places to visit in darjeeling in october

When to Visit Darjeeling: A Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Time for Your Trip

Darjeeling often evoked in our imaginations by lush tea plantations, ethereal mists, and the awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas, is a sanctuary for those yearning to break free from urban routine. Situated in the Indian state of West Bengal , this picturesque hill station promises a rejuvenating experience. But the secret to unlocking the full magic of Darjeeling lies in picking the perfect time for your visit. The season in which you travel will influence not just the sights you’ll witness, but also the activities that will be available to you.

To help you navigate this choice, we’ve curated a month-by-month guide that explores the distinct seasonal charms of Darjeeling . So, let’s unravel the mysteries of this Himalayan jewel and pinpoint the ideal timeframe for your next great adventure.

Table of Contents

Darjeeling in January: The Crisp Welcome

Temperature & Weather

The thermometer seldom crosses 7°C (45°F) in January. The air is crisp, and a snow blanket may occasionally cover the landscape.

If you’re an ardent admirer of winter, January could be the perfect month. Grab a cup of authentic Darjeeling tea and enjoy the snow-clad tranquility.

January generally remains event-free, making it a time for pure, unadulterated nature indulgence.

Pros & Cons

The cold discourages crowds, so you get the scenic vistas all to yourself. However, be prepared to bundle up and know that many outdoor activities are off-limits.

Darjeeling in February: The Twilight of Winter

February is still chilly but slightly warmer, ranging from 3-8°C (37-46°F).

Outdoor activities start to become feasible. Enjoy the last moments of snow if you can!

Losar, the Tibetan New Year, may fall in this month, adding cultural depth to your visit.

Fewer tourists still, but the days start to grow longer, offering more daylight for exploration. The downside is that it can still be quite cold.

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Darjeeling in March: The Pre-Spring Awakening

March brings milder temperatures between 4-15°C (39-59°F), heralding the onset of spring.

From strolls in tea gardens to sightseeing tours, outdoor activities gradually return to the menu.

Holi, the colorful Indian festival, is a major event you might catch in March.

Perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather. The caveat is that evenings can still be chilly.

Darjeeling in April: The Spring Fling

April offers a pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F).

April is excellent for almost anything—trekking, touring tea estates, or simply soaking in the beauty.

While there aren’t any significant festivals, the whole town seems to be celebrating the season.

Expect more tourists, as the season is ideal for all types of activities. However, this also means it can be a bit crowded.

Darjeeling in May: The Peak of Merriment

Anticipate gentle warmth, as temperatures in May typically fluctuate between 13-22°C (55-72°F).

May serves up a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor endeavors. Whether your heart leans toward mountain biking, hiking, or immersing yourself in scenic vistas, this month offers optimal conditions.

Top of Form

Buddha Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Gautama Buddha, often falls in May.

The best weather for outdoor activities comes with the drawback of higher prices and more crowds.

Darjeeling in June: The Prelude to Rain

June is warm but becomes increasingly humid, with temperatures between 14-24°C (57-75°F).

Still a good time for outdoor activities but be prepared for occasional showers.

There aren’t any significant events, making it a straightforward tourist experience.

While still great for activities, the impending monsoons can result in sudden landslides and travel disruptions.

Darjeeling in July to August: The Monsoon Sonata

Expect a misty and rainy ambiance with temperatures ranging from 13-19°C in July and 14-18°C in August.

While monsoons limit outdoor activities, they open up avenues to explore Darjeeling’s indoor culture, from local cuisine to crafts and museums.

The monsoon season is generally quiet on the festival front.

The landscape turns incredibly lush but comes with the risk of landslides and floods.

Darjeeling in September: The Aftermath

The tail-end of the monsoon leaves the air fresh, with temperatures between 12-18°C (54-64°F).

Tourist activities gradually resume, making it a good time to enjoy both indoor and outdoor experiences.

Darjeeling comes alive during Dashain, usually celebrated in late September or early October.

The terrain might be slightly tricky to navigate due to recent rains, but the absence of crowds makes it worth the effort.

Darjeeling in October: The Autumnal Charmer

October is a breath of fresh air, with the mercury ranging from 10-17°C (50-63°F).

From trekking to paragliding, all activities are back on the table.

October may host several Indian festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, depending on the lunar calendar.

Excellent visibility and weather make it a prime time for travel. However, make sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular month.

Darjeeling in November: The Chill Factor

November sees a cooler climate, with temperatures between 6-12°C (43-54°F).

Though colder, November is excellent for sightseeing and experiencing the local culture.

There are no significant events, but the charm of early winter itself is a celebration.

The weather is becoming colder, but fewer crowds mean a more peaceful vacation.

Darjeeling in December: The Winter Wonderland

December is when winter comes in full swing, with temperatures dropping to 3-9°C (37-48°F).

Outdoor activities are limited, but the Christmas spirit keeps the town lively.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve bring festivities to this hill station.

The ambiance is magical, but make sure you’re prepared for the cold.

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Darjeeling: More Than a Destination

Why Visit Darjeeling?

Darjeeling, often dubbed the “Queen of Hills,” transcends the conventional notion of a tourist spot—it’s an immersive experience, a voyage into unspoiled nature’s embrace. Cradled by the majestic Himalayan peaks, this gem located in India’s West Bengal is a mesmerizing fusion of scenic allure, cultural vibrancy, and historical fascination.

If you’re deliberating whether this Himalayan haven merits a spot on your must-visit list, read further to understand why a sojourn to Darjeeling is a life-enriching opportunity you ought not to overlook.

1. A Tea Lover’s Heaven

Darjeeling is synonymous with tea. The hill station is globally famous for its high-quality, fragrant tea that has connoisseurs swooning. Take a tour of the tea estates to understand the journey of your favorite brew from leaf to cup.

Most estates offer guided tours where you can see the plucking, withering, rolling, and drying processes. Naturally, the highlight of your visit could very well be the tasting session. Relish each sip of the exquisite Darjeeling tea as you absorb the panoramic views of the estate’s lush green hillsides.

2. The Majesty of the Himalayas

The awe-inspiring Himalayas stand sentinel over Darjeeling, providing a backdrop of such staggering beauty that it’s almost surreal, particularly with vistas of Kanchenjunga—the world’s third loftiest peak.

Whether you’re an accomplished mountaineer or simply a photography enthusiast entranced by towering summits, the mountains encircling Darjeeling offer a rich canvas for exploration and visual storytelling.

3. Diversity of Flora and Fauna

Darjeeling acts as an epicenter of ecological diversity, bursting with an assortment of unique flora and fauna. Among its environmental highlights is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, a standout among India’s zoological reserves. This sanctuary offers a haven for rare alpine species, including the captivating snow leopard and the charming red panda.

Nested within the zoo’s confines, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute offers an enriching glimpse into the region’s mountaineering heritage. For adventure aficionados and nature enthusiasts, the allure of places like Singalila National Park is irresistible, promising trekking adventures and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

4. Cultural Melting Pot

Darjeeling is a fascinating confluence of diverse cultures, traditions, and belief systems. Home to various ethnic communities like the Gorkhas, Bhutias, and Lepchas, the town showcases its rich cultural panorama through an array of local festivals, culinary delights, and musical expressions.

Sacred spaces, be they temples, monasteries, or churches, punctuate the landscape, each providing a unique window into the spiritual mosaic that defines this multifaceted community.

5. Adventure Awaits

From trekking and mountain biking to paragliding and river rafting, Darjeeling has something to offer every adventure enthusiast. Routes like the Sandakphu trek provide spectacular views of four of the world’s five highest peaks.

If you’re not into strenuous activities, you can opt for a leisurely walk through the forests, where the pine-scented air acts as a natural therapy.

6. Colonial Influence and Historical Significance

Darjeeling’s allure as a British colonial sanctuary continues to echo in its present-day charm, notably through its architectural opulence and well-planned urban design. Among its historical jewels, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—fondly termed the “Toy Train” —stands out.

This UNESCO World Heritage marvel does more than traverse narrow-gauge tracks; it transports passengers on a nostalgic odyssey through breathtaking scenery and bygone eras.

7. Culinary Delights

From local Tibetan-inspired delicacies like momos and Thukpa to international cuisines, the food in Darjeeling is another reason you should visit. Don’t forget to try the local fermented foods and beverages, which are an essential part of the native culture.

8. Ideal for Solo Travelers, Couples, and Families

Regardless of whether you’re embarking on a solitary quest for self-discovery, plotting a cozy romantic retreat, or organizing an action-packed family outing, Darjeeling offers an inclusive spectrum of activities and experiences.

Its multifaceted attractions make it a universally appealing destination for travelers across all age groups and diverse interests.

How to Reach Darjeeling

Getting to Darjeeling, the “Queen of the Hills”, may involve a combination of different modes of transport. However, the journey itself can be an adventure, introducing you to the shifting landscapes as you gradually ascend toward this Himalayan gem. Here is your comprehensive guide to reaching Darjeeling.

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Located about 65-70 kilometers (approximately 40-44 miles) from Darjeeling, Bagdogra Airport is the closest air link to the hill station.

Domestic & International Flights

The airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi , Kolkata , Mumbai , and Bangalore . A few international flights also operate to and from Bagdogra.

From Airport to Darjeeling

Once you land at Bagdogra, you have several options:

• Private Taxi: Prepaid and private taxis are readily available and take about 3-4 hours to reach Darjeeling.
• Shared Jeep: A cheaper alternative, shared jeeps are available but might take a bit longer.
• Helicopter Service: If you’re looking to splurge and reach Darjeeling in a jiffy, there is also a helicopter service that takes about 30 minutes to reach the hill station.

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

New Jalpaiguri railway station serves as the nearest railhead, located about 70-75 kilometers (approximately 43-47 miles) from Darjeeling.

Trains from all major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai , and Mumbai arrive here.

From NJP to Darjeeling

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Toy Train offers a scenic and nostalgic journey but takes around 7-8 hours.
• Taxi and Shared Jeep: Like in Bagdogra, taxis and shared jeeps are readily available.

Darjeeling is well-connected by a network of well-maintained roads.

From Kolkata

The distance is about 615 kilometers (around 382 miles) and can be covered in approximately 12-14 hours by car.

From Gangtok

Located approximately 100 kilometers (around 62 miles) away from Darjeeling, Gangtok presents itself as another must-visit tourist magnet in the vicinity. A road journey to this captivating destination typically spans about 4 to 5 hours.

Road Conditions

Although the roads are generally in good condition, landslides during the monsoon season can lead to temporary closures.

While direct bus service to Darjeeling is limited, you can take a bus to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri and then hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling.

Inter-State Buses

These buses connect Siliguri to places like Kolkata, Patna , and other major cities.

From Siliguri to Darjeeling

Taxis and shared jeeps are available from the bus terminal and can take you to Darjeeling in about 3-4 hours.

Every season paints Darjeeling in a unique hue, offering visitors a multitude of experiences. Whether you’re a snow lover, an adventure enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone who just wants to sip exquisite tea while enjoying panoramic views, Darjeeling has something for everyone at any time of the year.

Understanding what each month has to offer helps you tailor your trip according to your interests. So pick your month, pack your bags, and set off for an unforgettable journey to Darjeeling !

