loop

Situated amidst the beautiful towns of Darjeeling and Ghum is the captivating Batasia Loop, a spiralling railway track. A spectacular 360-degree view of the Eastern Himalayas, including the mighty Kanchenjunga, is yours to enjoy as you descend 140 feet. It is a moving War Memorial remembering Gorkha troops and is surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Batasia Loop is a must-visit site in Darjeeling where you may appreciate the serene beauty and pay regard to the region's history.

Top Experiences To Do in Batasia Loop

Sandakphu Trek

Discover the allure of the Sandakphu Trek, which leads you to the highest peak in West Bengal. Start from Manebhanjan and journey through vibrant rhododendron forests to reach breathtaking vistas. At 3,636 metres above sea level, the trek offers stunning views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. Spanning 52 kilometres over 5 to 6 days and passing through the Singalila National Park, it is a trekker's delight.

Top Experiences To Do in Sandakphu Trek

Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Top Experiences To Do in Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Top Experiences To Do in Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Peace pagoda.

Top Experiences To Do in Peace Pagoda

Ghum Monastery

Rock Garden Darjeeling

A serene masterpiece nestled amidst hills. Crafted with rocks, waterfalls, and flowers, offering tranquility, breathtaking views, and a harmonious blend of nature and artistry.

Nightingale Park

Singalila National Park

Best of Manali

St. Andrew’S Church

Top Experiences To Do in St. Andrew’S Church

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Observatory Hill

Best of Sikkim

Bengal Natural History Museum

A great place for the patrons of history and nature, Bengal natural History Museum is one of the most prominent museums you can find in the region. This unique museum is dedicated to the rich wildlife or biodiversity of the region and its history. The museum is divided into two large sections, and features different sub-sections where specimens of a variety of avifauna and fauna that are found in the region. The museum claims to have specimens of 820 bird species on display here, which is quite impressive for any nature lover taking a tour of the museum. Location: Darjeeling – Jorethang Road, Darjeeling Timing: 8 am to 7:30 pm

Mahakal Mandir

Hike up the Observatory Hill in Darjeeling to the sacred Mahakal Temple, which is a mere 20 minutes from the highway. Along the way, the challenging winding path makes the journey worth your while for the breathtaking panoramas, lush fields, and lovely cottages. You also get to spot naughty monkeys while enjoying the spiritual vibes and beautiful scenery. 

Tenzing Rock

Best of Gangtok

If you love being outdoors and surround yourself with the freshness and calm of nature, Dooars is the most ideal place for you to visit when you are in Darjeeling. Dooars is a place that defines ‘pristine nature’ with its untainted, lush green landscapes. It is a vast region of floodplains that encompasses tea gardens, hill slopes, undulating meadows, tropical forests, and ethnic villages. The place is ideal for nature photography, wildlife exploration, and nature stay. The natural beauty of the region and the variety of experiences it has on offer make Dooars one of the most fascinating places to visit in Darjeeling.

Bhutia Busty Monastery

Dali Monastery

Best of Shillong

Neora Valley National Park

The city’s Mall Market, this is the heart of Darjeeling, both literally and symbolically. Being the main market area, this is the most bustling part of the city frequented by locals and tourists alike. Chowrasta literally translates to four-way. Whether you want to let the sun warm you on a cold morning or you want to catch a crimson sky during sunset, Chowrasta is the place to be. A number of hotels, restaurants, and shops are available here so you can be assured of spending an eventful evening at Chowrasta. From relishing delicacies to shopping for souvenirs, there are a number of activities to try here. Location: The Mall, Darjeeling Timing: 10 am to 9 pm

Best of Bhutan

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest and well-known Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Ghoom. The monastery was constructed in 1850 by Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, the famous monk and the Mongolian astrologer. 

Top Experiences To Do in Ghoom Monastery

Tibetan refugee center.

Explore the heartwarming tale of resilience at the Tibetan Refugee Center! Nestled in a serene corner of Darjeeling, this centre stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Tibetan people. Witness traditional handicrafts and vibrant cultural displays that showcase their heritage. Embrace the warmth of Tibetan hospitality and support their community through your visit. Delve into a meaningful journey of compassion and understanding as you learn about their struggles, triumphs, and the preservation of their rich traditions. The Tibetan Refugee Center invites you to be a part of their inspiring story. Visit now and leave with a heart full of admiration.

Top Experiences To Do in Tibetan Refugee Center

Kalimpong science centre.

Kalimpong Science Centre, also known as Kalimpong Science City, is close to Deolo Hill in Kalimpong, West Bengal. It is a centre that provides valuable information about science and technology. 

Best of Pelling

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center

This is essentially a rehabilitation centre for the Tibetan refugees, but since the place gives an opportunity to indulge in a shopping experience, it has also emerged as a popular site among tourists. This help center was initially established with an objective to make the Tibetan community in Darjeeling self-dependent by offering them opportunity to earn money. The place now offers a wide range of handicrafts including wooden articles, exquisite shawls, leather jackets, and much more that will tickle your fancy. In fact, these products are exported to 36 countries all over the world. Apart from being a place for shopping, it is also a good place to learn about Tibetan refugees living in India. Location: Havelock Villa, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling Timing: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Kala Pokhri Lake

Kala Pokhri Lake, tucked away in the hills of Darjeeling, is a lovely spot for nature lovers and adventurers. This beautiful lake sits high up at around 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), giving you amazing views of the Himalayan peaks, including the famous Kanchenjunga.

The lake's clear waters reflect the sky's colors, making for stunning sights, especially during sunrise and sunset. Surrounded by forests full of rhododendrons and pine trees, it's a great place to spot birds and other wildlife.

Gairibas, Darjeeling

Gairibas, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal, exudes an ethereal charm that beckons travelers seeking solace in nature's embrace. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), this quaint hamlet offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best of Arunachal Pradesh

Gopaldhara Tea Estate

Gopal Dhara Tea Estate, nestled in the verdant hills of Darjeeling, is a haven for tea enthusiasts seeking the finest brews. Established in the late 19th century, this historic estate spans acres of lush tea gardens, where meticulously cultivated tea bushes thrive in the region's unique microclimate. Renowned for producing some of the world's most exquisite Darjeeling tea, Gopal Dhara embodies the essence of craftsmanship and tradition. Visitors can explore the estate, witness the tea-making process firsthand, and indulge in aromatic tastings amid breathtaking scenery. Gopal Dhara Tea Estate stands as a testament to Darjeeling's legacy of premium tea production.

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Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 2 days?

Which are the best places to visit in darjeeling at night, how many days do you need in darjeeling.

3 nights and 4 days are perfect to enjoy the mountainside beauty of Darjeeling along with its Toy Train, viewpoints, national parks, and the mall road. In this time, you can also explore a range of North-Eastern cuisines and shop for beautiful local artworks.

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Top 27 Places to visit in Darjeeling, Explore the Beautiful Hills of Darjeeling

Top 10 things to do when traveling to shimla: shimla travel guide, the ultimate paris travel guidelines for first timers | top attractions & things to do.

In the country of colour, chaos and glamour, there is a scenic hill station with the aroma of tea in the air on the foot of the Himalayas. Darjeeling is much more than just a hill station. It is the heaven for mountain climbers, with a beautiful climate for the seekers of natural splendid.

History, UNESCO sites and a mix of different religions all on the foot of the world’s largest mountain range is one of the sought-after destinations that attracts over 45,0000 tourists per year. Here is my Top 27 Places to visit in & from Darjeeling : a travel guide to India for the first timer.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Places to visit in & from Darjeeling

1. soak in the beauty of tiger hill.

To start, this is probably the one on every Darjeeling visitor’s list. Situated 11km away from Darjeeling, it offers a clear view of sunrise on the Kanchenjunga. The heavenly feeling of feeling the sun rays on your face in the chilly morning with the snow-covered range of mountains standing with pride in your sight is simply enthralling.

You can rent cars or taxis to reach. But, if you are booking a self- driving zoom car , you have to get a permit. If you go to tiger hill on peak season, taxi drivers will insist you reach the summit by 4:15 AM to avoid a long queue of people.

Entry Fee: INR-60 per person

Timing: Sunrise (4:15-4:45 depending on the season)

2 . Viewpoints for The Sleeping Buddha

Kanchenjunga often referred to as the sleeping Buddha is best observed from Tiger Hill . From the uppermost tier of Tiger Hill, you get a clear view of sunrise which will mesmerize you.

Kanchenjunga can be seen from all over Darjeeling including all of its four peaks: the Kanchenjunga central, Kanchenjunga west, Kanchenjunga main, Kanchenjunga south. The best views of both the Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest is visible clearly in the Sandakphu to Phalut trek.

3. Exploring the Amazing Animals of Darjeeling Zoo

The Darjeeling Zoo , named after Padmaja Naidu, is a unique attraction being an excellent location for alpine animals. It specializes in rescuing and breeding snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan wolves.

You will find different species of snakes in this Zoological Park as well. Did you know that this is also the centre for India’s Red Panda program that has been successfully keeping this threatened species alive? The park has a naturally good spot as a high-altitude habitat for animals on an elevation of 7000ft.

Entry Fee: The park will charge you 20 INR as an entry fee.

Timings: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Main attractions: Red Panda, Goral, Tahr, Black Leopard, Snow Leopard, Markhor, Blue Sheep

4. Unlock the Wonders at The Rock Garden

The ride to Darjeeling Rock Garden will captivate your senses and will be carved into your memory for a long time. The Rock Garden has located 10 km from the main Hill Cart Road on Bloomfield Road and is also named Barbotey Park.

The road consists of sharp turns and hairpin bends as the road goes down from the elevated surface. The rock garden is named so because of its natural roads made of rock, and there is Chunnu Summer Falls to add to that beauty. You will find yourself in a treat as you get 3km further down in the Ganga Maiya Valley.

Entry Fee: Separately, each park will charge INR 60 per person

Timings:  10:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Ganga Maya Park) 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Rock Garden)

Main Attractions: Chunnu waterfall, traditional dance by the tribals during peak season, the rock covered roads

5. Ganga Maiya Park Darjeeling

Ganga Maiya Park is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling which is a new addition to the already scenic valley. It is three kilometres further down below the Rock Garden. The main points of attracts in the park in the beautiful waterfall, its crystal-clear water and the panoramic view attract a lot of tourists.

The Ganga Maiya Park is mostly dedicated to creating a space for the locals to showcase the traditional dances and entertain the visitors. It is open to tourists from 10 AM to 4 PM. It will take you around 45 minutes to an hour to roam around this park and the peak time for visiting is 12 PM to 2 PM.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: 10 INR for Indians and 50 INR for foreigners

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a legacy of its own. It was one of the first and elegant mountaineering institutes established in 1954 after Tenzing Norgay’s ascent to Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary.

It is funded by India’s state and central government and is one of the best places to learn mountaineering. Along with the Zoological Park, it is located in the western part of Birch Hill. Swiss-style architecture, a museum filled with mountaineering artefacts, small souvenir shops, and tea parlours will make you feel enchanted.

Entry Fee:  INR 60

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Main Attractions: Museum with mountaineering artefacts

7. Discover the Unique and Exciting Shopping Experience at Darjeeling Mall

The chowrasta of the main Darjeeling will give you a glance at the lifestyle of the locals. It’s an open area used by the English for the promenade. The four streets, Dr Zakir Hussain Road, Nehru Road, Mall Road east and west, meet up here.

You can find a market of small local shops on Nehru market, old and heritage shops in the mall area for antique and modern unique items.

Main attractions: Eating places like Keventar’s, Dekevas, shopping centres, century-old antique shops, local street markets

8. Observatory hill:

Observatory hill is the endpoint for your walk in the Chowrasta Mall. Observatory Hill is known for snow-clad mountains and as a viewpoint for Kanchenjunga on clear days. Previously, Bhutia Busti Monastery is located in this place. The path to the main viewpoint or summit starts at the eastern mall road.

Colourful prayer flags and chiming bells will welcome you along the way. Co-existence of Hindu priests and Buddhist lamas is a sight to praise. There is a Mahakal Temple (temple of the Hindu god Shiva) at the end of the summit. The panoramic view at the end and the beautiful road makes this spot perfect for viewing Kanchenjunga and evening walks.

Timing: 7 A.M to 7 PM.

No entry fees

9. Dali Monastery:

Drukpa Kagyupa Monastery is at an altitude of 7000ft. Between Darjeeling and Ghoom. It’s a must-visit place in Darjeeling. Visit the Dali Gompa built by  Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche in 1971. More than 200 Tibetan Buddhists of the Drukchen sect stay at Dali Gompa.

At the entrance of the Prayer Hall, you will see a giant Buddha statue. The chanting of monks and the use of Tibetan drums with the chanting will make you feel tranquillity and peace. Dali Monastery is definitely one of the places to visit in Darjeeling on the way to Batasia loop.

Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM

10. Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop

On the track of the toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom, the train stops at these two places. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit the Monastery; the Buddist Monastery, the colourful bunting banners beside the road reflecting the red and orange rays of sunshine will mesmerize you beyond your imagination.

Along the train track on the way back, you can visit the wonder of mechanical engineering meeting the natural splendour. Batasia means a beautified garden that surrounds airy space and the loop just below the Ghoom Station. This location’s beauty will transport you to a peaceful place.

Ghoom Monastery timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Charges: INR 60 for carrying cameras, otherwise free entry

11. Darjeeling Ropeway:

Darjeeling Cable car is India’s first cable car service. It was started its journey in 1968; currently, the cable car runs from Singamari to Tukvar. The starting station Singamari with an altitude of 7,000ft.

It is 3kms away from Darjeeling Chowkbazar. The whole ropeway course is further spread than Tukvar, and the last station is Sigla Bazar, with an altitude of 800ft.

Cable Car fare: INR 190 per adult and 100 for child

Main attractions: Visiting the scenic view of the Himalayas from a birds view at an elevated altitude.

12. Mirik Lake:

The Sumendu Lake at Mirik, Darjeeling or Mirik Lake, has crystal blue Coloured water.  If there is a clear sky and the sun is out, you can see the Kanchenjunga from here. The breezy lakeside in the hill station is a prominent place for taking walks.

The lake itself is 16.19 ha or 1.25 km long. And the maximum depth of the water is 7.92m. There is a beautiful arched white footbridge 24.38 m long and is a perfect place to do photoshoots. There are no entry fees for this, but the horse rides are charged.

1 3. Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling

Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is one of the Peace Pagodas built to serve as a focal point for people of all races and creeds in their quest for world peace. It is in the Indian state of West Bengal, in the town of Darjeeling.

It, like the majority of the other Peace Pagodas, was built under the supervision of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Nipponzan-Myhji Buddhist Order.

Address: 27H5+2HQ, West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Entrance: Free

14. Singalila National Park:

Located along the Singalila ridge, Singalila National Park is home to endangered red pandas and one of the most beautiful Himalayan forests. The trek route to Sandakphu runs within Singalila National Park and the park is well known for it.

Singalila National Park is also home to mammals and birds like the black panther, leopard, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, and blood pheasant. The place is a paradise for bird watching having more than 300 species of birds.

15. Nightingale Shrubbery:

The private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow was redesigned after the 1934’s earthquake and made public as Nightingale Shrubbery. The public spot for visiting snow clas mountains along the beautiful walkway is a memorable place to visit in Darjeeling.

The crisscrossed paths of the park look lovely at the outset, and you can also see the range of Himalayas as snow covers the park in Winter. It’s a great place to enjoy snow battle for kids in the winter.

Timing:  9AM to 5 PM

16. Happy Valley Tea Estate:

The Happy Valley tea estate is very close to the mall road, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot. Going on a trip to Darjeeling and not visiting a tea estate is not imaginable. Happy Valley is one of the biggest tea gardens and also showcases the whole process of use of equipment and retailing.

The retail outlet also gives you the option to purchase a variety of tea leaves. It’s a must-visit place in Darjeeling which will help you experience sensory and olfactory experiences.

Timing: Open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Fee for Factory Visit: INR 150 per person

Things to Do in Darjeeling:

There are plenty of amazing and adventurous things to do in Darjeeling. The area is very close to Sandakphu, the Teesta River, and home to old architectural places, natural adventurous roads offering a lot of activities to the tourists.

17. River Rafting in Teesta:

River Rafting is one of the most fun activities to enjoy with friends. Teesta has various rapids, pumping your adrenaline and there are experiences for grade 1 to grade 4 offering one of the best river rafting experiences in India. River rafting in.

Experience 4-5 rapids along the 7km of the rafting stretch. Along with offering thrill to adrenaline junkies the risk level is a little high. Grade 4 is only for trained rafters and previous ones are enjoyable with a rafter on board.

18. Sandakphu Trek:

Sandakphu trek is a moderately difficult trek to climb 12,000ft but the external weather can make it challenging. Sandakphu is considered a mesmerizing wonderland for trekkers. The trek enthusiasts, explorers and hikers will find this trek easy-going while beginners may take a little time to acclimatize to the change.

 Offers the best panoramic view of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. Sandakphu trek is life-changing and should be experienced once in a lifetime. Make a checklist of trek poles, warm clothing, and medications prior to the trek. Also, don’t forget to exercise regularly to have a fit body for the trek.

Best time to Trek:  April to May, October to November

19. Mountaineering at HMI:

The mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling offers courses learn mountaineering basic courses, advanced courses and adventure courses. Anybody can enrol for the basic course where all basics of rock, snow and ice climbing are taught.

There is short 3 to 5-day special courses offered for tourists as well. There are final treks to complete the curses. Both the basic and advanced courses are of 28 days. If you want to escape to the mountains while learning something fruitful, try enrolling on the courses at HMI.

Time of the Courses: March, April, May, September

20. Exploring Dooars Tea Garden:

One of the things never to miss in Darjeeling is taking a tour of the Dooars tea garden . You have to rent a car from Darjeeling and move south towards Latagiri, Jalpaiguri to see the sprawling beauty of the tea gardens. Buy some Darjeeling tea as a souvenir and smell the aroma as you drive down green blossoming tea gardens.

21. Buy Woolens at Bhutia Market:

Walk down to Chowk Bazar, Nehru Road where you will visit a lot of stores for woollen goods . Bhutia markets are temporary stalls set up next to Nathmull. Go on a shopping spree to find sweaters, gloves, woollen caps, and jackets at reasonable and high-quality wool. In the Bhutia market, you can also find other goods like seasonal tea leves, Churpi and small souvenir shops.

22. Relish Thupka & Momos:

Mountain and momos are a combination of love.Thupka and momos these two dishes from Tibetan descent are a must-try for Darjeeling goers. Momos are an Indian variation of dumplings made from chicken, or beef or pork and vegetables.

Some of the best places to try momos in Darjeeling are Kunga Restaurant, Nepali Everest Momo, Dekevas, and Hasty-Tasty. Thupka is a noodle dish with a warm broth of meat and vegetables and will warm your soul.

Places to visit near Darjeeling:

West Bengal’s district of Darjeeling has hidden gems near its places because of the hill ranges, natural abundance and rustic beauty. If you are planning a visit near Darjeeling, you should visit these places. Here are the top 5 places that you can merge into your tour package near Darjeeling.

23. Nathula Pass:

Nathula Pass is a pleasantly surprising alluring passway, Nathula Pass is one of the surreal experiences someone can have. Drive through Nathula Pass to go to Gangtok. Gangtok, the capital of Sikim. is a beautiful place for mountain lovers.

The best time to visit Nathula pass is from March to October. It takes around 6 hours to drive through the pass. You will need a permit to travel through Nathula Pass, offering a prismatic view of the Himalayan mountains through Nathula Pass. If you plan a Darjeeling-Gangtok trip together keep aside 6 to 7 days for the trip alone

Top Attractions : Staircase to Indo-china border, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, Mandakini Waterfalls

Distance from Darjeeling: 150Km

24. Kalimpong:

Kalimpong, 51.3 km east of Darjeeling is a hill station known for Buddhist monasteries, Durpin Dara hills, and Tibetan handicrafts. Book a cab from Darjeeling and the trip will take you two and half hours more or less. Extend your stay one or two days if you want to visit Kalimpong.

Kalimpong is situated on the ridge that connects two hills of Durpin Dara. The Deolo hill, Zhang Dhok Polari Monasteryand Teesta river are must-visit while you stay in Kalimpong. There are also temples of Hanuman and Lord Radha Krishna in Kalimpong.

Top Attractions: Durpin Dara hills & monastery, Deolo hill, Pine View Nursery

Distance from Darjeeling: 51km

25. Karseong:

Karseong will definitely take your breath away if you want a short duration of extension to your Darjeeling to stay. Just 30 km south of Darjeeling town, Karseong is often referred to as the land of white orchids. Temples, gompas, museums and apart from Nurseries the view is also worth the visit.

The most famous attractions in Karseong are Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, Tea Gardens, Ambosia Shiv Mandir, Eagle’s Crag and forest museum. You can easily have a trip to Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Karseong if you have a week in your hand.

Top Attractions: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, Eagle’s Crag, Castleton Tea estate

Distance from Darjeeling:30km

26. Lataguri:

Lataguri is located on the outskirts of the Gourmara National Park. Enjoy your stay in Lataguri with natural wildlife safaris, and a murti river visit and enjoy an amazing time in the forest. Lataguri is 114km from Darjeeling through Peshak road and you can cover the distance within three and a half hours by car.

Go for safari visits in observatory and morning jeep safaris to explore nature in West Bengal at its best. The most Highlighting attractions in Lataguri are Gorumara National Park, Medhla tower, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and Jayanti Mahakal Caves.

Top Attractions: Gorumara safari, Chapramari Sanctuary

27. South Sikkim:

A Sikkim tour with Gangtok and Darjeeling takes you around 6 to 7 days. South Sikkim is surrounded by majestic mountains and forests and the enchanting beauty of Sikkim will surely mesmerize you. South Sikkim has places of Buddhist worshipers, ropeways, and tea gardens. Places to visit in South Sikkim are Namchi, Ravangla, Borong, Char Dham, Tendong Hill, Tami tea garden etc.

Top Attractions: Namchi, Tami Tea Garden, Buddha Park

Distance from Darjeeling (to Namchi): 45km

Things To Do Before Going to Darjeeling

If you are coming to Darjeeling from outside India, please check if you need a visa. Most foreign tourists except citizens of Maldives require Indian visas.

Almost 113 countries can apply for Indian visas online from the official website also Have you arranged travel insurance for your trip to India? Protect yourself against the unexpected by reading  How to Buy t he Best Travel Insurance: A beginners’ guide  or requesting a quote from  Safetywing .

Planning An Itinerary:

Especially if you are planning on visiting Darjeeling, creating an efficient itinerary is very important to visit and enjoy most places in and out of Darjeeling.

Here is a useful 5-day itinerary if you are visiting the beautiful hill station from Kolkata.

Day1: Sightseeing in the Chowrasta and Darjeeling Mal

Take the train to NJP from Kolkata and sightseeing in the Darjeeling mal, Mahakal Temple and the market in the Chowrasta Mall.

Day 2: TIger Hill, Batasia Loop, 7-point Sightseeing

Visit sunrise at Tiger hill early in the morning and then take the toy train ride to Ghoom monastery and Batasia Loop. For the rest of the day, you can visit the 7-point attraction that is famous in most of the. It will make sure the visit of HMI and Zoological Park, the Happy Valley tea estate, the Racecourse.

Day 3: Trip to Mirik

Take a trip to Mirik, visit Mirik Lake, ride boats and sightseeing in the beautiful scenic crystal-clear lake.

Day 4: Rock Garden & Ganga Maiya Park

Take the Darjeeling Joy ride if you wish and take a trip to Darjeeling Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya Park thereafter.

Day5: Trip to Kalimpong and Sightseeing

The Number of Days & Best Time to Visit Darjeeling:

Anywhere between 3 to 7 days is good enough to visit popular sites and experience scenic beauty. For those who want to experience snow, the summer months of April to June or the dry winter months of October to December are the finest times to visit Darjeeling.

Budget Planning Darjeeling trip:

While planning a Darjeeling trip, you have to remember the accommodation, transport, food costs, and additional costs for sightseeing and shopping. Accommodation in the main town of Darjeeling costs you around INR-1000 per night per person, at its lowest.

Considering you stay at least five days; you will have to keep a budget around INR-5500 to INR- 6000. Some of the nearby attractions are walkable. You can walk around mal road, Chowrasta, and the markets.

For going to tourist attractions such as tiger hill, Darjeeling Zoo, Rock Garden, Ghoom Monastery, and Mirik Lake you will need to rent a car. Public transport services are not that trustable. Renting a car will cost around INR-10 per km. You can put aside INR-5000 to 6000 INR for transport including train tickets.

For food Indian restaurants, small places, and other bakeries and Tibetan restaurants are available. The food cost will be around INR-2000 at least for each person. So, the minimum cost adds up to 12000 to 15000 INR per person. If you include more nearby tourist attractions like Kalimpong and Kurseong it may go up a bit. But this is the rough estimate.

Tips to remember before travelling to Darjeeling:

Before travelling to Darjeeling, there is this whole situation of planning the perfect holiday. And, if you are solo travelling or planner for your group, here are few things you might consider.

