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Darjeeling is located in the northern part of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is famous worldwide on account of its produce of the finest variety of tea. Darjeeling is located in the lower Himalayas along the Mahabharat Range. The town was established in the mid-19th century by the British and had soon earned fame for its vast tea estates that produce the best Tea in the world. The city was under the rule of the kingdom of Sikkim till it was possessed by the Gorkhas and then it came under British rule. Darjeeling is located at a height of 2050 meters and has a rich legacy of culture, history and tradition. It has a very pleasant climate all through the year and is a popular tourist spot. Below is a list of the best places one can visit in Darjeeling.
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It’s a sheer delight to watch the magnificent sunrise in Tiger hill Darjeeling. The first rays of the dawn beckon the heavenly beauty to earth to satiate human souls with peace and gratitude. The layers of misty mountains of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kangchenjunga together forms a perfect canvas for the artist and nature lovers in you. Tiger Hill is a very famous peak and can be reached either by jeep or by foot meandering through some of the oldest tea plantations of Darjeeling. Located at a height of 2590 meters, it is also a trekkers’ paradise.
| Batasia Loop Timings | 5 AM to 8 PM |
| Entry Fee | Rs. 10 per person |
Also Read: Things to do in Darjeeling & Best Time to visit Darjeeling
The most attractive tourist activity in Darjeeling is to enjoy the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or the ‘Toy Train’. It is a 2-feet, narrow gauge rail that runs zigzag and in a loop between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. It was between 1879 and 1881 and runs up to a height of more than 7,000 feet. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the oldest and highest railway lines in the world and in 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and covers a distance of 78 km. The heritage train crosses 13 stations, including Ghoom, the highest railway station in India.
Suggested Read: How to Reach Darjeeling
The train still operates with the original steam engines, and it attracts tourists from all across the world. The loops are extraordinary examples of human endeavour and world-class engineering. The journey offers stunning scenic views and can be called one of the most enjoyable train journeys in India. The slow pace allows passengers to hop on and off the moving train. A bird’s eye view of the Darjeeling town spread below, and the beauty of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga are spectacular additions to the joy.
| Ticket bookings | One can book tickets online through the Indian Railway’s official website, and also at any computerized reservation counter. |
| Train Options | Visitors can choose between the options of a steam engine train or a diesel engine. |
| Ticket prices | Joy Ride First Class (Round Trip): Rs. 1300 for Steam Engine & Rs. 800 for Diesel Engine. Jungle Safari: Rs. 610 per Person Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri: Rs. 1285 per Person for First Class |
| Train Timings | Toy Train Joy Ride (Darjeeling to Ghoom): 8 AM, 10. 40 AM, 1.20 PM & 4 PM Toy Train Jungle Safari (Siliguri to Rangtong): 10.30 AM New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling: 8.30 AM (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri: 8 AM (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) |
Batasia Loop is the famous railway loop in Darjeeling of West Bengal as the ‘Toy Train’ makes its way across a looped track situated below the Ghoom Station. The loop goes around a beautiful park and was constructed in 1919 as an engineering requirement to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway when it seemed impossible to navigate the narrow-gauge train to navigate a steep fall. Batasia Loop also has a Gorkha war memorial and at this point as the train spirals up the hill you will get a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains, while in the toy train you can witness a 360 degrees view of Darjeeling. The loop covers an area of 50,000 square feet and passes through landscaped parks and hillocks. The passengers also enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga & other snow-capped Himalayan Peaks.
| Batasia Loop Timings | 5 AM to 8 PM |
| Entry Fee | Entry Fee Rs. 10 per person |
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is known for being the conservatory aiding in the breeding of legendary and endangered Red Panda and Snow Leopard. The park covers an extended area of 67.56 acres at a height of 2,134 meters. It is also the largest high-altitude zoo in India. Other rare animals that you can see here Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan Mountain goat and Siberian tigers.
| Timings | 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM in Summers; 8.30 AM to 4.00 PM in Winters |
| Entry Fee | Rs. 10 per person |
Located at an altitude of approximately 2134 meters above sea level the Singalila National Park is situated in the highest regions of West Bengal. The park is known for its amazing peaks and the panoramic views of the lesser Himalayas. The National Park is famous as a trekker’s paradise with a large variety of mountainous vegetation, fauna, and birds. The wildlife includes rare and endangered species like the Red Panda, Black Bear, Leopard, Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Serow, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin and Takin.