Additional Reading:

• Best Places for Trekking & Mountaineering in Darjeeling
• Top 10 Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Darjeeling
• History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Top 10 Hill View Hotels in Darjeeling
• How to Reach Darjeeling from Delhi by Train, Air, and Road?
• Top 10 Destinations to See in Darjeeling
• Darjeeling Toy Train: Guide, Fare, Timing, Booking, Route
• 10 Things To Do in Summer in Darjeeling

About The Author

Satnam Singh

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Things to do in Darjeeling in October

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Looking for a different month?

October is a great time to visit Darjeeling . The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 59—73°F (15—23°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Darjeeling during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road, go trekking in the Singalila National Park, attend the Durga Puja celebrations, and more!

Darjeeling has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Darjeeling. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Darjeeling in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Weather and what to wear
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Darjeeling in October

Top experiences in october, take a leisurely stroll along the mall road, go trekking in the singalila national park, attend the durga puja celebrations, visit the tukvar tea estate, take a sunrise tour to tiger hill, take a ride on the darjeeling himalayan railway, explore the rock garden and ganga maya park, visit the mahakal temple, attend the darjeeling autumn festival, visit the padmaja naidu himalayan zoological park, holidays in darjeeling in october.

• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti ( October 2 )
• First Day of Sharad Navratri ( October 3 )
• First Day of Durga Puja Festivities ( October 9 )
• Dussehra ( October 12 )
• Diwali/Deepavali ( October 31 )

Other notable holidays

• Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad ( September 16 )
• Guru Nanak Jayanti ( November 15 )
• Christmas ( December 25 )
• Lohri ( January 13 )
• Republic Day ( January 26 )
• Ramadan Start ( March 2 )
• Holi ( March 14 )
• Dolyatra ( March 14 )
• Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar ( March 31 )
• Weather in Darjeeling in October

Temperatures on an average day in Darjeeling in October

The average temperature in Darjeeling in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 73°F (23°C) to a low of 59°F (15°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Darjeeling , May, has days with highs of 79°F (26°C) and lows of 62°F (16°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows of 42°F (6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Darjeeling in October based on historical data.

Visiting Darjeeling? See our Darjeeling Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October

General weather summary, what to wear in october, best attractions for darjeeling in october.

Top searches in Darjeeling

Popular road trips from darjeeling, what's the weather like in darjeeling.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Darjeeling for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Darjeeling in January
• Weather in Darjeeling in February
• Weather in Darjeeling in March
• Weather in Darjeeling in April
• Weather in Darjeeling in May
• Weather in Darjeeling in June
• Weather in Darjeeling in July
• Weather in Darjeeling in August
• Weather in Darjeeling in September
• Weather in Darjeeling in November
• Weather in Darjeeling in December

All road trips from Darjeeling

• Darjeeling to Bangkok drive
• Darjeeling to Gangtok drive
• Darjeeling to New Delhi drive
• Darjeeling to Kathmandu drive
• Darjeeling to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Darjeeling to Jaipur drive
• Darjeeling to Hanoi drive
• Darjeeling to Agra drive
• Darjeeling to Mumbai drive
• Darjeeling to Varanasi drive
• Darjeeling to Thimphu drive
• Darjeeling to Pokhara drive
• Darjeeling to Bengaluru drive
• Darjeeling to Pattaya drive
• Darjeeling to Hyderabad drive
• Darjeeling to Chiang Mai drive
• Darjeeling to Udaipur drive
• Darjeeling to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Darjeeling to Luang Prabang drive
• Darjeeling to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Darjeeling to Shillong drive
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• Darjeeling to Pune drive
• Darjeeling to Guwahati drive
• Darjeeling to Ahmedabad drive
• Darjeeling to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Darjeeling to Dhaka City drive
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Explore nearby places

• Gorumara National Park

All related maps of Darjeeling

• Map of Darjeeling
• Map of Jorethang
• Map of Namchi
• Map of Kurseong
• Map of Mirik
• Map of Kalimpong
• Map of Legship
• Map of Temi
• Map of Geyzing
• Map of Pelling
• Map of Loleygaon
• Map of Uttarey
• Map of Ravangla
• Map of Aritar
• Map of Ilam
• Map of Yuksom
• Map of Bagdogra
• Map of Rishop
• Map of Siliguri
• Map of Lava
• Map of Gorubathan
• Map of Tadong
• Map of Gangtok
• Map of Zuluk
• Map of Mangan
• Map of Samsing
• Map of Tetulia
• Map of Gorumara National Park
• Map of Lataguri
• Map of Kupup
• Map of Lachen

Darjeeling throughout the year

• Darjeeling in January
• Darjeeling in February
• Darjeeling in March
• Darjeeling in April
• Darjeeling in May
• Darjeeling in June
• Darjeeling in July
• Darjeeling in August
• Darjeeling in September
• Darjeeling in October
• Darjeeling in November
• Darjeeling in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Darjeeling?

Get inspired for your trip to Darjeeling with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Darjeeling Itinerary
• 2-Day Darjeeling Itinerary
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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

Jane Sweeney/Getty Images

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

AROYBARMAN/Getty Images

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

Balarka/Getty Images

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

Christian Ender/Getty Images

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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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway / Toy Train

#2 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a 2 feet narrow-gauge railway based on zig zag and loop line technology that runs between Siliguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the first and still the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway and among the top Darjeeling Tourist Places. Built between 1879 & 1881, the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was designed as an extension of the North Bengal State Railway. Running up to a height of over 7,000 feet, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the oldest and highest railway lines in the world. The Toy Train begins its journey from Siliguri and reaches Darjeeling after covering a distance of 78 km and crossing 13 stations on its way, including Ghoom, the highest station in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage, still operates with the original steam engines and it attracts tourists not only from India .....

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Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

#3 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 3 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a zoo situated in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling, West Bengal. Popularly called as Darjeeling Zoo, it is one of the best zoo parks in India and among the must visit Darjeeling Tourist Places. The zoo was formerly known as Himalayan Zoological Park and was established in 1958 as a joint venture of Government of India and Government of West Bengal. The park was renamed in 1975 when Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, visited the park and dedicated it to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, who was also a poet and daughter of the famous freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu. Situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet, this is the largest high altitude zoo in India. Spread over an area of 67.56 acre, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the only specialized Zoo in the country and is the first recipient of the International award of 'The Earth Heroes 2014'. This zoo park is internationally .....

Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory

#4 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 11 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Tiger Hill is a sunrise viewpoint in Darjeeling. It is the highest point in Darjeeling and among the most picturesque places to visit in Darjeeling. Tiger Hill stands at an altitude of 2,590 m overlooking the spur of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalayas. It is one of the two points in India from where you can capture the entire panorama between Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga on a sunny morning. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga painting it pink, and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour, which is an amazing thing to experience. An observation deck is built on top of the Tiger Hill to cater to hundreds of tourists who visit every day. On a clear day the summit of Tiger Hill commands the view of Kurseong Town to its south-west along with plains of North Bengal and number of major rivers like Teesta, Mahanadi, Balasun and Mechi meanders .....

Batasia Loop

#5 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop is a railway loop in Darjeeling of West Bengal. Situated below the Ghoom station, it is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Darjeeling. Batasia Loop was built in 1919 as an engineering requirement to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. At this point, the track spirals around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop. After Ghoom (the highest railway station), there is a sharp fall as the toy train moves towards Darjeeling. There was no way a narrow gauge toy train could navigate the drastic fall of about 100 feet to the gradient of the slope. So, a large circular area was built for the loop to make the slope gentle. Batasia means airy space. The Loop serves a vital purpose for the toy train but is also an attraction in itself. The loop goes around a garden. The mountain garden is beautified with fresh green grass, seasonal and perennial flowers and shrubs. There .....

Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple

#6 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hill in Darjeeling. It is one of more than 70 pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization and among the most popular attractions in Darjeeling. The foundation stone of the pagoda was laid in 1972 by Nichidatsu Fuji, a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order. Inaugurated in 1992, the pagoda was designed by M. Ohka. Being the tallest structure in Darjeeling with a height of 28.5 meters, it is open to people of all faith and is purposely made to propagate peace and prosperity in the world. Peace Pagoda houses four shining and gold-polished statues of Buddha. Also, the walls of the temple have eight sandstone carvings which depict different stories from the different stages of Gautama Buddha's life. Known for its tranquility, Peace Pagoda offers breathtaking .....

Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple

#7 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Observatory Hill is a hill top located near Chowrasta Square in the dreamy hill town of Darjeeling. It is one of the great places to visit in Darjeeling and among the popular viewpoints in Darjeeling. The hill is encircled at the bottom of the Mall Road. The Observatory Hill is one of the oldest sites of attraction in Darjeeling and also has historical and religious significance. Built in 1765 CE by Lama Dorje-Rinzing, the Bhutia Busty Monastery, the oldest monastery in Darjeeling, was first located on Observatory Hill. The monastery was sacked by a Gorkha invasion in 1815 and it was rebuilt and shifted to its present location at Bhutia Busty in 1879. The hill is famous for its magnificent views of Kanchendzonga and the ancient temple dedicated to Mahakal or Lord Shiva. There is a white chorten or a Tibetan memorial shrine next to the Mahakal Temple, which has the relics of Dorje Lama who was the caretaker of .....

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway

#8 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway is a passenger ropeway located in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. Also known as Darjeeling Ropeway, it is one of Asia's longest Passenger Ropeways and also the first Passenger Ropeway in India. Darjeeling Ropeway was started in 1968 by the Forest Development Corporation of West Bengal. It was initially set up to cater to the tea gardens at the valleys below which did not otherwise have an easy access. Starting with just one cable car, now it was upgraded to 16 cable cars each having a capacity of six persons. It was closed in 2003 after four tourists died when the cable broken causing two cars to fell down the hill. Later it was re-opened with many safety measures in 2012. Darjeeling Ropeway operates between the North Point in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman River. From an elevation of 7000 feet in Darjeeling's North Point, this ropeway descends .....

Bengal Natural History Museum

#9 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 3 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Bengal Natural History Museum is a museum situated in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. Located inside Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park complex, it is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The Bengal Natural History Museum was established in 1903 at the behest of the then Governor General of India Mr. George Nathaniel Curzon. Established as a small museum within the premises of the Lloyd Botanical Garden, it provides visitors with a wonderful view of rich flora and fauna of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. However, due to the growing visitors and increasing collection, the museum was shifted to its current location in the year 1915, and the Bengal Natural History Museum was officially formed in the year 1923. Initially the museum was run by Bengal Natural Museum Society from 1923 to 1976 and later it was handed over to the Forest Department of West Bengal. The Bengal Natural History Museum is a visual .....

Bhutia Busty Monastery

#10 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Bhutia Busty Monastery or Karmaa Dorjee Cheoling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Bhutia Busty area of Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is one of the popular and oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling and among the top places to visit in Darjeeling. This monastery was earlier located in Observatory Hill where the Mahakal Temple stands today. It was originally built there by the Lama Dorje Rinzing in 1761 CE. According to history, the monastery was completely ravaged during Gorkha invasion in 1851 CE and was rebuilt in 1861 CE. But due to many disturbances, it had to be shifted to its present location in the year 1879. However, the monastery in the new location was also destroyed by an earthquake in 1934 CE, after which it was restored and reconstructed by the King of Sikkim. The present structure is stunning and has been built in a traditional Tibetan style with Sikkimese influence. The monastery belongs to .....

