Darjeeling, the queen of hills, is a city in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is situated at an elevation of 6,700 ft. and attracts many tourists from around the world throughout the year. Best known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and tea, Darjeeling is a popular spot for a memorable holiday. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Toy Train: UNESCO heritage site

• Darjeeling tea estates

• Sunrise from Tiger Hill

• Best view of Mt Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest peak in the world

Best time to visit Darjeeling: Apr-Jun and Oct-Dec

How to reach Darjeeling: From Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri you have to take a cab to reach Darjeeling. 

On the way to Darjeeling

BEST TIME TO VISIT DARJEELING

Spring/Summer Season (April-June)

Clear skies and fresh, crisp air makes it an ideal atmosphere to indulge in sightseeing and enjoy outdoor activities. The weather is ideal for trekking, especially the Sandakphu trek where you see clear views of the Himalayas. Spring sees the blooming of flowers such as rhododendrons and magnolias that can be best enjoyed during treks. These months are considered peak season, so book your tickets in advance.

Autumn/Winter Season (October-December)

Fresh out of the monsoons, autumn brings in a change in not just the temperature but the landscape too. The verdant hills and tea gardens are sparkling and there are yet again clear skies. The temperature starts to dip during the early mornings and evenings and by mid-November winter has fully set in. Temperatures range from 2-10⁰C. A good time to come is during the Christmas season when you can attend carnivals and other celebratory events. It’s unlikely to witness snowfall although it surprised everyone when it snowed in 2021 after many years. Make sure to carry thick woolens or there are plenty of shops in Darjeeling where you can buy them. 

Explore accommodations in Darjeeling

Festivals worth attending 

Teesta Tea & Tourism festival: Nov-Dec

Darjeeling Carnival: November

Darjeeling Orange Festival: January

POPULAR PACKAGES

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN DARJEELING

Before you plan your Darjeeling tour, make sure you don’t forget to add the following tourist spots to your itinerary to make your holiday a cherished memory.

Tiger Hill:

Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling, and you can visit it by jeep or on foot. Very popular for trekking and ideal for hiking, Tiger Hill has some amazing views of the Himalayan mountain range. If you like watching the sunrise, then this is the best spot for you. During the peak season, you will find hundreds of tourists enjoying the fantastic sunrise in the strong cold wind through the Tiger Hill observatory.

The best time to visit Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is between mid-October to December. During this season, the mountains have dazzling snow-covered peaks, and it is surely a must-watch sight. March to April is also a good time for a visit. If you want to enjoy the sunrise then start by 3:30 am so that you reach by 4:15 am, which is the perfect time for an ideal sighting. In the winters, you can shift your time a bit later to 4:15 am. The entry fee is between INR 30-50.

Batasia Loop: 

If you take the toy train ride, then you will pass this beautiful loop. You can also take a cab to visit this place from Darjeeling town, which is just 20 minutes away. This is the only place where you get a 360⁰ view of Darjeeling’s mesmerizing landscapes, including the hill town and the snow-covered mountains. You can see the majestic Eastern Himalayas from here with a great view of Khangchendzonga. You can have a look at the lovely flowering garden from which the track is laid. It is undoubtedly a fabulous experience and worth a visit. There is a provision of seating area also where you can relax and have a great time along with a great view. The best time to visit this place is from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. For tourists, the two best seasons to visit Darjeeling are March to May or from October to November. Batasia Loop is open during all seasons but do confirm the opening and closing time before you visit.