Darjeeling is a town in West Bengal. This is a hilly town located at the foothills of Lesser Himalayas at an approximate elevation of 6,745m above sea level. Darjeeling is famous for its tea industry that has been its face to the world for hundreds of years. Darjeeling is known for its picturesque view and the exalted Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is the world’s third largest mountain and is in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Railway is listed in UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the main attractions of Darjeeling. It is the only district in West Bengal that enjoys a partially autonomous status. Darjeeling is also a famous hill station and tourists from all over the country and all over the world flock to this place, especially in the winter season.
The town of Darjeeling shares a unique history. It all starts from the time of colonial administration and British Raj in this country. During that time, in the 19th century, a sanatorium and a military were set up in the region. Soon after this establishment, tea plantations began and gradually Darjeeling became one of the leading producers and a strong competitor in the global tea market. The masters of the estates soon started creating crossbreeds of black tea and inventing new fermentation processes. This method of uplifting the tea brought a good result as today it is considered to be one of the most expensive and does hold a rank among the best quality teas in the world.
Darjeeling as mentioned earlier was a British colony and a military depot. So it is obvious to find some old British era buildings in these areas. Many schools in Darjeeling are of old British designed buildings that still attract students from all over the country and even from the neighboring countries. The diversity in the town of Darjeeling will leave anyone awestruck as one can see Bengali, Nepali, Lepchas, Bhutia, Tibetans residing together in peace and harmony. Darjeeling has also witnessed the face of war and lockouts during the Gorkhaland Movement in the 1980s. The members of the Gorkhaland Movement demanded a separate state named Gorkhaland oust from the territories of West Bengal and Kalimpong to be its capital. The forests of Darjeeling has been depleting with great speed because of the demand for expensive woods that grow in these areas and the other purpose being urbanization.
Darjeeling Railway is one of its kind. It uses a narrow gauge railway line to connect several small towns and villages that lie across Darjeeling. Let’s explore places to visit in Darjeeling-
Bhutia Busty Monastery
Situated in the Bhutia Busty town, this monastery is one of the famous in all of Darjeeling. Otherwise known as Karmaa Dorjee Chyoling monastery, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. This one was built on the top of an observatory hill in the year 1765. It was ransacked by the Nepalis in 1815 and later on moved to the Bhutiya Basti near Chowrasta in 1879. Bhutia Busty Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.
- Location: Bhutia Busty Rd, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling
- Entry: No entry fee
- Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
- Visit Duration: 1/2 hours
Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom monastery is situated in a place called Ghoom from where it developed its name as Ghoom Gompa. In the year 1875, a Mongolian astrologer and monk laid the foundation stone of Ghoom Gompa. The monastery has a huge giant size image of a “Maitreya Buddha”. It also holds some of the rare Buddhist manuscripts.
- Location: Ghum, Darjeeling
- Entry: No entry fee
- Timings: All days of the week 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 2 hours
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was opened in 1954 to promote mountaineering as an organized sport in the country. The first ever successful climb on the Mount Everest was in the year 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay which spoke of fierce courage and sparked the craze for adventure and mountaineering. This one is located at Birch Hill and among famous places to visit in Darjeeling.
- Founded: 4th November, 1954
- Founder: Jawaharlal Nehru, Tenzing Norgay
- Location: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, 734101
- Entry: Rs.60 per person
- Timing: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Visit Duration: 2 hours
War Memorial at Batasia
Situated in the middle of the famous Batasia Loop, the War memorial salutes the lion hearts that laid down their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country and its people. A mausoleum is placed with a message of honor inscribed on it. The place where the memorial is built is also majestic as it is surrounded by the beautiful mountains and lush green vegetation. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.
- Location: 5 km from Darjeeling Mall
- Entry: Rs.15 per person
- Timing: 05:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Japanese Peace Pagoda
Also called the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, the popular Japanese Pagoda in Darjeeling is a personification of tranquility and serenity. Aptly referred to as the “Peace Pagoda”, this famous sightseeing location was constructed under the supervision of a Buddhist Japanese monk, Nichidatsu Fujii. Fujii was the proponent of the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order and was responsible for advocating its many virtues and attributes. The Japanese Pagoda is a place of reverence and is an inspiring symbol of peace and spirituality.