Dali Monastery

#11 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Dali Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Dali area of Darjeeling. Also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, it is one of the biggest monasteries in West Bengal and also among the famous places to visit in Darjeeling. Dali Monastery is one of the most prominent monasteries of the Kargyupa sect, built by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche in 1971. The gompa was inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama in 1993, where he gave 3 days of religious teachings. The monastery is known for preserving the age old culture and tradition of the Tibetan monks. It serves as the headquarters and the residence for Drukchen Rinpoche the XII, who is the supreme leader of the Kargyupa sect. Perched on a steep hill, the monastery was built in the traditional Tibetan style. The colors used in the walls are bright and bold which depicts the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. It is home to around 210 monks who came to live here from the Himalayan .....

Lloyd's Botanical Garden

#12 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Lloyd's Botanical Garden or Darjeeling Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling. The garden is among the oldest botanical gardens in Darjeeling and also one of the popular tourist places in Darjeeling. Established in 1878 CE, the garden was named after William Lloyd, who provided the required land for it. The garden was built in reference to the Calcutta Botanical Garden. The basic motive of Lloyd's Botanical Garden is to preserve the native floral species of Darjeeling Himalayan hill region, Sikkim and its neighboring regions. Located at an altitude of almost 1800 meters, the garden has terraced lands, rolling slopes, tall trees and lush green bushes mixed with grass. Sprawling over an area of 40 acres, the Lloyd Botanical Garden preserves some of the most exotic and endangered species of plants. It has several species of bamboo, oak, magnolia, arisaema, cotoneaster, .....

Chowrasta Or Darjeeling Mall

#13 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta is located at the heart of Darjeeling town. It is considered as the hub for all type of activities in Darjeeling and also among the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The word 'Chow' means four and 'Rasta' stands for roads, essentially means that the Mall is where four roads meet. Located on top of Nehru Road, This flat piece of circular land is the major shopping area and center for commercial activities. In olden days, this was the place where the Europeans came for their evening walks. Today, the locals as well as the tourists come here to lounge and relax. In a clear day, one can also have a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga from here. There are benches all along the Mall Road for people to sit and enjoy the views over a cup of Darjeeling tea. Also, there are some of the old and heritage stores lined up and countless vendors selling artifacts, woollens and various figurines .....

#1 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 35 km from Kurseong, 44 km from Darjeeling, 50 km from Siliguri, 100 km from Kalimpong, 130 km from Pelling, 147 km from Gangtok, 517 km from Guwahati and 591 km from Kolkata, Mirik is a small hill town located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of 4,905 feet, Mirik is one of the popular tourist places in West Bengal and among the best places to visit near Darjeeling. Nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district, Mirik is known for its pleasant climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility. The name Mirik comes from two Lepcha words Mir-Yok which means 'place burnt by fire'. The town is dominated by the large Sumendu Lake or Mirik Lake. The southern part of the lake is the tourist town where almost all the hotels are located while the northern part of the lake is more local and in the Northernmost fringe is the crowded Mirik market. Like Darjeeling, Mirik also used to be ..... Distance (From Darjeeling): 44 Kms Trip Duration (From Darjeeling - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Teesta Valley Tea Estate

#14 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 32 km from Darjeeling, and 51 km from Kalimpong, Teesta Valley Tea Estate is a vast tea garden in Rangli Rangliot Tehsil of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. This is one of the popular tea estates in West Bengal and among the top places to experience Darjeeling Tourism. Teesta Valley Tea Estate derives its name from mighty river Teesta. Established in the year 1841, it is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling and one of the gold medal winner for the production of the world's finest tea. Spread over an area of 850 hectare, the tea garden is situated in the cold sunny slopes with a widened stretching of almost 2500 to 6500 feet above from the sea level, with selected China tea bushes highly planted with infinite care. These fertile slopes are blessed by cool mists, bright sunshine and crisp winds of the Kanchenjunga, where the legendary flavor of pure Darjeeling tea was conceived. This beautiful tea garden is capable to amuse the visitors by its .....

Singalila National Park

#15 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 36 km from Darjeeling, Singalila National Park is a reserved forest area at the Singalila ridge in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude between 7900 feet to 12000 feet, it is the highest National Park in West Bengal and among the popular places to visit in Darjeeling. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1986, and got national park status in 1992. The park derives its name from the Singalila spur, which runs through the park, descending from Mount Kanchenjunga in the north and running south to the northern fringe of the Gangetic Plains. The park makes the border line with Nepal to the west and Sikkim to the North. The two highest peaks of West Bengal, Sandakphu (3630 m) and Phalut (3600 m) are located inside the park and the region had long been used as the trekking route from Maneybhanjang to Sandakphu and Phalut. The park has an area of 78.60 Sq.km with mixed vegetation of Magnolia, Rhododendron, Oak, Pine Hemlock, Silver .....

Shrubbery Nightingale Park

#16 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Shrubbery Nightingale Park is a beautiful public park situated at Richmond Hill area of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal. Lies between Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Chowrasta, it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. Formerly known as 'The Shrubbery', this park was the private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan's Bungalow and a meeting place for English women during the British Raj. The park was destroyed during a devastating earthquake in the year 1934. It was rebuilt and began to be used as a famous Bollywood movie shooting spot during 1950's and 60's. However, with passing time the park was neglected due to the growing tension in Darjeeling hills. It was opened for the public again in 2011 after re-designing of the park with walkways and sitting benches. The park is said to be in oval shape and is slightly at an elevated level. The park is adorned with pine and many other tall trees. It .....

Sandakphu & Phalut Trek

#17 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 83 km from Darjeeling, Sandakfu or Sandakphu is the highest peak of West Bengal situated on the border of West Bengal of India and Nepal. Sandakphu is one of the wonderful places to experience Darjeeling Tourism and also among the best trekking places in Eastern Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 11,941 feet, Sandakphu is the summit or the highest point in Singalila range. Sandakphu means 'Height of the Poison Plant' derives its name from the poisonous plants that grow near the top. Popularly known as 'Trekkers Wonderland', the Sandakphu trek route goes all along the Singalila range and the border of India and Nepal. Also known as Singalila trek, it is considered as the highest trek in West Bengal. A trek to Sandakphu is actually considered a soft or a light trek in trekker's world. However the altitude, weather conditions and various other factors do require that take adequate preparations, particularly first time trekkers. The Sandakphu trek starts from .....

Old Ghoom Monastery / Yiga Choeling Monastery

#18 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1 km from Ghoom Railway Station and 6 km from Darjeeling, Old Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery situated at Ghoom near the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling. It is one of the oldest and most popular Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region of Darjeeling and also one of the must visit places in Darjeeling. Yiga Choeling Monastery was established in 1850 CE by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was the head of the monastery until 1905 CE. The Monastery belongs to Gelugpa or the Yellow Hat sect. This is the first ever Tibetan Buddhist monastery to be built in the Darjeeling region. During the Chinese occupation of 1959 in Tibet many high ranking monks fled to India and took refuge in this monastery. The monastery is known for its 15 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha or Gyalwa Shampa, which means the Buddha of the future or the Coming Buddha. This statue was created during the tenure of .....

Barbotey Rock Garden

#19 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 6 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Barbotey Rock Garden is a beautiful garden situated at Chunnu Summer Falls in the Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is one of the magnificent places to visit in Darjeeling. Barbotey Rock Garden was constructed by the Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department and was inaugurated by the GNLF supremo, Mr. Subhash Ghising. It is popularly called as Rock Garden as the entire garden area has been created by cutting rocks at different levels and making terraced seating arrangements. It was created to introduce a special attraction for tourists a little outside the town area so that the visitors have an added incentive to come to the hill town. There are sharp hairpin bends on the way and the gradient of the road is very steep. However the view of Darjeeling's landscape and the mountain range from the road is unparalleled. It is a multi-level garden, terraced around a natural fall called Chunnu Summer Falls. The garden offers .....

Happy Valley Tea Estate

#20 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Happy Valley Tea Estate is a vast tea garden located in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. This is the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling after Steinthal Tea Estate and also one of the popular places to experience Darjeeling Tourism. Spread over an area of 177 hectares, Happy Valley Tea Garden was established by Mr. David Wilson in the year 1854, which was then known as Wilson Tea Estate. In 1903, the estate was taken over by an Indian, Tarapada Banerjee, an aristocrat from Hooghly. Later Banerjee bought the Windsor Tea Estate nearby in 1929 and merged the two estates under the name of Happy Valley Tea Estate. Since 2008, the tea estate has been under the ownership of Sanjay Bansal. Today, over 1500 people worked in the tea estate. Located in the vicinity of Darjeeling town, it is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It also has a museum and has a factory. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 m, Happy Valley .....

Magdhog Yolmowa Monastery

#21 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Magdhog Yolmowa Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located on the Old Military Road in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. Popularly known as Aloobari Monastery, it is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling and also among the must visit Tourist Places in Darjeeling. The monastery was built in 1914 AD under the supervision of Sri Sangay Lama, a highly revered religious head of the Yolmowa - a small ethnic group hailing from north-east of Nepal and who later settled in Darjeeling. The construction of the monastery was coincided with the beginning of the First World War. The name Mag-Dhog means warding off the war and the monastery was dedicated for world peace. The monastery has several idols of Lord Buddha and Padmasambhava. The paintings on the walls are said to be done with the help of herbs and grass - an amazing work of art. Each painting depicts a story or teaching about life. The monastery also preserves .....

Dhirdham Temple

#22 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 100 m from Darjeeling Railway Station, Dhirdham Temple is the most popular Hindu shrine located in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is one of the oldest temples in Darjeeling and among the beautiful Places to visit in Darjeeling. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dhirdham Temple was built by Purna Bahadur Pradhan, the king of Nepal, in 1939. Situated just below the Toy Train Station, the temple was designed by the Gorkhali architect Beg Raj Sakya. Dhirdham Temple appears as a multi-layered pagoda from outside and resembles the Pashupatinath Temple of Katmandu in architecture. The roof of the temple is influenced by Tibetan monasteries. The temple looks phenomenal in its Tibetan Style structure painted in vivid colours like red, yellow and white. It has a white coloured statue of Lord Shiva near the entrance. This idol symbolises Pancha Bakram Trinetram, which is a depiction of five varied facial expressions of Lord Shiva and His supremely powerful third eye. One .....

Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

#23 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 10 km from Darjeeling, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India and among the popular places to experience Darjeeling Tourism. Covers an area of 38.6 Sq. km, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1915 CE and is the south east extension of Singalila National Park. The elevation ranges from 1,500 to 2,600 m. High-altitude animals like barking deer, wild pig, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel, etc. are found in their natural habitats. The sanctuary is also rich in bird life. Senchal wildlife sanctuary is a perfect combination of both man-made and natural jungles. The forest has different kinds of trees and plantation including oak, pines and birch. There are over 350 types of flowering plants in this area including Rhodendrons and Orchids. There are several villages surrounding .....