| Singalila National Park Timings | 6 AM to 7 PM; closed from 16 June to 15 September |
| Entry Fee | Indians: INR 100 Foreigners: INR 200 Still Camera: INR 100 Video Camera: INR 500 |
Built during 1885-1985 by a Japanese, Nichidatsu Fuji, who was a Buddhist monk from Japan, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is at a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The Buddhist shrine is a beautiful white structure with golden sculptures resting picturesquely on the slopes of the Jalapahar hill in Darjeeling. This 23-metre wide and 28.5-meter high pagoda is one of the several others built across the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization. M. Ohka designed this tallest structure in Darjeeling and aims to spread peace and prosperity across the globe.
| Japanese Peace Pagoda Timings | 4 AM to 7 PM; prayer timings are from 4:30am to 6am and 4:30pm to 6:30pm |
| Entry Fee | Free entry |
The Neora Valley National Park was established in 1986 and is spread across an expansive 88 square kilometres. An important biological zone of the north-east, the Neora Valley National Park is the home to the largest populations of Red Panda in India. The park was and is a home to several endangered and rare species of flora and fauna.
| Neora Valley National Park Timings | 8 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM t0 4 PM; Closed on Thursdays |
| Entry Fee | Rs. 100 per person |
Darjeeling Mall Road is the central place to feel the vacation vibes. Here you can shop till you drop from the busy market shops all day long. It remains bustling till the late hours in the evening and here you will find an extraordinary variety of knick-knacks and all other things that you might want to shop for. The shops remain crowded with excited tourists and the restaurants throb with the aroma of Darjeeling cuisines. Items of local handicrafts such as exquisitely designed carpets, hand-embroidered shawls, Tibetan masks, costume jewellery, uniquely designed woollen items are to be found in the shops of Darjeeling Mall Road.
| Darjeeling Mall Road Timings | 10 AM to 8.30 PM; Closed on Thursdays |
| Entry Fee | Entry free |
Dali Monastery is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Railway Station. It is also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery and is an important tourist attraction in Darjeeling.
Dali Monastery belongs to the Kargyupa sect and was built by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche in 1971. His Holiness Dalai Lama inaugurated this Buddhist monastery in 1993 and it is an important centre. for preservation of the age-old culture and tradition of the Tibetan monks. Dali Monastery is built in traditional Tibetan style of architecture and is the headquarters and the residence for Drukchen Rinpoche the XII, the supreme leader of the Kargyupa sect.
Here, resides 210 monks who came to live here from the Himalayan region. A small library inside the monastery caters to people interested in Buddhism and the philosophical acts of life.
| Dali Monastery Timings | 7 AM to 7 PM |
| Entry Fee | Entry free |
| Best time to visit Dali Monastery | In the morning or in the evening, when the prayers and chanting take place |
Darjeeling is located in the Himalayan foothills and that makes this place a wonderful destination for trekking and hiking trails. Among the most popular and known trekking trails around the city, Sandakphu is immensely picturesque and enjoyable. Sandakphu trek is a moderate scale trek and offers you spectacular scenic landscape views. Reach Sandakphu at 11,929 feet to have a glimpse of the surrounding hills and valleys all across. Sandakphu being the highest peak in West Bengal, the trekkers can enjoy some grand views of the mighty Himalayan peaks and have your full dose of thrill and excitement. An excellent destination for adventure freaks and nature lovers.
| Location | The trek begins at Manebhanjan, West Bengal |
| Dali Monastery Timings | 7 AM to 7 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free entry |
| Best time to visit Dali Monastery | In the morning or in the evening, when the prayers and chanting take place |
Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway started its operation in 1968 and since then it has become an attractive tourist destination of Darjeeling over the years. Both young and old love to enjoy a ride on this and have a mesmerizing view of the beautiful sprawling hill station of Darjeeling from high up in the exclusive ropeway. The layers of lush green verdant tea estates, dense forests, breath-taking flora and fauna and the snow-capped mountain peaks of Everest and Kanchenjunga, the glory of Darjeeling beauty can be enjoyed unhindered. There are about 16 cable cars carrying a minimum of six people per ride across an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet. The cable car travels from the North Point in Singmari to the Singla Bazaar. Click your heart away at the amazing Darjeeling landscape all around.
