Darjeeling, a.k.a Queen of the Hills, is a beautiful hill station located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas to the north of West Bengal. It is famous for its grand tea estates, fun toy train rides, scenic beauty, and food. If you plan on visiting Darjeeling, we recommend staying here for at least a week, as there’s so much to experience. Plus, it is close to several fantastic day trip-worthy destinations like Kalimpong, Tiger hills, and Gangtok.
History of Darjeeling
Before jumping to the itinerary, let us learn about Darjeeling’s history and how it became India’s major tea-exporting city. Did you know before the Anglo-Gorkha war, Darjeeling was part of the Kingdom of Sikkim? The Lepcha tribe called this place their home until the invasion of the Gorkha army in the 1780s. However, the British army fought back and took control of the region. In 1835, the East India Company decided to build a sanitorium because of its climate. It was in 1841 when Dr. Archibald Campbell, a member of the Indian Medical Service, decided to experiment with Chinese tea seeds brought from the Kumaon region. The experiment became a success, and soon the province was filled with tea estates. If you want to learn more about Darjeeling’s history, take this Heritage walk tour.
How to reach Darjeeling?
Darjeeling is just a 3-hour-drive away from Bagdogra Airport. This airport connects all the major cities in India with this gorgeous hill station. You can book a package tour from companies like Travel Triangle and Viator, which includes sightseeing and transfers. Alternatively, you can hire a local taxi from the airport to reach the city, costing between ₹2,500 – ₹3000.
- Private Transfer: Hotels To Bagdogra Airport
- 7-Day Private Tour of Gangtok and Darjeeling from Siliguri
New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station to Darjeeling. If you are traveling by train, you can either take a taxi from the station or board the toy train and get down at Darjeeling station.
Best travel season: April to June and October to December (first week)
Where to stay in Darjeeling?
Several beautiful hotel properties in Darjeeling offer comfortable stays and great views. Alternatively, you can stay in eco-resorts. However, it could be costlier than staying in a hotel. Below are some highly-rated hotels in Darjeeling that we recommend.
- Springfield Stays (Orchid) is a beautiful hotel great for family trips. It is located in the West Point part of Darjeeling and is close to many popular attractions.
- Little Singamari Home Stay is a great eco-friendly option great for budget travelers. It is located to the north of Darjeeling and near many tourist attractions.
- West Point Backpackers Hostel is a fantastic option for backpackers, students, and solo travelers.
10 Best Things to do in Darjeeling
Darjeeling has many attractions, from tranquil monasteries to museums to notable historic sites. Below are the ten most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling that are a must-visit. Also, check out the list of Darjeeling food dishes that are a must-try.
Rangit Valley Tea Garden
Rangit Valley Tea Garden is a gorgeous tea estate in Darjeeling that is home to India’s first and oldest cable car system. Darjeeling Ropeway began its operation in 1968, connecting tea gardens around the valley. It is a unique way to explore the tea gardens as it not only passes through the tea estate but also over two rivers, Little Rangeet and Ramman. Plus, you can get down at any station to enjoy a piping hot cup of tea. If heights make you nauseous, you can visit Happy Valley Tea Estate instead, where you can walk around at leisure.
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is an internationally-renowned destination famous for its sunrise view of Kanchenjunga. Thousands of tourists visit this place to witness the breathtaking sunrise when the majestic mountains shine like gold. Plus, you can also see Mount Everest from here. Tiger Hill is 11 km from Darjeeling and takes about 40 minutes to reach the summit. The ideal time to arrive would be before sunrise, so you don’t miss a thing. Also, don’t forget to carry your woolen as it will be freezing even in the summer.
Ghoom Railway Station and Museum
The Ghoom Railway Station is the highest railway station in India, located at an elevation of 7407 ft and home to an iconic bend of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway line called the Batasia Loop. Riding the Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage, is a one-of-a-kind experience in Darjeeling. If you are taking the train route from Kolkata, you can take the Toy Train from Siliguri to reach Darjeeling. However, if you’re taking the air route, it’s best to grab a ticket from the counter at Ghoom Railway Station and go on a joy ride. While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the museum next to the station to learn about the history and development of the Himalayan Railways.
Timing: Open daily | 9 am to 5 pm
Ghoom Monastery
Yiga Choeling Monastery, popularly known as the Ghoom Monastery, is a Buddhist shrine next to Ghoom railway station. It was built in 1850 by a famous Mongolian astrologer and monk named Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. The monastery features a 15 feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), one of the best Buddha statues I’ve ever seen. It’s a tranquil place to sit and meditate, listen to the sound of chimes and smell the pleasant fragrance of incense sticks. Also, don’t forget to spin the prayer wheel for good luck!
Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop is a spiral rail track created to lower the gradient of the ascent of the rail line. It is a remarkable display of engineering by the Indian Railways and a fascinating sight to watch the train going in a loop. Batasaia Loop also has a War Memorial honoring the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives during India’s war of independence.