Neora Valley National Park

#24 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 81 km from Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary located in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Eastern India and also one of the prominent places to visit in Darjeeling. Spread over an area of 88 sq. km, Neora Valley National Park was established in 1986 CE. The National Park enjoys the distinction of being situated over one of the oldest Reserve Forests in India. With an elevation of 10,600 feet, Rachela Pass is the highest point of this park, where it forms a boundary with Sikkim in the North and Bhutan in the North East. The forests of Jalpaiguri form its southern boundary connecting it with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park. The name Neora Valley is given after the river Neora flowing through it and is the main source of water for Kalimpong town. Neora Valley National Park is situated in the foothill of the Himalayas, so it has craggy inaccessible .....

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

#25 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 97 km from Darjeeling, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas of Jalpaiguri district. Situated close to Gorumara National Park, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal and among the popular tourist places near Darjeeling. Covered with an area of 96 Sq.km, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998. The name Chapramari derives from 'Chapra' means a variety of small fish and 'Mari' means abundant. According to history, in 1895, the area was declared as a reserve forest under the Indian Forest Act. Then, the Government of India declared it as a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998. The main attraction of the sanctuary is the elephants that are found here in large numbers. The place is also home to various other animals like Gaur, Wild boar, Leopards, Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Langoor, deer, reptiles etc. Also regarded as a bird watchers paradise as one can spot variety of birds like Peafowl, .....

Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point

#26 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 31 km from Kalimpong, 52 km from Lava and 70 km from Darjeeling, Jhandi Dara is a beautiful viewpoint located at Lolegaon near Kalimpong. Known for its spectacular view of Sunrise, it is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers beautiful vistas of the sun rising behind the snowcapped mountain peaks. Watching the sky lighting up, changing colors from dark blue to fiery orange is memorable from here. Tourists can also enjoy the views of dense green Sal and Pine Trees spread all over the hilltop with the Kanchenjunga as a majestic backdrop. Boasting of lush and mountainous environs, the Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers ample opportunities for capturing really amazing photographs, especially at the time of sunrise. Besides, the viewpoint is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The location of Jhandi Dara Viewpoint is very unique as one can see the Plains of Dooars, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kanchenjunga and .....

St. Andrew's Church

#27 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, St. Andrew's Church is an old Anglican Church located at the Mall Road in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is one of the most beautiful structure in Darjeeling and also one of the popular pilgrimage places to visit in Darjeeling. Named after the patron saint of Scotland St. Andrew, the foundation stone of the church was laid by the British in 1843 CE and was completed in 1844. The church was badly damaged by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt in the year 1873. The early worshippers of this church included many Scottish soldiers and tea planters living in the Darjeeling Hill area. The church is able to accommodate the congregation of about 200 persons. The church was built in Gothic Style of architecture which is one of the signature styles of British architecture. The origin of this architecture is believed to date back to 12th century AD. Some of its characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed .....

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

#28 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is a rehabilitation center for the Tibetan refugees in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is one of the prominent landmarks of Darjeeling and also one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The center was setup by Tibetan refugees on 2nd October 1959 AD. It serves as a residence of several Tibetan refugees who fled from their homeland following the footsteps of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Located on the picturesque hilltop, it is spread over an area of 4 acres of land. A committee was formed with 10 members that were responsible for the development and management of the center. Ms Gaylo Thondup was the first President of the center. Initially, they started raising funds through donations, subscriptions, charity shows and even through exhibition soccer match. Later, they received funds from domestic and international voluntary organizations as well. .....

Most Asked Questions on Darjeeling

Winter and summer the best seasons to visit Darjeeling . This is also time to enjoy its spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Summer is the busiest season in Darjeeling, most of the tourists planning to visit Darjeeling to spend Summer vacation.

Darjeeling usually takes 2-3 days to visit the most important tourist places. Several tourists usually prefer visiting Darjeeling along with Gangtok which requires additional 2 day. Darjeeling can be mixed with near by wonderful destination like Pelling, Namchi, Kalimpong, Lachen and Lachung by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of Darjeeling trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Darjeeling tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 8600 per person for a 3D/2N trip and from INR 11750 per person for 4D/3N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Darjeeling like Darjeeling Himalayan Railway/Toy Train, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple, Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway, Bengal Natural History Museum, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Dali Monastery, Lloyd's Botanical Garden, Darjeeling Mall and Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Darjeeling is famous for tea and buying locally made of tea powder is a great idea. Darjeeling is also well known�for woolen items like shawls, scarves, hats, jackets, etc, and also offers handicrafts and exotic Tibetan items. You can get these items at low prices in Darjeeling if you bargain a bit. Ensure to check the quality.

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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.

Here is some recommendation for heritage restaurants in Darjeeling:

Glenary’s:

Being a name of its own since the British colonial time, Glenary’s is an institution of its own. Wood furniture, British architectural ambience makes its a spectacular spot for snacks, drinks and bakeries. The bakery serves delicious english breakfast, and other great snacks like pizza, sandwiches etc. The great interior with a wide array of alcoholic drinks makes it a great place to hang out and enjoy the nightlife in Darjeeling India.

Kunga Restaurant:

Kunga serves quality and quantity at a good price and is known for the amazing Tibetan and Nepalese food it has in Darjeeling. Kunga restaurant is a traditional heritage place serving tasty momos, thupka, noodles, thenthuk. These are the recommended food to must-try in Kunga. Though you may have to wait in the queue during pick-hours the foods are well worth it.

Keventer’s:

Keventar is a signature culinary destination in Darjeeling serving English breakfast, baked goods, meat platters, hot chocolate and tasty non-veg platters. The place is a must-try for breakfast, brunch and early evening snacking especially the non-veg platter with sausages, salamis, and poached eggs, with big portions for two people. They also have a rooftop set up. Sip a cup of hot tea or chocolate with an English breakfast at Keventer’s.

These were just three of the iconic hotels of Darjeeling. They are quite infamous for the legacy they have created. But other than these you can find a lot of Indian restaurants, quaint hotels, restaurants, and bars like Shangri-La, and Patio. Some honourable mentions are Lunar restaurant, Park restaurants, and Lazeez affair. Also, there are plenty of street food stalls near mall road for you to try out.

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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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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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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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.

• Best Offbeat Treks in North East India

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

• Best Honeymoon Destinations in North East India

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

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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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One Day in Darjeeling Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Darjeeling, India

Darjeeling is a charming hill station, located in the northern part of West Bengal, India. It takes only one day in Darjeeling to become fascinated by its immaculate beauty, and everyone who comes here are tempted to visit it time and again. Perched at an altitude of 2,050 m above sea level, Darjeeling is dotted with jaw-dropping locales, lush green meadows, mesmerizing sunrises, expansive tea estates, and picturesque landscapes. Renowned as the ‘Queen of the Himalayas’, this was once the British summer capital. So let’s explore the best things to do during your one day in Darjeeling.

What’s the best time to visit Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during summer (April and May), when the temperature is max 25° Celsius. This is also the best time to enjoy many outdoor activities and admire the beauty of Mount Kanchenjunga. Also, a festive aura is all around Ram Navami, Chaita Dasai, and Buddha Jayanti festivals. However, tourists also visit the hill town during winter (October and November).

The region experiences rainfall in July and August, and heavy rainfall often leads to roadblocks. Hence, these months are not advisable to travel. September marks the end to the monsoons and offers lucrative tour deals including stays in luxurious hotels at unbelievable prices.

October to March marks the winter season, when the temperature ranges between 2° and 7° Celsius. This is the best time to visit Darjeeling if you want to marvel at its snowy pristine beauty and enjoy solitude as not many tourists flock here during this time. Teesta Tea Festival, Darjeeling Carnival, Darjeeling Orange Festival, and Losha are some of the popular festivals celebrated in Darjeeling in winter.

A few facts about Darjeeling

Boasting ethereal beauty, picture-perfect landscapes, and prolific tea vegetation; Darjeeling has many other aspects worth knowing. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Asia’s largest ropeway: Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley ropeway is Asia’s largest ropeway that offers breathtaking views of lush green tea estates and Mount Kanchenjunga.
• Toy Train Joyride: Fondly known as ‘Toy Train’, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The ride offers awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga, lush green vegetation, and flourishing tea estates.

• Majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga: Tiger Hill is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling , offering a panoramic view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. When the sun makes its way through the thick clouds, Kanchenjunga bathes in the first morning rays! Admire the awe-inspiring view of the snow-capped mountain peaks glistening in golden sunlight.
• Tea Capital of the World: Home to 87 tea estates, Darjeeling produces some of the finest teas in the world which are highly aromatic with fruity and floral flavors.

One Day in Darjeeling Itinerary

Darjeeling one day itinerary is a great thing to have when you first visit this lovely place. Take a look and see what you should visit :

Watch the sunrise on Tiger Hill

What could be a better way to start your one-day Darjeeling sightseeing tour than admiring the scenic beauty of the mighty Kanchenjunga? Start your day with an early morning Tiger Hill trip to gaze at the enchanting beauty of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. Perched at an altitude of 2590 m above the sea level, Tiger Hill is popular for its breathtaking sunrise when Kanchenjunga is illuminated by the first morning rays.

Maximum Time Spent : 1-2 hours Best time to visit : 4:15 AM (summers) and 5:00 AM (winters) Entry Fees : INR 30

Visit the Ghoom Monastery

The next point is the Ghoom Monastery – the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery. The monastery complex features a 15-foot high Maitreya Buddha statue, among other things. Its walls are elaborately painted with Tibetan Buddhism art and different images of Bodhisattvas.

Maximum Time Spent : 30 minutes Best time to visit : 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Entry Fees : Free

Explore the beauty of the Batasia Loop

After a visit to that sacred place, go and see the Batasia Loop, which is only 2 km from the monastery. One of the most picturesque routes in India, the Batasia Loop is a lush green pathway of the toy train. A war memorial is located in the middle of the loop, which is a wonderful sight to behold.

Maximum Time Spent : 1 to 2 hours Best time to visit : 9 AM Entry Fees : INR 15

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

Established on November 4, 1954, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is among the world’s best mountaineering institutes. The main objective of the institute is to encourage and support the interest of people in mountaineering sports. It offers magnificent views of the 8586 m high peak of Kanchenjunga that serves as an enchanting scenery.

On the premises of the HMI, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is situated sprawling over 68 acres of land. A paradise for nature lovers, it is also home to many endangered species of animals such as the Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, Siberian tigers, yaks, and Himalayan black bear.

Maximum Time Spent : 3- 4 hours Best time to visit : 9:00 AM Entry Fees for Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : INR 30 Entry Fees for Darjeeling Zoo : INR 40 (Indian) and INR 100 (Foreigner)

Toy Ride in Darjeeling Himalayan Train

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This toy train ride is considered to be ‘the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway’.

A journey in the toy train offers amazing sights of lush green landscapes. This heritage transport is pretty much an obligatory experience during the North-East India tour .

Maximum Time Spent : 2- 4 hours Best time to visit : 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Entry Fees : INR 600 (Diesel Engine train) and INR 1000 (Steam Engine train)

The Japanese Peace Pagoda

Perched on the slopes of Jalapahar hills in Darjeeling, the Japanese Peace Pagoda was designed to establish peace, unity, and harmony among people belonging to different sects of the society. The pagoda complex has four avatars of Buddha and offers a majestic view of Kanchenjunga’s peak. A true paradise for peace lovers.