• Researching hotel ratings: According to your stay duration and budget choose hotels with sufficient number of impressions and good review.
• Carry Cash: While being away carrying a little extra cash than initially planned is a no-brainer yet this is for foreigners. Remind to carry indian currency because ther you may not get an exchange agency.
• Respect Local Ethics: There might be some traditions that you are not used to or local ethics unseen before. Try to go local and enjoy the process.
• Carry medicine kit : For most people it takes a bit of time to acclimatize in the mountains. Carry basic medicine for vomiting, motion sickness, indigestion, cuts and other medicines your intake.

Accommodation In Darjeeling:

In the main Darjeeling town, you will find plenty of accommodation options, from cheap hotels to luxury resorts. There are hotels, staycation resorts, Airbnb, which you can book in advance. Here are some recommended places to stay according to your budget.

Some recommended medium-budget hotels are Pradhan Cottage, and Hotel Tower View. And few luxury heritage hotels in Darjeeling are Elgin Hotels, Darjeeling, Sterling Darjeeling, and Omega Residency.

Budget hotels:

• Pradhan Cottage
• Hotel Tower View
• Omega Residency

Luxury hotels:

• Elgin Hotels and resorts
• Sterling Darjeeling
• Hotel Himalayan Retreat

Kolkata To Darjeeling Travel Routes:

1. Kolkata to Bagdogra:

The best route to get to Darjeeling is travelling through domestic flights. You will get cheap flights as low as INR 1681 if you book in advance. The Bagdogra Airport is in Siliguri, which means you have to get to the Central Bus Terminal of Siliguri to catch buses for Darjeeling or rent private cars.

Every day, you will find trains running from either Howrah, Kolkata or Sealdah Station to New Jalpaiguri Station. Padatik Express, New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Special, Howrah GHY Special, KOAA HDB special trains are available throughout the week. Still, only Saraighat SF special is available every day of the week from Howrah station.

The train fare is around 2000 to 3000 INR. For example, the Satabdi Special costs you about 2200 INR, including taxes.

After you land at Kolkata airport, you can book an Uber cab through the online app or find taxis that cost you around 300INR to the Howrah Station. And, after arriving in NJP, you have to rent a car or get public buses from Siliguri Central Bus Terminal to reach Darjeeling. The rented cars cost around 2000 INR.

Best Eateries and Halal Foods to Try in Darjeeling

Darjeeling will offer you a mix of Tibetan, Nepalese, international and Bengali Cuisine. Some must-try halal foods at Darjeeling are:

• Momos (chicken, vegetarian)
• Chicken Thukpa, Wai wai
• Nepali Thali
• Dalle or hot chilli pickles
• Shaphale, Tibetan bread with meat stuffing
• Churpee (local cheese) with niguru
• Darjeeling Tea
• Some snacks like momo, dalle, churpee are widely available in small stalls and established restaurants. Here are the few recommended and renowned restaurants if you want to try :
• Keventar’s for English breakfast, baked items and Darjeeling tea at
• Dekevas for Tibetan specialities like momos, shaphale, thupka
• Penang Restuarant for Nepali thali

If you plan to go to Darjeeling, this guide will help you with all the information to chalk out the best plan.

Frequently Asked questions ( FAQ’s)

How to book darjeeling toy train ride.

Darjeeling toy train joyrides can be book from the Indian railway website , or you can go there a little early in the morning to secure them to ride later in the day. The Darjeeling heritage toy train ride is the best travel option for Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop.

How to Tour Darjeeling in Three Days?

On day one, you can start by going to the Darjeeling Zoo and the mountaineering Institute. From there, you can visit the Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya Valley in the afternoon and roam around the mall in the evening.

How much does the Darjeeling trip cost?

Darjeeling trip generally costs around INR 12000 to 15000 just for Darjeeling per head. If you add other places to visit near Darjeeling Gangtok, Sikkim the cost may go up to 28,000 to 30,000 INR for 5 days. Darjeeling trip is generally cheaper if you visit in the off seasons like November. For travel agencies in India, the cost may be a little higher and there are a lot of packages offered by local companies which you can check out for a rough estimate.

Which is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the summer months as the temperature is in a comfortable range of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. April to June are the best months for visiting Darjeeling for tourism and trekking as well. November is off-season but trekkers do go at that time to experience great trekking.

What is famous in Darjeeling for shopping?

Near mall road and Jaharlal Nehru road Darjeeling is famous for shops having various local goods and souvenirs to carry back home. Darjeeling tea and woolen goods are two of the best items to carry back home. Exotic tibetan items, handcarfted items and keychains are some of the best famous items in Darjeeling to go shopping for.

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Your article on Darjeeling is a gem! I loved how you captured the essence of this charming destination with vivid descriptions and practical tips. It’s evident that you have a deep appreciation for Darjeeling, and your passion shines through your writing. Keep up the great work!

Your post about Darjeeling on The Simple Travel was fantastic! I loved how you highlighted the unique aspects of the region, such as the tea plantations and the stunning views from Tiger Hill. Your personal anecdotes and experiences added a really nice touch to the post and made me feel like I was right there with you.

I appreciate the practical tips you provided, such as the best time to visit and the various transportation options available. Your post has definitely inspired me to plan a trip to Darjeeling in the near future.

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DARJEELING TRIP PLAN – A Complete Travel Guide with FAQs Answered

Darjeeling , Featured , West Bengal

Last Updated on: Dec 24, 2016  

About this blog: We have been exploring Darjeeling ever since we started travelling. We have also blogged about this place for long. This Darjeeling Travel Guide was written sometime back. We have now updated this Darjeeling travel guide with all the latest information and required to plan a Darjeeling trip. This guide might help you when you visit the “Queen of Hills” and make you plan a perfect Darjeeling tour.

Darjeeling, the quaint hill station located in the northern part of West Bengal is undoubtedly one of our favourite destinations of all times. To be honest, we can never get enough of Darjeeling . A land of breathtaking beauty surrounded by rolling green tea plantations along with the majestic Kanchenjunga ranges towering above the skyline has earned it the moniker of Queen of Hills .

The eternal beauty and the quaint Victorian charm of the place are enough to lure travellers and tourists alike. And the cherry on the top is the adorable Darjeeling toy train that whistles its way through the mountains. Which other hill stations have so many beauties rolled in one!

Table of Contents

Darjeeling Trip Plan | About Darjeeling

Darjeeling is located at an altitude of about 6710 feet and is one of the most beautiful destinations in India. The name Darjeeling came from two Tibetan words ‘ dorje ’ meaning and ‘ ling ‘ meaning land. So Darjeeling literally means ‘the land of thunderbolt’.

Previous to its acquisition by the British East India Company in 1835, Darjeeling was a part of Sikkim (Sikkim was an independent kingdom then) and also of Nepal for a brief period of time.

During February 1829, a British Officer Caption Llyod spent a few days in Darjeeling. The place was then known as the “Old Gorkha Station of Darjeeling”. The place was nothing like what it is today. It was a deserted region with dense forests and mountains. Caption Llyod realized that Darjeeling can become a great sanatorium or health resort for the British officers.

What is the Best Time to Visit Darjeeling?

Usually, Darjeeling has two main peak seasons for tourists – March to May and October to November. This is the time when Darjeeling gets the maximum footfall of tourists. When you want to plan your Darjeeling trip, entirely depends on what you want to experience at Darjeeling. Here I would mention briefly about the seasons in Darjeeling.

March to May (Spring and Summer)

This is one of the best times to visit Darjeeling. The weather remains pleasantly cool. After all, one of the main reasons for planning a Darjeeling trip is to beat the summer heat in the plains. The sky also remains clear giving a clear view of the Kanchenjunga ranges. But this is also a peak tourist season and Darjeeling will be full of local tourists.

March and April is the spring season and also the blooming season of rhododendrons.

June to September (Monsoon)

Monsoon usually starts by mid-June and lasts until September. During the monsoon, there are chances of landslides and some of the roads might be closed due to rains. Darjeeling, however, looks immensely beautiful and romantic during the rains, though you won’t get any mountain views as the weather remains cloudy most of the time. Also, tourism is low at this time and you get to see an uncrowded and relatively serene Darjeeling.

Honestly, monsoon is one of our favourite times to visit Darjeeling . We get rooms at cheaper rates, the roads are empty and the mist and clouds that envelope the roads make Darjeeling completely mesmerizing.

October to November (Autumn)

Autumn is also a good time to visit Darjeeling. The weather remains pleasant, the nature is vibrant and the skies are clear. You would get great views of the snow-covered peaks during this time. Bur again, this is a peak season and Darjeeling will be full of tourists, both local and international.

December to February (Winter)

Winter in Darjeeling is extremely cold and the higher altitudes of experience snowfall in December. Tiger Hill, located only 11 km from Darjeeling also experiences snowfall during the winter. Darjeeling gets fewer tourists during this time. If you plan to visit Darjeeling during the winter, do carry woolens with you.

Winter is our favourite time for Darjeeling tour. We love to enjoy the winters of hill stations and Darjeeling never disappoints us in this matter. Also, Darjeeling oranges are quite famous and we get that during the wintertime.

Having said these, you cannot really predict the weather on the hills. At one time, it is sunny and bright and in the next moment, it can become cloudy and foggy.

How to Reach Darjeeling?

The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport and the nearest broad gauge railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). I have mentioned broad-gauge railways because you can reach Darjeeling from NJP by the famous toy train.

From NJP, you will get both shared jeeps as well as rented vehicles to reach Darjeeling. From Bagdogra Airport, you will get rented cabs to reach Darjeeling. Shared jeeps are also available from Siliguri Main Bus Stand towards Darjeeling. Buses are also available from Siliguri towards Darjeeling, but I would recommend you to travel by the shared sumos instead of buses.

Pro Tip: If you are coming from abroad, you will need some sort of a visa that can be applied for online, or at the embassy. For example, The India evisa for Canada citizens is available online.

Best Places to visit in Darjeeling

• Batasia Loop and War Memorial
• Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta
• The Darjeeling Zoo and HMI
• Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
• Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
• Happy Valley Tea Estate
• Observatory Hill and the Mahakal Temple
• Ghum Monastery
• Tenzing and Gombu Rocks
• Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Darjeeling is a small hilly town, but there are a number of places to visit in Darjeeling that can be accessed by travelling a short distance. Darjeeling town is small, but Darjeeling district spans across 3,000 sq km. While there are a number of places to visit in Darjeeling and several attractions around the town, you can also visit Kurseong and Kalimpong, two other hill stations that are also quite beautiful and charming. Here I have discussed some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Darjeeling.

1. Tiger Hill

I personally feel that a Darjeeling trip can never be completed without watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill . Located at the highest point in Darjeeling at an altitude of 2,590 m, Tiger Hill is located about 11 km from Darjeeling town. If you visit Tiger Hill in the day, it is just another viewpoint and you will hardly see any tourist there. But early in the morning, the place is full of a long queue of cars and people waiting for the sun to rise. Tiger Hill is now internationally famous for its magnificent sunrise view above the Kanchenjunga and other eastern Himalayan ranges.

There is a watchtower at Tiger Hill from where you will get a sweeping view of the mountain ranges.  It is an amazing experience to see the first rays of sun falling on the snow-clad ranges of the Kanchenjunga and Everest. The sky gradually changes colour from golden yellow to orange as the sun rises up the horizon.

The best time to get clear views of sunrise is during autumn and winter. But the weather in Darjeeling can be quite unpredictable and a sudden cloud can totally obstruct the sunrise view. Even otherwise, Tiger Hill is a great place to visit in Darjeeling to soak in the Himalayan beauty.

2. Batasia Loop and War Memorial

Batasia Loop is located on the Hill Cart Road and is about 5 km from Darjeeling town and is one of the major attractions of your Darjeeling trip . The Batasia Loop is a gigantic railway loop where the Darjeeling toy train takes a 360-degree turn just after Ghum . You can get a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga ranges and the entire landscape from here. There is a well-maintained eco-garden at Batasia Loop along with proper seating arrangements from where you can sit down and see the wonderful views.

The War Memorial is located at the centre of the Batasia Loop. The War Memorial was opened in 1995 to pay homage to the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Just in the middle, there is a 3-metre bronze statue of a Gorkha soldier paying homage. Outside the Batasia Loop, there is a small market area selling curios, bags, hats, and other decorative items. You can visit Batasia Loop after a trip to the Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise.

Timings: Everyday 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM

3. Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta

Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta is the centre of Darjeeling town and is the most happening place in the entire town. It is a flat piece of land converted into a pedestrian-only zone and no traffic is allowed at the Mall. There are seating arrangements around the Mall where you can relax and have a steaming hot cup of Darjeeling tea. A number of shops are located in the Mall area including tea bars, curio shop, book shops and more. You can stroll around the Mall leisurely or else simply sit on the bench and see Darjeeling come alive in front of you. Horse ride is also available around the Mall at a prefixed rate.

There are a few important places to visit around Darjeeling Mall. You can take a walk around the Mall Road and visit a few of the important and heritage places in Darjeeling. There is also an open-air auditorium and stage where many functions and cultural programmes take place. The Mall or Chowrasta is actually the social fabric of Darjeeling town.

4. Darjeeling Zoo and HMI

Darjeeling Zoo or Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the attractive places to visit in Darjeeling. Covering a vast area of 27 hectares, the zoo is the only specialized zoo for the conservation breeding programs of rare Himalayan species like the red panda, snow leopards, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan Black bear and other endangered species.

The Darjeeling Zoo is the largest high altitude zoo in India and covers an area of 67.5 acres at an average altitude of 7,000ft.

The Himalayan Mountain Institute or the HMI is said to be a pilgrimage for mountaineers and climbing enthusiast. It is also a must-visit place for all mountain lovers. It has a museum with mountaineering displays and many expedition artefacts. HMI is located in the same complex as the zoo and both of these can be visited together. Whenever we go for a Darjeeling trip, we make it a point to visit HMI. Just staring at the complex and reading its slogan “May you climb from peak to peak” gives us a feeling of happiness.

Timings: Everyday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in the summer and 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM in the winters.

5. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park

The Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park are two beautiful parks located close to each other. The Rock Garden, located about 10 km from Darjeeling town is a terraced garden that has been cut through the rock and seating arrangements are made in between. The major attraction here is the cascading waterfall flowing down the rocks. The Rock Garden is also known as the Barbotey Rock Garden and was created by Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council to boost tourism in Darjeeling.

Ganga Maya Park is about 3 km from Rock Garden and is more spread having a beautiful flower garden and fountains. There is a small lake in the park where tourists can enjoy boating.

6. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda is the symbol of peace and a place of tranquillity. It is located in the Jalapahar Hills about 10 minutes driving distance from Darjeeling town. The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple and was built in 1972 under Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist Monk from Japan. Built in the traditional Japanese style, the temple has two storeys. The view from here is simply wonderful. You can see the Kanchenjunga peak from here.

The Peace Pagoda is located just beside the temple. The Japanese Peace Pagoda was built to bring people together from all castes and creeds for the purpose of world peace. You can occasionally hear Buddhist chants and prayer at the temple. The place is indeed full of serenity and you can feel it once you are there.

Timings: Everyday from 4:30 AM to 7 PM

Prayer timings are from 4.30 AM to 6.00 AM, and 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM

7. Happy Valley Tea Estate

How can your Darjeeling trip be complete without visiting a tea garden? Happy Valley Tea Estate is the best place where you can get a first-hand experience of tea gardens as well as how the tea leaves actually make way to your cup. The tea estate was established in 1854 and was known as the Wilson Tea Estate . Later the estate was renamed as Happy Valley Tea Estate. The estate covers an area of about 110 hectares and is one of the highest tea estates in West Bengal. Most of the tea bushes here are more than a century old!

Located below the Hill Cart Road, one of the best times to visit Happy Valley Tea Estate is during the plucking and processing season between March and October. During this time, an employee with take you around the tea factory and explain the process of withering, rolling, fermenting and drying and also explain how black, green and white tea is extracted from the same tea leaves. At the end of the tour, tea tasting is also offered. There is also a tea boutique from where you can but best quality Darjeeling Tea is grown at the estate.

Timings: The Tea estate and factory are open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday. The factory remains closed between November to February as tea plucking does not take place in winter.

8. Observatory Hill and the Mahakal Temple

The Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple is located just behind the Mall. The Mahakal Temple is located at the summit of the Observatory Hill. As you walk around the Mall Road, you will see a flight of stairs leading up to the hill and the temple. It is believed that a Buddhist monastery named Dorjeling Monastery once stood at the place where the Mahakal Temple stands.

The original monastery was built in the year 1765 by the Lama Dorje Rinzing and it was destroyed in 1815 during the Gorkha invasion. Later the Mahakal Temple was built at the place and the monastery was rebuilt at about 1.5 km downhill from the Chowrasta.

At Mahakal Temple, you will not only hear the chants of Hindu prayers but will also hear the Buddhist monks reading scriptures. It is a beautiful communion of Hinduism and Buddhism, just as we saw at Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Nepal .

Timings: From sunrise to sunset.

9. Ghum Monastery

One of the most magnificent monasteries near Darjeeling is the Ghum Monastery , also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery . Located at Ghum at an altitude of 7400 ft and 8 km from Darjeeling town, it is one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries to be built in Darjeeling area. The major attraction of the monastery is the 15 ft high statue of Maitreya Buddha or future Buddha.

It is believed that the clay to make the statue of the Buddha was brought all the way from Tibet. In front of the statue, there are two huge oil lamps that are kept burning all the time throughout the year. The monastery also houses a number of rare Buddhist manuscripts including a 108-volume Kangyur – The Tibetan Buddhist Gospel.

10. Tenzing and Gombu Rocks

The Tenzing Rock is a naturally formed huge rock in Darjeeling and is named after the famous Tenzing Norgay . The Gombu Rock stands just opposite to Tenzing Rock and is named after Nawang Gombu, the nephew of Tenzing Norgay who had scaled Mt Everest twice in 1963 and 1965. These rocks are used by the HMI for rock climbing training. The right face of Tenzing Rock is used for amateur climbers, so you can also give a try at rock climbing.

11. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre was established in 1959 for the rehabilitation of the Tibetans who had migrated to India after the Chinese invaded Tibet. In order to sustain, they adopted the principle of self-help.

The Tibetans make exquisite handicrafts, shawls, carpets, carved wooden and other items. If you visit there, you can see the Tibetan men and women working patiently on these handicrafts. There is an outlet from where you can buy these handicrafts. The Tibetan Refugee Centre is located on a hilltop that can be approached from Lebong Cart Road. There is also a small monastery at the complex. This is one of our favourite places to visit in Darjeeling trip.

Apart from these 11 fabulous places, you can visit the Shrubbery near the zoo and the Botanical garden near the Chowk Bazar.

Darjeeling Travel Guide | Darjeeling Sightseeing

You can go for Darjeeling sightseeing tours by getting a reserved car from Club side taxi Stand or Chowk Bazar. Usually, the cars offer 3 types of sightseeing tours – 3-point, 5-point and 7-point sightseeing tours.

• 3-point Tour: This is the early morning tour covering sunrise at Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop and Ghum Monastery.

Tentative Rate for reserved Taxi: Rs 1200.00 – 1500.00

• 5-point Tour: This includes Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, Lal Kuthi, Dhirdham Temple, Ava Art Gallery and Darjeeling Zoo. This takes about 3 hours

Tentative Rate of reserved car: Rs 1200.00 – 1500.00

• 7-point tour: This covers most of the famous attractions of Darjeeling like the Darjeeling Zoo and HMI, Darjeeling Ropeway, Tenzing and Gombu Rock, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tibetan Refugee Centre, Lebong Race Course.

Tentative Rate of reserved car: Rs 1500.00 – 1700.00

You can also reserve a car and explore Darjeeling as per your choice. For more details of Darjeeling sightseeing and costs , please read our detailed post.

Darjeeling Toy Train

The Toy Train ride or Darjeeling Himalayan Railways is undoubtedly one of the major attractions of Darjeeling and should be a part of your Darjeeling tour. DHR is the first mountain railway in India opened in 1881 to connect Darjeeling with the plains in Siliguri. This mountain railways is said to be one of the best examples of mountain railways and definitely an outstanding engineering feat achieved during those times. The DHR has been accorded the UNESCO World Heritage site status.

If you have the time, the best way to experience the Darjeeling Toy Train is to take a ride from NJP to Darjeeling. It is a long ride almost taking a day, but the ride will be one of life kind of experience. If you do not wish to venture in this journey, you can take a toy train ride from Darjeeling to Ghum or Kurseong.

The best way is, however, to take the Darjeeling Toy Train Joy Ride . This is a 2-hour ride starting from Darjeeling Station to Ghum and back covering a distance of 14 km. The train stops at Batasia Loop. The fare for Darjeeling Joy Ride is between Rs 1000.00 to 1600.00 per head.

Darjeeling Tea

How can I probably not talk about Darjeeling Tea while writing about Darjeeling? There is almost no doubt that Darjeeling is one of the finest producers of tea in the world. There are a number of tea gardens and estates in Darjeeling district producing some of the finest qualities of tea. A packet of Darjeeling tea is one of the prized souvenirs of India that you can take home.

The cup is actually waiting for you. Take a sip and enjoy the aroma and taste of fresh and pure Darjeeling Tea. Well, that is enough of tea advertisements! Let me now tell you where you can have tea in Darjeeling. There are several outlets, tea lounges and tea bars from where you can taste Darjeeling Tea. Personally, our favourite is the Darjeeling tea at Nathmulls on Darjeeling Mall and Glenarys on Nehru Road. We also love the tea served by the roadside vendors.

Some of the best places to have tea during your Darjeeling trip are

• Nathmull’s Tea and Sunset Lounge
• House of Tea
• Golden Tips Tea Lounge
• Afternoon Tea at Windermere
• Happy Golden Cafe

You can buy your packet of tea from any of these places. But I would suggest you buy Darjeeling tea from places that would provide you with an invoice and not from any roadside stalls. Happy Valley Tea Estate is another good place to buy Darjeeling Tea.

Where to Stay in Darjeeling?

With time, Darjeeling town has faced a lot of constructions, many of which are unplanned. Quite obviously, these constructions include mainly hotel. Darjeeling has a number of hotels catering to all types of budgets and travellers. These include century-old heritage stays, homestays, hostels and hotels as well. Here I will name a few hotels in Darjeeling of various categories.

Luxury Hotels in Darjeeling

• Windermere (Best views of Kanchenjunga)
• Cedar Inn (Best views of Kanchenjunga)
• Mayfair Darjeeling
• Sinclairs Darjeeling

Mid Budget Hotels

• Little Tibet
• Central Nirvana (Best views of Kanchenjunga)
• Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort
• Hotel Shangrila
• Darjeeling Tourist Lodge (Best views of Kanchenjunga)

Budget Hotels in Darjeeling

• Classic Guest House (Best views of Kanchenjunga)
• Broadway Annexe
• Dekeling Hotel
• Hotel Capital
• Old Bellevue Hotel
• Pahari Soul Homestay (Best views of Kanchenjunga)
• Happy Valley Homestay
• Himalayan Inn

What are the Best Places to eat in Darjeeling Trip?

Darjeeling has a unique mixture of Bengali, Nepali and Tibetan population. This is reflected well in the food and cuisine of Darjeeling. Added to this is the English influence. So overall, food in Darjeeling is simply something that we can die for.

Delicious and crisp English breakfast is quite common in Darjeeling. Keventers and Glenarys are just the places to have a proper English breakfast. Bacon, sausages, omelettes, eggs with sunny side up, sandwiches along with fresh Darjeeling Tea – who can say no to such food? For the health-conscious, the oil can be a turn-off though.

Darjeeling is also famous for momos, thukpas and Tibetan and Nepali dishes. There are restaurants serving Indian and Continental cuisines. In short, you will not be disappointed in Darjeeling regarding food!

For detailed information, you can read our article on the best places to eat in Darjeeling .

How much does it cost to travel in Darjeeling?

Darjeeling can be quite easy on the pocket if you wish so. A typical cost of travelling in Darjeeling is given:

Sightseeing costs in Darjeeling by car are fixed. To reduce costs, you can share with other like-minded travellers. You can also walk around and explore Darjeeling on foot. We usually do that on our visits to Darjeeling. You can also hop on to the taxis that the locals use for commuting and visit from one point to the other, and then walk the remaining way.

Trekking permit at Sandakphu-Phalut will come at a fixed cost and so does guide and potter. Permit fee for Singalila National Park is only INR 100. You will get the details of the trek in our blog on Sandakphu Trek .

Shopping in Darjeeling Trip | Darjeeling Travel Guide

Darjeeling, like most of the hill stations, is a shopper’s paradise. And one of my favourite thing to do in Darjeeling trip is window shopping! These days, you will get almost everything in Darjeeling town. However, you would probably want to buy Darjeeling Tea, antiques and jewellery, handicrafts and curio, woolen from Darjeeling.

