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

 Peace Pagoda

Popular Tour Packages

7-day Gangtok Pelling Darjeeling tour

A weekend retreat to Darjeeling

(6) Happy Valley Tea Estate

What good is visiting Darjeeling without witnessing the awe-struck tea estate? Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea estates of Darjeeling and one of the highest tea estates in the world. Spanning an area of 437 acres, the tea estate is set at a marvellous location which leaves you in awe. 

Note: Visit the factory and try out some amazing tea variants.

Blog post: Happy Valley: Second oldest tea estate of Darjeeling

Happy Valley Tea Estate

(7) Darjeeling Ropeway

Hop into the Darjeeling Ropeway and marvel at the panoramic view of the town. Established in 1968, Darjeeling Ropeway is the first cable car system in India. The ropeway offers dazzling views of the tea estates, snow-capped mountains, and the stunning landscape of Darjeeling. A bird’s eye view, indeed. Even if you are facing time constraints, Darjeeling ropeway is an experience that you shouldn’t miss.

Timings: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (Sun & Mon), 9:30 am - 4 pm (Tue – Sat)
Note: Be prepared to witness breath-taking views

Blog post: Don't miss to take a ropeway ride in Darjeeling

Darjeeling Ropeway

(8) Ghoom Monastery

The Yiga Choeling Monastery or the Ghoom Monastery is situated near Ghoom Railway Station. The monastery is a good option for a peaceful stroll and a quiet prayer/meditation practice. Decorated with vibrant colours and structure, the monastery offers you a glimpse of the Buddhist culture. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Timings: 12 am - 12 pm
Note: Try out the delicious Tibetan dishes available outside

Blog post: Visit the oldest Ghoom Monastery of Darjeeling

Ghoom Monastery

(9) Shrubbery Nightingale Park

As the name suggests, Shrubbery Nightingale Park is a public park known for its scenic beauty. Along with other popular places of visit in Darjeeling, Nightingale Park has also featured in a couple of Bollywood movies. The park features a statue of Lord Shiva and a beautiful musical fountain at the heart of it. 

Timings: 7 am - 8 pm
Note: Sip tea while sitting on the park benches

Shrubbery Nightingale Park

(10) Darjeeling Observatory Hill

Darjeeling Observatory Hill is located above Chowrasta and is near the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station. The observatory hill is one of the must-visit places in Darjeeling and showcases a collection of Hindu and Buddhist temples. The famous Mahakal Temple is located on this hill. You can either walk or take a vehicle to reach the temple.

Timings: 7 am - 7 pm

Darjeeling Observatory Hill

Along with these top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling, there are other stunning locations like Rock Garden, Singalila National Park, St.Andrew’s Church, Tinchuley, Bengal Natural History Museum, Bhutia Busty Monastery, and many more. There are also numerous hiking and trekking destinations in Darjeeling that are worth trying by every adventure lover.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DARJEELING

Blog post: Homestay experience in the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling

FAQs

Q. Can I cover Darjeeling in 1 day? 

You would need at least 3 days to cover all the major tourist spots of Darjeeling.

Q. What is Darjeeling famous for?

The Queen of Hills Darjeeling is famous for its splendid view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Tea estate, colonial architecture, and friendly locals.

Q. What should I buy in Darjeeling?

Tea and woolen items such as shawls, scarves, hats, and jackets. Darjeeling also offers a lot of handicrafts and exotic Tibetan items that are great souvenirs to take back home. 

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