Maximum Time Spent : 1- 2 hours Best time to visit : 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM Entry Fees : Free

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Spread over 440 acres of land, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is among the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling. Perched 6300 feet above the sea level, it’s another great stop on your visit as you enjoy Darjeeling tour packages. Famous for its aromatic and high-quality tea, Happy Valley is a perfect place to learn about the tea production process.

Maximum Time Spent : 1- 2 hours Best time to visit : 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fees : Free

Observatory Hill

Situated above Chowrasta Square, Observatory Hill offers panoramic views of the surroundings. The walk is adorned with colourful flags and shrines, and several Hindu and Buddhist temples are located here.

Maximum Time Spent : – 2 hours Best time to visit : 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Entry Fees : Free

How to Reach Darjeeling

• By Rail : The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, situated 62 km away from Darjeeling. It is well connected to the major cities of the country.
• By Air : Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport, located 38 km from Darjeeling. The airport has direct flights from Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and other major cities of India.
• By Road : Regular bus service is available from Siliguri, Kurseong, Kalimpong, and other nearby towns. Road connectivity is good and people can drive from nearby cities.

Where to stay in Darjeeling?

Central Heritage Resort & Spa

Robertson Road, 734101 Darjeeling

Located near The Mall, Central Heritage Resort & Spa is a chic resort in Darjeeling. Renowned for its warm hospitality and luxurious stay, the resort allows you to indulge in its exquisiteness of old-world charm.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Windamere Hotel

Observatory Hill, 734101 Darjeeling

Windamere Hotel is one of the best heritage hotels in Darjeeling. Located in the heart of the town, this wonderful colonial property is renowned as the Original Heritage Hotel of Himalayas.

Villa Everest

  1, A.J.C.Bose Road, 734101 Darjeeling

An accommodation that provides great value for your money, Villa Everest will provide you will all the basic amenities, including a private bathroom with a shower. You can also enjoy a wonderful view of the mountains from your room.

Jalapahar Road, Below St. Paul’s School, 734101 Darjeeling

Very close to the center of Darjeeling, Cedar Inn is a high-quality stay with absolutely stunning views which can be enjoy from the hotel’s cafe. Guests can also get a massage and enjoy some excellent local dishes in the restaurant.

Day trips from Darjeeling

Setting up a day trip from Darjeeling can add so much to your visit here. There are many fantastic places you can visit and see plenty of amazing sights along the way. So, if you’re staying more than one day in Darjeeling, consider some of the following trips.

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary

If you love animals, this is a place you can’t afford to skip. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bears, even elephants! Not to mention that a visit to this place is a visit to a lush green forest. Come and enjoy the nature!

Anothjer great day trip from Darjeelings is a visit to Namchi. This is a place you want to go to if you want to learn a whole lot about the local culture. A giant statue of Shiva, incredible temples, including Char Dham, an immense temple complex, loads of monasteries and incredible cultural artifacts, all of this is just two and a half hours away.

For a more modern take on tourism, head to Jamuni. It is a wonderfully crafted tourist complex surrounded by lovely nature, ideal for a picnic. The river Rangeet flows right through it, and there are some amazing gardens you can enjoy here. Furthermore, there is also a lake here, where you can rent a boat and enjoy the soothing effect of the waters.

How does a quaint little mountain village sound? Mongpu is surrounded by tea plantations, beautiful hills and valleys and chincona fields, so you will have greenery surrounding you wherever you look. The stress will simply melt away, and you will get a chance to gain a unique insight into village life around here.

Extra tips for visiting Darjeeling:

• Carry light woolens in summers and heavy woolens in winters.
• Always carry sufficient cash and coins, instead of depending on withdrawing money from ATMs.
• Customize your package carefully. Demand add-ons such as extra blankets, heaters, etc., if required.
• Research the rules and regulations of religious places.
• Be mindful of protected and restricted areas.

Pin for later!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Darjeeling Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Rekha Bisht

• Rekha Bisht is an avid bookworm, a passionate travel writer, who loves to explore different places.  She is always curious to know about travel spots that offer her picturesque sights and lip-smacking food. Go through her penned down travel experiences and collected intelligence in her write-ups.

It is a nice places to go there for holiday. After reading this one would have to go there to spend some time. Thanks for writing such an beautiful blog.

Excellent post.

Darjeeling is one of my favorite place to spend my holidays. Thanks for sharing about this with us.

Exciting Blogs, it is the thing which i was serching for

I wish to know whether these sightseeing points can be covered in my journey from to New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.

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• 26 Scenic Tourist Places In Darjeeling In 2024

22 Apr 2024

One of the most popular hill stations in India – Darjeeling is a perfect collage of snowy and mighty Himalayan ranges, winding walking tracks, valleys, monasteries, momos, tea plantations, and toy trains. Amidst the green-grey hills, the serene vegetation and scenic vistas guarantee a vacation to cherish forever. The untouched beauty of this hill town attracts visitors from across the country to take a break from the bustling city life. So, take a plunge into this list of the best tourist places in Darjeeling that you might not want to miss on your trip.

26 Best Tourist Places In Darjeeling

Let’s check out what fun things can be done in these tourist places in Darjeeling while holidaying in Bengal’s favorite summer getaway. From zoological parks to monasteries, there is a lot to explore in Darjeeling. Here is a list of Darjeeling tourist places you must check out!

• Tiger Hill : Get Mesmerized By The Surreal Beauty
• Batasia Loop : Admire The Panoramic View
• Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park : Meet & Greet The Animals
• Peace Pagoda : Explore & Meditate
• Ghoom Monastery : Please Your Eyes With Vibrant Colors
• Rock Garden : Gape At The Man-Made Beauty
• Himalayan Railway Station : Toot-Toot Through The Peaks
• Nightingale Park : Relax & Stroll Around
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : Get Ready For Some Views
• Singalila National Park : Savor Impressive Nature Sightings
• St. Andrew’s Church : Admire The Architectural Marvel
• Happy Valley Tea Estate : Vast Tea Plantations Await You
• Tinchuley : For A Peaceful Getaway
• Darjeeling Observatory Hill : Explore The Religious Spots
• Bengal Natural History Museum : Explore The Fauna Of Himalayas
• Darjeeling Ropeway : Get An Upper View Of The Magical Place
• Bhutia Busty Monastery : Admire The Place Against Mighty Peaks
• Dali Monastery : Bow Down & Learn About Buddha Teachings
• Lloyd’s Botanical Garden : Treat Your Eyes With Beautiful Views
• Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery : Calm Your Soul
• Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary : Witness The Beauty At Its Best
• Chowrasta : Explore The Place
• Surya Sen Park: A Popular Picnic Spot
• Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point : A Perfect Spot For Nature Lovers
• Kali Temple: Seek Blessings Of Goddess Kaali
• Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: Support A Cause

1. Tiger Hill: Get Mesmerized By The Surreal Beauty

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One of the best tourist places of Darjeeling, Tiger Hills is a complete package for a nature lover. If you can bear the chilling cold, climb up this hill to witness the charismatic first rays of the Sun on Mt Everest. Drive to Tiger Hill before sunset and fix your camera settings and shutter speed for the mesmerising aura. It happens in a blink of an eye.

Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Don’t miss: Experience spectacular sunrise and spot different peaks through a telescope from Tiger Hill view tower Opening hours: Dawn till sunset Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Tumsong Chiabari - The Tea Retreat, Rambler's Nesting Homestay, Vajra Kunj Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Must Read: Best Hill Stations In India

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2. Batasia Loop: Admire The Panoramic View

This elevated area below Ghum has spiral railway tracks through a tunnel over a summit. What adds to the panoramic view is a nicely decorated garden area that offers a perfect retreat. It is the wide expanse of planned greenery that makes Batasia Loop one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in April which every traveler must visit.

Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: See the toy train meandering over the loopy tracks. A picturesque sight! Opening hours: Accessible throughout the day Entry fee: INR 50 Places To Stay: Darjeeling Stay Inn, Atithi Guest House, Sewaro Homestay, Silver Star Boutique Hotel, Batasia Guest House Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

3. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: Meet & Greet The Animals

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is another name among the rich in some of the most exquisite and rare flora and fauna. Located downslope from the Jawahar Road, this zoological park is home to the largest population of snow leopards in India and is one of the best places to go in Darjeeling. So, if you want to witness the intriguing wildlife, plan a visit to this zoo.

Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India Don’t miss: Red pandas, Himalayan bears, clouded leopards, and Tibetan wolves. Do not forget to visit the snow leopard breeding center Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (summers), 8:30 am to 4 pm (winters) Entry fee: INR 110 onwards Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Sanderling Residency & Spa, Ramada, FabExpress Tibet Homes Things To Do: Sightseeing, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In December

4. Peace Pagoda: Explore & Meditate

Peace Pagoda reflects four avatars of Lord Buddha and is located adjacent to Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. It attracts people from all religion and offers spiritual serenity and love to all. Spend half an hour meditating here and you are in for a trance nothing else can guarantee. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling which offers a view worth capturing.

Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: Panoramic birds eye view of Darjeeling including Kanchenjunga from the summit of the Pagoda. Opening hours: 4:30 am to 7 pm Entry fee: Free Places To Stay:  Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Villa Everest, Hotel Palbheu, Rambler's Nesting Homestay, Humro Himalayan Orchid Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

5. Ghoom Monastery: Please Your Eyes With Vibrant Colors

Among the top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. This is among the tourist places in Darjeeling that is located downslope of Ghoom Railway station. This monastery is one of the oldest in the region and reflects the ancient glory of Buddhist culture.

Location: Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Don’t miss: The prayer room, library and study hall. Do not forget to taste the awesome momo and Thukpa just outside the monastery. Opening hours:  9 am to 6 pm Entry fee: Free Places To Stay:  Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Tumsong Chiabari, ZimbaladimSA, Green Tara Residency, Frost Inn Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In Monsoon

6. Rock Garden: Gape At The Man-Made Beauty

Rock Garden of Darjeeling is one of the famous places of Darjeeling. It is a man-made rocky garden enriched with flora, waterfalls and bridges. With plenty of activities to do over a wide expanse, this park is a popular tourist place in Darjeeling. So, if you are visiting Darjeeling with your family, do visit this garden!

Location: Rock Garden Road Bloomfield Tea Garden, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: Picnic in the rocky area, clicking photograph in local attire and pony riding Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm Entry fee: Free Places To Stay:  Atithi Guest House, Darjeeling Stay Inn, Silver Star Boutique Hotel, Batasia Guest House, Irish Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

7. Himalayan Railway Station: Toot-Toot Through The Peaks

Among the other top 10 tourist places in Darjeeling, the toy train starts from New Jalpaiguri and terminates at Darjeeling. This station in the lap of the Himalayas is a picturesque destination. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this railway station has been used for filming several documentaries and movies.