Some of the popular handicraft items that you can buy from Darjeeling includes Tibetan masks, Thangkas, Khukris (curved Gorkha knives having decorative handles), curios and traditional jewelleries and showpieces. Stoles, woollen sweaters, jackets, caps and pashmina shawls are also widely sold.

There are many old shops and boutique shops at either side of the Nehru Road leading up to the Mall.  Nepal Curio House is one of our favourite places to hunt curio items, masks and thangkas. A Biswa Bangla outlet has also opened at Nehru Road that sells Bengal handicraft items. Another place that I would like to mention is Das Studio . You will get photography items and some old and rare photographs of Darjeeling and the mountains here. Check out the old Darjeeling postcards here.

Darjeeling Mall is also dotted with a number of shops. I would like to mention about Oxford Book Stores, Habeeb Mullick & Sons (one of the best places for curios), Golden Tips and Nathmull’s at Chowrasta.

Mall Road has temporary shops with hawkers selling woollen and dress items. Bargain well when buying from these markets.

Chowk Bazar at lower Darjeeling is a bustling market where you can get any types of household items, clothing items, bags, footwear, grocery and spices. It is infact the local market of Darjeeling town. Prices are relatively cheaper at Chowk Bazar, but I cannot guarantee the quality for items like dresses, shoes and bags.

If you want to buy authentic Tibetan handicrafts, then you should head towards the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre off the Lebong Cart Road. You will get handmade Tibetan carpets, scarves, clothes, handicrafts, thangkas and many more made by the local artisans.

Day trips from Darjeeling | Darjeeling Travel Guide

You can make day trips from Darjeeling to Mirik (known for Mirik Lake) and Kurseong. We recommend to hire a car from Chowk Bazar or Club side taxi Stand to visit these places.

You can also take a day trip to Takdah , Tinchuley and Lamahatta from Darjeeling.

Darjeeling is also the nearest town to Maneybhanjan, the base camp of Sandakphu trek.

Darjeeling Trip – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs answered)

Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. It is around 68km and takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to reach Darjeeling.

Yes, Darjeeling is quite safe for tourists and travellers. In the last few years, there had been a few agitations when Darjeeling had come to a stop. But now, Darjeeling is quite safe to travel. Do take an informed decision before your Darjeeling trip or travelling to any place.

Darjeeling is quite famous for mountains and the views of Kanchenjunga, third highest mountain of the world and tea gardens. Darjeeling tea is known all over the world. Also, Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (toy train) is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunrise at Tiger Hill is also a major attraction.

The name ‘Darjeeling’ came from the Tibetan words, ‘dorje’ meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra) and ‘ling’ a place or land. Thus Darjeeling is popularly known as ‘The land of the thunderbolt’.

Nepali, Bengali, Hindi and English are widely spoken in Darjeeling. Nepali is spoken by more than 70% of the population in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik and is the main language in the hills, followed by Bengali.

Darjeeling has two main peak seasons for tourists – March to May and October to November. Usually these months are the best time to visit Darjeeling as the climate is at its best during this time and is perfect for outdoor activities.

Since the last couple of years, Darjeeling has witnessed snowfall in the months of December. But that is also for a few days. You will see snowfall at Sandakphu for sure.

Yes, it is advised to carry woolen clothes even during the summer. At least a windproof jacket should be taken. The weather is highly unpredictable in Darjeeling. If it rains, the weather suddenly becomes very chilly.

2-3 days are good enough for a leisurely Darjeeling trip covering the main attractions. Usually, a trip to Darjeeling and Gangtok is done together. In that case, 7-8 days are good enough for both the destinations.

Darjeeling is a sleepy little hill town. While there are bars and pubs in Darjeeling, but the town usually sleeps by 11 pm.

Yes, there are sufficient ATMs in Darjeeling. There is an SBI ATM at Darjeeling Mall. Also, most of the shops accept debit and credit cards these days.

Darjeeling is famous for its tea and you can buy Darjeeling Tea as souvenirs. You can also buy local handicraft items like Tibetan masks, paintings, thangkas, local jewellery items, woolens like shawls, pashminas and stoles, Khukris and other curio items. Authentic handmade carpets, wooden items and woollen items are available at Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre.

Golden Tips and Nathmulls are some of the best places to buy authentic Darjeeling tea. Both shops are located at the Mall. You can also buy Darjeeling Tea from Happy Valley Tea Estate. It is recommended not to buy tea from road-side shops unless you are absolutely sure about the quality.

Other Resources on Darjeeling

• 12 Best Places to Eat in Darjeeling
• Darjeeling Mall and a Heritage Walk around the Mall Road
• Darjeeling Zoo – A Photostory
• Movies shot in Darjeeling
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railways
• Darjeeling in Monsoons
• Rangaroon – Experience Tea Tourism near Darjeeling
• Singtom Tea Estate and Resort – Tea Tourism in Darjeeling
• A Brief History of Darjeeling

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Hey! we’re Agni & Amrita.

We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

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42 Comments

We guess we made a huge mistake by not going to Rock Garden! The waterfalls looks so beautiful!

I must say your photographs are too good, I have been to many places in north India, but east is still untouched. I would love to be there soon..

Thanks for a marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, this post is very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing…

I must say you have done a great job in highlighting the beauty of Darjeeling. Well Done and Keep it up

Thank you so much.

Wow! Such a wonderful and beautiful pictures, very detail & informative article. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with fellow travelers. Your valuable information’s will help us to plan our tour more properly. I must say you have done a great job in highlighting the beauty of Darjeeling & have justified the tag “The Queen of Hills” for Darjeeling. The pictures you have shared will definitely inspire every travelers heart to plan a Darjeeling Tour and to witness the mesmerizing beauty in the lap of Himalayas. Hope soon I could cover this mesmerizing destination with the help of your detailed knowledge.

it is a helpful and informative blog, I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way, Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations. thank you for sharing this amazing information with us.

You forgot to mention Aloobari monostry and Jalapahar, St Paul

Will include it in the next update for sure. Thank you for mentioning it.

This was amazing.. trust me Thankyou

Thank you so much!

Wonderful post! This article is really helpful for travelers. I heard about Darjeeling that is a beautiful place in India. I am planning to go to Darjeeling this December. can I see snowfall in December, and what can I do with my family in Darjeeling.

Hi Akansha! Thank you for your comment. Yes, Darjeeling is quite beautiful, but you will probably not get snowfall in Darjeeling itself. You might have to go to Sandakphu. And yes, you can travel with your parents to Darjeeling.

Thank you, thank you. You made my travel to Darjeeling and easy thing to plan. May I suggest you also add Summit Hermon hotel in your lists of budget friendly hotels for amazing Kanchenjunga views? They have family rooms with terrace. I can share pictures if you like. 🙂

Thank you Tanvi for your lovely comment. We will definitely include Summit Hermon Hotel in the list of hotels in the next update.

Nice blog author. your information is so useful. thank you.

Since childhood I’ve witnessed the gradual change in climate, education, culture, society, economy, politics and religions, and recently a bit of business. And when I take the flight retrospectively in introspective mood,I feel sad to land back momentarily. But when I see the flood of tourists with a lot of excitement and sunny faces and the depiction of Darjeeling, my aesthetic sense gets rejuvenated. Salute to the blog writer for the concern shown for sanitation and request to the upcoming tourists not to litter. Welcome for further minute details.

Thank you so much for the comment. Would love to discuss with you about Darjeeling more if given a chance. Do keep in touch!

Please advise the name of budgeted and good hotel for senior citizens family of 68 years where the car drops at hotel gate and its room are within 1st floor and has good restaurant and which 3-5 minutes walking distance from Mall. Thanks for your effective and blog

Thank you for stopping by our blog. There are a few good hotels near the Mall area which you can consider – Seven Seas near Keventers, The Bellevue on the Mall Road, Hotel Sunflower on the Mall, Dekeling Hotel. You can also consider staying at Darjeeling Tourist Lodge. Its about 7-8 mins walk from Mall, but is quite good.

Many Thank you..TO show the beauty of Darjeeling..This was Amazing..Keep it up

You have made Darjeeling more beautiful from your precise perceptive.

Thank you so much for your kind words. Darjeeling is always beautiful to us.

THANK YOU SO MUCH 🌎❤️

That’s an amazing article

Dear Sir/Mam,

I want to catch the 10am flight from Bagdogra. What is the earliest transport in the morning from Darjeeling?

Thanking you Kaushik Mandal

It is better to book a car for your journey from Darjeeling to Bagdogra.

i was planning to stay at Darjeeling for December for at least a month. i was thinking of renting a house since i have work from home option. Wanted to check is it possible to do so ? how much is the rent ? and do we have steady internet ? Would you be kind to respond to the above if you know about it ?

Hello Haneefa! Well, I do not have much information about renting a house in Darjeeling. But I am sure you will get one. You can check out Classic Guest House or airbnb for the same. At Darjeeeling, you will get a steady internet. No issues with that. Hope this helps. 🙂

This is so beautiful! You make me wanna go Darjeeling all the more. Just checking, is Darjeeling safe for solo travelers? Also where’s the best place to stay for female solo travelers? And from NJP to Darjeeling what’s the best mode of transportation for one person?

Hello Ashini! Thank you for stopping by! Darjeeling is quite safe for solo travellers. The best mode of transportation from NJP to Darjeeling for one is to take a shared jeep. otherwise you can reach Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand at Siliguri and take a bus to Darjeeling. You will also get shared cabs from there. If you want a bit more comfort, you can check wizzride as well. Revolver is a good place to stay in Darjeeling for solo travellers. Pahari Soul Homestay is also good. There are a few backpackers hostel in Darjeeling as well. You can check them as well!

Hi.You blog is very useful.I’m planning to visit Darjeeling in first week of July from Southern India. So we are preferring to take flight to bagdogra…i want to know does weather condition affect our flight timings?.is it better to take train?

Thanks for reading our blog. Flight to Bagdogra is fine.

I want to visit darjeeling and want to know about darjeeling before visit with my family.

Please let us kniow if you have any specific queries. We will be happy to answer.

Thank you very much for sharing the interesting information, I read it completely. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

Superb Information On Darjeeling Travel Guide Thanks For Sharing Keep It Up.

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The Top 19 Things to Do in Darjeeling, India

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Darjeeling, at the base of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, is a scenic hill station with a turbulent history. Before being developed by the British in the mid-19th century, it was part of the kingdom of Sikkim and was also temporarily ruled by invading Gorkhas from Nepal. Darjeeling quickly grew into a popular summer retreat for the British and they soon discovered that the climate was perfect for growing tea, their favorite brew.

Not surprisingly, Darjeeling is one of the top tourist places in West Bengal . You'll quickly notice that the culture there is very different though. The town is home to many immigrants from surrounding countries such as Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Nepali, not Hindi or Bengali, is the main language spoken. These top things to do in Darjeeling incorporate the area's distinctive heritage.

Ride the Himalayan Mountain Railway Toy Train

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Apart from tea, the other thing that Darjeeling is famous for is its historic toy train. The Darjeeeling Himalayan Railway was completed by the British in 1881 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs all the way from the lower reaches of the mountains to Darjeeling town. The full journey takes nearly a whole day. However, shorter joy rides are possible. The most popular of these is from Darjeeling to Ghoom via Batasia Loop. The train stops for 10 minutes at Batasia Loop, where there's a lookout and war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers from Darjeeling. It also stops for 30 minutes at Ghoom, where there's a railway museum.

Tour the Tea Gardens

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More than 80 tea gardens carpet the hills around Darjeeling and any trip there wouldn't be complete without visiting a few. As you leave Darjeeling town, you'll come across gardens everywhere and can stop at any that appeal. Most will allow you to take a stroll around. Many sell teas too.

• Happy Valley Tea Estate is the most famous tea garden. It's only five minutes from town, making it invariably visited by tourists. The estate has a long history dating back to 1850 and grows among the finest organic teas in the region. For an additional 50 rupees, you can get dressed up in a traditional Nepali outfit and pose in the tea gardens.
• Badamtam Tea Estate, about 15 minutes north of Darjeeling town, is notable for having a towering Buddha statue presiding over its tea bushes.
• An hour and a half south of Darjeeling, you'll find some outstanding tea gardens near Kurseong. These include Makaibari Tea Estate (which produces some of the rarest and most expensive tea in the world), Castleton (which actually has a castle of sorts and has been owned by Kolkata royalty) and sprawling Ambootia Tea Estate (their organic Darjeeling black tea is highly regarded).

If you're flying into Bagdogra Airport and driving to Darjeeling, you may also want to drop into Nuxalbari Tea Estate. This commendable tea estate is only 15 minutes from the airport. It's owned and run by women, and is the first large tea estate in India to produce " Certified Elephant Friendly Tea ". Elephants are free to pass through the tea gardens!

Learn How Tea Is Processed

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Witnessing, and even participating in, the tea harvesting process is a big attraction from March to November. Some of the bigger tea estates offer guided tours of their factories. Happy Valley Tea Estate, closest to town, is the best place to go. You'll get a full demonstration of how the leaves are plucked, oxidized, segregated and processed. Fascinating! The guided tea tours are conducted regularly from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily and cost 100 rupees.

Makaibari Tea Estate is another recommended place to learn about tea processing. Their tea factory tour is well-organized and insightful, and there are samples for tasting. The cost is 20 rupees. They also have a pioneering homestay scheme , whereby you can stay overnight in the village with a family of tea pluckers and join them in their morning work for an immersive experience.

Stay on a Tea Estate

Ging Tea House

Want to escape the hustle of Darjeeling town? Estate owners have embraced tea tourism by converting their tea planter bungalows into exclusive guest accommodations. Check out these top places to stay on tea plantations in India for our pick of them. They're not cheap though, so be prepared to splurge!

Alternatively, Rainbow Valley Resort on Kalej Valley Tea Estate, 50 minutes south of Darjeeling, is a popular budget option. Wooden cottages cost about 3,500 rupees per night for a double. Tathagata Farm is part of an experiential organic tea farming community 45 minutes northeast of Darjeeling. It provides an authentic local experience, with village walks and day hikes. Guest accommodations consist of cottages and luxury tents. Rates start from about 4,000 rupees per night.

Meander Along the British-Era Mall

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Similar to other hill stations in India that were settled by the British, Darjeeling has a Mall Road that runs through the town. It stems off from one end of pedestrianized Chowrasta Square, the local hangout spot at the center of town, and connects to another end of it after doing a big loop around Observatory Hill. The shady, forested road is dotted with important historical buildings dating back to the British Raj era and has numerous viewpoints, including one to Mount Kanchenjunga. The whole walk can be completed in about 20 minutes. If you're not feeling energetic or fit, you can hire a pony for a couple hundred rupees. Chowrasta Square is a fantastic place for people-watching, so do sit and enjoy the atmosphere for a while too.

See Where Hindu and Buddhist Faiths Coexist

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Take a detour off Mall Road up to the remarkable Mahakal temple complex on Observatory Hill. This site was previously home to a Buddhist monastery, built by Lama Dorjey Rinzing in 1765. Apparently, he also built the Mahakal temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in 1782 after three Shiva lingas (symbols of Lord Shiva) manifested themselves there. Unfortunately, the monastery was plundered by invading Gorkhas from Nepal in 1815. However, the temple still remains, evocatively surrounded by Buddhist prayer flags and prayer wheels. Don't be surprised to see a Hindu priest and Buddhist monk praying alongside each other. Nearby, are a few other temples and a sacred cave. Plus, lots of monkeys. Avoid carrying food because they may make a lunge for it!

Soak Up the Views with Tea at Sunset Lounge

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Where else to spend sunset than at the Sunset Lounge at Chowrasta Square. This tea bar belongs to Nathmulls , a prominent Darjeeling tea merchant, and is attached to their tea shop. As is to be expected, the variety of teas available is extensive. If you're finding it difficult to choose, the owner will give suggestions. Or, have a tea tasting session (600 rupees for two people). It consists of six teas — three black, two green, and one white. Pastries and cakes, made from the bakery on the premises, are delicious to eat with it. There's also free wireless Internet. Nathmulls sells all kinds of tea accessories, as well as tea, which make great gifts for tea-lovers.

Step Back in Time at the Windamere Hotel

Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Want to get a feel for how Darjeeling was during the time of British rule in India? Windamere Hotel on Observatory Hill is the place. Some may say it's lost in a time warp, while others will find it delightfully quirky. The hotel was constructed as a boarding house for British planters in the 1880s and not much has changed there in over a century, including the vintage furniture and old-fashioned customs. The hotel prides itself on serving formal meals (there's no room service) in the dining hall, with set times for children and adults. Guests are requested to dress appropriately for dinner — no nightgowns, pajamas, or "short pants"! The highlight is the traditional afternoon high tea, presented by waitresses dressed as tea maids from the 1930s. You're guaranteed to meet some engaging people there. Rates start from 13,500 rupees per night for a double, inclusive of all meals.

Gaze at Mount Kanchenjunga

If the weather is expected to be clear, most tourists head up to Tiger Hill early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the snowy peaks of iconic Mount Kanchenjunga (the highest mountain in India and third highest in the world). The best months to do this are from mid October to December, and March to April. Unfortunately, notoriously unpredictable mist or fog may ruin the show though. The cold temperature and waking hour also deter some people from going.

Depending on the time of year, you'll need to leave your hotel by around 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. to beat the massive crowd. Otherwise, you may be stuck in the convoy of cars, and fail to get a spot at the Observatory Tower and Deck. Ticket prices range from 30 to 50 rupees, depending on the floor. Don't worry too much if you miss the spectacle, as Mount Kanchenjunga can be seen from many locations around Darjeeling town.

Marvel Over the Buddhist Monasteries

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The prevalence of Buddhist monasteries in and around Darjeeling are reflective of the region's predominant religion, Buddhism. Their bright murals, gigantic golden statues, and pervasively peaceful vibes make them captivating places to visit. Bhutia Busty Monastery is closest to town. It sits downhill from Chowrasta Square and was built there in the 19th century, after being relocated from Observatory Hill where the Mahakal temple is.

There are many more monasteries around Ghoom. These include Yiga Choeling Monastery (the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery to be built in the region), Guru Monastery (you can attend morning worship from 5.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. when returning from Tiger Hill), and Samten Choeling Gompa (with the largest Buddha statue in West Bengal). Dali Monastery, formally known as Druk Sangag Choeling Monastery, is also a must-visit between Ghoom and Darjeeling.

Join in the Prayer for World Peace

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The Japanese Peace Pagoda is another calm and compelling attraction between Ghoom and Darjeeling. It's one of many peace pagodas erected worldwide under the guidance of Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, in response to the brutal atomic attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. The monk was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, and strong supporter of unity and non-violence. The pagoda has striking gold statues of Lord Buddha in various postures and artwork depicting his life. A small Japanese temple sits not far from it. Upstairs in the prayer hall, prayers for world peace take place in the morning from 4.30 a.m. to 6 a.m. and afternoon from 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are invited to join in and play a drum if they wish. 

Watch Rugs Being Woven

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The Tibetan Refuge Self Help Center on West Lebong Cart Road is an insightful place to watch the traditional art of rug weaving. This center was established in 1959 to support the Tibetans who fled their homeland after occupation by China. It provided them with an outlet where they could produce and sell Tibetan handicrafts to generate an income. The workshops aren't as productive as they once were because most of the refugees have aged. However, various handcrafts are still sold on the premises, including rugs. You can even design your own rug or choose from the catalog. Visitors can also see an educational exhibition of old photos and documents dedicated to the Tibetan cause. The center is closed on Sundays.

Feast on Momos

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Along with the culture, the cuisine in Darjeeling is strongly influenced by Tibet and Nepal. Momos, the quintessential mountain soul food, are everywhere. However, the curiously-named Hot Stimulating Cafe on the way to the zoo dishes up some of the best momos in India (although they're vegetarian only). This simple cafe is actually one of the best places to chill out in Darjeeling, as its rear deck provides a marvelous view over the valley and tea gardens. Devour the momos with local tumba (millet and wheat beer). You can even learn how to make momos, as informal cooking classes are conducted! The cafe is open daily from early morning until evening.

Explore the Local Market

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Hit up Darjeeling's indispensable Chowk Bazaar (also known as Lower Bazaar) for a real local market experience. It's situated to the south of town, downhill off Hill Cart Road, and is where the town's residents go to buy pretty much everything at bargain prices. Its lanes are filled with an assortment of products including wholesale spices, tea, vegetables, meat, Buddhist artifacts, masks, household items, shoes, textiles, rugs, and caps. The market is open daily, except Thursdays, from early morning until night. Weekends are especially busy, as vendors bring in bulk produce from surrounding villages to sell. Be prepared for crowds and chaos!

Spot the Shy Red Panda and Other Rare Animals

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Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo is one of the best in India and a top attraction for families in Darjeeling. This high-altitude zoo was established in 1958 to help conserve and breed endangered native Himalayan animals such as the snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, and red panda (which Mozilla's Firefox Internet browser is said to have been named after). It also has bears, birds, panthers, deer and reptiles. Notably, many animals are kept in a protected open area, so it's like observing them in the wild.

In addition, there's a museum with a variety of stuffed animals and birds. The zoo is situated to the north of town, about a 20 minute walk from Chowrasta via Lebong Cart Road. It's open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., except Thursdays. Allow a couple of hours to see everything. Tickets cost 60 rupees for Indians and 100 rupees for foreigners. An additional camera fee is payable.

Learn About Mountaineering and Try Rock Climbing

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Behind the zoo, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded and by the late Tenzing Norgay, who conquered Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Its museum is an inimitable repository of information about climbing Mount Everest and other major mountain expeditions undertaken. It can be visited in conjunction with the zoo, as tickets cover both. The institute is also a functioning mountaineering training center that offers mountaineering courses for all levels and fun rock climbing sessions. There's an indoor rock wall that costs 30 rupees to climb. Otherwise, the more strenuous outdoor rock climbing happens at Tenzing Norgay Rock, on the northern outskirts of Darjeeling.

Experience the Thrill of Paragliding

Thrill-seekers will be happy to know that paragliding is possible in Darjeeling. Off Road Adventure started the activity there in 2006. Blue Dragon Adventure and Travel also does paragliding and is recommended. Flights typically launch from Saint Paul School near Jalapahar, about a 10 minute drive above Darjeeling town, and land at Lebong Ground. You'll get an amazing bird's-eye view of the town, tea gardens and mountain peaks. Paragliding is dependent on wind conditions and only takes place from October to April. Tandem flights are offered for those who aren't experienced. Expect to pay 3,500 rupees per person for 15 to 30 minutes, based on the conditions.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

In addition to the walking opportunities around town, Darjeeling is close to some popular hiking and trekking trails that can be covered in a day or longer. If you want to hike independently, ascending the Tiger Hill summit is a good option. Take Tenzing Norgay Road from Chowrasta or Gandhi Road. Otherwise, day hikes to Tonglu or Tumling villages have rewarding views of Mount Kanchenjunga. These hikes start two or three hours from Darjeeling. Adventures Unlimited , Blue Dragon Adventure, Off Road Adventure, and Ashmita Trek and Tours are reputable companies that conduct the hikes with transport and guides.

If you'd prefer a multi-day trek, try the trek to Sandakphu at the summit of the Singalila mountain range. It can be completed in four or five days, and you don't need to be super fit if you're used to walking. The views, flora and fauna are superb. For an added challenge, continue on to Phalut from Sandakphu (or drive to Sandakphu and start trekking from there). The above companies, as well as Tenzing Norgay Adventures , all provide trekking packages of different lengths.

Be a "Day Tripper" at Revolver

Are you a fan of The Beatles, the wildly famous English rock band from the 1960s? You'll feel right at home at Revolver. This characterful budget guesthouse is themed on the band, with each of its five rooms named after one of the Fab Four (plus manager Brian Epstein). Naturally, the owners are mad about The Beatles. They've filled the guesthouse with Beatles memorabilia such as photos, posters, and stamps. They also sell Beatles souvenirs, including mugs and coasters. Guests are welcome to play the Washburn acoustic guitar in the restaurant. Even the restaurant's menu is decorated with Beatles trivia. The healthy specialty Naga food is a treat! Rates start from 1,400 rupees per night for a double room.

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NatureDiary » Blog » Travel Guides » Bucket List Destinations

Top 20 Places To Visit In Darjeeling For A Thrilling Experience

Rightfully labelled as the ‘Queen of the Hills ‘, Darjeeling justifies its legacy as one of the most charismatic hill stations in India. Nestled in the Lesser Himalayas in the northern parts of West Bengal, it offers several beautiful tourist places to explore.

Darjeeling is enriched with its cultural history, and you would love the pleasant climate here all around the year. We have visited Darjeeling many times and witnessed the nostalgic toy trains winding down the roads, with the whistle reminding us of its colonial legacy miles away. Along with this, there are small stalls selling momos, winding roads, valleys, tea plantations, and monasteries.

Darjeeling has got several tea estates, and tea cultivation forms a significant economy. With breathtaking views of the evergreen forests and centuries-old plantations , it offers a calm retreat for thousands of families for vacations.

