Darjeeling

Darjeeling, the famous Queen of the hills is the erstwhile summer capital of the British era Bengal Presidency.

As rightly quoted by the famous traveller Mark Twain “Land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that away for the shows of the rest of the world combined.”, Darjeeling offer the serenity of the Himalayas, the lush green valleys of evergreen forests, the magnificent views of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Kanchanjunga, the resonating echoes of the Buddhist Chants or the Chapel Bells and the essence of the Tea that the world praises as the best.

A rich colonial heritage of the British era which is still evident at every corner of this famous hill station also boast of the UNESCO Heritage of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways which still operates the last functional steam engine powered narrow gauge railway service connecting the plains with the hills.

Yes, Darjeeling offers it all and much more to call an experience worth visiting again and again.

Not to miss in Darjeeling

1. Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta): the town center of Darjeeling, is the converging point of all activities in Darjeeling.
2. Tiger Hill: best known spot for the dazzling sunrise view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. If the climate favours you may also have a glimpse Mt. Everest.
3. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI): A pioneering institute, museum and souvenir shop to encourage mountaineering in an organised manner. The famous Tenzing Norgay was the first director of field training for HMI.
4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: A high altitude wild life park and a home for the Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and lot more.
5. Lloyds Botanical Garden: a special place known to have a rare collection of various Himalayan plants and flowers.
6. Batasia Loop: a wonderful view point having a loop of the narrow gauge DHR traversed by the toy train containing a beautiful garden, a war memorial and views of Mt. Kanchenjungs and Darjeeling town to enchant.
7. The Japanese Peace Pagoda: A pagoda made under Japanese supervision to showcase the avatars of Buddha.
8. The Ghoom Monastery: Ghoom Monastery preserves some rare, handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.
9. Tea Gardens: A visit to a tea plantation is a must when in Darjeeling.
10. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: best place for authentic and exquisite hand crafted items like woolen carpets, shawls, carved wooden crafts, leather items and more.

And many more…

More Tourist Spots Around Darjeeling

Mirik

A small picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling around the lake Samendu which welcomes you for a relaxing stay and leisure activities like boating, horse riding etc. You may visit orange orchards around the area as well.

Kurseong

Located on the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri, Kurseong - “The place of white orchids”, is an area full of beautiful tea gardens, forests and year round vegetation on the hill slopes. Spectacular view of the mountains and plains below are a sight to cherish. The DHR toy train track runs on level with the road through this hill town.

Kalimpong

Kalimpong town is a small town, located about 2.5 hours drive from both Darjeeling and Siliguri. There are numerous viewpoints and rejuvenating locations with lovely sights of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, monasteries, temples, heritage buildings, parks, nurseries, heritage schools, charitable institutes etc.