1 of 2
Darjeeling, nestled in the northern region of West Bengal, is one of India’s most picturesque and iconic hill stations. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Darjeeling was a favoured summer retreat for British officials during the 19th century.
Perched at an altitude of 2,045 metres, this charming town is adorned with verdant tea gardens, captivating vistas, and a unique blend of cultural influences, including Indian, British, and Tibetan heritage.
A haven for hill-station enthusiasts, Darjeeling offers a perfect escape to beat the summer heat. The journey to Darjeeling itself is a mesmerising experience, with scenic roads lined by lush forests and sprawling tea plantations.
Often shrouded in mist, the route exudes an ethereal charm. Lucky travellers may even catch a glimpse of the world-famous Toy Tr...
Did you know that Darjeeling’s globally acclaimed tea is often referred to as the “Champagne of Teas”? Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling produces some of the finest teas in the world.
Additionally, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major attraction. This historic Toy Train still operates, offering an unforgettable ride through the majestic Himalayan landscapes, making the journey to Darjeeling as magical as the destination itself.
Additionally, Darjeeling offers astonishing views of the great Kangchenjunga, which is called "sleeping Budha" in the region. The enchanting markets and twitching roads of the town make this hill station an excellent human settlement. Monasteries are really great places to visit in Darjeeling when it comes to finding peace amidst chirping crowds.
Overall, Darjeeling is a must-visit hill s...
Darjeeling is the most popular hill station in the eastern region of India and hence attracts a significant number of domestic tourists along with international travellers. It is one of the very few hill stations that can be accessible by rail – on the iconic ‘Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, with prominent airlines offering direct flights from most major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc. From Bagdogra one can book a private taxi or shared taxi to reach Darjeeling.
By Road (Public Transport): Siliguri is the gateway to Darjeeling and one can book shared mini-buses or shared taxis or private taxis from here. Siliguri is a town that is well connected from Kolkata, Jalpaiguri and a few other cities and towns of India through buses.
Buses can be booked online from SBSTC (South Bengal State Transport Corporation) and NBSTC (North Bengal State Transport Corporation) websites.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri railway station is quite well connected to most large cities of India through regular trains. From here one can take the iconic ‘Toy Train’ and this journey takes something between 7 to 8 hours.
By Own Vehicle: First drive to Siliguri, the nearest town in the plains and then take NH 110 (Older Name - NH 55) also called Hill Cart Road. The road is filled with amazing views of the mountains and is about 77km in length.
Note: The road to Darjeeling from Siliguri is highly challenging due to sharp and blind turns and if you are unfamiliar with the roads, it is better to hire a taxi.
Tip: The easiest and most recommended way is to take a train to New Jalpaiguri or alternatively book a flight to Bagdogra and then hire a private/shared taxi from there which is easily available.
Mall Road & Chowrasta: Mall Road and Chowrasta are vibrant hubs for tourists in terms of Darjeeling Tourism. This area boasts iconic cafes, souvenir shops, and boutiques, making it a great spot for shopping and dining.
Chowrasta serves as the starting point of Mall Road and offers a scenic open square where kids can enjoy pony rides. On clear days, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The nearby Mahakal Temple, a revered religious site, is another must-visit destination.
Batasia Loop: The Batasia Loop is a picturesque location that offers stunning panoramic views of Darjeeling town and Mount Kanchenjunga. This beautifully landscaped spot features vibrant flowerbeds, a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers, and a circular railway track.
The loop was designed to reduce the gradient of the mountain ascent for the iconic Toy Train, which includes this location on its route. Visitors can click stunning photos here for a small entry fee.
Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is an essential stop for anyone visiting Darjeeling. Known for its mesmerising sunrise views, this spot offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the golden rays of the sun illuminating Mount Kanchenjunga and, on clear days, Mount Everest. The scenery from Tiger Hill is truly unforgettable and promises an experience worth cherishing.
Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple: The Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple are serene spots that provide a sense of tranquillity. Surrounded by lush greenery, these locations are perfect for reconnecting with nature.
At the Peace Pagoda, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and admire intricate artwork depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. These spots are ideal for meditation and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Ghoom Monastery: Also known as the Old Ghoom Monastery, this spiritual haven is famed for its stunning architecture and vibrant designs. It houses a 26-foot statue of Lord Buddha and a collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Visitors are encouraged to opt for a guided tour to navigate accessibility challenges and learn about the rich heritage of the monastery while adhering to its regulations.
Samten Choling Monastery: Often confused with the Ghoom Monastery, Samten Choling Monastery is another must-visit site. It features intricate carvings, sacred Buddhist texts, and a grand 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha. The tranquil surroundings of this monastery offer visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustling town.
Dali Monastery: Perched on the slopes of Darjeeling, the Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, popularly known as Dali Monastery, is a masterpiece of Tibetan-style architecture.
The monastery is adorned with elaborate carvings, colourful frescos, and houses a majestic 5-metre statue of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion. This spiritual landmark is a must-visit for its serene ambiance and cultural significance.
Rock Garden: The Rock Garden, located slightly outside the main town, is a beautifully designed park featuring lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. Its colourful flowers and well-maintained pathways make it a delightful place for nature lovers.
The road to the Rock Garden can be challenging, so hiring a local driver is advisable. Despite the tricky approach, the serene ambiance and stunning vistas make the journey worthwhile.
Other Prominent Places: There are many more superb tourist spots that you love to visit if you have more time, though some may be a bit far away. Some of the prominent ones would be Observatory Hill, Makdhog Buddhist Monastery, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Nightingale Shrubbery, Dhirdham Temple, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Lamahatta, Lava Bazaar, and many more.
Enjoy the Toy Train Ride and Soak Yourself in the Beautiful Vistas
Book either a steam or diesel joyride and enjoy the scenic beauty offered by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). You will love the ride to Ghum, India’s highest railway station, and have a chance to visit the Ghum Railway Museum.
Also, the train stops at Batasia Loop, and one can take some memorable selfies. The whole journey makes one feel like going back in time and getting the feel of colonial-era railways.
Enjoy the World-Famous Darjeeling Tea at Tea Gardens
Darjeeling has been known for its premium teas since colonial times, and one can enjoy the best tea while soaking in the amazing vistas of the Himalayas at Tea Gardens. People love to head to the Happy Valley Tea Garden for this amazing experience, and the view of the massive tea garden is a real treat for the eyes.
Discover the Joy of Ropeway
The Darjeeling Ropeway starts from North Point in Darjeeling to Singla, located on the banks of the river Ramman, and thus one can have some of the most amazing and diverse topography on the way. Passing over waterfalls, rivers, ridges, tea gardens, etc. becomes an experience for a lifetime.
Shop for souvenirs for your loved ones
One can buy souvenirs at Mall Road or let the kids enjoy a pony ride if one is travelling with their kids. There are some amazing cafes as well where one can enjoy the evening atmosphere. There are some superb outlets where one can enjoy the best cuisines while enjoying the pleasant surroundings.
Tips to consider when planning a trip to Darjeeling:
At Places to Visit India, we've a team of travel experts. Whether it's a Himalayan in the north or coastal in the west, team Places to Visit India can make plan you can't imagine.
The tour planners at Places to Visit India consider your specific requirements and budget and create a customize tour pindari glacier trekking package that you actually look for.
Our itinerary includes everything from starting to end, transportation, stay options, activities suggestions, costs, and more, costs only Rs. 199.
Please fill out and submit the inquiry form, and one of our travel experts will connect you.
Phone Numbers:
+91 9929107926
+91 9636344415
Email Addresses:
info@placestovisitindia.com
support@placestovisitindia.com
Office Address:
3/33, Prabhati marg
Chitrakoot, Jaipur 302021
India