As the colonial hangover looms heavy in its streets, alleys, and mansions, Darjeeling also serves as a gateway to some of the most popular treks in India. On a clear day with comfortable weather , you would cherish your time sitting over a cup of coffee and feasting your eyes on the magnificent views of mount Kanchenjunga.

Let’s explore the most attractive and best places to visit in Darjeeling. With this information, you can start planning your next trip!

1. Tiger Hill

Tiger hill is a must-visit place in Darjeeling, given that you would be standing at the highest point in the region. It stands at 2,590 meters, from where you can cherish your vision with the snow-capped ranges.

Interestingly, Tiger Hill is such a place from where one can get an entire panoramic view of the ranges between Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. Some of the other prominent peaks that we can see from Tiger Hill include Kokhtang, Rathong, and Kabru. India has got only two such points that give you such a comprehensive view of The Eastern Himalayas, the other being Mount Phalut (3,600 meters).

For nature lovers like us, Tiger Hill is a great destination to visit. You can witness the first tender rays bathing Mount Everest from here as we did. For photographers and hikes, Tiger Hill happens to be a paradise.

To capture the sunrise, you need to wake up early and travel for 45 minutes from Darjeeling town. On the way, you would come across some of the oldest tree plantations in India.

For these reasons, you wouldn’t like to miss out on visiting Tiger Hill. So, make sure to include Tiger Hill in your itinerary. The only drawback we have found is Tiger Hill gets very crowded during the peak seasons.

2. Batasia Loop

Located around 5 Km from Darjeeling town, Batasia Loop continues to be one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. You would appreciate the pleasing views of the narrow-gauge track for the toy train spiralling around the place. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has come up with this strategic point, where the toy train completes a complete loop. No wonder why Batasia Loop finds its name on honeymooners’ lists.

What photographers would love about this place is the flowering plants dotting the garden. It was back in 1919 that Batasia Loop was built in colonial Bengal with the objective to reduce the slope gradient for toy trains. One of the most beautiful places to travel around Darjeeling, Batasia Loop covers an extensive area of around 50,000 square feet.

The special thing about this spot is that you can capture a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city of Darjeeling, along with its green landscapes with several layers. Then there’s an eco-garden here, where you can find relevant information about organic farming in the district. Also, the Gorkha War Memorial forms a photogenic structure inside the garden.

3. Darjeeling Zoo

The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park , popularly known as the Darjeeling Zoo, is one of the must-visit places around the hill station. Besides, in 2022, this zoological park earned a feather in its cap , emerging as the best zoo in India.

The Darjeeling Zoo is one of the few places in India where you can get a glimpse of the snow leopard and the red panda, both of which are endangered species. The extensive zoo is spread across 65.56 acres and houses other endangered species like the Himalayan Salamanders.

Besides, you can see the Himalayan Black Bear, clouded leopards, black leopards, Himalayan Mountain Goat, and the Tibetan wolf in this zoo. Apart from the animals, nature lovers admire the diversity of plants here. The zoological park has more than 200 plant species, including alder, birch, and oak.

When you look out for places to see in Darjeeling, make sure to include this zoo in your list. Interestingly, the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park was built in memory of Tenzing Norgay. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which lies in the same complex, is currently one of the most popular resorts for mountaineering students.

4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a famous place in Darjeeling, where you can find specimens of expedition artefacts and the best mountaineering gear. If you are a mountain lover or a trekker, it would be a sin not to visit this institute when you are in Darjeeling.

The institute runs a boarding school for students interested in mountaineering. Besides, you can capture the memorial built in memory of Tenzing Norgay. The premise also has a souvenir shop and a restaurant.

Trekkers and ambitious mountaineers get themselves trained for the challenges in this institute. Besides, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute finds its name among one of the best mountaineering schools in the country. Well, even if you are not into mountaineering, you cannot help appreciating the picturesque backdrop where the institute perches itself.

5. Ghum and Dali Monasteries

The Ghum and Dali Monasteries are two of the most popular monasteries to visit in Darjeeling. While the Ghum Monastery is located 7 Km from Darjeeling town, the Dali Monastery sits calmly 5 Km away.

The Samten Choling Monastery, popularly known as the Ghum Monastery, belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhists. It is characterized by the massive arched gate, along with a magnificent white body. The golden top of the monastery happens to be a pure specimen of the Tibetan architectural style.

This monastery has a model of Lord Buddha, 26 feet tall. The structure also houses a sizable collection of Buddhist manuscripts and books. There’s a small café inside the premise, where you can refreshen yourself with light snacks and coffee. Several monks of the yellow hat sect of Buddhism reside in this monastery.

On the other hand, the Dali Monastery will give you peaceful vibes as you step into its premises. It sits as a specimen of divine wisdom. Originally, this monastery was called Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, and it still continues to be a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Dali Monastery belongs to the Kagyupa sect and was built in 1971 in the Tibetan style.

The monastery has some huge golden drums, cylindrical in shape. The spiritual vibes are evident from the deep humming voices from the prayer room.

6. Tea plantations And Estates

Darjeeling has some of the most verdant tea estates in India, some of which are centuries old. Some of these have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. You have winding roads around the city that take you around these tea estates.

However, if you are interested in visiting one of these tea estates, you can visit some of the famous ones in exchange for a small fee. Tea estates constitute some of the most beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. Some of the most famous tea plantations in Darjeeling include the Puttabong Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Makaibari Tea Estate, Gopaldhara Tea Estate, Okayti Tea Estate, and Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Both hikers and photographers can enjoy happening moments in these tea gardens and plantations. Besides, you get a first-hand view of the workers at the tea gardens and understand the operation of tea processing. Along with this, you have splendid views of the greenery around these estates.

7. Japanese Temple And Peace Pagoda

Among the tourist places near Darjeeling we have come across, you have the Japanese temple and Peace pagoda. This temple also finds its name among the top pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Darjeeling, a perfect specimen of Japanese architectural splendour. This is a two-storeyed building that was inaugurated in 1972.

Inside the temple, there’s a large prayer room. The chief priest beats a Ho-ko, or a large drum while offering the prayers. Inside the temple, there’s a statue of Lord Buddha and a picture of Fujii Guruji.

The Peace Pagoda lies on the same premise, a little higher. The breathtaking white structure resembles purity. It is believed that this structure was designed to help people of different creeds and races and unite them in their quest for worldly peace. This structure was inaugurated much later, in 1992. You will find four avatars of Lord Buddha in this pagoda.

Apart from spirituality, the panoramic view of Darjeeling’s landscape attracts tourists to the pagoda. You can also catch a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga range on clear days.

8. Rock Garden

Rock garden in Darjeeling is another beautiful sightseeing spot. This is an artificial garden with bridges, waterfalls, and different types of plants. Besides, tourists in Darjeeling love to engage themselves in various activities in the Rock Garden. There’s a large seating area where you can enjoy blissful photo sessions wearing local attire. Pony riding happens to be yet another activity in this area.

The Rock Garden is located around 10 Km from Darjeeling town. For tourists, it would be a pleasure to spend their time in the colourful terraced gardens with flowering plants growing in them. Make sure to have a photo session in front of the Chunnu Summer Falls. The lush green places and soothing waterfalls around the Rock Garden would make your day happen.

What you would love are the innovative sitting arrangements that have been made by cutting rocks at different levels. Sitting at the top, you can catch a spectacular view of the green landscape with hairpin bends on the roads below.

9. Darjeeling Ropeway

How about getting a birds-eye view of the lush green tea estates and woods of Darjeeling?

The Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, or the commonly known Darjeeling Ropeway, brings you a refreshing adventure for tourists. Interestingly, this was India’s first cable car system, inaugurated in 1968.

When we traversed over the valleys in the cable car, we were enthralled by the mesmerizing green view of the underlying valley. Along with this, our vision was soaked with the pure scenes of waterfalls, tea gardens, various peaks of the Kanchenjunga, gushing streams, and dense forests. So, if you don’t have acrophobia, the Darjeeling Ropeway is one of the must-visit places around the town.

Currently, around 16 cable cars are operating on this line. Each of these cable cars can comfortably accommodate six people in a single ride. Approximately, you would be travelling around 7,000 feet over the verdant valleys!

10. Darjeeling Toy Train

Just imagine cruising along the meandering roads with the colonial hangover looming around the distant valleys and cottages in Darjeeling. Toy Train rides are immensely popular, and the narrow gauge line runs adjacent to the road between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri.

The rail tracks are just 2 feet in width and run for 88 Km. It was back in 1879 that the construction of these toy train tracks was initiated. Much later, in 1999, this line, operated by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), bagged the stature of the UNESCO world heritage site.

Interestingly, the Darjeeling Toy Train is only the second railway, following the Semmering Railway of Australia, to cherish this feat from UNESCO. Several documentaries and films have been shot around the toy train tracks in Darjeeling.

Although the train line closely follows the main road connecting Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri, the tracks slightly deviate from the main course at places. This exposes travellers to the blissful green views that are not visible from the roads.

Read the train travel guide in India if you like to explore different types of trains and booking procedure.

11. Botanical Garden

Among the most picturesque places to travel to in Darjeeling, you have the Lloyd’s Botanical Garden. A wide variety of flora and orchids await you in this popular tourist destination in the city. This garden covers more than 40 acres, and you can spot some of the rarest plant species here. Some of these include magnolia, rhododendron, Arisaema, and oak.

For photographers, the Botanical Garden in Darjeeling happens to be a paradise. To catch the flowers in full bloom, make sure to visit Darjeeling between March and September. Inside the garden, you will come across different floral sections, each with its unique species of flowers.

The Botanical Garden in Darjeeling also has more than 150 species of cactus. Moreover, you cannot possibly miss out on the Orchidarium, which has more than 2,500 orchids. The vibrance and spectacle that you would experience would continue to mesmerize your eyes even after you are back home!

12. Darjeeling Mall

When you look out for the best places to visit in Darjeeling, you cannot possibly overlook its streets, squares, and markets, right?

Darjeeling Mall forms the heart of the town. There’s a Chowrasta, or an intersection between four roads, where you should take a customary photo. A typical cosmopolitan population floats around the Mall region, busy with tasting Indian and Tibetan cuisines, shopping, or hopping into antique stores. You also have some of the most popular bakeries and bars in Darjeeling like Glenary’s and Keventers around this place.

The Mall hosts hundreds of boutique shops and eateries, besides coupling up as a popular place from where you can purchase clothes and souvenirs for your friends and acquaintances.

There’s a picturesque pine forest on one side of Darjeeling Mall, enjoying the shadows of the adjoining mountain peaks. You can literally spend hours exploring the wide array of handicrafts, traditional garments, rugs, carpets, shrugs, shawls, paintings, metalware, and semi-precious jewellery. If you are fascinated with collecting antiques, be prepared to bargain your deal!

13. Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary continue to be one of the offbeat places to see in Darjeeling, besides being one of India’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries. Set up in 1915, the sanctuary happens to be a paradise for nature lovers. Nested around 11 Km. from the main town of Darjeeling, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Inside the sanctuary, you have the Senchal Lake. Engaging photo sessions and a blissful time await you in this tourist attraction. Interestingly, Senchal Lake serves as the town’s drinking water source. Around the lake, you have several fun activities like cycling, boating, and hiking. With all these activities, it has coupled up as a great picnic spot in Darjeeling.

Also, you can catch a glimpse of different animal species at the Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of these include the jungle cat, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, Assam macaque, the Himalayan flying squirrel, and the common rhesus monkey.

There are more than 350 flower-bearing plants and orchids among the plant species. The most beautiful plantations include the mating bamboo, Kawla, Hemlock, Dhupi, and Kapasi. Along with these, you have large trees like birch, pine, and oak, bringing you many photogenic moments as you explore the wilderness.

14. Mahakal Temple And Observatory Hill

The Mahakal Temple, located close to Darjeeling Mall, is a famous place to visit in the town. Beside the temple, there’s an observatory hill. On a clear day, this spot would mesmerize you with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga and its sisters.

You simply need to take a winding uphill path meandering its way up from the Mall. The Mahakal Temple is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Besides, there are three icons of Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar, all of which are gold-plated.

The Mahakal temple is a pilgrimage site for the Hindus. It was built in the 19th century after the Gorkhas invaded the area. Around this area, you will come across an amalgamation of Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples. Some of these include the Tibetan Memorial Shrine and the Kanchenjunga Temple, besides the Mahakal Temple.

If you are comfortable with hiking, make sure to visit the small cave located just 15 minutes away from Observatory Hill. The tranquillity of nature would cast a spell on you.

15. Tinchuley, Lamahatta, And Takdah

Tinchuley, Lamahatta, and Takdah are some of the most alluring offbeat places that you can travel from Darjeeling.

An isolated hamlet, Tinchuley, is located 32 Km from Darjeeling, close to the border between Sikkim and West Bengal. Sitting at 5,500 ft, it has some picturesque fruit orchards, tea plantations, and meandering rivers around. The Ranjeet and Teesta rivers add to the splendour of Tinchuley .

You would appreciate the natural vibes of the hamlet, along with the beauty of the quaint village. People looking for an off-centre place near Darjeeling to spend a night or two can go to Tinchuley, Lamahatta, or Takdah. In most of these places, homestay accommodations are available along with food.

Lamahatta, on the other hand, is located 23 Km away from Darjeeling but only 6 away from Tinchuley. You would enjoy your stay amid the Pine and Dhupi forests. Also, if you are keen to explore the local lifestyle in Darjeeling, you can find the Tamangs, Bhutias, Sherpas, Yalmos, and Dukpas in Lamahatta.

Takdah is another romantic hamlet with picturesque orchards and tea gardens, located close to Tinchuley and Lamahatta. Like we did immensely, you will also enjoy your moments as you hike through the coniferous trails in Takdah forest, with the mighty Himalayas forming the backdrop.

Located 28 Km away from Darjeeling town, Takdah has an elevation of 5,100 ft. Although it has a lower altitude compared to Darjeeling, you would enjoy chillier nights due to its geographical location.

16. Chota Mangwa And Bara Mangwa

In the Darjeeling Hills, the Lepcha people call the finger millet ‘Maong-waa’. It refers to the crops like ragi and bajra, which are cultivated in the adjacent villages around the western side of the Teesta River. If you are willing to explore a few more offbeat places around Darjeeling, you can include Bara and Chota Mangwa on your list.

In recent years, tourism has bloomed significantly around these villages. The distance between Bara and Chota Mangwa is only 9 Km, and you can even walk through the small villages.

Takling Village is one of the sightseeing places around this area, where you can visit an old monastery. Also, you can explore the orange orchards and pamper your taste buds with the sweetest oranges. For photographers and nature lovers, the meeting zone of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers would be a key attraction. The Tinchuley Sunrise Point, which lies 9 Km. from Bara Mangwa, brings you some of the most photogenic scenes.

Along with the pleasant views of nature, tourists can also visit the tea estates at Lopchu and Peshok and Rungli Ranglot. At Lopchu, you can peep into the juice-making factory for a change.

17. Singalila National Park And Sandakphu

In case you are a trekker and are looking for places to travel from Darjeeling, make sure to visit Sandakphu (11,929 feet). This peak is the highest in West Bengal and is rightly called the ‘rooftop of Bengal’. On a clear day, you can capture the panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas. From the top of Sandakphu, you can see mighty Himalayan peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Kangchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse.

The Sandakphu trek takes you to some of the most picturesque alpine trek routes in India. The trek starts from Manebhanjan and continues through the forests of Dhotrey, Tonglu, Tumling, and Kalipokhri, till you reach the top. On the down trek, you will cross some of the most beautiful forest trails at Gorkhey and Srikhola after scaling the Phault Peak.

The Sandakphu Peak lies around the Singalila National Park , which houses some of the most endangered animal species, including the red panda and the clouded leopard. Trekkers need to take a guide from Manebhanjan and can leave the trek route at any point if the need arises. So, if you are exploring beautiful places around Darjeeling, you can plan a trek to Sandakphu.

18. Chatakpur

Chatakpur is another offbeat place located close to Darjeeling. In case you are planning to visit Darjeeling, why not arrange a trip to Chatakpur that lies just 20 Km away? You can stay away from the crowd and bustle of the city amidst the quaint peace of the pine trees in a homestay in Chatakpur.

Nested amidst nature just beside a river gorge, Chatakpur happens to be a place where people worship nature. Along with the lush-green forests, you can spruce up your vision with the snow-clad views of the Eastern Himalayas. Chatakpur is relatively new to the tourism circuit around Darjeeling. Of late, many cottages and homestays have come up around this place.

Tourists in Darjeeling often look out for uncongested places to travel around, and Chatakpur aptly obliges them with its charismatic beauty. Tall pines, clouds hovering around their tops, and the natural haze dominating the landscape make it a beautiful tourist attraction.

Chatakpur is situated within the Senchal Reserve Forest. There are several trek routes around Chatakpur that hikers and trekkers love to explore.

19. Triveni

Triveni is one of the popular places around Darjeeling. It is situated close to the confluence of the Rangeet and Teesta rivers. The current of the water is forceful, and you would love to spend your hours sitting amidst the quaint village. Triveni continues to awe visitors like us with its sanctum of peace and visual pleasure.

The green views of the forests of the Himalayas dominate the landscape. This is where the Rangeet river originates from the Mount Kabru glacier in the lower Kanchenjunga region. If you are looking for new tourist places near Darjeeling, you can plan a tour to Triveni.

There’s a stream meandering down from the Singalila region, and the picturesque landscape would pamper your vision. A huge torrent forms at the meeting point between rivers Teesta and Rangeet rivers. Besides, you would cherish the sight of a long valley lying at the base of the Eastern Himalayan mountains.

20. Lepchajagat

Yet another beautiful place, located just 45 minutes from Darjeeling, Lepchajagat would captivate your views with its enthralling greenery. It sits just opposite to Darjeeling town. Just after dusk, you can see the entire town lighting up, ejecting shimmering jets like jewels.

Lepchajagat remains cloudy most of the time and residing in one of the homestays, you would love to sit on the balcony to watch clouds breaking into raindrops in front of you. The hovering clouds float nonchalantly over the valley between Darjeeling and Lepchajagat.

Sometimes, you might find your attire and belongings drenched! The clouds condense amidst the pine trees and even inside your hotel rooms without any warning.

Being a nature lover, you would repent if you miss out on Lepchajagat, one of the picturesque places to see near Darjeeling. The dense forests of Lepchajagat have tall pines, oaks, and rhododendrons. The tranquillity amidst the serene nature and beautiful birdlife makes Lepchajagat an ideal offbeat destination in North Bengal.

The next time you start planning a tour to Darjeeling, make sure to cover as many destinations as possible. Typically, you can cover Darjeeling and its key attractions in a 3-night trip. However, exploring the places located more than 30 Km from Darjeeling would typically require another few nights.

For instance, you can spend a night or two at Lepchajagat, Chatakpur, and Tinchuley each. Apart from them, you may also like to visit places like Sittong, Latpanchar, Jhandi, Ramdhura, Rishi Khola, Kurseong, Kalimpong . These tourist destinations near Darjeeling are gaining immense popularity among nature lovers. So, if you visit Darjeeling, try to include some of these places in your extended itinerary.

Watch the following video for some excellent drone views of these tourist attractions in Darjeeling:

We have listed most of the best places around Darjeeling that we have visited multiple times and are also popular with tourists. Hopefully, you can plan your tour by including all these destinations and cherish the mesmerizing beauty of the hills. Now that you are aware of most of the tourist places in Darjeeling, you can start planning your next trip.

We hope that you have enjoyed this article. Let us know your experience! If you like us to write on any specific topic, send your request to [email protected] . Your feedback is highly appreciated. We will love to hear from you!

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Places to Visit in Darjeeling; 15 Must See Places in Darjeeling Tour

Are you planning for a Darjeeling tour this summer holiday? Do the hills beckon you with their snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys? Are you wondering about the places to visit in Darjeeling that you cannot miss? If you are unsure of where to begin, you have landed on the right page.

In this article, we will take a look at the 15 most interesting places near Darjeeling that you must include in your Darjeeling tour itinerary.

Darjeeling has forever been a favorite summer retreat. Back in the days of the British, Darjeeling was as popular as it is today. The British Viceroys would escape to the picturesque hill station in quest of respite from the intense summer heat. The central point of attraction of Darjeeling tourism is the fact that there is a vibe of colonialism mixed with a typical hilly environment that makes the town unique among other hill stations.

Darjeeling is Beautiful, Darjeeling is Happening

Located at an altitude of 6,710 feet in the Lesser Himalayan ranges, Darjeeling is a tourist’s piece of paradise. The two most prominent parts of tourism in Darjeeling revolve around stunning tea estates and towering monasteries. While the tea estates are a by-product of colonial culture, the monasteries are of Buddhist religious significance.

Yet another prime element of the tourism industry is the irresistible weather of Darjeeling. The weather factor pulls in several tourists each year. It is never too hot in Darjeeling. While summers are mild and pleasant, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. In these two seasons, sightseeing is a wonderful experience. With rhododendron flowers in full bloom and clear blue skies, Darjeeling certainly lives up to its label of the ‘Queen Of Hills’.

Read This to Know Darjeeling Weather and Temperature in Details 

Due to this great weather and visual delight of Kanchenjunga, tourists always kept pouring into the place. To meet tourist demands and also due to its sheer historical significance a lot of Tourist places got developed nearby centering Darjeeling.

Best 15 places to visit in Darjeeling

If a Darjeeling tour is on your mind, then plan your innings in a way so that you can cover all the 15 places that are mentioned below. Trust us when we tell you that you will not be disappointed. The tourist places of interest near Darjeeling can be classified into two broad categories.

• Sight-Seeing Options: Places that you can cover in your Darjeeling Tour while you stay in Darjeeling only.
• Nearby Darjeeling Tourist Places: Tourist Places that should be clubbed with your Darjeeling tour for a night or extended stay

Darjeeling Tour Sightseeing: Places to Visit in and Around Darjeeling

#1. tiger hill.

Watching the sunrise on the horizon from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, will leave a memory with you that will last forever. Along with the beautiful orange hue of the rising sun, you can also witness a panoramic picture of the majestic Kanchenjunga.

Tiger Hill is around 11 Km away from Darjeeling and is at an altitude of 8482 feet above sea level. The surrounding areas are natural forest reserves. An observatory deck is under construction on the hilltop in order to accommodate the innumerable tourists that come visiting in peak seasons.

The viewing time is around 4 in the morning. It is a usual sight to spot mufflers, scarves, woolen caps, monkey caps, heavy jackets and shivering humans thronged together, waiting patiently for the sun to let out its first rays.

As the sun slowly emerges from the horizon, the view is to die for. The mountain ranges are at a riot of colors while the sun paints the canvas. Photographers will be on cloud nine with the kind of pictures that they will be able to capture. The splendid views will more than make up for your early morning struggle with sleep and the chill.

#2. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

If you are trekking or a mountain climbing enthusiast, this place is just for you. HMI is a lot of things at the same time. It is a museum, home to a boarding school, the Himalayan Zoological Park as well as a shop for souvenirs.

The museum is stacked with mountaineering gears and artifacts needed for expedition purposes. The museum was built as a tribute to two renowned mountain climbers, Tenzing Norway and Sir Edmund Hillary, who had climbed the Everest in 1953. The boarding school caters to students who wish to study mountaineering.

The zoo is popularly known as the Darjeeling Zoo. It occupies around 68 acres of land and is home to several endangered species. If you love wildlife photography, you can capture a Siberian tiger prowling around or a snow leopard napping peacefully. The ever-elusive red panda is also a common sight. You will also spot many species of bright and beautiful birds.

#3. Darjeeling Rock Garden; One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling

Around 10 Km from the main town of Darjeeling, there is a Rock Garden that is constructed around Chunnu Summer Falls. It has several tiers and the whole picture looks absolutely amazing from a distance. The waterfall cascades down the rocky slopes and there are well-manicured gardens and benches at each level.

Your car will take you through these slopes and you can view the entire landscape while going uphill. The road uphill is steep and there are sharp curves and bends ahead.

The Rock Garden was built in the 1980s to attract tourist attention to Darjeeling after the brief lull following political troubles in the hill station.

What will instantly captivate you while going uphill is the way the clouds play hide and seek. One moment, it is cloudy and foggy in front of the car’s windshield and the next moment, the clouds have transported to the tier below the one you are riding on.

The waterfall descends with a soothing rhythm that calms your soul while you go downhill. Bright and beautiful flowers are in full bloom in seasons and the garden is skillfully ornamented with these flowers.

#4. Batasia Loop

Around 5 Km away from Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is a circular railway track around a well-landscaped garden. The garden covers an area of 50,000 sq ft and is dotted with several plants bearing flowers. It is situated at the base of Ghoom station. The Darjeeling toy train runs on this track on a loop and this is how the place got its name. It is indeed a mesmerizing view and a prime tourist location in Darjeeling.

There is a historical fact behind this place. The Batasia loop was specifically built to serve as a gentler slope for the toy train to descend slowly after reaching Ghoom station. Earlier, the descent was 100 feet and was too steep for the toy train to cover comfortably. The Batasia Loop, thus, serves as a means to end

It is a place of tourist interest because of the incredible view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan ranges from the garden. It is also a spectacular sight to see the toy train emerging through billowing clouds and take the gentle curves of the terrain.

