DARJEELING- Of Snow Capped Mountains and Raj Nostalgia
Best places to visit in Darjeeling, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Darjeeling
A spectacular view of snow capped Himalayan peaks; rolling mountains carpeted with Tea Estates, stately vestiges of a Colonial past, ancient Buddhist monasteries and of course the Mall… makes Darjeeling in West Bengal one of the most popular hill stations in India. Essentially a walker’s town, Darjeeling is a maze of steps and terraces. The British may have left, but their legacy still lives on. Elegant Villas, Photo Studios, Hotels and Restaurants reflect the charm of the Colonial era.
Map of Darjeeling:
What’s Famous Here? Places You Should Not Miss in Darjeeling
Trekking in Darjeeling: There are a number of scenic trails cutting through the surrounding coniferous forests and tea gardens. The Gorkha Hill Council Tourist Office located at the Mall, offers guide services and free route maps.
Shopping in Darjeeling: There are a seemingly endless number of souvenir and antique shops which line the Mall and dot the town. Popular items include masks, tribal handicrafts, woolen shawls and sweaters, leather articles, semi-precious stones and jewelry and painted scrolls.
Three words of advice: bargain, bargain and bargain.
Toy Train: This quaint little train which wheezes up the mountains is a part and parcel of a Darjeeling holiday package. The three-coach train first puffed into the hill station way back in 1881. Even today it is a great way to reach Darjeeling, albeit at a Snail’s pace. The train puffs past pretty hamlets and the homesteads of the simple hill folk who live along the fertile slopes. Just 5 km from its final destination is the figure-eight Batasai Loop – an engineering marvel of sorts.
What to See? Tour package of Darjeeling sightseeing spots
The Mall: In Darjeeling it is customary to spend spare hours at the Mall, gazing out at snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas. And being centrally located, it serves as the point of reference for most of the tourist attractions in and around Darjeeling.
Ropeway: The first of its kind in India, this 8 km (45 minute) line connects Singla Bazaar to Northern Point (7000 feet).
Tiger Hill: The highest point in Darjeeling (11 km from the Mall) offers a panoramic view of the snowy peaks dominated by Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. It is particularly spectacular during sunrise. On a clear day you can see Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
Hindu Temples and Buddhists Monasteries: The Monasteries at Ghoo (8 km from the Mall) are a home to the Samten Choling Monastery of the Yellow Sect Buddhist and the Yiga Choling Monastery of the Tibetan Buddhist. Ghoom is accessible by train, bus or jeep.
Himalayan Zoological Park: The Park (2 km from the Mall) has a special breeding and research center for the rare Snow Leopard. Other residents include Siberian Tigers, the rare Red Pandas and Snow Yaks.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – HMI: Located 2 km from the Mall, the HMI exhibits memorabilia of notable climbing expeditions including the first conquest of Mt. Everest.
Natural History Museum: Has a rich collection of Himalayan fauna and butterflies and other natural treasures.
View the Kanchenjunga: For an uninterrupted view of the Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, try Bhan Bhakta Sarani and Observatory Hills.
Senchal Lake: A popular picnic spot near the Tiger Hills (11 km from the Mall).
Travel to Darjeeling:
Best Time to Visit: October to May.
Local Languages: Bengali, English, Nepali and Hindi.
How to Reach?:
AIR: You can take flights to Bagdogra. Regular bus and private cars/jeeps take you from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling via Siliguri.
RAIL: You can also take trains to Darjeeling. The nearest Station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) from where one can catch a bus or taxi to Darjeeling via Siliguri. One can also travel by the Toy Train to Darjeeling. The train leaves for Darjeeling every morning from the narrow gauge platform at NJP Station. On the return leg, the train leaves Darjeeling in the afternoon.
ROAD: You can also hire a car to Darjeeling or you can book bus tickets to Darjeeling. Regular bus and private cars/jeeps take you from Kalimpong – 50 km, Gangtok – 90 km, Siliguri – 77 km to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is also connected by bus to Kathmandu – 677 km.
Excursions from Darjeeling: Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Darjeeling
Kalimpong: Kalimpong, in the Lepcha dialect, means ‘the ridge where we play’. This is an apt description of this tiny town with hillsides thick with conifers and rhododendrons and a brilliant view of the snowy peaks of the Kanchenjunga.
Gangtok: With snowy mountains, forested hillsides, ancient monasteries and blooming Orchidariums, the capital city of the tiny mountain state of Sikkim is a delightful retreat.
Mirik: A quiet little town in natural settings is being developed as an alternative to the bustle of touristy Darjeeling.
Hotels and Resorts in Darjeeling (Link on hotels to Darjeeling page)
From state owned resorts to luxury hotels, this hill station looks after the accommodation needs of all.
Darjeeling Travel Packages:
Customize your travel. Write your requirements & we will revert with a quote as soon as possible.
Flights to Darjeeling : You can take flights to Bagdogra. Regular bus and private cars/jeeps take you from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling via Siliguri.
Trains to Darjeeling: You can also take trains to Darjeeling. The nearest Station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), from where one can catch a bus or taxi to Darjeeling via Siliguri. One can also travel by the Toy Train to Darjeeling. The train leaves for Darjeeling every morning from the narrow gauge platform at NJP Station. On the return leg, the train leaves Darjeeling in the afternoon.
Buses to Darjeeling : You can book bus tickets to Darjeeling. Regular buses take you from Kalimpong – 50 km, Gangtok – 90 km, Siliguri – 77 km to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is also connected by bus to Kathmandu – 677 km.
Car Hire in Darjeeling : To experience Darjeeling at your own pace, you can take a car hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Darjeeling. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Darjeeling.