Top 10 Places to Visit in Darjeeling: Where Every View Feels Like Magic

Nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, the town of Darjeeling is hardly deserving of the guff it gets. This pretty hill station in West Bengal is known as the “Queen of the Hills” of the 101.Also known as the “Queen of the Hills”, this gorgeous hill in West Bengal has become the love of travellers for more than a century. You don't need to be a nature enthusiast, an adventurer, a history buff or a haven to get a peaceful getaway from the bustling crowd of the city, Darjeeling has everything to offer, that is, wrapped in mist and mountain magic!

Those who are thinking of travelling around and thinking on the best places to visit in Darjeeling, will be in this correct page. Here are the 10 most popular places to visit in Darjeeling and make it India's most desired tourist place. Then, pack your bags and answer their calling.

1. Tiger Hill: Witness the Sunrise of a Lifetime 

Of course, Tiger Hill is the most renowned destination to visit the Darjeeling hills. This hilltop, located at a height of approximately 2,590 meters, has one of the most incredible and awesome views of the sunrise in the world. In clear dawn on Khasura mountain peak (Kangchenjunga, the 3rd-highest peak of the world), the sun illuminates the peak with orange and pink radiant colors.

They usually awake before dawn, and head to the top in cars. Also, on very clear days, Mount Everest is to be seen in the distance on the horizon. It is altogether a spiritual experience. Tiger Hill is a place that's never forgotten.

Best Season to visit: October to December, for clearest skies at this time.

Time taken from Darjeeling Town: 1 Hour 30 Minutes (Classic route) and 3 Hours 10 Minutes (Sprint route)

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A Ride Through History

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly termed as the Darjeeling Railway or the Toy Train, is one of the most ingenious of the most beautiful railway tracks in the world and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling or simply one of the best experiences. Constructed in 1879-81, this is a narrow gauge railway that passes through tea estates, misty valleys and stations from the colonial era.

The time taken to cover the distance of New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling is about 8 hours and for tourists the attraction of ghum ride offers a one hour, shortest distance joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and then back to Darjeeling. Plus, the steam train's happy whistle and leisurely jaunt through the scenic routes make this a definitely mother of the ages type ride.

Tip: Make earned tickets in advance, particularly during peak time (April-June and October-November).

3. Batasia Loop: Where the Train Dances in Circles 

Batasia Loop is an old railtour track located just outside the main town and the Toy Train winds around a mini-garden before heading back to the open countryside. It was built in 1919 to control the incline of the hill. It is one of the places to visit today in Darjeeling, where you can take the best of photos.

Medically a beautiful garden is maintained inside the loop with colourful flowers planted in the garden, a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha warriors and beautiful panoramic view of the snow covered mountains from the inside. Besides, it is a memorable experience for the photographers and visitors to look at toy Train rotating around the Garden in front of Kangchenjunga that never fails to bring any visits a rich feeling and unforgettable experience.

ADA Accessible: Yes – Garden is easy to access for those with disabilities.

Best Time: Early mornings with mountain views and picture taking

4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Home of the Snow Leopard 

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling for wildlife lovers. This zoo is one of India's highest zoos established in 1958 at an elevation of 2,134 metres. It is especially known for its care of endangered animals of the Himalayas, such as the pheasant's-eye.

The elusive Snow Leopard, magnificent Red Panda, Himalayan wolves and the rare Tibetan Yak are all seen here. Apart from the animals, the zoo's natural environment in the thick dense forest of the Himalayas landscaped makes it an interesting place to visit. Curiously, it's also near the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which [further] makes both locations within reach during the same day.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Thursdays)

Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹20 for children

5. Tea Gardens of Darjeeling — The World's Finest Cup Begins Here 

Darjeeling's legendary tea gardens will be an essential addition to any listing of places to visit Darjeeling. Sometimes called the "Champagne of Teas," a walk through the rolling green estates will bring one peacefulness. One of the oldest tea gardens in the region, The Happy Valley Tea Estate offers a guided excursion along with a detailed description of the various steps that are involved in producing tea.

It will be possible to witness the procedure of picking the tea leaves, withering, rolling, fermentation and drying that have to be done by hand. You are then able to sip a first flush Darjeeling tea with the most unrivalled view. The green rolling terraces descending down the misty hillsides is quintessential to ‘Darjeeling’.

Optimum plucking Season: March-April (First Flush) and June-August (Second Flush)

6. Ghum Monastery — A Sanctuary of Serenity

Also known as Ghum Monastery, the Yiga Choling Monastery is a religious attraction situated at a railway station which is the highest in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and is located nearby to the place of Ghum. Constructed in 1850, this Yellow Hat sect monastery contains an 18 foot high statue of the Coming Buddha or Maitreya, some uncommon thangka paintings and scriptures.