| Location | Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal; Ride stretches from North Point in Singmari to the Singla Bazaar. |
| Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway Timings | 10 AM to 4 PM (Winter and Monsoon) 10 AM to 2 PM (Summer and Autumn) |
| Entry Fee | The ticket cost for Indians was around INR 200 per person and INR 100 for children aged between 3 and 8 years, and for foreign nationals, it was approximately INR 310 per person. |
| Best time to visit Rangit Valley Ropeway | The best time to visit the Rangit Valley Ropeway is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and then again from September to November. |
Rimbik is a small sleepy and hilly town located in the Singalila National Park region in Darjeeling. It is considered an off-beat place and is famous for its trekking routes. This place is gradually gaining popularity among travellers and its proximity to Singalila National park and Sandakphu is an added bonus. These two routes are famous and busy for most part of the year as they are looked upon as two of the best treks in the Eastern part of India. On the way towards Sandaphu, the trekkers need to pass through the Singalila National park, which is home to the famous and elusive red panda and unadulterated natural beauty, silence and peace.
| Location | Rimbik is basically a small village located in the periphery of Sangalila National Park and is a gorgeous holiday destination in Darjeeling. |
| Rimbik highlight | The highlight of Rimbik is the amazing view of Kanchenjunga ranges. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Dhirdham temple are the most popular tourist places in Rimbik. |
| Best time to visit Rimbik | The best time to visit Rimbik is from spring to winters, which is between March and November with mild rains. Avoiding the monsoons is recommended. |
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a premier mountaineering institute famous across the globe. It was established on November 4, 1954, by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The institute majorly aims to encourage the inclination of people towards mountaineering as a sport. Currently, this institute is marked as one of the best schools for mountaineering training and is a lucrative option for aspiring mountaineers to fulfil their dreams. Ever since it was founded, it has produced more than 50,000 students who have succeeded in becoming great mountaineers. Out of these incredible numbers of students, more than 20,000 belong to countries outside India. The location of the institute is immensely picturesque, surrounded by the mighty Kanchenjunga, which lures travellers and tourists to this spot.
| Location | Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling. |
| Entry Fee | INR 40 per person (additional charges for camera) |
| Timing | 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM – Closed on Tuesdays and during off-season |
Initially the museum was conceived at a low budget in 1903 under the initiative of the then Governor of Bengal a range of butterflies and birds of the locality. Later on the establishment was shifted to a more accommodating building and the management of the museum was taken over by the newly formed Bengal Natural Museum Society in 1923. Currently, this museum is a great place for the lovers of history and nature. Bengal Natural History Museum is one of the most prominent museums and unique in its diversity showcasing a wide variety of birds with nests, eggs, reptiles, insects and mammals of interest. The museum is said to house more than 820 specimens of bird species that can be quite a fountain of knowledge to the ones interested.
| Location | Jorethang Road, Darjeeling. |
| Ticket Price | The combined ticket price of all three places: Bengal Natural History Museum, Darjeeling Zoo and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is Rs. 60/- per person. |
| Timing | It stays open on Friday to Wednesday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and closed on Thursdays and National holidays. |
Ghoom Monastery is one of the most fabulous places to be in your Darjeeling trip. It is located at a height of approximately 8,000 feet. Ghum Monastery is also known as Yiga Choeling. It was established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, it has a 15-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha, which stands tall in the main hall of the Monastery and is one of the oldest Tibetan Monasteries in Darjeeling. It has a massive collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts and preserved records that can be of immense importance to Buddhist religious connoisseurs. The collection includes 108-volume Kangyur which is believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself. Its walls are painted with beautiful representations of Buddhist literature and Tibetan art. History of Ghum Monastery dates back to 1850 when its external structure was established by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. He headed the operation of the monastery till 1905.
| Location | It is located adjacent to Sterling Darjeeling, at the quiet end of the Old Monastery Road, Ghoom, Darjeeling. |
| Entry Fee | No entry fee, INR 10 charges for carrying camera and INR 50 for video shooting. |
| Timing | 9 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week. |
The Rock Garden was constructed by the Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department to make Darjeeling more alluring for tourists after a temporary lull in tourism due to the political agitations of the 1980s that disrupted tourism for a while. It is a lush green, exquisitely landscaped, multi-level picnic ground that is designed around a natural waterfall. Spread on the hill slopes at an altitude of 2,134 metres, the Rock Garden was successful in becoming a centre of tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Today, it spans across a sizeable area about 10 km from Darjeeling along the Hill Cart Road that offers scenic views of the tea gardens and green picturesque valleys. The garden overlooks a hill stream cascading down the rocky slopes, known as Chunnu summer fall, with flower gardens blushing at various places at different levels. There is also a small lake and the area bustles on a usual day with tourists coming in huge numbers and hanging around at the tea shops and snack kiosks.