Padma Naidu Zoological Park and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Padma Naidu Zoological Park is a world-renowned Zoo known for its breeding and conservation programs of a few highly endangered species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Tibetan Wolf. Named after Padma Naidu, an Indian freedom fighter and daughter of Sarojini Naidu, this 68-acre open zoological park is the largest high-altitude zoo in India. While you learn about the endangered species, keep an eye on the Himalayan birds and flowers native to the eastern Himalayas.
Timing: Open daily (except Thursday) | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Summer) & 8:30 am to 4 pm (Winter)
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a must-visit place to learn about mountaineering, an extreme sport. This institute was set up after the successful climb to the highest peak in the world on 28 May 1953 by two locals, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. The institute is located within the zoo, comprising a museum, a gift shop, and an information desk to learn about the various mountaineering programs. The museum is very informative and showcases all the mountaineers around the globe who have climbed/ attempted to reach some of the most dangerous peaks in the world. Don’t forget to visit their gift shop to check out the excellent winter wear collections at a reasonable price.
Timing: Open daily (except Thursday) | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Summer) & 9:30 am to 4 pm (Winter)
Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda, a.k.a Shanti Stupa, is a beautiful shrine on Jalapahar Hill. It was built in 1992, displaying the four avatars of the Buddha. This place is a visual delight thanks to its pristine surroundings. Plus, you get a good view of mount Kanchanjunga and the nearby peaks from the stupa.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is a rehabilitation place for the Tibetan refugees who followed his holiness, the Dalai Lama, during his exile in early 1959. The self-help center was set up in 1959 for the refugees to shelter them and allow them to make a living. You can find some of the finest Tibetan handicrafts, from carpets to woolen goods, woodwork to leather goods. You can also observe the Tibetan handicraft workers producing fine handicrafts, which you can buy from their gift shop.
Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock
Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock are two natural rocks named after Tenzing Norgay, the first mountaineer to climb Mt. Everest, with Sir Edmund Hillary and his nephew Nawang Gombu, the first to climb Mt. Everest twice. HMI uses these rocks to train mountaineers. However, they also allow tourists to climb under professional guidance and at nominal fees.
Bonus location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling
Chauk Bazaar is a bustling marketplace located in the heart of Darjeeling. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs, try out local bakeries, and spot beautiful Victorian buildings. It’s also an excellent place to stroll around and hog on Darjeeling-special street food in the evening.
If you are looking for a guided sightseeing tour of Darjeeling, here’s one we recommend.
3 Best day trips from Darjeeling
As I mentioned earlier, there are several gorgeous day trip-worthy destinations near Darjeeling that you can visit. Below are three of our favorites that we highly recommend.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a picturesque hill station 50 km east of Darjeeling. It was once a trans-Himalayan trade route between Indian and Tibetan merchants. Currently, a popular tourist place, attracting thousands of visitors annually. You can read more about Kalimpong here, and below is a great day trip tour offered by Viator that will help you make the most of your time in Kalimpong.
Kurseong
Kurseong, also known as the “Land of the White Orchids,” is another famous hill station in Darjeeling. It is very close to Bagdogra Airport and can be an ideal detour en route to Darjeeling. Spend a day here to explore the natural springs, eat from the local eateries and visit Eagles Craig point to get a panoramic view of Kurseong.
Mirik
Mirik is a small town in the Darjeeling district famous for its scenic beauty and lush forests. Sumendu lake and Sandakphu peak are two of the main attractions in Mirik. Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal, located in Singalila National Park. A day trip to Sandakphu from Mirik (and Darjeeling) is a must to view the world’s four highest peaks, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Exciting adventure activities you can do in Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers a plethora of adventure activities for thrill seekers. Below are the three most popular activities in Darjeeling that will give you loads of adrenaline.
White Water Rafting on Teesta and Rangeet River
Enjoy the gushing down the Teesta and Rangeet rivers while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding hills, jungles, and wildlife. It is a guided tour led by professionals and is great for amateurs and adventure seekers.
Trekking in Darjeeling
Trekking is an excellent adventure sport that tests your strength and lets you explore nature deeply. Darjeeling is one of the first places to introduce organized treks in India. Therefore, going on a hike here is a must. The Sandakphu trek is one of the most popular trails in Darjeeling Hills, which starts from Darjeeling, covering places like Maneybhanjan, Tonglu, and Sandakphu, and ends in Phalut. March to the first week of June and October to November are the best seasons to plan your trekking trip. Here are a few guided treks that we recommend.
Birding in Darjeeling
Eastern Himalayas is a haven for birders. It is one of the best birding spots in India, with over 850 species like the Eurasian Cuckoos, Himalayan Griffon, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, and Dark-rumped Rosefinch. You can either explore the birding spots on your own or go on a guided birding tour like this. The best time for birding would be right after sunrise to spot the maximum number of birds.
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