7 Must- Darjeeling Places to Visit
Darjeeling places to visit
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Himalayas. Known for its sprawling tea estates, breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, and vibrant Tibetan culture, Darjeeling offers a mesmerizing experience for travelers. Enjoy the iconic Tiger Hill for stunning sunrise views, visit the serene Peace Pagoda, or ride the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the beauty of Darjeeling.
How to Reach Darjeeling:
The nearest major airport is in Bagdogra, around 90 km from Darjeeling town. Many visitors prefer to fly into Bagdogra and then hire a cab or take a shared vehicle to reach Darjeeling. Alternatively, you can also take a train to the New Jalpaiguri station, which is around 72 km away from Darjeeling town.
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between March and May when the weather is cool and pleasant (average temperature around 15°C). The monsoon months of June to September receive quite a bit of rainfall, though the surroundings look lush and green during this season. December and January can get quite cold with occasional snowfall.
Must Darjeeling Places to Visit
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the stunning Himalayan mountain range. It is famous for its tea gardens, cool climate, and spectacular views of the mighty Kanchenjunga Peak. If you are planning a trip to Darjeeling, here are 7 top Darjeeling places to visit you should not miss:
Tiger Hill
One of the biggest draws of Darjeeling is the chance to witness a gorgeous sunrise over the Kanchenjunga snow peaks. Tiger Hill is the premier spot for this awe-inspiring spectacle, situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters above sea level. On a clear morning, the first rays of the sun light up the entire massif in vibrant shades of orange and gold. Watching the snow-capped peaks get illuminated one by one is a magical sight. Many tourists wake up at the crack of dawn around 4 am to make the drive up to Tiger Hill and secure a good vantage point for the 6 am sunrise.
Batasia Loop and War Memorial
The Batasia Loop is a unique piece of engineering – it is a spiral railway track designed to allow the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train to descend the steep hill slopes. As the tiny blue train rounds the loop, it almost seems to join its tail. Next to the loop is the Gorkha War Memorial, constructed in honor of the brave Gorkha soldiers who have served in the Indian army. The landscaped gardens surrounding the memorial offer fantastic views of the winding toy train tracks and Kanchenjunga in the distance. Both the loop and memorial are open from dawn to dusk with no entry fees.
Rock Garden and Batasia Pailhouse
The Batasia Pailhouse is an imposing colonial-style structure located on Observatory Hill, about 5 km from central Darjeeling. It used to house the water reservoir of the town in British times. Today, the surrounding area has been converted into the beautiful Rock Garden, with manicured gardens, sculpted hedges, and scenic viewpoints where you can spot the toy train as it chugs up the hillside. Walk along the pebbled pathways, admire the landscaping, and take plenty of photos at this relaxing spot. The gardens are open from 6 am to 6 pm with no entry fees.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Everest Museum
Established in 1954, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has trained some of India’s top mountaineers who have achieved great feats scaling the Himalayas. On its campus is the acclaimed Everest Museum, dedicated to the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965. The museum has an array of displays including equipment, audio-visual accounts, and a life-size sculpture of the peak itself. You can learn all about the history, preparation, and challenges of climbing the world’s highest mountain. Entry is Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners, and the museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This large zoological park is situated around 6 km from central Darjeeling. It was established in 1958 to conserve and research endangered Himalayan species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Tibetan Wolf. Walking through the well-planned trails and habitats, you can observe these rare animals up close in their natural environments. Other attractions in the park include a snake house, an animal nursery, and an interpretation center with interactive displays on Himalayan biodiversity. The hours are 8 am to 4 pm and entry fees are Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 60 for foreigners. It’s an excellent educational outing for both kids and adults.
Ghum Monastery
Also known as the Samten Tseling Gompa, the Ghum Monastery is one of the most ancient and revered Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. Built in 1875, the yellow-roofed monastery features traditional Tibetan architecture with intricately painted walls, prayer wheels, and images of Buddhist deities and lamas. There is a huge 26-foot seated Buddha statue outside the main prayer hall. While the monastery remains a working Buddhist institution, visitors are allowed inside with the purchase of tickets (Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners). It is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Remember to dress conservatively and follow all rules when visiting.
Tea Gardens
No visit to Darjeeling is complete without exploring the scenic tea gardens that are the pride of the region. The Himalayan slopes around Darjeeling are blanketed in emerald-green tea plantations, with workers nimbly plucking the fresh ‘two leaves and a bud’ that ultimately make the perfect Darjeeling tea. Guided tours are offered at several tea estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate and Singhell Tea Estate, where you can walk the plantation trails, learn about tea processing, and also visit the factory to see how the leaves are sorted, dried, and packaged. Many gardens also have on-site tea houses where you can sample the locally produced tea while admiring the panoramic hill views.
In summary,
Darjeeling offers a plethora of enchanting destinations to explore. From the stunning sunrise views at Tiger Hill to the tranquil Peace Pagoda and the vibrant Batasia Loop, each spot holds its charm. With its tea gardens, toy train rides, scenic viewpoints, and rich Buddhist culture, Darjeeling makes for an enchanting getaway in the Himalayas. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or history lover, Darjeeling has something for everyone.
Enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas and the rich culture of this hill station, creating memories to last a lifetime. So start planning your trip to this beautiful hill station.
FAQs
Q1: When is the best time to visit Darjeeling?
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between March and May, or September and December when the weather is pleasant and clear.
Q2: What are the best places to visit in Darjeeling?
Some of the best places to visit in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Rock Garden, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and Ghum Monastery.
Q3: What adventure activities can we do in Darjeeling?
Adventure activities in Darjeeling include trekking, rock climbing, river rafting, and camping in the scenic Himalayas.
Q4: What is the approximate cost for a 3-day trip to Darjeeling?
A 3-day trip to Darjeeling for a couple can cost around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing.
Q5: What can we do on a 3-day visit to Darjeeling?
On a 3-day visit, you can witness the sunrise at Tiger Hill, explore the Batasia Loop, visit the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, and go trekking or river rafting.
Also Read:
5 Must Places to Visit in Kolkata
7 Amazing Places to Visit in Chikmagalur- The Hidden Gems
References:
https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/