| Location | It is located along Hill Cart Road at Chunnu Summer Falls in the Darjeeling town. |
| Entry Fee | There are small kiosks, shops selling knick-knacks outside the park’s ticket counters. Entry ticket for Rock Garden INR 20 per person and for Ganga Maya Park is also INR 20 per person. |
| Timing | 8 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week. |
The Mahakal Mandir is a famous tourist spot of Darjeeling and is located at the peak of Darjeeling Observatory Hill. Leaving the road, it involves a hike of about 20 minutes to the temple. The steep uphill trek to the temple is a bit exhausting, but the end of the trek offers the satisfaction and joy of reaching the temple. Signboards along the way guide the travellers till they reach the destination. The trek in itself is a pleasant experience where one can enjoy the beauty of simple things and simple mountain life. The picturesque cottages set against the gorgeous mountains and green valleys make the experience almost magical. At times when the clouds float downwards, one can even touch the clouds and have a memorable vacation in Darjeeling and carry back a bagful of incredible memories. The religious atmosphere that pervades all around mingles with the natural beauty to complete the joy of creation and divinity. One small caution can be to beware of monkeys on the way as they might try to snatch things, especially food items, from the travellers.
| Location | It is located along Chauk Bazaar behind the Chowrasta and flanked by the Mall Road on the ridge of Darjeeling town. |
| Entry Fee | No entry fee |
| Timing | 8 AM to 5.30 PM on all days of the week. |
The Observatory Hill of Darjeeling is famous for the Buddhist and Hindu temples that are spread across the hill slopes and peaks. Some of the important temples can be named as Mahakal Temple, Tibetan Memorial Shrine and Kanchenjunga Temple that attract a lot of tourists. The point where The Mahakal Temple can be seen now was originally occupied by a Buddhist Monastery for the Bhutias. Though it no longer exists, still this Observatory Hill is held close to heart by the Bhutias and a lot of religious significance is attached to it. The trekking and hiking trails along this Hill are absolutely soaked with beauty. A mystical small cave is located at a distance of about 15-minute walk from the Hill, which people visit and feel blessed. This Observatory is one of the oldest sites of the city and thus, it is quite a popular tourist spot of Darjeeling.
| Location | It is located Naya Basti in the Darjeeling town. |
| Entry Fee | No entry fee |
| Timing | 7 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week. |
Bhutia Busty Monastery is located in the Bhutia Colony after it was shifted from the Observatory Hill. The Monastery was established in 1761 by the Lama Dorje Rinzing. It was attacked and plundered and suffered damage in 1815 and had to be rebuilt in 1861. After being relocated in 1879 to the Colony it again underwent extensive damage in the earthquake, following which it was renovated in 1934. It is a cherished destination for tourists, and its rich historical legacy and tradition attracts a lot of visitors from far and near. The Monastery is built and designed in a traditional Tibetan style that has the aura of Sikkim culture. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhists and exhibits murals that depict the story of Buddha. The walls of the Monastery depict the stories related to Buddhism but photography is strictly not allowed inside the building.
| Location | It is located in Bhutia Busty Rd, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling town. |
| Entry Fee | No entry fee |
| Timing | 10 AM to 4 PM on all days of the week. |
Chowrasta is a favourite haunt of all young and old coming for a Darjeeling trip. It is the city’s Mall Market, located absolutely in the heart of the city of Darjeeling. It is a throbbing and bustling centre making it literally the heart. It is the main market area and caters to locals and tourists alike. Chowrasta means four-way and you can enjoy glorious warm sunshine, or a crimson sunset, a warm cup of coffee or a filling breakfast, Chowrasta is the place to be. Enjoying local and international delicacies at roadside stalls or stylish eateries, collecting souvenirs and carrying memories back, all can happen while you are at Chowrasta. See and relish the real face of Darjeeling at Chowrasta.
