About Darjeeling

Darjeeling is known throughout the world for the tea plantation & the panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains & also known for its richness in cultural & natural heritage and the famous toy train that has been declared a UNESCO heritage. The district attracts millions of tourists every year for the variety of attractions it offers & beautiful colonial architecture, including mansions & Churches that dot this beautiful town. Filled with people from Tibet, Nepal, nearby Indian states, and the Gorkhas, Darjeeling is brimming with cultural diversity.

Nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mountain Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling, fondly called the Queen of the Hills, provides a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature. Household name because of its varieties of teas, Darjeeling is a hill station with vast expanses of tea estates and Tibetan influence in their craft, culture, and cuisine. Darjeeling is the name of a town & a district in the West Bengal state of India & is famous as one of the most important tourist destinations in the country.

Tourist Attractions In Darjeeling : 10

1: Toy Train

A visit to the region is incomplete without a ride in the toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The miniature train, given heritage status by UNESCO, covers the distance of 88 km between New Jalpaiguri station and Darjeeling town. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Darjeeling Toy Train, is a prominent crowd-puller in the beautiful hill station of West Bengal. The joy ride on this train commences at New Jalpaiguri, the busiest station in the plains. It then crosses and halts at various spots, such as the Siliguri Station, Mahanadi Bridge, Sukna Station, Rangtang Station, and Ghoom. In route, the train passes through many loops, the prominent one being the Batasia Loop, where the toy train makes a 360-degree turn & at this point, it feels as if being stepped into a fantasy world, where the bewitching panorama is simply out of the world.

2: Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill, 11 km from Darjeeling, is the highest point & takes about 40 minutes to reach & an ideal destination for hiking & trekking throughout the day. Besides amazing views of the Kanchenjunga Range, Tiger Hill renders a perfect view of the sunrise. The wind is so strong that it will make you shiver with cold in a matter of minutes. One of the most famous peaks in Darjeeling can be reached either by jeep or by foot which transverses through some of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling.

3: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is known for its famous Red Panda and Snow Leopard breeding program. The zoo, at an average elevation of 2,134 meters above sea level, is the largest high-altitude zoo in India & has some of the rare & endangered species in the zoo like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan mountain goats, clouded leopards, red pandas, and Siberian tigers. The zoo is a pleasant 20-minute downhill walk from Chowrasta along Jawahar Rd. West.

4: Happy Valley Tea Estate

Spread across a massive area of 437 acres, and situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling. The place is amidst some of the most breathtaking surroundings in India. It also has one of the highest tea factories in the world and was established in 1854 by an Englishman and was later taken over by an Indian aristocracy from Hoogly & a must-see place in Darjeeling. The scenic charm of this tea garden is heartwarming. Happy Valley is the most accessible Tea Estate, about 3 km from the town.

5: Chowrasta

Chowrasta is a famous street in Darjeeling at the locus of Mall Road, where tourists and locals gather to bask in the sun and hang around & set atop a ridge with an array of shops and restaurants. Notably, the architecture of this place is symbolic of the Victorian era in the region. The main highlights of this place are the Brabourne Park, Temple of Mahakal, food stalls, book stores, curio shops, and numerous vendors selling artifacts and other collectibles along the street. At Brabourne Park, one can enjoy marvelous views of the mountains or catch a glimpse of the beautiful musical fountain. At Chowrasta, one can either laze around while sitting on the benches or go for a pony ride for a fun-filled experience.

6: Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop can be visited when the famous Toy Train makes its way across a looped track those transverses through some beautiful parks. The place is known for housing a Gorkha war memorial. The loop covers an area of 50,000 square feet and descends 1,000 feet through tunnels, landscaped parks, and hillocks. The local crafts market nearby is a must-visit & on a clear day, the Batasia Loop renders clear views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

7: Mag-dhog Yolmowa Monastery

The Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery, locally known as Aloobari Monastery after its location, dedicated to world peace, is a famous sight on the Old Military Road. Sri Sangay Lama, a high priest of the Yolmowa community, a native of north-east Nepal who now resides in Darjeeling, started its construction in 1914 with the intention of warding off World War I. The monastery houses many idols of Lord Buddha and Padmasambhava & ancient Buddhist manuscripts & beautiful paintings.

8: Peach Pagoda

Perched on a hillside at the end of AJC Bose Rd., this gleaming white pagoda is one of more than 70 pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization. During the drumming puja sessions, visitors are offered a hand drum and encouraged to join in the rituals. Getting here involves a pleasant, gentle 30-minute walk from Club side junction along Gandhi and AJC Bose Rd., past the curiously named Institute of Astros particle Physics and Space Science. The symbol of peace and tranquillity has a magnificent view from the top.

9: Darjeeling Ropeway

The ropeway of Darjeeling, also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, one can have a mind-blowing view of the valley & the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, and mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the snow peaks at the background. It is one of the best ways to experience nature at its best and all in one place through a ropeway ride. Get off at a lower station and enjoy the tea estates, walk through the tea gardens, or relax and enjoy the view.

10: Trekking In Gorkha Hill

Offering a sweeping view of four out of the five highest peaks of the world, Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse, all in a single stretch, Darjeeling offers some of the best trekking routes in the world. Singalila range is one of the most popular trekking routes, while Sandakphu & Singalila Trek, Phalut Trek, Gorkha Hill Trek, and Sikkim Trek Dzongri & Goechala are some of the other trekking routes in Darjeeling.