Location: Darjeeling Don’t miss: Scenic greenery, toy trains Opening hours: NA Ticket cost: INR 360 onwards Places To Stay:  Hotel Royal City, Sinclairs Siliguri, Treebo Trend Venkatesh Regency, Stay Darjeeling, Treebo Trip Gupta's Hotel Things To Do: Train ride Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In Summer

8. Nightingale Park: Relax & Stroll Around

Take a stroll in the nIghtingale Park and breathe in the salubrious mountain air while you enjoy scenic mountain views. The park was not open for public until 2011 and was called Shrubbery then. It is a perfect spot to sit in peace amidst nature. There is even a large statue of Lord Shiva and a musical fountain in the center of the park. It is truly one of the places to visit in Darjeeling in 3 days.

Location: Richmond Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don't miss: Scenic mountain views Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM Entry Fee: INR 20 per person Places To Stay:  Jetavana, Khrishna Residency, Smriya Homestay, Nestaway Homestay, Dajling Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

9. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Get Ready For Some Views

One of the purposes, why people visit Darjeeling, is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Ambitious mountaineers and amateurs come to this place to take training and get themselves fit for the mountains as it is recognized as one of the best mountaineering institutes in India. The reason it has also become one of the most significant tourist attractions in Darjeeling is because of its alluring backdrop perched on a mountaintop.

Location: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: The amazing viewpoint Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Sanderling Residency & Spa, Ramada Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: 9 Cottages In Kalimpong

10. Singalila National Park: Savor Impressive Nature Sightings

Considered one of the top tourist destinations in Darjeeling, Singalila National Park is one of the top must visit places in Darjeeling. Located at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level, it is the highest national park in West Bengal sprawling with rhododendron forests and greenery. It offers riveting views of the Singalila Mountain Range and impressive panoramas of the Himalayas from Nepal to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, up to Bhutan.

Location: West Bengal Don’t miss: Witnessing impressive views of the Himalayan range Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm Entry fee: INR 100 Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Ramada, Mount Himalayan Resort, Villa Everest Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

11. St. Andrew’s Church: Admire The Architectural Marvel

If you are looking for a church in Darjeeling, then this is one of the best churches. Built-in the colonial era, it stands as an architectural marvel. It is close to Mall. It holds many memories of the past that you must see! This is one of the famous tourist places in Darjeeling definitely!

Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: The architectural marvel Opening hours: March to November: 9:00 am (on every Sunday) and December to February: 9:30 am (on every Sunday) Entry fee: None Places To Stay: BASHERA, Mohpal Residency, Maya Residency, The Kaizer Valley Hotel, Family Homestay Things To Do: Prayer Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling In July

12. Happy Valley Tea Estate: Vast Tea Plantations Await You

Your Darjeeling sightseeing will be incomplete without visiting one of the tea estates that are the pride of this hill station! This tea estate is one of the oldest in the town and adds to its beauty! Make a visit, understand the process of tea making and buy some tea!

Location: Lebong Cart Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Near, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Understanding the process of tea making Opening hours: 8 am to 4 pm Entry fee: INR 100 per person for a factory tour Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Crescent Resort, Simma lodge, Three V Lodge, The Elgin Hotel, Nestaway Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

13. Tinchuley

Located at a distance of 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an isolated hamlet that is located in the vicinity of the West-Bengal Sikkim border and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 1 day. Resting at an altitude of 5,550 ft, the place is known for its beautiful surroundings. Surrounded by the tea plantations and the fruit orchards, Tinchuley is a must-visit place in Darjeeling to experience a peaceful getaway. It is also one of the best hill stations in Darjeeling for enjoying brunch and sightseeing. 

Location: In the vicinity of the West-Bengal Sikkim border Don’t miss: The amazing viewpoint Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Tinchuley Ratna Vajra Vatika Resort, Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Darjeeling homestay Mangkhim, Saino ADKD Homestay Darjeeling Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Places To Stay In Darjeeling

14. Darjeeling Observatory Hill

The observatory hill is one of the best tourist spots in Darjeeling which is located on the hill above Chowrasta square which is located at a distance of 2 km from the Darjeeling Himalaya railway station. This is one of the must-visit places to visit in Darjeeling where Hindu and Buddhist temples are located all around. Some of the famous temples in the area are the Kanchenjunga temple, Mahakal temple, Tibetian Memorial Shrine.

Location: Naya Basti, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Exploring the religious spot Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Pradhan Niwas, Moonlight Homestay, Light Inn, Little Tibet, Tathagata Rooms Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

15. Bengal Natural History Museum

Home to a plethora of indigenous flora and fauna, Bengal Natural History Museum is one of the famous places in Darjeeling. It was built as a small building to display a variety of birds and butterflies found in the hills and now one can also find preserved remains of several insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of the rare specimens that can be found here are Tibetan fox, Himalayan Brown Wood owl, Toddy cat, panthers, and many other animals that represent the Eastern Himalayas. It is included in the list of top tourist places in Darjeeling.

Location: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104 Don’t miss: The different variety of fauna of the Himalayas Opening hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm (Closed on Sunday) Entry fee: Combined ticket of INR 60 per person Places To Stay: Nature View Home Stay, Riva Homestay, Aashraya homes, Birch Hill Retreat Things To Do: Souvenir Hunting Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Places Near Darjeeling

16. Darjeeling Ropeway

Who would want to say a no to a panoramic view of Darjeeling that can be contained in one picture? No one, right? So, the next place to see in Darjeeling is the ropeway attraction where you can get a cable ride and get a birds-eye view of the hill town. Would you want to believe the fact that Darjeeling Ropeway is the first cable car system in India that was established in the year 1968? After hopping on this car, you can expect a breath-taking view of the tea plantations and exquisite landscapes covered with a sheet of snow if traveling in the winter season. If you do not want to miss this then make sure to include it in your to-do list this year.

Location: Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104 Don’t miss: The aerial bird eye view of the hill town Opening hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm (Tue-Sat), 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Sun-Mon) Entry fee: INR 175 for adults & INR 90 for children Places To Stay: North Point Homestay, Mady’s view -Aaple Ghar, Falcon Inn, Nature View Home Stay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

17. Bhutia Busty Monastery

The list of tourist places in Darjeeling cannot miss Bhutia Busty Monastery which has risen from its own ashes after an earthquake destroyed it in 1934 CE. It was then restored and revamped by the then king of Sikkim in the traditional Tibetan style. Inside the monastery, you will find an idol of Buddha and images of Dalai Lama, Lakshmiswari, and Tara Devi. Moreover, there are several murals that depict the life of Buddha. Set against the might Kanchenjunga, this monastery is a must-visit place in Darjeeling. It is also one of the best places to stay in Darjeeling if you want to enjoy a Buddhist retreat. 

Location: Bhutia Busty Rd, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling, West Bengal 73410 Don’t miss: In-house library Opening hours: 4:30 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Himalayan Home Stay, Samir’s Homestay, Kumar Kothi Homestay, Saino ADKD Homestay Things To Do: Prayer, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In May

18. Dali Monastery

Also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, Dali Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in the whole of West Bengal which is why it is counted among the best places to see in Darjeeling . The monastery was built in the year 1971 by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama himself in 1993. It is the headquarters and the house of the leader of the Kargyupa sect, Drukchen Rinpoche the XII. More than 210 monks reside in this monastery which is painted in bold red colors and depicts the life of Lord Buddha.

Location: Darjeeling, India Don’t miss: Visiting the monastery during prayers Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: SUNSHRAYA Homestay, Vajra Kunj Homestay, Pahari Soul, Rambler’s Nesting Homestay, Swarna Kamal Homestay Things To Do: Prayer Best Time To Visit: March to September

19. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

If you are looking for best Darjeeling tourist spot that can please your eyes then you must head to the famous Lloyd’s Botanical Garden which takes over an area of 40 acres to house some of the rare species of plants. Some of these include species of oak, Arisaema, rhododendron, magnolia, and more. Apart from this, there is also a separate conservatory for 150 different species of cactus. A visit to this botanical garden is incomplete without heading to the Orchidarium which showcases 2,500 orchids.

Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Different sections of flowers that preserve special species Opening hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm Entry fee: INR 20 Places To Stay: The Elgin, Wonder Woods Boutique Hotel Things To Do: Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling In July

20. Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery

Another one of the best sightseeing places in Darjeeling is Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery which can be found on the Old Military Road. It also goes by the name Aloobari Monastery and is counted among the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. Under the supervision of Sri Sangay Lama, this monastery was built in 1914 AD. The name of this monastery was chosen so because its construction coincided with the First World War. Mag-Dhog literally translates into ‘warding off the war’ and thus the monastery propagates the idea of world peace.

Location: Alubari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: Spend some time in peace Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Vamoose Quaint Wood Cottage, Douna’s Homestay, Bon Dikila Darjeeling, Summit Grace Hotel, Mount Olive Things To Do: Prayer Best Time To Visit: March to September

21. Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

How can a trip to Darjeeling be complete without heading to this beautiful place in Darjeeling which gives both nature and fauna lovers a chance to witness the beauty of nature at its best? Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of around 40 sq. km. You can witness high-altitude animals here which include Himalayan black bear, rhesus monkey, barking deer, Himalayan flying squirrel, and several birds. Senchal Lake is the source of drinking water for the whole hill town and it forms a part of the wildlife sanctuary only. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in february for animal and nature lovers. 

Location: Sittong Khasmahal, West Bengal 734008 Don’t miss: Opt for cycling and explore the place on your own Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm Entry fee: INR 50 per person Places To Stay: The Rope, Goroomgo Stay Broadway Darjeeling, Yonzon Homestay, Allay’s Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Boating Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In October

22. Chowrasta

Mall Road is one of the best highlights of any hill station, don’t you think?  Darjeeling’s Mall Road is located at the heart of Darjeeling and is 1 kilometer away from the Darjeeling Himalaya Railway Station. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for shopping and otherwise. The etymology of the name Chowrasta is that the word ‘Chow’ means four and ‘Rasta’ means roads or way and the Mall is actually located where four roads meet.

Location: N C. Goenka Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Explore the place on your own. Opening hours: 7 am to 8 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Hotel New Lion Gate, Sumi Yashshree Suites & Spa, Jai Hotels, Classic Guesthouse, Hotel Dolphin Things To Do: Shopping Best Time To Visit: March to September

23. Surya Sen Park

Image Credit: Pixabay

One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling , Surya Sen Park is a well-known recreation hub. It is named after the freedom fighter Surya Sen and has a beautiful fountain, swings, and rides making it a great place for children as well. The picturesque park also attracts photo enthusiasts to click amazing shots of the gorgeous fountains or priceless moments spent with family and friends. Exhibitions are also organized here with the aim to spread awareness regarding alternative energy sources.

Location: Mahakal Pally, Janta Nagar, Siliguri, 734001, West Bengal Don’t miss: Seeing the statue of Surya Sen, gorgeous mountains, clicking amazing snaps Opening hours: 8 am to 8 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Hotel Royal Residency, The Maple Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

24. Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point

Image Credit: Aditya for Wikimedia

Listed among the  things to see in Darjeeling, Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers gorgeous views of the snow-covered mountain peaks. The sunrise point will truly allure you with its stunning landscapes. Besides being a great spot for bird watchers and nature lovers, it also welcomes photographers to capture beautiful pictures, especially during sunrise. It is also one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling during the summer season. 