| Location | It is located at the Mall in Darjeeling town. |
| Entry Fee | No entry fee |
| Timing | Chowrasta remains open from 10 AM to 9 PM |
Shruberry Nightingale Park is located around 1.5 km from Darjeeling Mall, and one has to access it through a steep climb and offers a breath-taking view from the top. The Nightingale Park is well maintained and invites a huge influx of tourists all through the year. The stunning views of the rolling hills and the mighty Kanchenjunga is a soothing site for city dwellers. The park is ideal for a leisurely vacation visit and lazy stroll amidst misty mountains, a family picnic or just a relaxing break doing nothing except staring at the mountains. Years ago, the Shrubbery Nightingale Park served as a private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow in the British times of the 1900s. A giant statue of Lord Shiva, a green sprawling meadow inside the park, a musical fountain and the snowy peaks of Himalayas create an ambience to seek out for when in Darjeeling. This park is one of the best tourist attractions in Darjeeling and should be included in the travel itinerary of Darjeeling trip. To promote folk art and cultural traditions, Nepalese and regional programs are performed everyday inside the park.
| Location | The Shrubbery Nightingale Park is located close to the Chowrasta Mall on Jawahar Road of Darjeeling and is easily accessible from the Mall by a 10-minute walk. |
| Entry Fee | Entry fee, INR 20 per person |
| Timing | 8 AM to 8 PM on all days of the week; if you want to be a part of the spectators watching the evening cultural program then reach the venue before 4 PM. |
Darjeeling is a favourite haunt of people with a spiritual bent of mind and also for lovers of architecture and ancient traditions. St. Andrew’s Church is an old Anglican church that belongs to the British colonial era and has a distinct old-world charm that draws people from all across throughout the year. It had many Scottish soldiers and tea planters residing in the Darjeeling Hill area as its early patrons and worshippers. The edifice is named after a patron saint of Scotland and was established on November 30, 1843. The structure was affected adversely in the massive earthquake of 1873 and was renovated after the disaster. It is now every visitor’s delight. Located strategically, in the vicinity of the Darjeeling Mall area, it enjoys ample adulation from the locals and the tourists. Dressing conservatively while visiting St. Andrew’s Church, Darjeeling, is recommended as its sacredness is fiercely protected by the local Scottish community.
| Location | Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling. |
| Entry Fee | Entry fee, INR 20 per person |
| Timing | It opens at 9 AM on every Sunday from March to November and at 9.30 AM every Sunday from December to February. |
The Happy Valley Tea Estate of Darjeeling is spread across an area sprawling of over 437 acres and is frequented by travellers and tourists. It is the second oldest tea estate of Darjeeling perched at a height of 2,100 metres making it one of the most high-altitude tea estates globally. Happy Valley Tea Estate is a very important tourist destination of Darjeeling as it is the home to the tea factory of one of the highest qualities in the world. The tea factory was established here in 1854 by an Englishman and now it is under the care and operation of a business family of Indian aristocracy hailing from Hooghly. The tea factory is bound to bring eternal joy to tea lovers and as soon as you step into the factory the fresh and additive aroma of tea will fill your senses. Apart from its own attraction of the enticing fragrance of tea, you can also enjoy some spectacular views of the majestic Kanchenjunga peak.
| Location | Lebong Cart Road, Chauk Bazaar, near Darjeeling. |
| Entry Fee | Entry fee is INR 100 per person. |
| Timing | It stays open from 8 AM to 4.00 PM every Tuesday to Saturday. |
Tinchuley is as amazing and unique as its name. This small hill hamlet is tucked away from the main city, Tinchuley is known for its tea plantations, fruit orchards, meandering Teesta and Ranjeet Rivers and magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges close at hand. Rest, relax and soak in the peaceful vibes of the natural beauty that pervades the atmosphere all around in abundance throughout this village. The misty weather of Tinchuley adds to the gorgeous sunsets and the thrill of unexplored wild jungle trails and creates a heaven on earth for nature lovers. The quiet place is however full of scope for thrill through recreational activities, such as camping, trekking, rappelling and mountain climbing. But gazing at the blue sky from the comfort of your hammock all day long and healing your mind, body and soul is also an attractive option. Tinchuley is a perfect vacation spot close to the facilities and hustle and bustle yet having an aura of natural vibes and beauty of its own. If you want to get away from the enthusiastic rush of Darjeeling tourism, Tinchuley is a perfect option.