If you are looking for only a handful of places to visit in Darjeeling, this has to be on your list.

#5. Darjeeling Ropeway

Among all other tourist places in Darjeeling, the ropeway is the most sought after by adults and children alike. Singamari is the place from where you will have to board the ropeway. The ropeway is also known as Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable because it gives you a fantastic aerial view of the valley running along Little Rangeet river.

The cable car offers stunning views of the lush green tea gardens, rivers in full flow, dense forests and cascading waterfalls all through. The cable car ride lasts for close to 45 minutes. In this short span of time, you will be able to descend from 7000 feet to 800 feet.

You could get off the ropeway and take a tour of some of the tea gardens. You could meet and greet the local women plucking away tea leaves and learn a thing or two about this incredible art.

#6. Ghoom Monastery

The Ghoom Monastery is traditionally known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. It is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet at Ghoom and is around 8 Km away from the town of Darjeeling.

The monastery happens to be the first Tibetan Buddhist Monastery that was built in Darjeeling. It was built in the year 1875. It is a famous pilgrimage place and attracts many tourists in peak seasons. Apart from the external architecture, it is also home to the statue of ‘Maitreya Buddha’ that is almost 15 feet high.

The statue of Buddha inside the monastery was apparently built with the clay that was sourced from Tibet. Two oil lamps continue to burn in front of the statue of Buddha all year long through time immemorial.

#7. Mahakal Temple

The Mahakal Temple is highly sacred and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The hill on top of which this temple is located is known as the ‘Holy Hill’. It is a few minutes away from Chowrasta.

The most interesting part of this temple is the fact that there is a Hindu priest as well as a Buddhist monk at the altar.

This is because this temple is sacred to Hindus as well as to Buddhists. According to a legend, this place was once a Buddhist monastery and hence the amalgamation of two different cultures happens. Shiva Ratri is celebrated with huge pomp and glory. The environment is calm, spiritual and there is unmatched tranquillity around. This temple is situated just above Mall Road and it is a trip of its own class.

This is closeby mall and one of the best  places to visit in Darjeeling

#8. Mall Road | Darjeeling Mall

For the shopaholic in you, Mall Road is the perfect place to be. It is a busy market all day long and even till the late hours in the evening. You will find almost everything that you might want to shop for.

The road is spotted with tourists who are either out to dine at a restaurant or buy local and branded items. Mall road is not specifically a brand destination. It is home to a number of local handicrafts like exquisitely designed carpets, hand-embroidered shawls, Tibetan masks, costume jewelry, etc. You could find uniquely designed woolen items in the shops on Mall Road.

You will also come across bookstores, cafes and small eateries lining the sides of the road.

The only trick that you need to master before buying things from this place is to bargain with all your might. If you can bargain well, you will be able to crack good deals.

Tourist Places To Visit in Darjeeling

These are some special places that are scattered around Darjeeling and demands a night stay to savor them in totality. These places are fast gaining popularity with tourists that loves to stay in secluded beautiful places and likes to avoid city rush.

#9. Sandakphu

Sandakphu is situated at an altitude of 12000 feet and happens to be the highest peak of West Bengal. The best time to visit Sandakphu would be from March-May and from October-December. This is the season when the Rhododendron flowers are in full bloom and paint the peaks in beautiful colors of their own.

Sandakphu is a prime tourist destination because of the spectacular views it offers at the break of dawn. If you are lucky to have clear and visible skies, then you could have a panoramic view of the 4 loftiest peaks of the world.

Both sunrises and sunsets are stunning to see from Sandakphu. There are even two separate viewing points to ensure that you get the best views possible.

While Sandakphu is a famous trekking site and tourists usually trek up to this place, it is also possible to reach this place by driving up to it. However, the road conditions are not ideal to drive up to the place and it will be much more enjoyable if you opt for trekking.

To club Sandakphu with your Darjeeling tour, you got to take 3-4 days extra at hand for Sandakphu and Phalut Summit.

This is surely one of the most loved places to visit in Darjeeling for trekkers.

If you want to know more about Sandakphu please click the below-given link

Sandakphu: Detailed tour guide

Mirik is around 49 Km away from Darjeeling and takes 2.5 hours to reach by a private car, shared jeeps or taxis. It is famous for its large natural lake situated at an altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level. Since the altitude is lower, weather conditions are highly favorable for tourism.

Mirik happens to be a favorite tourist spot among Darjeeling tourist places. This is due to the fact that it is nestled in beautiful surroundings. There are tall and towering pine trees all around and the atmosphere is tranquil at its best.

Mirik Lake is also called Sumendu Lake. A footbridge arches over this lake and is known as the Rainbow Bridge. Mirik Lake is 1.25 Km long. There are Dhupi trees lining its western bank and the eastern bank has a beautiful garden. Mirik Lake is a favorite site for boating. The long stretch of the lake allows you to boat away leisurely and you can also view the snow-capped mountain peaks while boating on the lake.

The weather is always mild and pleasant. The temperature never exceeds 30 degrees C in summers and never goes beyond 2 degrees C in the peak of winters.

Mirik is an awesome place to stay and you must consider clubbing Mirik for 1or 2 nights with your Darjeeling tour plan.

If you are looking for places to stay in Mirik, please go through these given links

Mirik Home Stay

Schooldara Heritage Bungalow

#11. Kalimpong

Kalimpong 1250 meters above sea level. It is approx 50 km away from Darjeeling. Summers pleasant and winters could be really cold. The best time to visit Kalimpong would be during the summer season.

Kalimpong, as a tourist spot, offers the best of both worlds. It is at once quiet and peaceful because of the abundance of churches and monasteries around. There are beautiful nurseries in Kalimpong that have orchid plants of different varieties. These nurseries are worth a visit to see the collection that they have of various kinds of flowers.

Did you know that Kalimpong produces 80% of the country’s gladioli produce?

There are three important monasteries in Kalimpong that deserve special mention. These are the Tongsa Gompa, the Tharpa Choeling Gompa and the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa.

If you are looking for only a handful of places to visit in Darjeeling, this has to be there in your tour plan.

If you are looking for places to stay in Kalimpong, please go through these given links

Windsongs Kalimpong

Dhardo Retreat Kalimpong Hotels and Resort

#12. Kurseong; one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling again

Kurseong is around 31.5 Km away from the town of Darjeeling and it takes an hour and a half to reach Kurseong by car. It is quieter in comparison to other towns and districts located near Darjeeling. It sits at an altitude of 1458 metres above sea level. Kurseong originally means the place of the White Orchid.

Kurseong is famous in history because of the many artistic compositions that have been made here. The famous poet, literary artist and songwriter, Rabindranath Tagore had composed many of his songs and poems in this town.

You can visit the Makaibari tea garden and Eagles Craig. The Eagles Craig is a high cliff which serves as an observatory point from which the beautiful town of Kurseong can be seen. Makaibari Tea Estate is famous for its landscape and the tea it brings to our palettes.

If you are looking for places to stay in Kurseong, please go through these given links

Kurseong Eco Village

Allita Resort – Kurseong

Lava is around 148 Km from Darjeeling and it lies at an altitude of 2350 meters. It is mostly popular for bird watching since many migratory birds come visiting here. It is also an ideal place for nature exploration.

Lava is the beginning point of the Neora Valley National Park. You will notice a significant change in the vegetation as you approach Lava from Kalimpong. The deciduous trees give way to pine trees, fir trees and birches.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Lava, please go through the given link

Lava Tea Estate

#14. Lataguri

Lataguri is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive from Darjeeling. It is at a distance of 110 Km from the township of Darjeeling. It is right outside the Gorumara National Park and nature enthusiasts will absolutely love exploring the various facets of natural flora and fauna in this settlement.

This place is very close to the National Park and is, therefore, a source of thrill and adventure. You can go driving in the wild, spot wildlife, visit forest caves, watch unknown migratory birds and enjoy the calm, serene surroundings.

If you are looking for places to stay in Lataguri, please go through these given links

Retreat Lataguri

Hotel Dreamland Lataguri

Appu Tea Estate

River Retreat Dooars

#15 Rohini; one of the unknown places to visit in Darjeeling

Rohini lies at a distance of 66 Km from Darjeeling. It is closer to Siliguri. Rohini attracts tourist attention because of its stunning natural surroundings and forestlands. The forests of Lama Gomba lure tourists each year and especially the ones who like spotting wildlife and going on jungle tours.

There is a picnic spot, around 15 minutes by car from Rohini and is known as Dudhia. There is a hilltop in Rohini that allows spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Rohini, please go through the given link

Mountain View Retreat – Rohini

So, these will be our 15 choices of tourist places near Darjeeling that you must cover in your Darjeeling tour plan.

We in Nomadic specialize in Darjeeling Tours. We have tied up with the best properties near Darjeeling that you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are a few other articles that you may like reading

Darjeeling weather and temperature: all your questions answered, 8 awesome things to do in darjeeling which you just cannot miss, darjeeling toy train: history, experience and all useful information.

If you are finding these interesting, here  25 such awesome unknown and offbeat Destinations  Near Darjeeling. Do check out. You won’t waste your time.

Check out   Nomadic Weekends   site here.

Click Here to Customize Your Darjeeling Tour with us for Free

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Here Are Top 10 Places to Visit in Darjeeling (That You Can’t Miss)

• February 15, 2023
• June 29, 2023
• West Bengal , India

What comes to mind when you hear the word Darjeeling? Lush green and wide tea plantation? The aesthetic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway? Or is it the song “ Mere sapno ki raani kab aaygi tu?”

Darjeeling has something that pulls tourists and travelers from all around the world. It has several places with cultural and heritage importance. And in this travel guide, we’ll tell you about the best places to visit in Darjeeling. 

You’ll also get a rough estimate for ticket pricing and locality in which these places exist. The accommodation options, food, souvenirs, and some practical travel tips — everything is there in this Darjeeling travel guide.

And in between lines here and there, we’ll also insert our personal experience so that you can set right expectations before arriving in Darjeeling.

Are you ready to make your Darjeeling trip memorable? Read on!

Notice: This post may contain a few links that might earn us financial support when you buy or make any reservations. They in no way affect our opinion or the information presented here.

Article Outline

In case you want it in a video.

10 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling

1. batasia loop.

If you want to see 360-degree views of Kanchenjunga and the Darjeeling city while the toy train does a merry-go-round, come to Batasia Loop.

Batasia Loop is a spiral railway line in Darjeeling that eases the climb of the Himalayan Railway (toy train). This railway line is around a war memorial dedicated to the Gurkha soldiers of the Indian Army, established in 1995.

Batasia loop has beautiful gardens and flower plantations all around. And it makes a perfect place to enjoy your time with your friends and family. 

Remember, the train doesn’t stop here but passes through it, which is in itself a sight to see.

Ticket : INR 30 per person

Opening hours : 5 am to 8 pm.

2. Tiger Hill

How about watching the sunrise with panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Eastern Himalayas, tea plantations and the Kanchenjunga? At Tiger Hill, you get all these — for FREE (technically).

Tiger Hill is a popular mountain peak about 12 km from Darjeeling, at an altitude of 2,590 meters (8,500 ft).

Travel Tip : Book a taxi or rent a bike one day before. See the time of sunrise on the weather app on your smartphone. Reaching prior to the sunrise is a requirement if you want to fully enjoy this experience.

Tiger Hill Ticket Pricing : 

• INR 20 per person for the ground level, 
• INR 30 per person for the first floor, 
• INR 40 per person for the top floor which has comfortable seating with better views.

Opening hours : 4 am to 6 pm.

3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR)

Your trip to Darjeeling is incomplete without getting a ride on the DHR.

DHR is a narrow-gauge railway (toy train) that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.

Britisher built this railway in 1881 with the chief aim of transporting tea and other goods.

It covers a distance of 88 km (55 mi) with a total of 87 stations. You will enjoy breathtaking views while covering this distance when you hop on it.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. At first, steam locomotives were used for many years. But, diesel locomotives took the place in the 1960s.

Tip : You can book tickets for the toy train journey on the official website of the Indian Railways (IRCTC). But be mindful, tickets are hard to get because of the rush. So, please book in advance for a confirmed seat.

4. Rock Garden

One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling is the Rock Garden. 

You can visit it on a hillock near Chunnu Summer Falls, at a distance of 10 km from the main city. This garden got its formation by cutting mountains and rocks.

Also, if nature is your thing, you should not miss visiting Rock Garden.

You’ll love the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the garden. There is also a lake inside the Rock Garden, adding to its charm.

About 3 km from the Rock Garden is the Ganga Maya Park which has a small lake where boating facilities are available. Gorkha folk dances are organized here for the entertainment of the tourists.

Ticket Cost for Rock Garden : INR 20 per person.

Opening hours : 8 am to 6 pm.

5. Happy Valley Tea Estate

Darjeeling is full of tea estates. And, Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the most famous and oldest tea gardens among them. This estate was established in 1854 by a Scottish planter named George Williamson and covers an area of approximately 170 hectares.

Happy Valley Tea Estate is known for producing high quality tea.

You can learn about the tea cultivation process here. From plucking the leaves to the final stages of packing. There is also a small museum inside where you can learn about the history of tea cultivation.

Unfortunately, we could not visit this tea estate. But we did visit the Ging Tea Estate, which is at a distance from Happy Valley Tea Estate and offers a similar experience.

6. Darjeeling Ropeway

Do you want to fly over the majestic tea plantations of Darjeeling? If yes, try out the Darjeeling Ropeway.

The Darjeeling Ropeway (aka Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Ropeway) is a cable car service that connects Darjeeling town to Singla Bazaar.

Here’s an interesting fact : It is India’s first and longest ropeway which covers a distance of about 3 km in the valley. You can ride it and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Note : The ropeways get closed during monsoon season due to heavy rains and landslides.

Tickets : INR 200 for adults and INR 100 for children.

Opening time:

• In Winter and Monsoon: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• In Summer: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

7. Ghoom Monastery

If you want a calm and serene place to spend some time in solitude, Ghoom monastery is your place. The beautiful artistry on the building, enriched with Buddhist culture, will surely attract you.

Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choiling Monastery, is a small Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It was built in 1875 and is one of the oldest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region. 

You can easily access it as the monastery is situated on the main road. However, you can skip it if you’re short on time or on a mission to explore the places to visit in Darjeeling in 1 day.

Don’t forget to touch the prayer wheels! 

8. Dali Monastery

Another beautiful monastery to visit in Darjeeling is Dali monastery (Druk Sangag Choling monastery). You can easily visit this place as it’s situated on the way to Batasia Loop, and on the main road. You may have to climb some stairs to reach this building.

The best time to visit Dali Monastery is either in the morning or in the evening when there is prayer and chanting. Other times, you may find the main hall closed. 

210 Tibetan Buddhists of the Drukchen sect live in Dali Gompa of this monastery. The hall of 6 feet high golden Tibetan prayer wheels located here draws huge crowds.

9. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Fancy seeing super cute red pandas? Then come to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

You can find a wide variety of animals including the snow leopard, red panda, Tibetan wolf, royal Bengal tiger and Himalayan black bear. The park also houses a breeding and research center for the endangered snow leopard and red panda.

This zoo spans over a 67.56-acre land and is one of the well-maintained zoos of India. So, you may have to walk a lot. Also, it is the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park sits at an altitude of 7,000 feet. It follows the design as if it were the natural habitat of animals. 

Further, it got its name after Padmaja Naidu, daughter of freedom fighter and poet Sarojini Naidu.

10. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Temple or Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. It sits at an altitude of 2,050 m (6,726 ft) above sea level. 

You can reach here via a cab or private taxi or hike down through the streets. We asked some locals and hiked our way to this place.

The temple has a scenic beauty. And you can click some great photos keeping it in the backdrop while admiring the calmness in the environment.

Local Cuisine of Darjeeling That You Should Try

Where there’s travel, there’s food. How can you skip the mouth watering delicacies of Darjeeling? Besides tea and momos, Darjeeling has some local cuisines that you should definitely try out.

Here are some popular local food:

• Momos : These steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables are a popular street food that you can find in most local restaurants.
• Thukpa : This traditional Tibetan soup made of noodles, vegetables and meat is a popular dish in Darjeeling.
• Aloo Dum : This dish is made from boiled potatoes cooked in a spicy tomato gravy, which can be enjoyed with rice or roti.
• Kinema : This traditional dish made from fermented soybeans is very popular in Darjeeling and Sikkim.
• Phagshapa : Traditionally, this food item is prepared with pork, radish and some chilies. If you want less spicy food which is perfect for cool Darjeeling evenings.
• Darjeeling Tea: If you come to Darjeeling and don’t drink the tea here then why should you come to Darjeeling. The tea here is known for its unique musk flavor and aroma. You can try different types of Darjeeling tea at local tea shops.
• Nepalese and Tibetan Food : You will find a lot of traditional Nepalese and Tibetan dishes in Darjeeling, such as dal bhat , momos and steamed buns.
• Street Food : You can find street food at various places in Darjeeling like Chowrasta where you can taste different types of street food like Chaat, Gol Gappa and Tikki.

What You Can Do In Darjeeling? (Activities)

Go on a tea garden tour.

Darjeeling is famous for its tea, and there are several tea estates in the region that you can tour. Learn about the history of tea cultivation in Darjeeling, and taste different varieties of tea.

Take A Ride On The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, aka “Toy Train”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a memorable ride through the hills. This should top your list of activities to do in Darjeeling.

Go Trekking

Darjeeling has many trails that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding hills. Among these, Tonglu Trek, Sandakphu and Singalila Trek, Phalut Trek are some of the places that are safe for trekking.

Stroll the Darjeeling Mall Road

This popular place in Darjeeling is famous for shopping and fine dining. There are many local shops and restaurants selling traditional food. You can enjoy them and shop for your loved ones.

Enjoy the Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Capturing the sunrise at Tiger Hill can be a lifetime memory. Keep in mind that there is a lot of crowd here, so go with full preparation.

Souvenirs You Can Buy in Darjeeling

The Mall Road and Chowrasta Bazaar are good places to shop and pick up souvenirs. Here are some popular souvenirs to buy in Darjeeling:

• Darjeeling Tea : Darjeeling tea is one of the most famous tea varieties in the world and can be found in local tea shops. You can buy different types of tea like black, green, oolong and white tea.
• Hand-Knitted Woolen Goods : Darjeeling is known for its hand-knitted woolen goods, such as sweaters, shawls and socks. These accessories are made of high quality wool and are great for keeping warm in the chilly mountain air.
• Handicrafts : Darjeeling is home to many skilled artisans who create beautiful handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal crafts and traditional Tibetan and Nepali items.
• Tibetan and Nepalese items : You can find traditional Tibetan and Nepalese items such as prayer flags, singing bowls and thangka paintings in local shops and markets.
• Jewelry : You can find traditional and modern jewelry in Darjeeling. You can also find traditional Tibetan jewelry made of turquoise, coral, and other precious stones.
• Bamboo and cane items : You will find bamboo and cane items such as baskets, mats and furniture in local shops and markets.
• Postcards and Souvenirs : You can find postcards and other souvenirs like keychains and magnets with pictures of famous Darjeeling tourist places.
• Spices : You can buy traditional spices like cardamom, clove and cinnamon, which are grown in the region and used in the local cuisine.

Darjeeling Public Toilet & Sanitation

Public toilets and cleanliness in Darjeeling can vary from place to place. In general, many public places, including tourist areas, have public restrooms available for use.

However, especially in more rural or less touristy areas, the availability of public restrooms may not be up to the standards of some travelers.

Distance Between Attractions And Transportation Options In Darjeeling

Public transport can be limited in Darjeeling, especially when it comes to traveling to popular tourist spots.

You can use Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as a mode of transport to visit tourist spots. However, it is limited in its route and can be crowded during peak tourist season.

Taxis and buses are also available for transportation, but they are unreliable. Private taxis can be expensive, so it’s important to negotiate the fare in advance.

You can also take the bus which is a more economical option. Apart from this, you can also hire private bikes, cars and jeeps, but ensure that the vehicle is in good condition.

Here’s the kicker: We visited almost all the best places to visit in Darjeeling on foot because the distance between them is not much. If you are used to walking, this can be your way of exploring too.

Best Time To Visit Darjeeling For You

The best time to visit Darjeeling depends on what you want to do during your visit.

The months from April to June are the best time to visit for those who want to escape the heat and enjoy the cool mountain air. The temperature during this time ranges between 25-28 degree celsius, which is perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The tea gardens are in full bloom at this time.

Monsoon season heavy rains can disrupt travel and outdoor activities. There is also a danger of landslides in the city during this season.

October to March is the best time to visit for those who seek cold and snow. This is also the best time to view the Himalayas, as clear skies provide the best visibility. Temperatures can drop significantly during this time, ranging from 3-10°C, so it’s important that you pack warm clothes.

Number of Days and Budget

It’s a subjective matter. What you want to see and do in Darjeeling will decide how long you want to stay in Darjeeling. 

If you just want to visit the main attractions and enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayas, then 2-3 days would be enough.

It is a good idea to plan your stay for 3-5 days if you want to participate in more activities like trekking, visiting tea gardens and experiencing the local culture.

Darjeeling is also surrounded by many beautiful hill stations and places of interest like Mirik, Kurseong etc. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preferences and availability.

Talking of budget, Darjeeling is not an expensive city. From food to accommodation, we did find it fairly cheap being budget travelers. For instance, we found bunk beds for approximately INR 400 per day.

How You Can Reach Darjeeling

You can reach Darjeeling in three ways:

By Airplane

The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located approximately 90 km from Darjeeling. From there you can take a taxi or bus to reach Darjeeling.

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located about 90 km from Darjeeling. The station code of New Jalpaiguri station is NJP.

You get frequent trains to NJP from all major stations in India. From New Jalpaiguri you will get a direct bus or taxi to Darjeeling.

Many buses ply between Darjeeling and major cities of West Bengal and neighboring states. Alternatively, you can also drive to Darjeeling, but be aware that the roads can be curvy and narrow at some places.

Where You Can Stay In Darjeeling? (Accommodation Options)

There are many hotels in Darjeeling ranging from budget friendly options to luxury resorts. Apart from this, you can also stay in homestays and guesthouses. There are also several camping options available for those who want a more adventurous and unique experience.

We recommend booking your hotel well in advance, as the city is packed with tourists, especially during peak season.

Apart from this, it is better to stay near the Mall Road in the central part of the city. This will give you easy access to the city’s main attractions and a variety of dining and shopping options.

FAQs: Places To Visit in Darjeeling

Which is the best time to visit darjeeling.

The best time to visit Darjeeling is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and the views of the Himalayas are clear. The temperature ranges between 25–28 °C in summer and 3–10 °C in winter.

What is the famous thing about Darjeeling?

Some of the places of interest in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Happy Valley, Rock Garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Ghoom Monastery.

What are the famous activities in Darjeeling?

Famous activities in Darjeeling include visiting tea gardens, trekking, paragliding and taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

How is the local cuisine in Darjeeling?

The local cuisine of Darjeeling is a mix of Nepalese, Tibetan and Bengali cuisine, with popular dishes including momos, thukpa and dal bhat.

Is any permit required to visit Darjeeling?

Permits are not required to visit Darjeeling but if you are planning to visit some restricted areas like Singalila National Park, you will need to obtain a permit from the concerned authorities.

Final Words: Places To Visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those looking to experience the culture and tradition of the region.

The Queen of Hills is our travel guide to Darjeeling. Hope we have been able to share every little bit of information related to Darjeeling in this.

Still, if you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below. We will try to improve ourselves with your suggestions.

An appeal:   Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin. If you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.

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If you want to enjoy nature and peace, come to Darjeeling. Intresting Artical and valuable content thanks sharing it.

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10 Popular Places to Visit in Darjeeling Town

• December 15, 2023

This guide is designed especially for those with a day or two to spare in Darjeeling and looking to stick around town. It’s a helpful resource to explore the top attractions without the need for extensive travel. Whether you’re short of time or simply prefer discovering what Darjeeling town has to offer, this guide on “10 Popular Places to Visit in Darjeeling Town” is tailored to suit your needs. 

1. Visit tea estate: Happy Valley Tea Estate

The Happy Valley Tea Estate in Darjeeling is a sought-after destination renowned for its exceptional tea cultivation and stunning landscapes. Its convenient proximity to the main town makes it a must-visit spot for travellers exploring Darjeeling.

This esteemed tea estate offers an immersive experience of the art of tea production and the natural beauty of the region without the need for extensive travel, enabling visitors to delve into the world of tea cultivation while staying close to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.  

Visitors have the opportunity to engage in tea-tasting sessions, discovering and relishing the diverse flavours and fragrances of freshly brewed teas, thus fostering a deeper appreciation for this globally acclaimed beverage. 