Location: Lolegaon, Darjeeling, 734314, West Bengal Don’t miss: The gorgeous sunrise Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Delight Norling Retreat, Humri Himalayan Orchid, Pine View Home Stay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

25. Kali Temple

Image Credit: Piyal Kundu for Wikimedia

Kali Temple is one of the top places of religious significance in Darjeeling. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year to offer prayers. The temple has beautiful interiors and celebrates many festivals including Navratri with full enthusiasm.

Location: Near River, Darjeeling, West Bengal Don’t miss: The beautiful interior Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Mount Milestone Hotel Things To Do: Participate in prayer Best Time To Visit: All-year-round

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Darjeeling

26. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center

Image Credit: Shahnoor Habib Munmun for Wikimedia

From the production of handicrafts to serving as a rehabilitation center for the Tibetan refugees in Darjeeling, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is one of the most popular cultural attractions in the region. Established on 2 October 1959, the prime artifacts that they make are Tibetan carpets, thanks, and carved items like wall hangings that are perfect for souvenirs. 

Location: Havelock Villa, 119/B, Gandhi Rd, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: The behind-the-scene of the crafting process Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Nirvana Hotel Things To Do: Souvinear Hunting, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Best Time To Visit Darjeeling

The best time to visit Darjeeling is between the months of April to June. The weather during these months is very pleasant and not at all hot. However, if you are one of those who love winters and snow, then November to January is the best month to visit Darjeeling.

Further Read:  Places To Visit In Darjeeling In June

Momo, Mall Road, cozy cafes, and numerous tourist attractions, Darjeeling has got all to give you a cherishable vacation. So, let’s write a summer vacation tale in the land of the golden beverage. Let’s do Darjeeling! So, don’t wait anymore and book your trip to Darjeeling with TravelTriangle right away! Visit the best tourist places in Darjeeling and indulge in soulful experiences like never before. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Darjeeling

Which are the most beautiful places in Darjeeling?

Singalila National Park, Rock Garden, and Nightingale Park are some of the must-visit places in Darjeeling, the most popular hill stations in India.

When is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

April to June is an ideal time to visit Darjeeling. Some travelers including honeymooners prefer to visit during the winter months from October to December.

What are some of the best things to do for tourists in Darjeeling?

There is a list of things to do in Darjeeling for an exciting vacay: 1. Head to the Teesta river and enjoy rafting 2. Trekking trip to Sandakphu 3. Toy train ride 4. Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park 5. Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill

How many days are sufficient for Darjeeling?

Two to three days are sufficient to have a wonderful vacay in Darjeeling. You can easily cover all the sightseeing places comfortably during the specified duration.

Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling with your family?

The best places to visit in Darjeeling with family are Tiger Hill and Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. Also, the tea plantations in Darjeeling are a must-visit destination.

What is the special attraction at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park?

The special attraction at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is Red pandas, Himalayan bears, and Tibetan wolves, and of course the snow leopard breeding center.

Which are the best places to visit near Darjeeling?

The best tourist places near Darjeeling are Kurseong, Sikkim, and Mirik. These are the most popular weekend getaways that offer an unforgettable trip experience

Which are the most popular temples in Darjeeling?

Darjeeling is an abode of a plethora of temples like Mahakal Temple, Japanese Buddhist Temple, Shiva Mandir, Pranami Mandir, and Shree Mandir.

Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling at night?

Joeys Pub, Gattys Cafe, The Lounge Bar, The Yellow Box, and Mayfair are some of the places to visit in Darjeeling at night.

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

Teesta, Sandakphu, The Toy Train, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Churpi are some of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 2 days.

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Best Time To Visit Darjeeling

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What is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Darjeeling is between April to June when the weather is pleasant .  However, a lot of people also prefer visiting the place during the winter months from October to December. The months of July to August welcome the showers. With heavy rainfall, a lot of roadblocks are observed in the hill station and hence visiting Darjeeling during these months is not very advisable.  The months from October to March see a sudden change in the weather, as by the end of October a slight cold reigns in the area. Winter is at its peak from mid- November to January and the temperature ranges between 7 degrees to 5-degree Celcius.  April to June marks the offset of summers in the city. Darjeeling during these months is pleasant and not very hot. The temperature reaches 25 degrees at the max. The gushing bright sunlight makes it ideal for exploring the tourists' spots.  September again is an excellent time to visit as there is less rainfall and the greenery is at its best at this time of the year.

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9 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Darjeeling

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Bejeweled by snow-capped mountains, green landscapes, gushing waterfall, eye-catching sunrise viewpoint, cascading river stream, rich flora & fauna, Darjeeling – ‘Queen of the Hills’ is an enduring hill station in the state of West Bengal located at the foothills of Himalayas.

Amidst the green-grey hills, the serene vegetation and scenic vistas guarantee a trip to cherish forever.

The untouched beauty of this hill town attracts travelers from across the world to take a break from the bustling city life.

Darjeeling has everything in its stock. However, there are many places situated around Darjeeling, which are quite unknown to many nature lovers.

So, take a plunge into this list of the serene offbeat places in Darjeeling that you might not want to miss on your trip.

Here are the 9 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Darjeeling:

1. Tiger Hill

At an altitude of 2590 meters and 13 km away from Darjeeling, Tiger Hill offers a magnificent view of the mountains.

Tiger Hill is eminently known for its splendid sights of the early morning sunrise where you can witness a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together.

The place has earned worldwide fame for the breathtaking view of the sunrise over the “Kanchenjunga” and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, can also be viewed from here.

The first shot of sunlight at dawn shading upon the twin peaks painting the snow-clad mountains in pale orange is something you just can’t miss. It is perhaps the most splendid experience you can have, while in Darjeeling.

The wonderful view of snow-capped mountains sitting among cotton clouds draws in travelers to Tiger Hill from throughout the world that you would not like to miss at any cost.

2. Tinchuley

Located at a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet situated close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border.

Tinchuley attracts off-beat nature lovers and it is the latest secret eco-friendly travel destination in Darjeeling.

This eco-friendly destination with tea Gardens, Orange Orchard, and majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga makes it the most promising eco-village and one of the key destinations in village tourism in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

Tinchuley lies on the laps of nature and has a variety of sightseeing to offer where you can take a walk through the jungle trail or can dip your feet into the cool Teesta water.

If you are a bird lover you could sit in the jungle and listen to the soft chirping of birds. Not only the Mt. Kanchenjunga but also the Teesta running amidst the forest is a great view for photography lovers.

Tinchuley is the dream destination for those who are looking for something spiritual out of their travel. Its gorgeous mountainscape and serene cultivated lands attest to that.

So if you’re seeking something of exactly that nature, then you know where to be!

Check Out 8 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Kalimpong

3. Sandakphu Peak

Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal, near the Indo-Nepal border.

Sandakphu epitomizes the wild elemental grandeur of the snows. Nature here is at its pristine best, and the vista at the top is worth all the hardship endured on the way.

The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga where you can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan.

Aptly called the Paradise of Trekkers, the peak is a vantage point from where you can see four of the world’s five highest peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse – in a continuous snow-clad arc.

Sandakphu is not only the most popular trek in West Bengal but it is also one of the best treks in Eastern India. So, don’t miss trekking to this amazing peak because this place is a paradise for nature lovers.

4. Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is a small village around 19 km from Darjeeling. At an altitude of 6959 ft., this serene hamlet is free of tourists and is considered a haven for nature lovers.

As nature is full-blown here, so roaming in nature with the company of wild forest, numerous birds, a sea of mountains, and silver glazing Kanchenjunga can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Amidst dense forests of pines, oaks, and rhododendrons, this village gives you tranquility. Viewing the Kanchenjunga peaks from here is a serene experience. It is now part of a reserved forest area.

Lepchajagat is an ideal place for nature lovers to stay in an offbeat place with a blend of nature and peace.

Check Out 26 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Sikkim

5. Batasia Loop

Located at a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop is a railway loop in Darjeeling of West Bengal that is situated below the Ghoom station which is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Darjeeling.

The unique design of this magnificent attraction allows the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop tunnel.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Batasia Loop is its unmatched natural beauty which is a wonderful sight to behold. It is one of the best places to get a bird’s eye view of Darjeeling’s landscape.

You will be amazed to see the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. The mighty Kanchenjunga can also be seen from here. The loop is around a beautiful flowering garden which adds to the charm of the place.

The view of the train tearing past the white of the clouds and deeper into the green beauty of the terrain is a refreshing and enchanting journey that should not be missed while you’re in Darjeeling.

6. Rimbik Village

Situated around 56 Km from Darjeeling town,  Rimbik  is a small town located in the Singalila National Park area in Darjeeling.

The small town is a tourist hub for trekkers traveling to the Singalila National Park area including Sandakphu. In the recent past, there has been some interest from offbeat travelers who want to explore the region beyond traditional travel destinations.

But there are not too many tourist attractions that you may be able to see in this small hill hamlet. However, this small hill hamlet is a paradise for the trekkers.

If you’re an adventure affectionate then Rimbik is a perfect place for you to be.

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7. Tenzing Rock

Tenzing Rock is a popular tourist place and is one of the only natural rock climbing sites in Darjeeling.

This gigantic rock is named after the mountaineer Tenzing Norgay who climbed Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953 and it has his name inscribed on it.

This place is a paradise for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. You will find a board on top of the rock that reads “HMI Rock Climbing Training Area”.

Tenzing Rock comprises two sides from where the trekking can be done among which the left side of the rock is for the training of the rock climbers while the right side is testing for the rock climbing skills.

So, as you climb, you can have a look at the beautiful surroundings with lush greenery and fresh air which will leave you with a unique feeling of happiness.

8. Observatory Hill 

Located around 2 km from the Darjeeling Himalaya railway station, just above the Mall Road in the picturesque hill town of Darjeeling, Observatory Hill is a rising hill situated above Chowrasta Square.

Marked by several shrines, a flurry of colorful prayer flags, and ringing notes from numerous devotional bells, Observatory Hill in Darjeeling’s most ancient and sacred site.

It offers a panoramic view of the mountains along with the presence of various Hindu and Buddhist temples including Kanchenjunga Temple, Mahakal temple, and Tibetian Memorial Shrine.

If you’re an adventure seeker who wants to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the mountains after trekking along with people having religious beliefs then Observatory Hill of Darjeeling is a must-visit place for you.

9. Chatakpur

Situated at an altitude of about 7,800 feet, Chatakpur is one of the highest villages in the Darjeeling district that is located within the Senchal forest area.

This pristine village is bounded by the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range in the North and the river gorge Relly Khola in the south.

This village is a paradise for nature lovers as one can get a spectacular view of the imposing mountain range of Kanchenjunga and at the same time experience the overwhelming lush green forest.

If you’re tired of the busy schedules of city life, worried about the rising pollution and congestion, annoyed about the routines and deadlines then Chatakpur is surely your own heaven.

It husks all the ingredients of picture-perfect scenery, adventures for the nature lover or who thrive to enjoy simple living.

In short, Chatakpur is not a place for sightseeing. It is a place to enjoy nature and the view of a beautiful mountain range.

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Places to Visit in Darjeeling

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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

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St. Andrew’S Church

Top Experiences To Do in St. Andrew’S Church

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Observatory Hill

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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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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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Kolkata to Darjeeling: 10 places to visit when in West Bengal

W est Bengal, located in eastern India, is a state that captivates visitors with its fascinating blend of rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the tranquil tea gardens of Darjeeling, West Bengal offers a diverse range of experiences that leave a lasting impression on travelers.