A walk through the beautiful complex of the Pagoda brings tourists closer to 4 gold-polished statues of Lord Buddha and 8 sandstone carvings adorning the walls of this amazing sightseeing spot. They talk volumes about the various stages of Buddha’s life and are worth a look.
Tucked in close vicinity to the Pagoda is a monastery and Buddhist temple too. These places of worship are constructed in the traditional Japanese style and lure tourists with their low hum of ‘nam myoho renge kyo’—the mystical peace mantra chanted by Buddhist monks residing in these locations.
- Location: West Point, Darjeeling, 734102
- Timing: All days of the week 4:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry: No entry fee
- Visit Duration: 3 hours
Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
A haven for horticulturists, nature lovers and normal tourists alike, the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park is a famous tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Oft referred to as the Barbotey Rock Garden, this beautiful rock garden is located at a distance of 10 km from the heart of the “Queen of Hill Stations”—Darjeeling.
It is well advised to rent a car for a round trip to these locations, as local transportation may not be very easily available. While at Ganga Maya Park, remember to fall in step with the Gorkha folk dancers and other entertainers waiting to charm you with their exquisite songs and dance recitals. A great way to spend a day in Darjeeling!
- Location: Bloomfield Tea Garden, Darjeeling, WB 734102
- Timings: All days of the week 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entry: Rs.20/-, boating Rs.50/-
- Visit Duration: 2 hours
Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of approximately 2590 metres in a 10 kms from Darjeeling town. this place is synonymous with the famed sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the other great peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The summit of Mount Everest is visible from this point.
- Location: 11 km from Darjeeling
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM All Days of Week
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 Hours
Lepchajagat
The majestic Khangchendzonga that you missed from your hotel room at Darjeeling (the reason for that quick rush to the Mall in the morning and evenings) is on view for your pleasure at all times at Lepchajagat. Along with the view of this ethereal peak, Lepchajagat offers you a forested ridge covered with Oak, Pine and Rhododendron trees. Situated in the heart of this forest is the best place to stay – the Lepchajagat Nature Education and Wilderness Resort (+91 94341 76898), which is managed by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation.
- Location: 19 km from Darjeeling
- Best time to visit: Summer season
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 Hours
Tenzing Rock
For all lovers of rock climbing, a visit to the massive Tenzing Rock is a must. Named after Tenzing Norgay, the first man to reach the top of Mount Everest, this place can test your skills as a rock climber. Close by is the Gombu Rock, named after Tenzing’s nephew, Nawang Gombu who holds the distinction of being the first man to reach the peak of Mount Everest twice, in 1963 and then again in 1965.
- Location: Lebong Cart Rd, Richmond Hill, Darjeeling, WB-734104
- Timings: 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.
- Entry: No entry fee, Rs.100 for rock climbing
- Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
Kurseong
Land of the White Orchid Kurseong ceded to the British by the king of Sikkim in 1836 A.D., as a small village, it gained prominence in 1880 A.D., when the, Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway wan extended to it in 1891 A.D., It was made head quarters of the Sub-division. The clean well-kept town of Kurseong is half way up the ladder in the altitude at 4864 feet above sea level Kurseong 32 kms from Darjeeling and makes the exact point where the toy train starts running parallel to the Road.
This land of the white orchid is specially known for its educational institutions among them, the old station, Mary’s school founded in 188 A.D., with its massive and imposing structure. The snow views of both the mountains and the plains may be seen to advantage from Kurseong. A kilometre’s ascent takes one to the top of Eagle’s Craig where a well a developed tourist complex is situated.
- Location: 30 km from Darjeeling
- Best time to visit: March – May and August – October
- Visit Duration: 1-2 days
- How to Reach:
- By Road: One can easily get in here via road as it has a well connectivity to most of the major cities of India by road.
- By Airport: The closest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 93 km from Darjeeling.
- By Bus: Regular bus services connect Darjeeling with many cities in and around Darjeeling.
- By Train: The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. This is well connected to most of the main cities of India.
Darjeeling Toy Train
Both steam and diesel engine driven trains go through the mystical beauty of Darjeeling in two hours. Through the charming landscape, it goes along the famous Batasia Loop and then reaches Ghum station where it takes ten minutes rest.