2. Curio shops: Uncovering Unique Mementos

Chowrasta and its vicinity offer a bustling array of curio shops, famed for their unique treasures in Darjeeling. These shops feature an assortment of silverware with distinctive designs, precious stones, Thangka paintings, local artists’ artwork, and an assortment of copper and brass souvenirs and decor pieces.  

Notably, among the oldest and most reputable curio stores is Habeeb Mullick and Sons in Darjeeling, situated at Chowrasta. This establishment is recognized for its reliability and authentic offerings, making it a go-to destination for those seeking genuine Darjeeling keepsakes.  

3. Tea tasting and shopping: Golden Tips Teattoria

Golden Tips Teattoria is a tea shop known for its high-quality Darjeeling tea and its delicious food.    The tea at Golden Tips Teattoria is some of the best in Darjeeling. It is sourced directly from local tea estates and is brewed to perfection.   The restaurant offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients. 

The tea shop sells a wide variety of Darjeeling tea, including first-flush, second flush, and autumn flush teas. The tea is sold in loose leaves or tea bags. The restaurant also offers a variety of tea-tasting experiences, where guests can learn about the different types of Darjeeling tea and how to brew them perfectly. 

Golden Tips Teattoria is located in a beautiful setting, with stunning views of the Darjeeling mountains.

4. Exploring Religious Spots: Mahakal Temple

Mahakal Mandir, a revered Hindu temple nestled near Chowrasta in Darjeeling, stands as a significant spiritual landmark and a popular destination for visitors. Set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, this temple holds deep religious significance, drawing both devotees and tourists. 

The serene ambience and panoramic views from this sacred site provide a tranquil escape, while the temple’s cultural and historical importance enriches the visit. Surrounded by the lively atmosphere of Chowrasta, the temple offers a serene and spiritual contrast, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking both tranquility and cultural immersion amidst Darjeeling’s vibrant offerings. 

5. Cultural landmark: St. Andrews Church

St. Andrew’s Church in Darjeeling holds a special place in the heart of the town, situated in proximity to the bustling centre of Chowrasta. This historic church, dating back to the mid-19th century, stands as a prominent architectural and cultural landmark, reflecting the town’s colonial history. 

Its Neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows contribute to its grandeur, drawing visitors into its historical embrace. The church’s serene atmosphere amidst the lively energy of Chowrasta invites both worshipers and tourists, offering a tranquil contrast and an opportunity to explore Darjeeling’s rich colonial heritage right at the heart of town.

St. Andrew’s Church in Darjeeling stands as a prominent architectural and cultural landmark, reflecting the town’s colonial history. 

6. The Essence of Tibetan Heritage: Himalayan Tibet Musem

The Himalayan Tibet Museum in Darjeeling stands as a cultural gem, inviting visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of Tibetan history and heritage. 

As a prominent destination in the town, the museum offers an immersive experience, shedding light on the diverse traditions and cultural nuances of Tibet. Visitors can expect an enlightening journey through exhibitions that showcase Tibetan artefacts, art, religious relics, and historical documents, providing a profound understanding of Tibetan culture and its connections to the Himalayan region. 

The museum not only educates but also inspires with its insightful displays, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Tibetan people and their influence in the Himalayan region. 

7. Discover Wildlife Wonders: Darjeeling Zoo

The Darjeeling Zoo, also known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, stands as a prime attraction offering a delightful experience for visitors. Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Darjeeling, this zoo is home to an array of rare and endangered Himalayan fauna. 

Guests can expect an immersive journey through diverse exhibits, showcasing indigenous species like the Himalayan wolf, red panda, and the majestic snow leopard. With its conservation efforts and naturalistic enclosures, the zoo provides a unique opportunity to witness these incredible animals in an environment that closely mimics their natural habitats. 

The visit promises not just an enjoyable day amidst nature but also an educational experience, offering insights into the conservation of these precious Himalayan species. 

8. Heart of Darjeeling: Chowrasta

Chowrasta in Darjeeling holds a special place as a bustling centre and a beloved spot for visitors to soak in the town’s vibrant atmosphere. This prominent square serves as a hub for both locals and tourists, offering an immersive experience of Darjeeling’s lively spirit. 

With its open expanse and panoramic views, it’s a gathering point for people to unwind, stroll, shop for local goods, and indulge in street food delicacies. The ambience is heightened by the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and taking in the charm of the town. 

Surrounded by cafes, shops, and a variety of cultural performances, Chowrasta creates a vibrant and inviting space that captures the essence of Darjeeling’s rich heritage and spirited community.

9. Take a walk: Shrubbery Park

The Shrubbery Park in Darjeeling offers a serene retreat amid the town’s lively atmosphere. This charming park, known for its tranquillity and natural beauty, provides a peaceful escape for visitors. 

With its well-maintained pathways, vibrant flower beds, and lush greenery, it’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and moments of relaxation. The park’s scenic setting against the backdrop of the Himalayas adds to its allure, creating a picturesque environment that’s perfect for unwinding and embracing the beauty of nature. 

Shrubbery Park stands as a delightful destination for those seeking a tranquil respite amidst the vibrant energy of Darjeeling. 

10. Local Market: Beech Galli

Beech Galli, also known as Middle Street, is a narrow alleyway in the heart of Darjeeling, India. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, as it is home to a variety of shops and stalls selling authentic Darjeeling snacks, souvenirs, and sweets. 

Some of the most popular snacks available in Beech Galli include gundruk (a fermented dry vegetable dish), churpi (a hard cheese made from yak or cow milk), and dried meat pickle. In addition to snacks, Beech Galli is also a great place to buy authentic Darjeeling souvenirs, such as Darjeeling tea, woollen handicrafts, and silver and gold jewellery. 

Overall, Beech Galli is a great place to experience the authentic flavors and culture of Darjeeling. With its variety of shops and stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and sweets, there is something for everyone in Beech Galli. 

This convenient proximity curtails the hassle of transportation, allowing visitors to effortlessly explore these gems without the need for extensive travel. Embracing the iconic tea estates, serene religious sites, and vibrant cultural hubs presents a comprehensive overview of Darjeeling’s essence, all easily reachable within the town’s bounds. This harmonious coexistence of attractions within the town makes for a seamless and enriching journey, inviting travellers to savour the tapestry of experiences that Darjeeling graciously offers. 

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25 best places to visit in darjeeling west bengal, the queen of hills.

Tucked in the Lesser Himalaya, has always attracted the mind of travelers from all over the world. The town hosts the typical Gorkha culture and is well known for its quaint colonial ambiance. Moreover, this hill station in India is the gateway to one of the popular treks in the Indian Himalayan region, the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek and is also one of the two places in India where from one can capture the entire panorama of the Eastern Himalayan ranges, from the Everest to Kanchendzonga. Further, the refreshing environment layered with several tea estates and evergreen forests… simply offers a retreat and is ideal for leisure capes. Its breathtaking beauty and pleasant weather are the reasons why to visit Darjeeling for an amazing vacation.

Here is the list of some of the best places to visit in Darjeeling that will surely quench your Darjeeling trip palette.

Tenzing and Gombu Rock

Dhr sukna museum, darjeeling old cemetery, dhr ghum museum, happy valley tea estate, senchal lake and wildlife sanctuary, shrubbery nightingale park, st andrew’s church, dhirdham temple, aloobari monastery, samten choling monastery and yiga choling monastery, dali monastery, ghoom monastery, bhutia busty monastery, tibetan refugee self help center.

• Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta

Rock garden and ganga maya park.

• Darjeeling Ropeway

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

• Batasia Loop
• Bengal Natural History Museum

Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

Quick Travel Information about Darjeeling

Popular Darjeeling Tour Packages

• 6 Nights 7 Days Darjeeling Gangtok Pelling Tour Package
• 4 Nights 5 Days Darjeeling Gangtok Sightseeing Tour
• 5 Nights 6 Days Darjeeling Gangtok Kalimpong Tour
• 7 Nights 8 Days Darjeeling Sikkim Romantic Tour
• 6 Nights 7 Days Darjeeling Sikkim Honeymoon Tour

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute showcases the best mountaineering gears and expedition artifacts. It is one of the best tourist places in Darjeeling especially for the mountain lovers. It was built in the memory of Tenzing Norgay who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, climbed Everest in 1953. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute further runs a boarding school for mountaineering students and maintains a memorial dedicated to Tenzing Norgay, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.

Located within the premises of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which is also known as Darjeeling Zoo. It spreads over approximately 68 acres and houses many endangered species of animals adapted to alpine conditions like the snow leopard, red panda, goral (mountain goat), Siberian tiger, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, clouded Leopards, Black Leopards and a variety of birds. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo is perched on the Birch Hill, which is easily accessible from Darjeeling Mall.

Timings- 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Summer & 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Winter

One of the top tourist attractions for nature lovers and honeymooners, the Batasia Loop is specifically known for its spiral of a narrow-gauge railway track on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the Toy Train makes a complete loop around a wonderful circular garden. It was built in 1919 to reduce the gradient of the slope for the toy train to fall smoothly from about 140ft.   It covers an area of 50,000 square feet and is dotted with several flowering plants.

You will get a 360-degree view of the entire landscape of Darjeeling from here. It also maintains an eco-garden which has information about organic farming in Darjeeling, Gorkha War Memorial, and many restaurants and eateries.

The Batasia Loop is approximately 5 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and is close to Ghoom. If you are lucky enough then on a clear sunny day, you will get a jaw breaking view of the Khangchendzonga range and Eastern Himalayas.

The Rock Garden also known as Barbotey Rock Garden, which is approximately 10 kilometers from Darjeeling town, is set with picturesque and colorful terraced gardens dotted with highly diversified flowering plants… blazing the rocks and cliffs at different levels. The Chunnu Summer Falls is another additional feature that makes the park a best tourist spot to visit in Darjeeling.

On the other hand, 3 kilometers ahead is the Ganga Maya Park, which is another nature park with a narrow gushing stream flowing through it. The park also hosts gardens dotted with varied species of colorful flowers and a lake. Tourists can also enjoy Gorkha folk dance at Ganga Maya Park.

If you are a nature lover, then you must visit Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, the entire landscape of Darjeeling and lofty mountain ranges, the dancing clouds, deep gorges, soothing water streams, lush greenery all around and enchanting hills will definitely take your breath away.

Named after Tenzing Norgay (Who was the first person to climb Mt Everest), Tenzing Rock is one of the most beautiful gigantic natural rocks in Darjeeling. Just opposite to this is the beautiful Gombu Rock which is named after Nawang Gombu, the nephew of Tenzing who became the director of field training at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute after Tenzing retired in 1976.

Both these rocks are used for rock climbing training. Adventurers from all across the globe come here to become mountaineers and rock climbers. The rock-climbing training is given by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Tenzing himself used to practice on the one named after him. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Darjeeling for adventure lovers and thrill seekers.

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With the natural element in just one view, the Darjeeling Ropeway, which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, offers a refreshing getaway to the tourists.  It was started in 1968 and it was the first cable car system in India.

From the ropeway you can enjoy the spectacular view of the valley below that is bedded with lush green tea gardens, waterfalls, gorgeous Peaks of Kanchenjunga and dense forest and cut by several small gushing streams.

It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling where one can spend some ideal hours in the tea estate and enjoy a nature walk.

• Winter and Monsoon Timings – 10:00am to 4:00pm
• Summer and Autumn Timings- 10:00am to 2:00pm
• Popular Ropeway Getaways in India

Set up in 2005, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum (DHR Museum) at Sukna is the third of DHR museums. The first one is in Ghoom and the second is in Kurseoung. It is one of the top tourism sites to visit in Darjeeling. It has a nice collection of original photographs related to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

It houses rare collections which will give you great insight on the history of Darjeeling. You will witness the sketches of Tangas, Rare pictures of toy train, original pictures of Kurseong station in 1880’s, Tindharia Railway Station before 1910, entire history of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and a very rare picture of a 100-year-old woman “the Witch of Ghoom” who used to visit Tindharia Railway Station in 1890’s, etc.

If you are a kind of person who really loves to know about the history of places then Darjeeling Museum is a perfect place to be in.

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One may not consider Darjeeling Old Cemetery as a tourist place but it is declared as a site of ‘National Importance’, the Darjeeling Old Cemetery houses two historical graves and several other graves belonging to people from the colonial era. There are graves of those British settlers who turned the dense forests of Darjeeling into beautiful Tea estates which are now visited by nature lovers and solace seekers. It will give you a glimpse of the colonial days of Darjeeling.

The upper section of the cemetery offers breathtaking vistas of tea gardens and mesmerizing landscapes of Darjeeling. The graves dating back to 1840’s will give you spooky vibes. There used to be more than 100 graves in the cemetery but now most of them are destroyed by the ravages of time and it is very difficult to point exactly how many graves are here.

The grave of Lt. General George W. Aylmer Lloyd and the great Hungarian linguist Alexander Csoma de Koros are the major attractions in the vicinity. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions to include in your Darjeeling itinerary for peace and surreal views of Darjeeling’s landscapes.

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One of the three museums in Darjeeling district, the DHR Ghoom Museum that is located in the premises of the Ghoom Railway Station, which is the highest railway station in the world, preserves the oldest model of Toy Train engine of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It showcases the heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan toy train. The Baby Sivok is a major tourist attraction.

It is the oldest toy train engine of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways which was started in 1881. The premises also have a huge collection of rare and old artifacts of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, photographs and items donated by the ex DHR employees. You must include DHR Ghum Museum in your Darjeeling sightseeing tour if you want to make your trip interesting.

Timings – 10:00 am to 1:30 pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm

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A perfect place to spend some romantic moments with your partner, Love Road will bring out the romance in your life.  It is 3 kilometers long stretch of narrow refreshing walkway in the midst of nature… the Love Road encircles Birch Hill. As stated, it is a lovers’ point… hence it is also one of the best honeymoon places in Darjeeling where you can see some beautiful bird species coupling, twittering and flattering around which makes this place an awesome paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Surrounded by the soothing views of nature and gorgeous steep hills, the narrow road’s beauty will give you goosebumps. It is a place where you will see the lofty Kanchenjunga Range and Lebong Spur. The serene shade of Pine and Rhododendron trees is a delightful sight to behold. For a lovely start to your love life, Love Road is one of the most beautiful places to visit for couples in Darjeeling.

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It is time to enjoy the sprawling tea estate that is spread across 440 acres. The serene charm of this bliss Tea Estate will rejuvenate your soul completely. If you are looking for a place to fine tune your spirit, Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the most beautiful nature tourism places to see in Darjeeling. The thing that will chuckle you is that it has bushes which are more than 150 years old. Your trip to Darjeeling remains incomplete till you visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is Darjeeling’s second oldest tea estate and was established in 1854. It is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above the sea level.

If you are touring Darjeeling between March and May, then you are likely to see the plucking process. The Happy Valley Tea Estate is approximately 3 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and I must say that tea lovers are surely going to like this place… because of the sweet flavor blending with the atmosphere.

Timings- Tuesday to Saturday – 8:00am to 4:00

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One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India that was set up in 1915, the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife lovers who are visiting Darjeeling for just a couple of days or on the weekends. It is approximately 11 kilometers away from the Darjeeling town.

The Senchal Lake inside the sanctuary is one of the picturesque sites that attract lots of tourists. It is a perfect haunt for photographers and nature lovers. The Senchal Lake is a source of drinking water to Darjeeling. If you are looking for a place to spend some fun filled moments with your family and friends, the perfect surroundings to Senchal Lake is good for a weekend picnic.

The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several species of animals such as the barking deer, wild pig, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel and many more. It is also rich in several bird species and plant species. It covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers.

There are beautiful varieties of flora in the Sanctuary. Oak, Pine and Birch trees, around 350 types of flowering plants including Rhododendron and Orchids, plantations of Dhupi, Kapasi, Kawla, Hemlock and mating bamboo etc. will surely tickle your lens to capture amazing photos of the wilderness.

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The beautiful Shrubbery Nightingale Park is an amazing place to visit with your family in Darjeeling to relax your soul from the chaos of work life. Mesmerizing Kanchenjunga Peaks and Eastern Himalayan Ranges is a beautiful backdrop that will give you a visual treat. In a peak tourist season, this park becomes a fun place as many Nepali cultural programs are held here every evening.

This place was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1934, after some years the place had been renovated. The park is crisscrossed by many pebbled walkways and also maintains an idol of Lord Shiva. The musical fountain is also a major attraction inside the park. Holidays in Darjeeling will be more interesting and pleasant if you include Nightingale Park in your Darjeeling itinerary tour.

Timings- 8:00am to 8:00pm

Best Time to Visit – October and November

• Best Destinations for Family Vacation in North East India

Another major Tourist attraction in Darjeeling St. Andrew’s Church, which is one of the prominent architectural examples from the colonial era. It is named after the patron saint of Scotland. It was built in the year 1843 but was later rebuilt in 1873 after it was damaged by a massive earthquake. The church holds many inlaid marble tablets and brass plaques, including that of Lt. General Lloyd (Also known as Discoverer of Darjeeling) and Charlotte Countess Canning (Wife of governor general).

From outside the church looks old and not well maintained but from inside it looks beautiful. One of the most interesting facts about this church is that the old cemetery of Darjeeling was under its authority till 1995. In 1970, with the help of Das studio collected records of all the graves through photography but strangely the records have disappeared since then.

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The gorgeous Nepali Style Hindu Temple of Dhirdham is one of the most popular religious tourist attractions to visit in Darjeeling. The temple is located just below the Toy Train Railway Station. Built by Rai Saheb aka Purna Bahadur Pradhan (King of Nepal) in 1936, this beautiful temple of Lord Shiva offers spiritual bliss and eternal peace to the devotees.

The major attraction inside the complex is the white colored statue of Lord Shiva that represents the five different expressions of Shiva with his universal third eye. The architecture of the temple resembles The Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. The temple complex holds a tranquil ambiance and you will surely come across the hospitable nature of the priests’ bestowing blessings to devotees.

Aarti Timings- 8:00 am to 6:00pm

Note- Cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises.

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Located 3km away from Darjeeling, Aloobari Monastery got its name from a place named Aloobari. A religious leader from North Eastern Nepal Sangay Lama built this serene Buddhist monastery during the first world war. This monastery was built as a symbol of peace amidst the chaos of war. The name Mak Dog was given to this monastery which means averting the war. The bright red and yellow walls, two lions on the top of the entry gate look gorgeous.

Inside the monastery you will see the statue of Buddha, Padmasambhava, a prayer hall and murals depicting the life story of Lord Buddha. Surrounding the monastery are several villages inhabited by Tibetan families. It is one of the must visit places near Darjeeling where you can get acquainted with the local culture and experience their hospitality.

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One of the three monasteries in Ghoom, the Samten Choling Monastery is approximately 7 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhists. It is crafted with a huge square arched gate and the exterior of the monastery maintains a white body and golden top in the typical Tibetan architectural style. The major attraction is the 26-foot model of Lord Buddha. It also houses a huge collection of Buddhist books and manuscripts. Inside the premises you will find a small café where you can have tea or coffee and light snacks. It is also the residence of several monks belonging to the yellow hat sect.

Tourists are requested not to confuse Samten monastery with Yiga Choeling monastery, which is the original Ghoom Monastery, was built in the year 1850, and is 1 kilometer away from the Samten Choling Monastery. It also belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhists and maintains a 15-foot model of Lord Buddha. Inside the Yiga Choeling Monastery there are images of Lord Buddha and lamas. There is a large collection of Buddha’s manuscripts, bells and a huge drum inside. Visiting these monasteries will teleport you into the world of euphoria.

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5 km away from Darjeeling, Dali Monastery’s soothing and calm vibes will give you peace and divine wisdom.  The Dali Monastery which was originally named as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, is yet another important Buddhist pilgrimage center and top tourist attraction to visit near Darjeeling belonging to the Kagyupa sect. It was built in a typical Tibetan style during the period of Thuksey Rinpochey in 1971.

The monastery also maintains huge cylindrical golden coloured drums. The chants from the prayer room and humming from cylindrical golden coloured drums creates wonderful ethereal vibes. There is a coffee shop and residences belonging to over 200 monks.

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The largest monastery in Ghoom, which was built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and belongs to the Gelug sect, the Ghoom Monastery is one of the major and oldest Buddhist pilgrimage places in Darjeeling district. It is approximately 8 kilometers from Darjeeling town. This monastery belongs to Gelugpa Sect.

Besides the prayer hall, the monastery houses a 15 feet high statue of “Maitreya Buddha”, images of Buddha’s disciples, and many Buddhist texts. The oil lamps in the monastery keep burning all year and all the time. Don’t get confused with Samten Choling Monastery which is also known as Ghoom monastery by locals.

Note – You will have to pay for photography and Videography

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Belonging to the Nyingma sect, the Bhutia Busty Monastery, which is also known as Karma Dorjee Choling monastery, is a branch of Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It was initially built atop the Observatory Hill in 1761 by Lama Dorje Rinzing but was later relocated to its present location in 1879 after the invasion of Darjeeling by the Gorkhas.

The Bhutia Busty Monastery is approximately 2 kilometers down from the Mall and houses a huge collection of Old Buddhist scripts, including the “Book of Dead ”, which is one of the notable ones. The present architectural structure that dilates the Buddhist traditional style of craftsmanship pulls in thousands of tourists throughout the year.

The monastery maintains a prayer room, a model of Lord Buddha, photographs of the Dalai Lama and images of Goddess Tara Devi and Lakshmi Eswari. It also houses a huge collection of murals, which are originally made out of real gold powder.

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Established on 2 October 1959, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is a home to the Tibetan refugees, sick, elderly and destitute… the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center today houses 130 Tibetan families who mostly earn their bread and butter by producing traditional handicrafts like Buddha idols, various Tibetan sculptures, musical instruments, masks, thangka painting and many more.

It is located at hillside Lebong in Darjeeling that has a historical significance where the thirteenth Dalai Lama had spent his exile in India from 1910 to 1912. It is a must visit place in Darjeeling for tourists having keen interest in Indo-Tibetan culture and their lifestyle.

A fine example of traditional Japanese style architecture, the Japanese Temple is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling that was inaugurated in the year 1972. It is a two storied white building that maintains a large prayer room where the chief priest offers the prayers, beating a huge drum (also known as Ho-ko) that reverberates to build up a solemn atmosphere in the entire temple premises. The temple further hosts a picture of the founder Fujii Guruji and a model of Lord Buddha.

Close to the Japanese Temple is the Peace Pagoda, which is a monument to inspire peace, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. It was inaugurated in the year 1992 and houses four avatars of Lord Buddha.

From the top of the Pagoda, you get a panoramic view of the landscape of Darjeeling including the Kanchenjunga range. The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda comes in the list of top 10 most sought tourist spots in Darjeeling that you can’t miss on your Darjeeling trip.

Located in the heart of Darjeeling town, the Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta is one of the best places to explore in Darjeeling that one cannot afford to miss on his or her trip to Darjeeling. It is a rendezvous of people from all over the world and is notable as a popular tourist hangout in Darjeeling.

Besides hosting several boutique shops, restaurants and eateries… this place is just your own pick where you would love to get hold of nature at its best.

One side of the mall is thickly layered with pine forest under the shadow of the towering mountain peaks, the other side lies shops of traditional garments, handicrafts, carpets, rugs, paintings, semi-precious jewellery and metal wares. Some of the noted shops, restaurants and eateries in the area are Habeeb Mullick & Son, Curio Corner, Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Golden Tips, Life & Leaf, Jolly arts and Bhutan Tibet Art Shop.

The Hawa Ghar and the huge golden color statue of the Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya are the two major attractions in Chowrasta. The Bhutia Market, which is close to Chowrasta is another attraction for shopaholics.

One of the top tourist attractions in Darjeeling is the Tiger Hill, which is the highest point in the region. It stands at an elevation of 2,590 meters overlooking the spur of the snowcapped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalaya. Tiger Hill is one of the two points in India from where you can capture the entire panorama between Mount Everest and Khangchendzonga along with other peaks like the Kabru, Rathong and Kokhtang on a sunny morning.

The other point from where you can have a glimpse of a similar panorama is from Phalut, at 3,600 meters approximately, which can be only reached by trekking. The Phalut trekking route from Darjeeling starts from Manebhanjan and goes through Tonglu, Giribas, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu.

The Singalila National Park that falls on the trekking route is yet another attraction in and around Darjeeling. Nonetheless, Tiger Hill is best known for the amazing view of the Khangchendzonga peak at sunrise. It is easily accessible by road and roughly takes 40-45 minutes to reach from Darjeeling town.

Originally formed in 1915, to display only the specimens of butterflies and birds of the area… the Bengal Natural History Museum comprises two major sections today housing a huge collection of different specimens like birds with nests and eggs, reptiles and fishes, mammals, insects and more.

The taxidermy unit that was built at the time of inception serves to mount the skins of animals so that they have a lifelike appearance at the display. While one of the sections exhibit specimens like Himalayan Brown Wood Owls, Northern spotted owlet, Northern Brown Fish Owl, pheasants, fly catchers, woodpeckers and 800 more bird species, 35 species of snakes, 57 species of fishes, 608 species of butterflies and moths the other is stocked with animal species like Tibetan fox, Tibetan Lynx, elephant, Toddy cat, heads of wild buffaloes hanging from the walls, panthers, leopards and many more.