Kolkata - A City of Colonial Grandeur

Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is a vibrant metropolis that showcases the remnants of British colonial architecture and a thriving intellectual and artistic scene. The iconic Victoria Memorial, with its stunning white marble facade, stands as a symbol of the city's grandeur. Howrah Bridge, connecting Kolkata with its twin city Howrah, is an architectural marvel and a bustling hub of activity. The Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in India, houses a vast collection of artifacts that depict the region's rich history. A visit to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, provides a spiritual and cultural experience.

Darjeeling - A Slice of Himalayan Paradise

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station known for its world-renowned tea gardens and breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lovingly called the "Toy Train," is a nostalgic journey that offers panoramic vistas of the mountains and quaint villages. The sunrise view from Tiger Hill is a mesmerizing sight, where the first rays of the sun paint the snow-capped peaks in hues of gold and pink. Exploring the Batasia Loop and visiting the Happy Valley Tea Estate are also popular attractions.

Sundarbans National Park - Nature's Enigmatic Haven

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans National Park is a unique mangrove forest that stretches across West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, along with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Embarking on a thrilling boat safari through the intricate network of waterways allows visitors to witness the rich biodiversity up close. With luck, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive tigers, crocodiles basking in the sun, and vibrant birdlife.

Digha - Serene Beach Bliss

Situated on the Bay of Bengal, Digha is a popular beach destination in West Bengal. The long stretch of sandy beaches, lined with casuarina trees, offers a peaceful retreat for sun-seekers and nature lovers. The calm waters provide opportunities for swimming and water sports, while the charming fishing villages give a glimpse into the local way of life. Watching the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views over the sea is an unforgettable experience, creating a sense of tranquility and awe.

Shantiniketan - The Abode of Art and Culture

Shantiniketan, founded by the iconic poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, is a serene town renowned for its artistic and intellectual heritage. The Visva Bharati University, established by Tagore, is a center of learning and creativity that attracts students and scholars from around the world. Tagore's Ashram, known as "Santiniketan," preserves the poet's legacy and provides a tranquil space for reflection. The annual Poush Mela festival, celebrated with great fervor, showcases the region's vibrant art, culture, and music, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Murshidabad - A Historical Gem

Murshidabad, situated on the banks of the River Ganges, is a city steeped in history. It was once the capital of Bengal under the Nawabs of Bengal. The magnificent Hazarduari Palace, with its thousand doors, is a major attraction and showcases the grandeur of the bygone era. Nizamat Imambara, Katra Mosque, and the scenic Hazarduari Garden are other notable sites to explore. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and architectural splendors of Murshidabad, which offer glimpses into the region's glorious past.

Kalimpong - Serenity in the Hills

Perched amidst the picturesque hills of the Darjeeling district, Kalimpong is a serene retreat known for its pleasant climate and breathtaking views. The panoramic vistas from Deolo Hill and Durpin Dara viewpoint are simply mesmerizing. The Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, with its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance, offers a spiritual experience. Explore the colonial charm of Morgan House, a heritage property that reflects the region's colonial past. Kalimpong invites visitors to unwind amidst its tranquil surroundings and discover the beauty of the Himalayas.

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Bishnupur - A Terracotta Marvel

Bishnupur, a historic town in West Bengal, is renowned for its exquisite terracotta temples and intricate craftsmanship. The Rasmancha, a unique pyramidal temple structure, is a prominent landmark. The Jor Bangla Temple and Madan Mohan Temple are other notable examples of terracotta architecture. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Bishnupur as you admire the intricate carvings and artwork that adorn these temples. The Terracotta Museum provides further insights into the town's artistic traditions, making Bishnupur a captivating destination for art and architecture enthusiasts.

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Gorumara National Park - Wildlife Wonderland

Gorumara National Park, located in the Dooars region of West Bengal, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park boasts lush green forests, glistening rivers, and a rich diversity of wildlife. Embark on thrilling jeep safaris and elephant rides to spot magnificent creatures like elephants, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and various species of deer. Gorumara National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with its wide range of avian species. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of this wildlife sanctuary and discover the wonders of nature.

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary - Home of the Rhinos

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, another gem in the Dooars region, is renowned for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Embark on an exciting wildlife safari, either by jeep or elephant, to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is also home to other wildlife, including tigers, deer, elephants, and an array of bird species. The enchanting landscape of Jaldapara, with its dense forests and meandering rivers, provides a captivating backdrop for your wildlife adventure. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this sanctuary and experience the thrill of encountering magnificent rhinos.

West Bengal offers an enriching journey through its historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and natural wonders. Whether you explore the colonial splendor of Kolkata, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Darjeeling, or witness the raw beauty of the Sundarbans, each destination unfolds unique experiences. From the bustling city streets to the serene tea gardens and the dense mangrove forests, West Bengal beckons travelers with its remarkable blend of heritage and nature. Embark on a voyage of discovery and let West Bengal weave its magic upon you, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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10 best offbeat places near Darjeeling

• August 30, 2023

Discover the 10 best offbeat places near Darjeeling where untouched nature and local traditions harmonize. These hidden gems allow you to escape the tourist rush, offering a genuine taste of the Himalayan culture and serene landscapes. Go off the beaten path for a unique, tranquil experience far from the typical tourist spots.

Here are 10 offbeat places near Darjeeling that you should check out:

1. Bunkulung

Bunkulung is a hidden treasure in North Bengal near Mirik and Darjeeling, lies just 18 kilometres from Mirik town along the banks of the Balasun River. 

Nestled amidst hills and tea gardens, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts. While relatively lesser-known among tourists, Bunkulung is rapidly gaining popularity for its consistently pleasant weather, unspoiled natural splendour, and captivating tea gardens.

The area offers various attractions, including visits to Gayabari Tea Estate, Mirik Lake, Maju Park/Garden, Bokar Monastery, Mirik Swiss Cottages, and the allure of orange orchards during the winter season. Additionally, visitors can relish refreshing swims and fishing adventures in the Balasun River.

2. Dawaipani

Dawaipani, whose local translation means ‘Medicated Water,’ derives its name from the nearby river (Khola) that gracefully flows through the village. This charming settlement is embraced by renowned tea estates such as Glenburn Tea Estate, Lamahatta Tea Estate, and Takdah Tea Estate, as well as abundant pine forests.

Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in a range of activities in Dawaipani, including forest hikes, birdwatching, farm visits, and trekking. Positioned at a lofty altitude of 6,500 feet, Dawaipani enjoys a consistently cool climate throughout the year, except for the heavy monsoon rains in July and August. 

Dhotrey is around 45km away from Darjeeling. The Dhotrey Forest Rest House allows you to experience local hospitality amidst nature’s splendour.  It offers an awe-inspiring vista of the majestic Kanchenjunga, including the entire range of the “Sleeping Buddha” formation. It’s a sought-after base camp for iconic treks like Tonglu, Sandakphu, and Phalut. 

While this charming village is accessible year-round, the optimal time to relish its breathtaking scenery and the grandeur of Kanchenjunga is from October to January.  Additionally, another splendid season to explore Dhotrey is between March and early April when the air is infused with the fragrance and vibrant hues of magnolias and rhododendrons.

Lodhoma, a charming destination on the outskirts of Darjeeling, West Bengal, is situated approximately 16 kilometers away from Bijanbari and about 50 kilometres from the heart of Darjeeling. Explore nature trails, trekking, birdwatching, and tea gardens in the serene ambience of charming Lodhoma.

Lodhoma stands as an inviting haven for a revitalizing and invigorating escape. The best time to visit Lodhoma is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and optimal outdoor experiences.

Jhepi is an emerging offbeat destination just 35 km from Darjeeling town. Surrounded by imposing hills and serene nature, it captivates travellers with its tranquillity. The highlight of Jhepi is the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga, complemented by opportunities for short tea garden hikes, riverside walks, and birdwatching.

The village offers a range of accommodation options, including homestays, resorts, and eco stays, making it an enticing getaway for those seeking a serene escape in the Himalayas. The best time to visit Jhepi is from March to May and September to November for ideal weather and breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Gurdum, a tranquil village nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a dreamy escape for your upcoming short vacation.  Located near the Singalila range renowned for the Sandakphu-Phalut trek, Gurdum can be visited year-round.

You can visit this village at any time of the year to savour its natural beauty. The village also offers excellent camping opportunities, with most homestays equipped for camping. Exploring the small village on foot is a delightful experience, and you can witness organic farming as a way of life for the locals. Don’t miss the famous Damberkhola waterfall, just 3 km from Gurdum, adding to the region’s allure with its natural splendour.

7. Palmajua

Palmajua is a hidden gem tucked away within the Singalila National Park of Darjeeling district. It remains undiscovered by the majority of tourists. Palmajua’s allure lies in its natural beauty and the warmth of its local community. Palmajua is an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating escape.

It also has garnered a reputation as a haven for bird watchers, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide. The best time to visit Palmajua is from March to May and September to November, perfect for birdwatching and experiencing its serene ambience.

Sittong, a hidden treasure nestled amidst the mountains, offers a serene and less crowded alternative to well-known destinations like Kurseong and Darjeeling. Located just 33 km away from Darjeeling, this wintery wonderland provides the same beauty and tranquillity without the crowds. 

With its tea gardens, snow-capped peaks, heritage buildings, and iconic toy trains, Sittong promises an unforgettable experience for true travellers seeking unique getaways. The village is renowned for its orange orchards, being the primary producer of the world-famous Darjeeling Oranges. 

Sittong can be visited year long but the best time to visit Sittong is from October to April for pleasant weather and clear skies.

9. Srikhola

Srikhola, situated around 87 km from Darjeeling, is a picturesque village known for its tranquillity’s a stop along the famed Sandakphu and Phalut trek route, Srikhola offers respite for trekkers.  A haven for relaxation post-trek, Srikhola lures with the icy waters of the Srikhola River and opportunities for fishing. The river is home to trout and other fish. Its beauty extends to wildlife, being situated near the Singalila National Park.

The best time to visit Srikhola is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

10. Tabakoshi

Tabakoshi, offers a serene escape amidst the beauty of tea gardens and the soothing flow of the Rangbhang River. Just 8km downhill from Mirik, this village is a respite for tired souls. Surrounded by Gopaldhara, Thurbo, and Sangma Tea Estates, Tabakoshi boasts breathtaking landscapes.

The place is a blend of tranquillity and natural beauty, perfect for a rejuvenating getaway. The best time to visit Tabakoshi is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November, for pleasant weather and optimal outdoor experiences.

These 10 best offbeat places showcase the diverse beauty and rich cultural tapestry of this Himalayan wonderland. Whether you seek solace in nature’s embrace, wish to delve into history and tradition, or simply yearn for an escape from the ordinary, Darjeeling’s offbeat gems promise to leave an indelible mark on your soul. 

So, pack your bags, venture beyond the beaten path, and discover the hidden marvels that await you in the vicinity of Darjeeling, where every corner is a new adventure and every moment an opportunity to create lasting memories.

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