| Location | Tinchuley is located at a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling in the Darjeeling district right at the Sikkim Border and 25 km from Kalimpong, at a height of about 5800 feet. |
| Best time to visit | The best time to visit the hamlet of Tinchuley is in the summer months, between March and May. The weather is dry and pleasant during this time. October to January might also be an alternative option. |
Tenzing Rock as the name implies, is a large natural rock named after Tenzing Norgay, who is the legendary first man to climb Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953. This rock also serves as the training area for both amateur and professional rock climbers or mountain climbers. It is known that Tenzing himself practiced climbing here, which increases the significance of this destination among the tourists, especially those who are adventure lovers. In fact, every year, the Indian Army organizes rock climbing competitions at Tenzing Rock. Tenzing Rock is where the Indian Army holds the annual rock-climbing competitions. The meandering streams nearby or the rain might make the rock surface slippery, wet and damp making it difficult to climb. Thus caution should be practiced while attempting to climb the rock. Just beside the Tenzing Rock destination, there are many stalls, selling delicious Maggie, Momo, Steaming cups of chai and coffee on the way that tempts travellers to rest and enjoy the ambience.
| Location | Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling. |
| Entry Fee | Nominal fee might be charged if you decide to hire a local guide. |
| Timings | 8 AM to 5 PM on all days except Thursdays that are closed |
A stunningly beautiful garden and a distance of 1 hour from Darjeeling. The place oozes green fresh stretches of giant conifers and pine against the majestic mountain views and forms an idyllic destination. This place is believed to be inhabited by Buddhist monks before independence. The word ‘Lamahatta’ can be broken into two words ‘Lama’ which means a Buddhist monk and ‘hatta’ which means dwelling. This garden should be included in the Darjeeling itinerary as it is very scenic and an excellent spot for photography. Get your coveted Insta click here amidst the well-manicured garden nestling among the tall pine trees. A good new place in the tourist map of Darjeeling. There are several new properties and home stays that have come up around Lamahatta making this an ideal vacation destination for a weekend or any couple of days. There is also a sacred water lake above and if you can trek up the little steep slope to reach the top, mesmerizing mountain views will dull your senses with awe. The trek is about 1 km each way and you can allow your eyes to feast on the beauty of the amply blooming flowers all around. Lamahatta forms a lovely stopover on the way to another surreal and quiet destination, Tinchooley. Lamahatta is also a favourite honeymoon destination.
| Location | Lamahatta is located at a height of approximately 5,700 feet at a distance of 23 km from Darjeeling, which takes about an hour to reach by car. |
| Entry Fee | Nominal fee of INR 10 is charged as an entry fee for the Lamahatta Eco park per person. |
| Best Time to Visit | The beauty of Lamahatta allures travellers and tourists throughout the year because of its unique charm to offer to its visitors. The months of March to May and October to December are considered to be the best time to go for Lamahatta tour. |
If you are dreaming of a destination in the heart of nature and plan to spend a few days in the midst of quietude and peace, Dooars is the place. The lush green vegetation, the widespread tea gardens, the exciting animal watch at the several national parks and sanctuaries, the innumerable rivers and streams, think forests of giant sal depicts nature at its best with the towering Himalayan ranges as the backdrop. Dooars is a place that defines ‘pristine nature’ with its untainted, lush green landscapes. The rushing rivulets, the undulating meadows, the tropical greenery and the rustic dwellings make this place ideal for nature photography and wildlife exploration. The natural beauty of the region and the vast extent of exotic experiences make Dooars one of the most fascinating places to visit in a Darjeeling trip. Once upon a time the Doors area was under the administration of the King of Bhutan. The British took over from Bhutan after the 1865 Bhutan war. Eventually the Doors region got divided into two parts: while the Western Doors came under the boundaries of West Bengal, the Eastern Doors went to Assam. The term Doors was derived from the word Doors, which has evolved from as many as 18 corridors that came into existence between the Doors regions and Bhutan, boosting trade between the places. The sprawling Doors region spread across approximately over 40 by 130 km square rises up to a height of 2000 feet at some places and has the rivers, namely Jaldhaka, Murti, Torsha and Kaljoni, crisscrossing. Jaldapara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve are the most in demand sanctuaries where you can cook up some thrill by catching the exotic animals in their natural habitat. Photography of animals and wild terrains can be an added passion to be satiated in Dooars trip.