There are some other less important sections in the museum that display specimens of reptiles and insects. It is one of the best places to visit with family in Darjeeling for a great insight on bird and animal life.

Close to Chowrasta or The Mall, the Observatory Hill is another popular tourist place in Darjeeling from where you can capture magnificent views of the snow-clad peaks, including Kanchendzonga and its sister peaks. It is approximately 10-15 minutes of uphill walk from the Mall. Atop the hill is the Mahakal Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also holds three gold plated icons of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar.

It is one of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling that was built after the invasion by the Gorkhas in the 19th century. Originally this place was the home to the Dorjeling Monastery that was relocated in 1861 to its present location, which is some 2 kilometers down from the Mall. Around the Observatory Hill you come across the Sai Baba Temple and Hanuman Temple and several Hindu priests and Buddhist monks.

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So are you ready to explore the best of Darjeeling tourism? Make your trip to Darjeeling this year more exciting with us. Tour My India offers you the best of Darjeeling sightseeing tour along with organizing other adventure activities in and around this hill station like rock climbing, wildlife trail, hiking and trekking in Singalila Range. Contact us and let our expert reach out to you with the best travel deals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to plan a holiday to darjeeling.

Darjeeling is a best tourist destination to visit in summer as well as winters. The weather is very pleasant for sightseeing in summer (April- June) In winters (October - December) is the best time for exploring wildlife and adventure activities.

What are the nearest airports & railway stations to Darjeeling?

Bagdogra Airport is the nearest Airport located 70 km away from Darjeeling. Darjeeling Railway Station and Siliguri Railway Station are the two closest Railheads to Darjeeling.

What are the top places to Visit in Darjeeling for couples?

• Tea Gardens
• Kanchenjunga National Park
• Nightingale Park

What are the best places in Darjeeling with Kids?

• Toy Train Ride
• Darjeeling Zoo
• Chowrasta Mall

How are the accommodation facilities for tourists in Darjeeling?

Darjeeling offers good quality accommodation options to the tourists of all kinds. Whether you are with family or a couple, solo traveler or backpackers, leisure lovers to adventurers- You will surely get accommodation according to your taste and preferences. From 5-star, guest houses, luxury resorts, to budget hotels, the facilities and amenities are equivalent to international standards.

Published: 25 Jan, 2022

About the author

Swairik Das

Brought up from the cultural capital of India, Kolkata, Swairik Das is a passionate traveller who seeks to travel and explore the length and breadth of the country. He is also a dedicated travel writer, blogger and photographer who by heart is also an adventure freak. His focus is mostly into exploring and writing on trekking, jungle safaris and several adventure activities; religion, festival, heritage, people and cuisine.

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Lepcha Jagat

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Darjeeling tourism includes a variety of flora and fauna, surrounded by white snowflakes with the serene and eye-orgasmic landscape. Darjeeling truly is a feast, wanting to consume every bit of the place by the visitors. Right from the start of the journey, Darjeeling grips the attention wanting you to know more of the place. Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, the crest of Kanchenjunga shining brightly in the early morning truly supports the title. With all its glory, the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, standing tall, sparkling from dawn until dusk, dazzling the visitors as well as the locals, is the star of Darjeeling. The third highest peak in the world, at an elevation of 8568 m lies partly in Nepal and partly in Sikkim, India, but a full range view of Kanchenjunga can only be enjoyed from Darjeeling. One need not travel through the dismal paths just to get a glance at the majestic mountain. Kanchenjunga stands unabridged to entertain the visitors and the locals of Darjeeling.

Places to visit in Darjeeling

Symbolic of emerald green hills nestled against the backdrop of the surreal Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is an array of remnants of the Colonial times that also serves as a quick weekend getaway to the Himalayas. Find your way around the Buddist monasteries, sign up for a joy-ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway , or grab an English breakfast at Keventers and spend an idle morning gazing at the world’s third-highest mountain- the Kanchenjungha.

If you are more adventurous at heart, sign up for a trek to the Singalila Ridge, or go visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute . Across winding lanes, bustling bazaars and amidst the winter chill, Darjeeling is the chicken soup for the thirsty explorer in you, and rightly earns its name as the Queen of the Hills .

Set out as early as 5 am to catch a spectacular sunrise at Tiger Hill. A major tourist attraction, this spot lets you gaze out over the entire horizon of the Himalayas.

Batasia Loop

The Batasia Loop was engineered by the British in 1919 to adjust and negotiate the steep gradient in the hills so as to prevent the train from drastically falling to a lower height. If you’re not taking a ride on the DHR, visit this place for panoramic views of the Kanchenjungha.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

This zoological park located along rounded lanes that go uphill houses the most number of snow leopards in all of India. It is also extremely rich in flora and fauna while also housing a number of birds.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

If you’re visiting the zoological park, make a pit stop at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which is deemed to be among the best mountaineering institutes in the country. Experienced mountaineers and amateurs alike come here to get extensively trained on mountain climbing.

Peace Pagoda

The Peace Pagoda is symbolic of the four avatars of Lord Buddha. However, this place is a popular spot for meditation and attracts visitors from a large number of other religions as well.

Ghoom Monastery

The Ghoom Monastery is a must-see place during your trip to Darjeeling. Located very close to the Ghoom Railway Station, this monastery is among the oldest of its religion and houses sacred relics of the Buddhist culture.

Rock Garden

Popular among visitors of all realms, the Rock Garden is a man-made tourist spot that is dotted with exotic fauna and flora, tiny waterfalls, and timber-wood bridges.

Singalila National Park

A nature lover’s paradise, an adventure enthusiast’s ideal destination, the Singalila National Park is located at an altitude of 7000ft. Lush greenery speckled with rhododendron forests, a deer or so peeking through the woods, the rare sight of a woodpecker flying into the bushes- all of these make up the Singalila National Park. If the skies are clear, you might be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the Himalayas, sprawling from Nepal to Bhutan.

If you’re more of a laidback kind of traveler, spend an ideal vacation amidst the mountains sipping on a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea !

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Darjeeling is a place of immense beauty. Possibly one of the biggest tourist attractions in West Bengal, there are many beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. Famed for its distinctive black tea, and its narrow gauge railway or the “Toy Train”, tourist places in Darjeeling have a rustic charm.

The best places to visit in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill . A beautiful sunrise accompanied by hot tea from local vendors is a must at one of the experiences to have in Darjeeling. With some luck, this hill spot located just eleven kilometers from the town offers clear views of Mount Kanchenjunga from its observatory. Sightseeing in Darjeeling can be kick-started from this brilliant location.

Another great Darjeeling tourist spot is the Tea Garden . Having said that, some of the finest tea in India is grown, processed, and exported to the U.K. and the Netherlands from the backyard of Darjeeling. Tea gardens possibly the most interesting place as they show tourists the entire process of tea manufacture. At the end of the tour, there are tea-tasting sessions in the boutique shop. This tea can be purchased only at this Darjeeling tourist spot as it is of export quality and remains unavailable in Indian markets.

For pure fun and sightseeing in Darjeeling , the Batasia Loop close to Tiger Hill is marvelous too. A ride on the Toy Train as it loops around the narrow-gauge railway track is worth every penny spent. With flowery gardens, small hills, clear views of Kanchenjunga Mountain Peak, and the War Memorial of the Gorkha regiment martyrs, this is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling .

Hill Station

Tiger Hill in Darjeeling

The majestic view of the Kangchenjunga peaks and the warmth of the sunlight make Tiger Hill in Darjeeling a perfect holiday destination. Everest looks at you from far away and enhances the picturesque beauty of the location. At the highest point of Tiger Hill , the summit Ghoom awaits to introduce you to the beautiful views ...

• Sightseeing

Ghoom Monastery in Darjeeling

India is one of the most visited countries in Asia. It has endless tourism objects enriched with original culture and friendly people. If you happen to visit India, you would never want to skip visiting Darjeeling. It is located in West Bengal, India. Darjeeling is well known as the largest tea Industry in West Bengal. One ...

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Darjeeling

The Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling is located on the summit of the observatory hill and hence it offers scenic views of the city from the top. The deity of Lord Shiva is the main deity here that is worshipped. As per the history of the place, it is said that the place where the temple has been built today was earlier a place ...

• Religious Tour

Tea Garden in Darjeeling

The Tea garden in Darjeeling has gained much fame over the years for its serenity and beauty. And so of all the things to do, visits to the tea gardens are considered to be a must-do! It not only lets you experience the breathtaking beauty of the gardens but also offers the much-needed refreshing experience that you may nee...

• Tea plantations

Batasia Loop in Darjeeling

The Batasia Loop located in Darjeeling is located on Hill Cart Road (National Highway 55) of West Bengal, India. This Batasia Loop in Darjeeling was created in order to alleviate the steep gradient in the hills. It was engineered by the British in 1919 to negotiate the 140 ft drastic fall of the train.  The track wraps arou...

• Toy Train ride

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling

With an average elevation of 7,000 feet,  Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling  offers an exciting trip experience for the visitors. The park was opened in 1958 and has been a home to different kinds of animals since. The park is popular as the breeding center for the animals that are adapted to live in alpin...

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Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling

A beloved summer getaway for generations is Darjeeling. Darjeeling was just as appreciated during the British era as it is now. When the scorching summer heat got to be too much for the British Viceroys, they would retreat to the lovely hill resort. The main draw of Darjeeling tourism is its own unique colonial atmosphere combined with a characteristic steep landscape, which sets the town apart from other hill stations.

Situated in the Lower Himalayan hills at a peak of 6,710 feet, Darjeeling is a vacation hotspot. The two main attractions for tourists visiting Darjeeling are the picturesque tea estates and the towering monasteries. The monasteries have religious importance for Buddhists, but the tea estates are a legacy of colonial society. The allure of Darjeeling's weather is yet another important component of the tourist industry. Many tourists are drawn in each year by the weather. In Darjeeling, it is never too hot. The best seasons to visit are autumn and spring , even if summers are moderate and enjoyable. Sightseeing is a fantastic experience throughout these two seasons. Darjeeling truly lives up to its title as the " Queen of Hills ," with rhododendron blossoms in full bloom and clear blue skies.

The fantastic weather and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga were the main draws for visitors. Numerous tourist destinations have been built close to Darjeeling in order to meet visitor demand as well as because of the area's immense historical value. This summer vacation, are you planning a journey to Darjeeling ? With its lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks, do the hills attract you? Do you have any questions concerning the must-see locations in Darjeeling? You've got to the right place if you don't know where to start.

We'll look at the top 13 fascinating locations close to Darjeeling in this article, which you should definitely include on your travel schedule.

13 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling

• Rock Garden
• Batasia Loop
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo
• Ghoom Monastery
• Mahakal Temple
• Darjeeling Ropeway
• Kurseong 
• Mirik 

1. Rock Garden:

Chunnu Summer Falls is surrounded by a rock garden that is built around 10 kilometers from Darjeeling's main center. It has several levels, and from a distance, the entire image appears to be really stunning. There are neatly manicured gardens and benches at every level, and a waterfall tumbles down the steep hills. You can see the full scenery as you travel uphill in your vehicle as it travels these slopes. There are severe turns and curves on the road ahead, and the climb is steep. When you're traveling upward, the way clouds play hide and seek will capture your attention right away. The sky in front of the car's windshield is occasionally gloomy and foggy, and often the clouds descend to a lower tier. As you move downward, the waterfall's calming rhythm helps to soothe your spirit. Seasonally, vibrant and lovely flowers are in full bloom, and the garden is elegantly decorated with them.

2. Tiger Hill:

You will always cherish the memories you have of watching the sunrise over Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. Along with the stunning orange glow of the morning sun, a panoramic view of the towering Kanchenjunga is also seen. Tiger Hill is located at the height of 8482 feet above sea level and is around 11 kilometers far away from Darjeeling. There are natural forest reserves all around. On the mountaintop, an observatory deck is being built to accommodate the hordes of tourists who arrive during the busiest times of year. Around four in the morning is the viewing hour. Shivering people huddled together, wearing heavy coats, scarves, woolen hats, monkey caps, mufflers, and waiting for the sun to rise make excellent scenes. It's an incredible sight to see the sun gently peeking over the horizon. As the sun creates its masterpiece, the mountain ranges exhibit a vibrant array of colors. The types of images that photographers will be able to take will have them delighted. Your early morning struggles with sleep and the chill will be more than made up for by the magnificent landscapes.

3. Batasia Loop:

Batasia Loop is a circular railway loop that circles a beautifully manicured park around 5 kilometers from Darjeeling. The 50,000 square foot garden is scattered with several flowering plants. It is located near Ghoom Station's base. This track is used by the Darjeeling toy train, which circles the area and gives the region its name. It is indeed an attractive sight and a popular Darjeeling tourist destination. This location has a historical significance. The purpose of the Batasia loop is to provide a more smooth incline for the toy train to descend after it reaches Ghoom station. The earlier fall was one hundred feet steep, too steep for the toy train to travel on. 

4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo:

This location is wonderful for those who enjoy trekking or mountain climbing. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is several different things at once. It serves as a museum, boarding school, the Himalayan Zoological Park, and a gift store. The museum is filled to the brim with equipment for mountaineering and items required for adventures. In honor of two well-known mountain climbers, Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, who had scaled Mount Everest in 1953, the museum was constructed. For those kids who want to study climbing, there is a residential school. The Darjeeling Zoo is the common name for the zoo. It is home to various endangered species and covers around 68 acres of land. You can snap a snow leopard sleeping soundly or a Siberian tiger stalking if you enjoy wildlife photography. There is also the ever-elusive red panda to be spotted. Numerous species of vivid and exquisite birds will also be visible to you.

5. Ghoom Monastery:

Yiga Choeling Monastery is the historical name for the Ghoom Monastery. It is around 8 kilometers from the heart of Darjeeling and is located at a peak of 8,000 feet in Ghoom. It so happens that the monastery is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery to be constructed in Darjeeling. The year it was constructed was 1875. It is an acknowledged place of pilgrimage that fills up quickly throughout the summer. In spite of the exterior architecture, it houses the almost fifteen-foot-tall "Maitreya Buddha" statue. It appears that the clay used to build the Buddha statue within the monastery came from Tibet. From ancient times, two oil lamps have been burning in front of the Buddha statue year-round. Impressive, isn't it?

6. Mahakal Temple:

The Mahakal Temple serves Lord Shiva and is a place of great devotion. The "Holy Hill" is the name of the hill that this temple sits upon. It is within a short distance from Chowrasta. The presence of both a Buddhist monk and a Hindu priest at the holy place is what makes this temple the most fascinating. This is due to the fact that both Buddhists and Hindus regard this temple as sacred. There is a tale that states that this location was formerly a Buddhist monastery, which is how the two civilizations merged. Shiva Ratri is observed with plenty of celebration and majesty. There is an unparalleled tranquility all around in a serene and spiritual setting. This shrine is located somewhat above Mall Road.

7. Darjeeling Ropeway:

The ropeway in Darjeeling is the most popular tourist destination, drawing both adults and children. The location from which you must start the ropeway is Singamari. Because it provides an amazing birds-eye view of the valley that runs along the Little Rangeet River, the ropeway is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable. The cable car provides breathtaking perspectives of the surrounding deep woods, flowing rivers, rich green tea plantations, and tumbling waterfalls. It takes over 45 minutes to complete the cable car journey. You will be able to drop from 7000 feet to 800 feet in this little amount of time. It is possible to exit from the ropeway and explore a few of the tea gardens. Try speaking with the women who pluck tea leaves in the area and pick up some knowledge about this amazing craft.

8. Sandakphu:

Sandakphu's postcard-like views at first sunrise make it a popular tourist destination. The four highest peaks in the world could possibly be visible to you if you are fortunate enough to have a clear, viewable sky. From Sandakphu, one can see unforgettable sunrises as well as sunsets. To guarantee that you receive the finest views possible, there are even two unique viewing positions. Although most visitors to Sandakphu climb up to this well-known trekking destination, it is also easy to drive up to this location. Trekking is a much more fun option because driving up to the location is not recommended due to poor road conditions. This is undoubtedly a paradise for trekkers.

9. Mall Road:

Mall Road is a fantastic final destination for the shopaholic in you. The market is bustling throughout the whole day up to the late evening hours. Nearly anything you might possibly desire to buy is available. There are visitors on the road, either going out to eat at a restaurant or shopping for branded and local goods. There isn't an individual brand destination on Mall Road. Numerous ethnic goods, including beautifully crafted carpets, shawls with hand embroidery, Tibetan masks, costume jewelry, etc., can potentially be seen there. The stores along Mall Road provide a variety of woolen products with attractive patterns. On the sides of the road, you will also find tiny eateries, cafés, and bookshops. Before making any purchases from this store, the only skill you need to acquire is bargaining hard. You will be able to get decent offers if you are an excellent negotiator.

10. Kalimpong:

Built 1250 meters above the sea level is Kalimpong. The distance from Darjeeling is around 50 kilometers. Summers are nice and winters are sometimes quite icy. The summer months are the best time to visit Kalimpong. The finest of both worlds is what Kalimpong has to offer tourists. Because there are so many churches and monasteries around, it is both calm and serene. Kalimpong is home to lovely nurseries with an interesting variety of orchid species. To observe the variety of different flower kinds, these nurseries are well worth a visit. In Kalimpong, there are three noteworthy monasteries that are of special importance. These are the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, the Tharpa Choeling Gompa, and the Tongsa Gompa. In case you are narrowing down your list of must-see locations in Darjeeling, this must be included in your itinerary.

11. Kurseong:

Compared to other areas and cities close to Darjeeling, it is calmer. The height of this location is 1458 meters above sea level. The original meaning of Kurseong was "the place of the White Orchid." Because of the numerous creative creations created here, Kurseong has gained historical fame. Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet, writer, and literary artist, wrote a great deal of his songs and poetry in this town. Eagles Craig and the Makaibari tea garden are open for visits. Eagles Craig is a towering cliff that is used as an observation point to see Kurseong, a picturesque village. Makaibari Tea Estate is well-known for both its tea and its scenic surroundings.

12. Rohini:

Darjeeling is located 66 kilometers away from Rohini. Siliguri is nearby. The wonderful natural surroundings and forested areas of Rohini draw tourists. Every year, people find themselves drawn to Lama Gomba's woodlands, particularly those who enjoy taking jungle trips and watching animals. Dudhia is a picnic area that can be reached from Rohini in about fifteen minutes by transport. In Rohini, there is a hilltop that offers stunning views of the valley and neighboring mountain ranges.

13. Mirik :

Mirik is around 49 kilometers from Darjeeling and can be reached in 2.5 hours either by cab, shared jeep, or private vehicle. It is well-known for having a significant natural lake that is 5,000 feet above sea level. The weather is good for tourists because it is lower in height. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling is Mirik. This is because it is tucked away in lovely surroundings. The ambiance is peaceful and serene, with enormous pine trees all around. Sumendu Lake is another name for Mirik Lake. This lake is crossed by the Rainbow Bridge, a footbridge. Mirik Lake spans 1.25 kilometers. Its eastern side features attractive landscaping, while its western bank is lined with Dhupi trees. Mirik Lake is a popular boating destination. With its extended length, the lake invites you to boat lazily while taking in views of the snow-capped high peaks. The climate is consistently nice and moderate. In the summer, the temperature never rises beyond 30 degrees Celsius, and in the winter, it never drops below 2 degrees Celsius. You might think about spending one or two nights partying at Mirik as part of your Darjeeling vacation because it's a great spot to stay.

Conclusion 

World travelers fall in love with Darjeeling's vast beauty and quiet surroundings, which are like gold mines. This hill station offers a singular and remarkable experience around every curve, from the green tea plantations to the magnificent views of the Himalayas. Darjeeling has a lot to offer, regardless of your interests—nature lovers, adventure seekers, or people just looking for peace and quiet. Plan a visit to this little town so you can revel in the beauty of the natural world and the diversity of its culture. Unquestionably, one of the most breathtaking locations that Mother Nature has given us is Darjeeling.

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Tourist Places To Visit In Darjeeling

A Himalayan city in the state of West Bengal , Darjeeling is the perfect retreat for those with a penchant for a pleasantly nippy weather. What can be better than walking amidst the lush greenery and unspoiled air unbeknown to the rest of the world? Kiss all your troubles a fond goodbye as long as you walk the rolling plains and hills of Darjeeling. From Tiger Hill to the Himalayan Railways, Rimbik to Observatory Hill, here are the top tourist places to visit in Darjeeling.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

What better way to initiate your Darjeeling trip than exploring the magnificent Himalayas? The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is one of the most sought after places in Darjeeling. Founded by the late Sherpa Tenzing Norgay who climbed the Mount Everest, the institute still showcases all the equipment's used for that climb. Feast your eyes on the glory that is the Himalayas, and be sobered by its might.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

Also known as the Darjeeling Zoo, this park abounds in varied species of flora and fauna. Home to the adorable Red Panda and Snow Leopards, this zoological park is named after late Padmaja Naidu, the governor of West Bengal and daughter of the nightingale of India , Sarojini Naidu. Famous for its conservation breeding programmes of the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Salamander and Tibetan Wolf, this zoo is a place you wouldn't want to miss.

Bask in the first, flickering light of the sun as it chastely kisses the tip of Mount Kanchenjunga, and slowly but surely, bathes it aglow. Nothing can be more mesmerizing than the play of light and shade, and for a person with a poet's heart, watching the sunrise from Tiger Hill is a necessary experience. Of course, to reach in time for the sunrise and get a good viewing perch amongst other teeming tourists, you would have to wake up at 3am; but when your eyes skim across the golden hued horizon, the efforts are totally worth it.

Japanese Peace Pagoda and Buddhist Monasteries

Take a little time out to satisfy your spiritual side and visit the world-renowned Japanese Peace Pagoda and the myriad other dainty Buddhist monasteries. Explore the region and take in the grandeur and tranquillity of these structures. Constructed by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan-Myohoji Order, the Peace Pagoda has always enthralled and beckoned to people following the Buddhist faith. The various monasteries, like the Ghoom and Dali Monastery, will humble you with their simplicity, which at the same time embody quiet glory and opulence, unspoilt by the ravages of time.

Batashiya Loop and The War Memorial

Just as the name suggests, Batashiya Loop is a gigantic railway loop where the toy train makes a complete 360 degree turn. So sit tight as this turn could just make you a wee bit wobbly! A scenic little area with innumerable photo-ops, Batashiya Loop shares pride of place with the War Memorial, built in memory of all the brave men who sacrificed their lives for the country. Soak in the historic and all-natural aura of Batashiya Loop and be sure to splurge a little bit on all the hand-made goodies, like purses, bags and other decorative items.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A coveted tourist haunt, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is this narrow gauge train track that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The 88 km covered are scenic and gorgeous. You get to experience this natural mountainous beauty in a toy train that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These railways date back to 1879 and are the star highlight of the Himalayan Railways.

Nightingale Park

Nightingale Park is a public park in Richmond Hill, Darjeeling. It is best known for offering magnificent gorgeous views of Kanchenjunga Peak. The lush greenery, prevalent in most seasons, make Nightingale Park even more coveted among locals and tourists alike, spreading a calm serene feeling through your chest. Erstwhile private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan, this park was a part of his home. Now it is open for all, houses a statue of Shiva and a musical fountain.

A little town close to Darjeeling, it is a part of the Singalila National Park. The trekkers and hikers love this town as it lies on most routes, be it Sandakphu route or the famous Singalila National park route. These are some of the best treks of east India . In addition, the town is also scenic and lovely, offering you some rest and good food, even some walks through its quaint streets. Spring and summer are best to visit.

Singalila National Park

Now you already know that Singalila National Park has some of the best trekking routes. But did you know that Singalila National Park is home to the elusive red panda and is the highest national park around?

Bet you didn’t! So here’s the thing — Singalila National Park is one of the most popular places to visit when in Darjeeling. It is unique, has glorious Rhododendron forests, offers the majestic Himalayan mountains like a picture window in front of your eyes, and is also known for the Himalayan Black bear traipsing around. The park is closed between June 16th and September 15th.

Peace Pagoda

Peace Pagoda, one of the 30 shrines of its kind in the world, is a Buddhist abode where a white edifice rises with gold trimmings, housing the four incarnations of Buddha. The Maitreya Buddha sculpture is especially beautiful. Peace Pagoda dates back to the late 1800s and took almost 3 years to be made. Nichidatsu Fuji, a Japanese monk started the construction to spread the message of peace, goodwill, hope and unity. Located on the West Point of Darjeeling, this place is beautiful for a morning tour.

St. Andrew’s Church

Darjeeling’s St. Andrew’s Church, in addition to being a hub of religion, is also an architectural masterpiece. Dating back to the Colonial times, St. Andrew’s Church is all old world charm and rich history. It was named after Scotland ’s patron Saint in 1843 and became a popular destination for locals and visitors. Due to its Anglican nature, it is advised you dress modestly and respect its sacred aura.

