Lying in the foothills of The Himalayas at an elevation of 2,042 m, Darjeeling is a quaint hilly town located in West Bengal. With the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop and lush greenery all around, Darjeeling is one of the best places to visit for anyone looking for a rejuvenating experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Darjeeling offers you one of the finest experiences through its picturesque landscape, delicious cuisine, exciting adventures, and captivating culture.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to reach

By air: Bagdogra airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. 

By rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station to Darjeeling.

Best time to visit

April to June, October to November.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN DARJEELING

Although there are many places that you can visit in Darjeeling, we have compiled a list of the top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling that you can’t afford to miss. If you want to get the most out of Darjeeling in a limited time, then these are the places you should opt to visit.

(1) The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway/Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is commonly known as the 'Toy Train,’ is one of the must-visit places of Darjeeling. Featured in several movies, the Toy Train is honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow-gauge rail starts its journey from New Jalpaiguri and ends at Darjeeling. You can take a fun ‘Joy Ride’ on the train, which takes you through stunning landscapes including the famous Batasia Loop.

Timings: 8 am - 12 pm

Blog post: Darjeeling by toy train

(2) Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is the perfect getaway for a nature lover who cannot resist witnessing surreal sunrise and sunsets. Tiger hill is one of the most famous peaks of Darjeeling and can be easily reached by foot or vehicle. The journey to Tiger Hill goes through beautiful tea plantations and once you reach there you will witness alluring views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. 

Timings: Dawn till sunset

Blog post: Tiger Hill in Darjeeling

(3) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the largest high-altitude zoo in India spread over 67.56 acres. The zoo is home to a variety of flora and fauna ranging from snow leopards and red pandas to Tibetan wolf, Himalayan Salamanders, Siberian tigers among others. 
Along with witnessing rare and endangered animals, the zoo is a good option for a stroll and to experience the beauty of Darjeeling. 

Timings: 8:30 am - 4 pm
Note: Visit the snow leopard breeding centre

Blog post: Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

(4) Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is one of the premier mountaineering institutes of India and the finest of Darjeeling. It also serves as a beautiful tourist destination owing to its scenic environs. There is a museum which offers interesting facts and information about mountaineering.

Timings: 9 am - 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Note: Must-visit place with children

Adventure activities in Darjeeling

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

(5) Peace Pagoda

Built by Nichidatsu Fuji, a Japanese Buddhist monk, the Peace Pagoda demonstrates the four avatars of Lord Buddha. The Peace Pagoda of Darjeeling is a part of 30 such structures built across the world. The location of the monastery is extremely serene and peaceful. The white and golden structure of the monastery's constant sounds of prayers and chanting add to the serenity of the place.

Timings: 4:30 am - 7 pm 
Note: The place is ideal for meditation

Blog post: Visit the beautiful Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda in the hill of Jalapahar