Smells of incense and silent deference pervade Ghum. The monks are dressed in saffron-coloured robes and are engaged in their daily rituals, while the sound of the prayer drums adds to the serene ambience. Generally, all people feel a great sense of relaxation here, even if not religious.

Tip: Take shoes off before entering. Modest attire is suggested.

7. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park: Nature's Masterpiece

The Rock Garden (also known as the Barbotey Rock Garden) is one of the most breathtaking spots in Darjeeling, a bit out of the way from the usual tourist routes. The garden, which has been developed along cascading waterfalls and rock river side, is about 10km away from the main town. It's very colorful with flowers and ornamental plants and with the sound of water gushing it's a great place to take pictures and have a picnic.

There is a lake, Ganga Maya Park, adjacent to it which is surrounded with green plants and is very calm. As two places combined, it makes a refreshing day trip to a place which is less crowded than the popular ones. Yet they're one of the secrets that is indeed worth a visit.

8. Observatory Hill: Sacred Ground Above the Clouds

This is the second place in this category and will be the first one reviewed.The second site in this category will be the first one written up.

Observatory Hill is one of the more spiritual of the places to visit in Darjeeling. Colored prayer flags are banners of prayer placed atop the hill, and flutter in the wind in the Himalayas, both Hindu and Buddhist. At the peak of the mountain there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and it said to be the place of origin of Dorjeeling monastery (now called Dorje Ling monastery) which established the town of Darjeeling.

The walk is a tranquil and contemplative one through a forested path. The panoramic pictures from the top, with prayer flags in front of snow-topped mountains in the background, are also magical. One place where you naturally chill and take in the deep breaths.

Entry: Free

Best Season: anytime except the winter, as it can be quite chilly during the cold season.

9. Peace Pagoda: A Symbol of Global Harmony 

The white dome, known as the Shanti(peace) Stupa, in Darjeeling or Peace Pagoda, is a very impressive dome in white that symbolizes world peace. This pagoda, built by Nipponzan Myohoji (Japanese Buddhist association), is situated on a hilltop with a view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The building itself is fastidious and impressive; it's all gleaming white with blue skies overhead, and the gardens are well-tended, and the lawns are as well-kept and manicured as can be. In addition, each of the four Buddha images at a different story point on the pagoda signifies a different stage in Buddha's life. Equally enjoyed by spiritual seekers and those who would simply prefer a quiet and picturesque getaway.

Location: It is located in the Japan Peace Pagoda Hill on Jalapahar Hill in Darjeeling.

10. Mall Road and Chowrasta: The Beating Heart of Darjeeling

Darjeeling is renowned for its handicrafts, and no trip to the region would be complete without exploring Mall Road and Chowrasta, the beating heart of the local industry.

No visit to Darjeeling will be missing the opportunity to take a leisurely walk along Mall Road and even the famous Chowrasta. Chowrasta (four crossroads) is an area where people in and out of the town meet, to partake in steaming cups of chai, momos and warm conversation.

There are bookstores, eateries, souvenir shops and buildings that add an old world feel to the promenade, all of Darjeeling. In addition, families can enjoy the activity of riding a horse around the Chowrasta. Silhouettes of the mountains are drowned out by the setting sun, and as the night falls, the gentle buzz of this square seems to echo the soft beat of the hill station's heart.

Must Try: Darjeeling tea, aloo dum, thukpa and kodo ko roti

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

The tourist attractions to be enjoyed in Darjeeling are wonderful all year round, but the best time is March-May and October-November. Its springtime beauty and warmth and its clear mountain views in the fall are wonderful. Summer is also popular, particularly to rid the plains of summer heat. Heavy rains and landslides could affect travel plans during monsoon season (June to September), and therefore, extra caution is advised during this period.

How to Reach Darjeeling

• By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra (approximately 67 km away). There are shared jeeps as well as taxi service from BagDogra station to Darjeeling.

• Road: The nearest major road is to New Jalpaiguri. You can get on the Toy Train from NJP (recommended experience) or on a cab.

• By Road: Darjeeling has facilities of main roads connected well with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok and nearby towns.

Conclusion 

Darjeeling is more than a place, it's a sensation. It is the fragrance of freshly brewed tea on a foggy morning, the one toad of the Toy Train crackling through pine clad hills and the sun rising off the golden mountains of Kangchenjunga. All the spots for sightseeing within this e-guide are special, unrepeatable and will keep you coming back again and again and again.

Sometimes it's time to embrace the wonder of the Queen of the Hills, and that's when you need Paradise Yatra as your travel companion. Darjeeling tour packages, tailor-made trip packages and complete travel assistance make Paradise Yatra an ideal way to explore the gorgeous lands of Darjeeling. Whether it's sunrises at Tiger Hill and alleys set in misty parts of the valley, they'll have everything worked out to make you enjoy that magic.

Make sure to book a dream trip to Darjeeling with Paradise Yatra now – the mountains are calling and you must go.