Fare of Joy Ride
- Diesel Engine Rides: 1000
- Steam Engine Rides: 1500
Darjeeling Mall
The Chowrasta or the Mall is lined with Pine trees through which you will get a mind-blowing mountain view. Here you could have different shops for shopping and a bench to relax.
- Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Timings: 10:00 AM To 8:30 PM
- Highlights: All kinds of items
Observatory Hill and Mahakaal Temple
Observatory Hill is a perfect place to get a total view of Darjeeling. On the top of the hill stands the Mahakaal Temple, where the original Darjeeling Buddhist Monastery once stood.
- Location: Behind the Chowrasta Mall
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Timing: 7 AM to 7 PM
Happy valley Tea Estate
It is a famous tea estate in which during the season you can observe the tea plucking by Nepalese Women. You can observe by going inside the factory how the tea is being made.
- Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, WB-734101
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Timing: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hrs
Darjeeling Travel Guide
Places to Shop in Darjeeling
Nehru Road
It is the shortest road in town and yet the most chaotic place. For a normal walk, it does not take more than 10 minutes to complete this stretch on foot but if you love shopping then it may probably take more than 45 minutes to reach the end of the road. The road is completely engulfed by shops and outlets and the Nehru Road is an ultimate shopper’s paradise in Darjeeling. This part of the road is also having many famous hotels and restaurants.
The Mall Road
The Mall road is famous across the country for its market. The mall road holds each and every type of market that you would like to visit in this hillside town. The Mall road begins at a circle and ends at the Chowrasta. The road is covered with green pine tree and also the majestic white Himalayas.
Famous Festivals
Teesta Tea and Tourism festival is celebrated from November 10 to November 12 every year. This is a very large scale and colorful festival, in the hillside town of Darjeeling that is known for its incredible tea plantations. Locals and tourists from across the world travel to this place to witness this mesmerizing festival. The climate of Darjeeling has a lot to play because of its cool climate, it actually promotes the tea which is produced by the land itself. During the stay, you may get an opportunity to tour the tea gardens and taste these splendid teas.
Famous Food
Momos are the actual favorite food in Darjeeling. Stuffed with various ingredients and then steamed in water, this dumpling-like food is absolutely mind-blowing.
The Climate of Darjeeling
Darjeeling has a temperate climate. The summer season is wet with frequent rainfall. The maximum and minimum temperature of the place is in between fifteen degrees to nine degrees centigrade. The minimum temperature which is recorded here is minus five degrees. During July, the highest rainfall occurred. Devastated landslides often occur during monsoon which leads to a major loss of life and property.
Flora and Fauna of Darjeeling
The flora of Darjeeling consists of Sal, Oak, Semi-Evergreen Temperate Forest, and Alpine Forest. A wide variety of orchards are visible here. Rare species of species plants can be seen in Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Deforestation causes lots of problems in and around the area. The increasing demand for food and fuel, as well as air pollution, becomes a problem in this place.
Ducks, teals, plover, and gulls are some faunas found in the Darjeeling area. Small mammals like small Indian civets, mongoose, and badgers are also found here. In 2014 a conservation center of Red Pandas opened at Darjeeling zoo.
Homestays and Cab Services
Lots of homestays and hotels are available in Darjeeling at an affordable price. All are neat and clean. The views of the mountains are visible from most of them. Sometimes the owner stays there and breakfast is complimentary.
The cabs are available all through the places. Well sanitized car with a driver cum guide will make your trip a memorable one. The trip will be picked friendly too.
Time Duration
To visit Darjeeling and its surroundings, it will take five days and four nights. If you want to expand the trip, there is no problem at all.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
While most people believe that from April to June is the perfect time to visit this elevated place, some people including couples also believe that the winter months between November to February are the peak time.
How to Reach Darjeeling
By Plane: Fly to Bagdogra airport from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose international airport. The flight journey will be nearly of 1 hour. From the Bagdogra airport takes a taxi and with its 1-hour ride, you will reach Darjeeling
By Bus: From the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose international airport take a taxi and go the Kolkata bus terminus. From the Kolkata bus terminus, board the bus and get down at Siliguri. The bus journey is 12 hours. From the Siliguri bus terminus, take a taxi to Darjeeling.
By Train: From the International Airport, take a cab and go to Sealdah station. From the Sealdah station board the Kanchan Kanya express and get down at Siliguri station. From Siliguri station take a taxi to Darjeeling.