How To Reach Darjeeling

By Air - Bagdogra Airport is the nearest air connection which is 96 kilometres away from Darjeeling. Many carriers like Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air run direct flights from Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata to Darjeeling.

By Bus - The regular bus service from Siliguri (which is approximately 70 kilometres away) to Darjeeling is quite slow but economical. Similar bus services are also available from neighbouring towns like Kurseong and Kalimpong which is 31 and 50 kilometres away respectively. Even Gangtok city runs daily buses to Darjeeling.

By Train - The Darjeeling railway station is administered by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR). The nearest railway station in Darjeeling is at New Jalpaiguri i.e. 62 kilometres from the main town which connects major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar and Cochin.

By Self Drive - The road network in Darjeeling is quite good and one can easily venture out to Darjeeling from nearby cities like Siliguri, Kalimpong and Kurseong. In route, one can also enjoy stunning mountain beauty as well as the green environs.

Local Transport - For the little town that is Darjeeling, walking around carefree in salubrious environs is the perfect way to enjoy time here. For longer trips around town, taxis are the best bet and are easily available in stands close to the Mall Road entrance.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Darjeeling)

Famous Dishes and Places to Eat in Darjeeling: Exploring the Culinary Delights

When it comes to culinary experiences, Darjeeling offers a delightful array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From traditional Tibetan delicacies to international flavors, this charming hill station in West Bengal, India, has something for everyone.

1. Momos - Steamed Dumplings:

Momos, a beloved Tibetan dish, have become a staple in Darjeeling's food scene. These delectable steamed dumplings are filled with a variety of fillings, such as vegetables, chicken, pork, or even cheese. Served with a spicy dipping sauce, momos make for a perfect snack or a light meal. You can find them in numerous street stalls and small eateries across Darjeeling.

2. Thukpa - Noodle Soup:

Warm yourself up with a comforting bowl of Thukpa, a hearty Tibetan noodle soup. This flavorful dish features handmade noodles cooked in a fragrant broth along with vegetables, meats, and herbs. Thukpa is not only delicious but also a popular choice for its nourishing qualities. Visit local Tibetan restaurants to savor this soul-soothing delight.

3. Darjeeling Tea:

No visit to Darjeeling is complete without experiencing the world-renowned Darjeeling tea. Known for its unique aroma and delicate flavors, Darjeeling tea is a must-try for tea enthusiasts. Take a break from exploring and visit one of the tea houses or tea estates to savor a cup of this exquisite tea. The aromatic notes and smooth taste will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

4. Glenary's Bakery & Cafe:

Glenary's Bakery & Cafe is an iconic establishment in Darjeeling that has been serving delicious treats since the early 1900s. Indulge your sweet tooth with a wide range of pastries, cakes, and cookies. The bakery also offers a delectable selection of savory items like sandwiches and pies. Enjoy your meal in the cozy ambiance of the cafe while admiring the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

5. Keventer's:

For a classic breakfast experience, head to Keventer's, a popular eatery located on Nehru Road. Treat yourself to a hearty English breakfast complete with eggs, sausages, bacon, toast, and baked beans. Keventer's is also known for its delicious milkshakes and thick hot chocolate. Grab a table near the large windows and soak in the charming atmosphere of Darjeeling while relishing your meal.

6. Sonam's Kitchen:

If you're in the mood for international flavors and cozy vibes, Sonam's Kitchen is a must-visit. This charming cafe offers a diverse menu featuring pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Don't miss their signature banana pancakes topped with honey or chocolate sauce. Sonam's Kitchen is renowned for its warm hospitality and homemade-style meals.

7. Glenary's Restaurant:

Adjacent to the bakery, Glenary's Restaurant is a perfect choice for a delightful lunch or dinner. The restaurant serves a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes. From flavorful curries to sizzling stir-fries, the menu caters to

Weather & Quick Info Of Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a beautiful lush green hill station & a perfect holiday destination for nature & heritage lovers.

The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to July.

The ideal time required to explore Darjeeling is 3-4 days.

Darjeeling has many nearby picturesque scenic destinations like Mirak, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Gangtok & many more.

Best Hotels In Darjeeling

Viceroy Hotel Darjeeling

Price: ₹ 6600.00

Updated Dec 21

Hotel

17 Gandhi Rd, Nr Clock Tower, Limbugaon, Darjeeling 734101, West Bengal, India
Star Rating:
Near By: Clock Tower
Hotel Detail

Share / View Experiences :
Amenities: Elevator,Wifi,Restaurant or Fine Dine Area,Banquet Facilities,Laundry Facilities
69.5 km

64.3 km

published on 2023-12-13

Hotel Saluja

Price: ₹ 900.00

Updated Nov 1

Hotel

hill Cart Rd, Siliguri Darjeeling 734001, West Bengal, India
Near By: Siliguri
Hotel Detail

Share / View Experiences :
Amenities: Lift, Parking, Conference Or Meeting Rooms, Wifi, Restaurant or Fine Dine Area, Banquet Facilities, Laundry Facilities, Room Service
14.1 km

6 km

published on 2023-11-01

Best Travel Agents In Darjeeling

Darjeeling To Chatakpur 2 Day Hiking

Price: $ 175/person

Updated 25 Jan 2018

Adventure

Experience Type

Organizer : Ashmita Trek And Tours
Destinations:
View Detail
Inclusions:
Share / View Experiences :

Published on: 2018-01-25 14:07:06

Discover Sikkim Mountain Bike Tour

Price: Available on Enquiry