Darjeeling
2 ToursDarjeeling is a popular summer hill station for the natives of Kolkata. For foreign tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity.
Originally just a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim, Darjeeling grew in prominence during the mid-19th century when, because of its climate, the British first established a hill station there after leasing it from the Chogyal of Sikkim and later discovered that the area was particularly well suited for tea plantations. In 1849, the British annexed the area and Darjeeling became a part of British India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was opened in 1881 (it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the town became the de-facto summer capital of India during the days when the Raj was governed from Calcutta. A variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains. The town is also a jumping off point for travelers heading to Sikkim.
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Best Time to Visit
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Oct
- Nov
Key Attractions
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Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(HMI)
This is one of the most visited spot in Darjeeling. This institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay. He was a Sherpa who climbed the Mount Everest on 29th of May 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary. All the equipment’s used in that climb are still a highlight in that institute.
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Himalayan Zoo (Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park)
It shares the premises of HMI. It has a good collection of animals found in the Himalayan region.
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Japanese Peace Pagoda
This impressing building is part of a grid of around 30 pagodas spanning the whole globe. Constructed by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan-Myohoji Order, the one at Charlimont on the outskirts of Darjeeling was consecrated in 1992. A small temple just lies alongside. If you're woken up due to the sound of drumming in the streets of Darjeeling between 4 and 5 am: These are the monks (Theravada) of the Japanese temple having their early morning walk.
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Tiger Hill
Ideal to visit early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss the Mt Kanchenjunga and give it a golden color. To visit the hill, one needs to get up at 3:00AM in the morning. You can taste some excellent tea on your way to the hill, which will provide much needed warmth on cold Darjeeling mornings. Nothing beats having view from open area as you can have a full panoramic view from outside avoiding crowd in the lounge
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Observatory Hill
Observatory hill is the oldest site in Darjeeling. This hill is also known as the “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan” in local area. It is said that a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery stood at this very spot. Nepal people destroyed this monastery in the 19th century.
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Rock Garden
It’s a beautiful place with a small waterfall. This place has got varieties of flowers landscaped in the rocks. Females can also get dressed in the local dress and take pictures.
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Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop is basically a place where the legendary toy train makes a loop. There is a Gorkha martyr memorial here. There is also a landscaped park. If you go early in the morning (before 8 am) you can get the glimpse of a local crafts market here. One can get dressed in the local attire and get their pictures taken.
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Nightingale Park/Srubbery Park
It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural program performed daily during the tourist season. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a giant Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple, and provisions for live-interactive entertainment.
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Ropeway/Cable car
Darjeeling Ropeway started in 1968 and went through major upgrades in 1988. It is a joint venture between the Forest Development Corporation of the state and a private company called Conveyor and Ropeway Service Pvt. Ltd. Over the years, it had become one of the key tourist attractions in Darjeeling. However since an unfortunate accident that took place in October 2003, the ropeway has remained closed.
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Shruberry Health Club
Less visited but offers unique and charming views of Kanchenjunga. Few locals can been found jogging here and offering prayers to various objects
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Singalila National Park
(West of Darjeeling, adjacent to Nepalese border). Singalila is a trekking destination in the far northwest corner of West Bengal state. Kanchenjunga, the world's 3rd highest peak, is visible for much of the trek, to the north, on the Nepalese border with Sikkim. Usually the park is accessed from Maneybhanjang, approx. one hour, or 30 km. west of Darjeeling. The park can also be accessed from Rimbik, where many trekkers finish up, or from Bijanbari, with one extra day's walking.
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Singalila Ridge Trek
The Singalila Ridge is an imposing Himalayan divide between Sikkim and Nepal. The trail offers commanding views of Mt. Everest in Nepal, Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and Mt. Chomolhari in Bhutan. Nowhere else in the world do such steep heights offer a rich variety of flora and fauna with magnificent and unobstructed views.
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft. (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways. It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km (53 mi) long. The elevation level is from about 100 m (328 ft.) at Siliguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft.) at Darjeeling. It is still powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is used for Darjeeling’s mail.
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Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is an adventure and the best way to explore the beauty of any mountain or hilly area. This is the best way to explore the natural beauty of the Darjeeling. Darjeeling has many exciting tracks for the motor biking. Adventure lovers love to ride on these roads as they provide them the opportunities to explore the natural beauty at their own with some adventure and thrill.
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Trekking in Sikkim
Only 85 Kms from Darjeeling lies a small village called Yuksum, important trekking places where the trekking in Sikkim mountains start. Sikkim is one of the best kept secrets in the Himalayas and trekking tours in Sikkim can be a wonderful experience and antidote of city stress and daily life. Experience of trekking in Sikkim can be memorable and cherished for a lifetime.
Nearby Places
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Mirik – (50km)
“A nest in the hills” it is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767mts with its own special charms – 49 km. From Darjeeling and 52 km. From Siliguri. 1.25 km. Long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy forever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjunga reflected in the lake waters.
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Kalimpong – (50km)
It is a hill station in the Mahabharat Range in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 meters. The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong subdivision, a part of the district of Darjeeling.
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Kurseong – (35km)
Situated at an altitude of 1458 mts (4860ft.), Kurseong is 51 km from Siliguri and 30 km from Darjeeling. The word Kurseong means – the place of White Orchid. Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys milder and very healthy climate throughout the year.
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Sikkim
It is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan mountains. The state borders Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian state of West Bengal lies to the south.
Tours around Darjeeling