| Location | Dooars region is spread across Kalimpong district, Jalpaiguri district, Alipurduar district and Cooch Behar district of West Bengal along with the districts of Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon of Assam |
| How to Reach | Dooars is approximately 168 km from Darjeeling and takes around three and a half hours to reach. There are direct trains from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri and then cab or road connectivity to Dooars. |
| Best Time to Visit | The beauty of Lamahatta allures travellers and tourists throughout the year because of its unique charm to offer to its visitors. The months of March to May and October to December are considered to be the best time to go for Lamahatta tour. |
A rehabilitation centre for the Tibetan refugees, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is an opportunity to indulge in some shopping while on a Darjeeling trip. It now has evolved into a popular tourist spot attracting a huge crowd. The centre was founded with an aim to make the Tibetan community in Darjeeling self-sustainable by offering them an opportunity to become financially independent. Keep a look out for a wide range of exclusive handicraft items, wooden carvings, woollens, exquisite shawls, leather jackets and much more. These products are also exported to 36 countries all across the globe. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre offers an insight into the life of Tibetan refugees living in India apart from satiating your shopping mania. Get an honest picture of the life in exile of these Tibetan refugees. Get boosted by experiencing the resilience of the refugees and develop respect for their incessant efforts to preserve their tradition and handicrafts. It was established by Zhu Dan, wife of Gyalo Thondup, through a consistent effort of raising funds from local charity. Artisan and craftsmen training also happens here. Initially, it started off with just 4 workers and now is home to 130 families.
| Location | It is situated at Havelock Villa, 119/B, Gandhi Rd, Darjeeling. |
| How to Reach | Nominal fee might be charged if you decide to hire a local guide. |
| Best Time to Visit | 9 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Saturday and Sundays are closed. |
Darjeeling is a widely known name throughout the world for the excellent quality of tea it grows and the impeccable view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains that it offers. It is also known for its famous heritage toy train and its rich medley of cultural and natural heritage.
The 10 most popular tourist places of Darjeeling are: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Peace Pagoda, Ghum Monastery, Rock Garden, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nightingale Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Singalila National Park.
If you are planning a combined trip of both Darjeeling and Sikkim, then 2 to 3 days are enough to explore Darjeeling and another 2-3 days minimum for Gangtok. A 6–7-day trip is recommended for visiting Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Darjeeling in and around is an excellent destination for day tours and weekend trips. The towering and mystic Himalayan mountain ranges offer a spectacular panoramic view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, the first and third highest mountain peaks in the world.
The summer months from April to June are the ideal months for a Darjeeling trip. Again the autumn and winter months from October to December is a favourite time for visiting this beautiful hill town.
Some delicious and famous food items and dishes of Darjeeling are: Thukpa; Traditional Nepali Thali; Naga Cuisine; Churpee; Momos; Aloo Dum; Sael Rotis along with a local brew of Chaang.
The most popular Darjeeling tour packages of 6 Nights / 7 Days will cost around 50,000 per person including airfare and Pelling visit on an average.
Tiger Hill is located at an altitude of 2590 meters and at a distance of 13 km away from Darjeeling and offers a stunning view of snow-capped mountains sitting nestled amidst fluffy clouds. Tiger Hill is among the most popular tourist places of Darjeeling.
Since weekends are busy and see a lot of crowds, they must’ve figured Thursday was the least populated day over a period and hence, perhaps decided to keep it closed.
Darjeeling and Sikkim are very safe for solo female travellers. These places are very tourist friendly, and the people are known for their unparalleled hospitality.
Darjeeling is popularly referred to as the Queen of hill stations. It is located in the northern part of West Bengal, and offers magnificent views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, beautiful cascading waterfalls, glorious sunset and sunrise behind the mountain ranges, lovely tea gardens, forested areas covered by firs, pines and ferns, and stunning natural beauty.
In Darjeeling, oranges are very famous. In many locations along the Himalayan slopes, oranges have been cultivated since ages. Besides oranges, passion fruit is very famous in Darjeeling
Top most sweets in Darjeeling that serve the people of Darjeeling and also the tourists from far and wide are Motichur Laddu, Malai Peda, Rasgulla and Kaju Katli.
The toy train on the Darjeeling Himalayan section is not merely a source of delight for the young and old, it also represents the engineering skills of the highest order. This 83 km long section connecting Darjeeling with the railhead at Siliguri is of great importance and has been bestowed World Heritage Site status.
Currently, 52541/New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling (Toy Train) Passenger runs on all 7 days a week. It starts from New Jalpaiguri Jn (NJP) and goes to Darjeeling (DJ). There are 12 halting stations along the route.
Snowfall in Darjeeling happens between the months of October and March. This is also the season when you can enjoy pleasant weather and view the mesmerizing snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the winter beauty of this hill paradise.