Ghum Monastery

8000 ft above sea level, the Ghum Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Monastery in the town. It was earlier called Yiga Choeling. Ghum Monastery is most famous for the magnificent statue of Maitreya Buddha in its main hall and the collection of records, paintings and rare manuscripts pertaining to Buddhism.

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Happy Valley Tea Estate is literally a happy place. More so for tea lovers. You start to smell the divine wet fragrance of tea from the road itself as you approach this 437 acre estate. It encompasses one of the highest tea plantations in the world and runs a processing factory in its premises. An English gentleman established this estate back in 1854 and it has been flourishing ever since.

Rock Garden

Rock Garden is a famous picnic spot here, complete with waterfalls, verdant hills, flowers and an artificial garden with some local fauna. The Chunar Waterfall here is perfect for a warm summer afternoon, while the mountain stream gurgling through the thickets reminds you of Panchtantra stories. The garden is open from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening, every day.

Observatory Hill

The Observatory Hill is a highland area of Darjeeling that is home to quite a few Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines. It attracts locals and travellers in large numbers, especially for temples like Kanchenjunga Temple, Tibetan Memorial Shrine and Mahakal Temple. A little cave located 15 mins away is also popular among tourists.

A cute little hamlets filled with fruits orchards, tea gardens and rivers melting from Himalayana mountains — Tinchuley is a fantasy right out of your favourite fairytale. Ranjeet and Teesta rivers flow through this village, making sunsets beautifully misty and camps and hikes exciting. You can also go mountain climbing and rappelling here. But you know what the best thing to do here is? Take a hammock, tie it to the trees by the river and just be. In quiet. In peace. In Himalayas.

Darjeeling’s main market, also called Mall Market — Chowrasta is the most alive, noisy, bustling centre of the city. It is a meeting point of four roads and hence the name. From restaurants to cafes, shops to boutiques, hotels to stalls — you find everything here. And even if you are not planning for shopping or eating, just walking through Chowrasta on a lovely cold day is more than perfect.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center

A rehabilitation for the refugees that come from Tibet, this place is not only your one stop to shop but also an opportunity for you to contribute your two bit for these people who had been rid from their land. The Tibetan Community weaves and crafts and creates lovely handicrafts that are worth a lot more if you think of buying them from labels. From leather jackets to shawls and home decor, the items are exported to more than 30 countries. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center us located at Havelock Villa.

Mahakal Mandir

Located on the Observatory Hill, Mahakal Mandir is dedicated to Mahakal, an avatar of Lord Shiva. Highly coveted and revered, it is a 20 minute hike away from the base of Observatory road. Trekkers and devotes need to walk up, and can rest on the benches installed at regular intervals. On your way you get to see splendid views, cottages, meadows and even clouds in some seasons. Be wary of the monkeys you meet on the road, they go for your bags, spectacles, phones, food. All the time.

Bengal Natural History Museum

The Bengal Natural History Museum is perfect for those who love to dig deeper into a culture. This museum houses the old wildlife, flora, fauna and biodiversity of the North Eastern Himalayas. There are around 820 bird specimens and that is impressive for any lover of nature. So do visit if you have some time to spare. Bengal Natural History Museum is located on Darjeeling – Jorethang Road.

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Here is the list of 15 places to visit near darjeeling, 1. gangtok, sikkim - the gateway to sikkim.

Known For : Nathula Pass MG Road, Gangtok Tsomgo Lake

Gangtok, the vibrant capital and largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim, is perched atop the eastern Himalayas. This serene destination is blessed with breathtaking vistas, mist-covered mountains, and an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. As a gateway to Sikkim, Gangtok is a harmonious blend of Tibetan culture and a contemporary lifestyle, making it a fascinating place for both leisure and adventure seekers. Activities: Visit the iconic Rumtek Monastery, take a cable car ride for panoramic city views, stroll on the MG Road for shopping and local cuisine, and explore the Enchey Monastery. Duration: 3-4 days to immerse in the local culture and scenic beauty. Highlights: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Buddhist monasteries, local handicrafts, and the vibrant urban center.

Distance from Darjeeling: 97 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

34 Gangtok Attractions

2. Kalimpong, West Bengal

Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery

Kalimpong, located in West Bengal, is a serene hill station that sits on the eastern Himalayan range. Overlooking the Teesta River, this town is renowned for its panoramic valley views, colonial-era architecture, and a rich cultural heritage that includes a mix of Tibetan, Nepali, and indigenous ethnicities. A hub for traditional handicrafts, Kalimpong is also known for its orchid nurseries and the vibrant local marketplaces. Activities: Explore the Dr. Graham's Home, visit the Durpin Monastery, indulge in shopping at local markets, and marvel at the Cactus Nursery. Duration: 2-3 days to experience its charm and explore the natural beauty. Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, colonial buildings, local handicrafts, and the verdant landscapes.

Distance from Darjeeling: 51 km

Best Time: March to June, September to December

24 Kalimpong Attractions

3. West Sikkim, Sikkim - The base of Kangchenjunga

Known For : Pelling Pemayangtse Monastery Yuksom

West Sikkim, nestled in the northeastern part of India, is a pristine and serene region of the state of Sikkim. Adorned with the grandeur of the Himalayas, gushing waterfalls, and ancient monasteries, it paints a picture of tranquility and ethereal beauty. The region's rich biodiversity, combined with its unique culture and history, offers visitors a rejuvenating and enlightening experience. Activities: Trek to the majestic Kanchenjunga, visit the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery, explore the ruins of the Rabdentse Palace, and soak in the beauty of the Khecheopalri Lake. Duration: 3-4 days to fully immerse in its cultural and natural beauty. Highlights: Majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, rich biodiversity, historical sites, and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Distance from Darjeeling: 75 km

Best Time: April to June, October to December

27 West Sikkim Attractions

4. Kurseong, West Bengal - The Land of White Orchids

Known For : Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum Ambotia Shiva Mandir Tea Gardens in Kurseong

Kurseong, known as the 'Land of White Orchids', is a picturesque hill station located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. With its cool and pleasant climate, Kurseong offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, lush tea gardens, and rich flora and fauna. This quaint town has an old-world charm that reflects its colonial past, while its serenity provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Activities: Visit the world-famous tea gardens, explore the Dow Hill and its forest museum, take leisurely walks on the long, winding roads, and enjoy the panoramic views from Eagle's Craig. Duration: 2-3 days to explore and relax amidst nature. Highlights: Tea gardens, colonial-era buildings, serene ambiance, and the diverse flora and fauna.

Distance from Darjeeling: 30 km

Best Time: April to May, August to October

9 Kurseong Attractions

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Best sikkim tour package with darjeeling, best selling kalimpong gangtok darjeeling premium tour package, 5. mirik, west bengal - the valley of the sun.

Known For : Mirik Lake Pashupati Nagar Orange Orchards

Mirik, nestled in the serene hills of West Bengal, is a quaint hill station known for its picturesque landscapes and the iconic Sumendu Lake. Surrounded by dense forests and verdant tea gardens, Mirik offers a tranquil retreat with views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. The town is beautifully balanced between nature and the touch of modernity, making it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking both recreation and relaxation. Activities: Enjoy boating in the Sumendu Lake, walk over the arching Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge), explore the beautiful tea gardens, and relish views from the Rameetay Dara viewpoint. Duration: 1-2 days to soak in the tranquil vibes and scenic beauty. Highlights: Sumendu Lake, vast tea gardens, orchid nurseries, and panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Distance from Darjeeling: 59 km

Best Time: March to July

9 Mirik Attractions

6. South Sikkim, Sikkim

Known For : Namchi Ravangla Borong

South Sikkim, set amidst the majestic Himalayas, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant flora, and cultural significance. This part of Sikkim is renowned for its serene monasteries, vibrant rhododendron forests, and panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks. Offering a peaceful ambiance, South Sikkim is less crowded compared to other parts of the state, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and natural beauty. Activities: Visit the serene Buddha Park in Ravangla, explore the historic Ngadak Monastery, trek through Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, and soak in the breathtaking views from Temi Tea Garden. Duration: 3-4 days to explore the various attractions and natural beauty. Highlights: Verdant tea gardens, ancient monasteries, the tranquility of Buddha Park, and the rich biodiversity of the region.

Distance from Darjeeling: 48 km

10 South Sikkim Attractions

7. North Sikkim, Sikkim

Known For : Gurudongmar Lake Yumthang Valley

North Sikkim, located amidst the pristine eastern Himalayas, is a realm of ethereal landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and vibrant biodiversity. This part of Sikkim is often considered a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, given its remote and untouched beauty. With its mesmerizing waterfalls, high-altitude lakes, and ancient monasteries, North Sikkim offers an unadulterated experience of nature and spirituality. Activities: Witness the splendor of Gurudongmar Lake, explore the hot springs in Yumthang Valley, visit the sacred Lachen Monastery, and enjoy the beauty of the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Duration: 4-5 days to fully immerse oneself in the region's landscapes and cultural sights. Highlights: The enchanting Gurudongmar Lake, the bloom of rhododendrons in Yumthang Valley, the serenity of Lachung, and the rugged beauty of Thangu.

Distance from Darjeeling: 119 km

9 North Sikkim Attractions

8. Lataguri, West Bengal - Nature's Call

Known For : Gorumara National Park Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary Murti River

Lataguri, a small town located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, is the gateway to the famous Gorumara National Park. This town has become an essential stop for tourists aiming to explore the dense forests and rich wildlife of the region. Known for its serene environment and lush green surroundings, Lataguri offers an unparalleled experience of nature at its best. Activities: Go on a jungle safari in Gorumara National Park, visit the Nature Interpretation Center, and explore the tea gardens nearby. Duration: 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience of the region. Highlights: Gorumara National Park's rich flora and fauna, tea gardens, tribal dance performances in the evenings, and the serene ambiance of the Dooars region.

Distance from Darjeeling: 103 km

Best Time: November to March

8 Lataguri Attractions

9. Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Known For : Murti river Buxa National Park Mendabari Fort

Jalpaiguri, situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, is a city known for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, and rich cultural heritage. It serves as a major gateway to the North-Eastern states of India and the neighboring country of Bhutan. With its verdant landscapes, flowing rivers, and proximity to renowned national parks, Jalpaiguri offers travelers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture. Activities: Visit the Gorumara National Park, stroll through sprawling tea gardens, explore the Buxa Tiger Reserve, and witness the beauty of the Teesta and Karala rivers. Duration: 3-4 days to get a comprehensive experience. Highlights: Tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, Bhutan Gate, Rajbari Palace, and the cultural richness of the region.

Distance from Darjeeling: 118 km

Best Time: October to March

5 Jalpaiguri Attractions

10. Aritar, Sikkim - Waterfalls, Lakes, Temples and Monasteries

Known For : Lampokhari Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir Trekking in Aritar

Aritar, tucked away in the eastern part of Sikkim, is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Known for its lush greenery, shimmering lakes, and ancient monasteries, Aritar is a perfect blend of nature's splendor and rich cultural heritage. Its serene landscapes are characterized by dense forests, terraced farms, and meandering streams. Activities: Take a serene boat ride in the Aritar Lake (Lampokhari), visit the ancient Aritar Gumpa (monastery), explore the Love Dara for panoramic views, and trek through the lush forests. Duration: 2 days to soak in its natural beauty and cultural sites. Highlights: Aritar Lake, Aritar Monastery, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, and scenic viewpoints.

Distance from Darjeeling: 87 km

Best Time: March to May

7 Aritar Attractions

11. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Established in 1941, the sanctuary sprawls over an area of 216.51 km² and is renowned for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Apart from the rhino, the sanctuary houses a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. Activities: Embark on an elephant safari to spot the one-horned rhinoceros, indulge in bird-watching with over 240 species of birds recorded, and explore the watchtowers for a panoramic view of the sanctuary. Duration: 2 days to explore the sanctuary comprehensively. Highlights: Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephant safaris, Bengal florican, and the lush greenery of the Terai region.

Distance from Darjeeling: 182 km

Best Time: September to May

12. Cooch Behar, West Bengal

Known For : Rajbari Madan Mohan Temple Sagardihi

Cooch Behar, situated in the northeastern part of West Bengal, is renowned for its historical significance and architectural marvels. It was once the capital of the princely state of Koch Bihar, and its legacy is still evident in its palaces, temples, and the elegant Cooch Behar Palace, which stands as a testament to the region's rich history and royal heritage. Activities: Explore the grand Cooch Behar Palace, visit the ancient Madan Mohan Bari Temple, enjoy a leisurely evening at Sagar Dighi, and learn about the region's history at the Cooch Behar Rajbari Museum. Duration: 1-2 days to soak in the cultural and historical essence of the place. Highlights: Cooch Behar Palace, reminiscent of classical European architecture; historical temples; serene ponds; and the rich culture of the region.

Distance from Darjeeling: 202 km

5 Cooch Behar Attractions

13. Dooars, West Bengal - India's gateway to Bhutan.

Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Dooars, located in the northern part of West Bengal, is an enchanting region marked by dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, and meandering rivers. This verdant stretch of land acts as the gateway to Bhutan and the Northeastern states of India. Its name, 'Dooars', is derived from the word 'doors', symbolizing its role as a gateway.  Activities: Embark on a wildlife safari in the Jaldapara National Park, marvel at the beauty of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, enjoy river rafting in the Teesta, and relish the serene beauty of the tea gardens. Duration: 3-5 days to explore its forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural experiences. Highlights: Elephants and one-horned rhinoceros of Jaldapara, historical Buxa Fort, dense forests, and the tranquil setting of the vast tea estates.

Distance from Darjeeling: 140 km

4 Dooars Attractions

14. Jaldhaka, West Bengal - Nature's Call

Known For : Jaldhaka River Valley Coronation Bridge Gorumara

Jaldhaka, nestled in the Dooars region of West Bengal, is a lesser-known gem characterized by its picturesque landscapes and serene environment. The region gets its name from the Jaldhaka River, which flows through the area, forming a natural boundary between India and Bhutan. Surrounded by tea gardens, forests, and hills, Jaldhaka offers a peaceful retreat away from the urban hustle, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. Activities: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Jaldhaka River, take leisurely walks through the tea gardens, explore the local villages, and relish the rich birdlife in the region. Duration: 2-3 days for a relaxing getaway. Highlights: Jaldhaka River, serene tea gardens, lush green landscapes, diverse bird species, and the simplicity of rural life.

Distance from Darjeeling: 166 km

7 Jaldhaka Attractions

15. Rajabhatkawa, West Bengal

Known For : Buxa Tiger Reserve Jayanti River spot Buxa Fort

Rajabhatkawa, located in the Dooars region of West Bengal, is a pristine and less-commercialized gateway to the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by dense forests, tea gardens, and shimmering streams, this place offers an untouched slice of nature's bounty. Known for its rich biodiversity, Rajabhatkawa is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to experience the untamed beauty of the Eastern Himalayan foothills. Activities: Embark on jungle safaris in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, visit the Nature Interpretation Centre, go bird-watching, and explore the nearby tribal villages. Duration: 2-3 days to explore the region's natural and cultural treasures. Highlights: Buxa Tiger Reserve, rich flora and fauna, serene landscapes, tribal culture, and the tranquility of the Dooars region.

9 Rajabhatkawa Attractions

Darjeeling is a tourist friendly town as lots of people are looking for weekend getaways near Darjeeling. A lot of tourists first visit Darjeeling and then combine top places near Darjeeling for a perfect short trip .The destinations are attractive and popular. It offers its travellers a mix of tourist attractions ranging from Hill Stations to Lakes to Wildlife sanctuary. Places to visit near Darjeeling offer a quite retreat from the busy city lives. Some of them can even try the various picnic spots near Darjeeling which are rife with people every other weekend. Also get a taste of the local cuisines and festivals while visiting the best tourist places near Darjeeling . Places near Darjeeling has something for each kind of traveller that is why they attract domestic as well as international tourists all-round the year. There are many tourist places near Darjeeling which provide a perfect outing for those who are trying to escape from their daily routine. These places take 1-2 day(s) and make for a perfect weekend getaway from Darjeeling. Escape to these places around Darjeeling and explore them if you haven?t.

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FAQs on Places to visit near Darjeeling

Which places can be clubbed with darjeeling, which is better darjeeling or gangtok, is 2 days enough for darjeeling.

if you're planning a leisure trip then 2 days are more than enough. 

You might want to check out this 2 day Darjeeling package!

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• Tinfoil Swans Podcast

Asma Khan Will Not Let You Dismiss Her — or Anyone's Daughter

The Darjeeling Express chef and Time 100 honoree talks about ganging up with good people — and gets a surprise visit from a celebrity fan.

On this episode

Meet our guest, meet our host, highlights from the episode, about the podcast.

Courtesy of Asma Khan

Asma Khan and the Dream of Pirates

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 9 of Tinfoil Swans , a podcast from Food & Wine. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Listen and follow on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you listen

Chef Asma Khan is a bolt of lightning to the senses. Born a second daughter, she felt dismissed by society, but Asma Khan has always known her worth. With her restaurant Darjeeling Express in London, she takes pride in her all-women staff cooking food they'd serve at home. Her contributions to the culinary world were recognized on the Time 100 list of people who are deeply influential in the world and she was featured in an episode of Chef's Table. Khan spoke with Tinfoil Swans about how change happens in restaurants, using food to find your home — even if you have been displaced, and the power of ganging up with good souls. Plus, she got a surprise visit from a celebrity fan.

Note: This episode contains mentions of abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, please consult this list of resources .

Asma Khan was born in Calcutta in 1969, moved to Cambridge in 1991, and earned her doctorate in British Constitutional Law at King’s College, London in 1996. Homesick for the food she'd grown up eating, Khan returned to India before starting school with the intention of learning to cook, and after graduation, gained a reputation for throwing dinner parties at her home. Those meals evolved into a supper club, then a Soho residency she called Darjeeling Express, and eventually a brick and mortar restaurant of the same name, where she and an all-women kitchen team have developed an international following for their homestyle regional Indian dishes. Khan was the first British chef to be featured in an episode of Chef's Table and was named to the Time 100 list of influential people in 2024. Her bestselling cookbook, Ammu: Indian Home Cooking to Nourish Your Soul , was named as one of The Times ' best food books of 2022, and Khan is currently at work on a documentary series called Tiffin Diaries .

Kat Kinsman is the executive features editor at Food & Wine, author of Hi, Anxiety: Life With a Bad Case of Nerves , host of Food & Wine's podcast, and founder of Chefs With Issues. Previously, she was the senior food & drinks editor at Extra Crispy, editor-in-chief and editor at large at Tasting Table, and the founding editor of CNN Eatocracy. She won a 2020 IACP Award for Personal Essay/Memoir and has had work included in the 2020 and 2016 editions of The Best American Food Writing . She was nominated for a James Beard Broadcast Award in 2013, won a 2011 EPPY Award for Best Food Website with 1 million unique monthly visitors, and was a finalist in 2012 and 2013. She is a sought-after international keynote speaker and moderator on food culture and mental health in the hospitality industry, and is the former vice chair of the James Beard Journalism Committee.

On being the second daughter

"I realized that the extended family and friends kind of, almost pitied my parents because I was a second daughter, I was not the boy. And I realized that my parents really loved me, and my sister always made me feel invincible. I thought, I'm not going to allow these people to drown me. I'm not going to allow these arrows, the toxic words, comments about my weight, how dark-skinned I was, how wrong it was that I was playing outside cricket all day, definitely nobody would marry me — all these little comments, I thought, I'm going to take them all out of my heart, and I'm going to bury it. I'm not going to fight with anyone. I'm just going to become so unbelievably powerful that everyone is going to know my name."

On defying labels

"I am so grateful that I am on that list of 100 most influential people — not women, people — in the world, for being a pioneer. That is a section I wanted to be in because I want people to know you can start a new story. You can be that person who nobody would imagine would succeed. I have school friends who came and told me, 'We only thought you'd be trouble. Look at you.' And I said, 'Yeah, look at me.' Don't label people as troublemakers, as the rebel, the noisy kind who doesn't conform and doesn't fit in. We are the people who will succeed."

On pulling others up

"Women need to be so powerful because we need to know how to network differently. Men network in pubs in this country, on golf courses, in football matches. Somehow, they managed to pull each other together and pull each other up. We need to be taught this because I don't think we're even doing it enough. Some women are. Every woman should be doing it. It doesn't have to be that you've got to climb Mount Everest. You can just be compassionate to your sibling, your mother, your neighbor, your colleague. You can see a woman in your workplace who is eating separately from everybody, who seems like she's not fitting in. It doesn't take anything away from you if you are willing to step up and pull someone up."

On the humility of service

"I have set up the restaurant to look like my home, but it's a place where I want you to put your burden down when you enter. This is the great leveler. We see everyone as equal. We will serve you with a commitment, that I would serve someone in my own family. I think that the guest is an incarnation of God, that they come here on a long journey, and some have literally come on a long journey. We had people one day who came for biryani, who flew in from Texas just to eat and to leave after that. But even if you've just come from around the corner, I am grateful. You chose to come to my place to eat. I never take it for granted. And it is deeply humbling."

"I began this journey as a collective of women. We began Darjeeling Express in my home, serving people around my dining table, serving people on the bone china that I got in my wedding and the silver that my grandmother gave me. We still feel that way. In this restaurant are the same women in the kitchen who began this journey with me in my house. There will come a time when this journey will have to end, but we will all get off together. The day one of them, who's in my core team, tells me, 'I want to leave,' I will close because Darjeeling Express will never be the same if we are not that collective of women."

On being the bird

"I am convinced that there are more good people than bad people, that there is more goodness in the world than evil. And I am so sure that in the end, our time will come and we will all be victorious. My father, who's deeply Sufi in his tradition of Islamic thought, would always tell me, 'When you are in a dark place, remember this, that the night is never endless. Dawn will come.' And he said, 'Asma, be that bird that you can hear singing before the light comes through. Go tell people the light is going to come. Be that person with the good news. Sit with that person until the light arrives, but be that bird.' It's very powerful when you are a very young child, and you're sitting in the dark. My father took me to the roof of a palace and told me, 'Sit and listen to it. Hear the birds.' Such a powerful message, beautiful sound in darkness, and then you see the first ray of light."

Food & Wine has led the conversation around food, drinks, and hospitality in America and around the world since 1978. Tinfoil Swans continues that legacy with a new series of intimate, informative, surprising, and uplifting interviews with the biggest names in the culinary industry, sharing never-before-heard stories about the successes, struggles, and fork-in-the-road moments that made these personalities who they are today.

This season, you'll hear from icons and innovators like Daniel Boulud , Rodney Scott , Asma Khan , Emeril and E.J. Lagasse , Claudia Fleming , Dave Beran and Will Poulter , Dan Giusti , Priya Krishna, Lee Anne Wong , Cody Rigsby , Kevin Gillespie and other special guests going deep with host Kat Kinsman on their formative experiences; the dishes and meals that made them; their joys, doubts and dreams; and what's on the menu in the future. Tune in for a feast that'll feed your brain and soul — and plenty of wisdom and quotable morsels to savor.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Listen and follow on:   Apple Podcasts ,  Spotify , or wherever you listen.

These interview excerpts have been edited for clarity.

Editor’s Note: The transcript for download does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors.

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Darjeeling gets 130mm rain in 24 hours, tourist spots closed after landslip

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Heliports To Be Built In Bengal’s Darjeeling, Kalimpong And Raiganj Districts

H eliports (a landing and takeoff place for a helicopter) will be constructed in the three districts of North Bengal, that is Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Raiganj. According to Local 18 Bengal, Darjeeling has always been an attraction for tourists. The construction of heliports will help boost tourism in Darjeeling. Till now, there was no alternative except the toy train to explore the beauty of the mountains in Darjeeling. The Toy Train was one of the major attractions of this place. With the construction of Heliports, tourism is expected to get a boost. Tourists might get an aerial view of the mountains in helicopter rides. They might find it safe too because of the instances of landslides and other problems while going through mountainous regions.

Chairman of the West Bengal Eco Tourism Department Raj Basu said in an interview, “Heli tourism has taken a very important place all over the world. In North Bengal, the state government has taken up a project to launch heli tourism in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Raiganj. If this helicopter service starts, it will open new opportunities for tourism in the North.”

One tourist named Rupon Roy also expressed his thoughts regarding this issue. As per the tourist, “If the state government starts helicopter service, there will be a lot of benefits. We have heard many cases of people getting stuck in landslides in the mountains.” Rupon added that it becomes difficult to go to the mountains when it rains. “It will be great if this service is launched in that place,” he concluded.

With the construction of Heliports in Darjeeling, not only Indian tourists but also foreign commuters will benefit tremendously. There will be a lot of facilities in the cross-border tourism sector if the helicopter service is started in Raiganj too. Cross-border tourism can be defined as the provision of hassle-free movement of people in conflict-affected regions. This creates deeper understanding and relationship-building.

In addition to this scheme, many other plans are started from time to time to create an easy experience for tourists to travel and experience Darjeeling.