Travel through Darjeeling, passing hillside settlements and tea plantations, overlooking the Himalayan ranges rising above, with the Kangchenjunga peak dominating the horizon.
Stretching like ribbons over steep mountain slopes, surrounded by emerald green tea plantations and flanked by the majestic Khangchendzonga, Darjeeling is India's last hill station and West Bengal's top destination.
Gaze up at Khangchendzonga – the five-peaked Great Sbow Fortress – at 28,169ft (8,598m), the world’s third-highest mountain, visit Buddhist monasteries, see colonial architecture and ride the 140-year-old steam-powered Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Adventurous types can arrange a trek to the slopes of Singalila or mountain bike around the hills. Meanwhile, the steep, winding markets at the foot of the town bustle with Himalayan produce and people from across Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet.
Darjeeling 'Queen of the Hills' is perhaps the most famous hill station in the Eastern Himalayas located at an altitude of 2250m. Photo: @ Expedia
About Darjeeling Tourism
You might also be surprised to find that the hill station of Darjeeling feels quite cosmopolitan. The British Raj left behind Tudor-style houses and Gothic churches, which sit alongside Buddhist temples and shrines from the time the area was part of Nepal. The markets are awash with textiles, woven by hundreds of exiled Tibetans living here, and pottery is sold alongside Bhutanese merchants. Stop by to shop and you’re likely to be offered a cup of spiced chai by one of the Bengali tea stall vendors.
Tiger Hill offers a stunning view of Mount Kanchandzonga. Photo: @Lonely Planet
The best way to explore Darjeeling is on foot, with Darjeeling at 2,134 m (7,000 ft) above sea level. You can start by hiking up Observatory Hill. From the top, on a clear day, you can see the forest, rock and snow of the mountains layered along the horizon.
The hill was once the site of Darjeeling’s first Buddhist monastery and a sacred cave for Hindus. Now you’ll find the Mahakal Temple, a dazzling combination of Hindu deities and strings of twinkling Buddhist prayer flags. From the temple, you can walk down to Chowrasta Mall (a local shopping mall), which is lined with wooden-fronted bookstores, tea shops and cafes. Bhotia Market runs down a side street and is where you can buy Tibetan socks, hats and knitted gloves.
Home to a mix of different communities and cultures, such as Nepalese, Bhutias and Chinese. Photo: @TripSavvy
To see the real Everest, take an early morning trek up Tiger Hill, a small plateau about an hour’s drive from Darjeeling. Below the plateau, the valleys open up into a natural amphitheatre, with the Everest range spread out almost as perfectly as a mountaineering academy.
As the sun rises it highlights the jagged peaks of Kangchenjunga, before bathing the rest of the range in a rosy glow. The best but also busiest time for this trek is in October or November when the skies are clear.
Darjeeling always has a breezy atmosphere that allows you to dress well for all seasons! Photo: @Times of India
Arguably Darjeeling’s most popular attraction is the Darjeeling Mountain Railway, one of India’s last remaining toy trains. The best way to experience this engineering marvel is to ride a steam locomotive to Ghoom. The train stops at Bastia Loop along the way, where you can disembark to admire the steaming engine and take in views of Darjeeling.
Darjeeling Travel Experience
A backpacker’s delight and a honeymooner’s dream, Darjeeling is a picture perfect natural beauty and one of the most exciting destinations in India . Enticing visitors with its lush green landscapes set against the backdrop of majestic snow-capped peaks, the panoramas of Darjeeling are captivating in every way.
Where to visit when traveling to Darjeeling?
Ghoom Monastery : With prayer flags fluttering all over the grounds, Ghoom Monastery is home to a towering 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha. Among the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling, Ghoom also houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
Ghoom Monastery. Photo: @Thrillophilia
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Most noted for being the only zoo in India that promotes conservation programs for endangered species including the red panda, snow leopard and Tibetan wolf, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is spread over 67 acres. The largest high-altitude zoo in India, the zoo is home to unique flora and fauna of the Himalayan region.
Japanese Peace Pagoda: Located on Jalapahar Hill at an altitude of over 28 meters, the Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The grounds of the Japanese Peace Pagoda are as serene as the interior of the pagoda, which displays four forms of Buddha.
Japanese Peace Pagoda. Photo: @Discover Darjeeling
Mahakal Temple: Located on Observatory Hill, Mahakal Temple is where Buddhism and Hinduism meet. It is the site of the original Bhutia Busty Monastery and where the Mahakal Temple now stands. The chanting of monks and priests fills the air as you climb the 100 or so steps to the temple. While you admire the colorful prayer flags that guide your way, beware of the greedy monkeys around you!
Darjeeling Chowrasta Mall: The heart and soul of Darjeeling town, Darjeeling Chowrasta Mall is a meeting and entertainment hub for locals and tourists alike and is a must-visit Darjeeling tourist spot . The hustle and bustle of shops and restaurants line the street. Benches provide great vantage points to admire the surrounding landscape.
Darjeeling Mall, Chowrasta. Photo: @Thrillophilia
Mirik Lake is a small hill station with a beautiful lake. Boating on Mirik Lake is a perfect way to relax. It is one of the important places to visit while traveling to Darjeeling . Other attractions are apple orchards, tea gardens and pine forests near the lake. On a clear day, you can also see the Kannchendzong mountain with its reflection in the lake water.
What to do when traveling to Darjeeling?
Watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill: Before dawn, head to Tiger Hill for one of the most spectacular sunrises possible. At the top of Tiger Hill at 2,600 metres, find a spot and wait for the spectacle as the horizon turns crimson as the sun’s rays shine down on the majestic Kangchenjunga peak.
Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Take a fairytale ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the ‘toy train’, which spans 78 km with 13 stations between Darjeeling and Siliguri. Dating back to 1881, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The beauty of the mountainous terrain that the journey passes through is breathtaking!
Train on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Photo: @Lonely Planet
A feast for the eyes from the Darjeeling Cable Car: For unparalleled views of Darjeeling and the surrounding alpine region, the Darjeeling Cable Car offers postcard-worthy vistas and views. The first cable car system in India, the 45-minute cable car ride runs from Singamari to Singla Bazar.
Visit a tea factory : When you’re in tea country, make the most of it by visiting a tea factory. More than just a regular tea, Darjeeling tea is known as the ‘champagne of teas’ due to its bright colour and floral aroma. Tea has been the region’s main crop since the British brought seeds from China in the mid-19th century. You’ll see rows of tea bushes as you drive around, with many plantations now open to visitors.
Darjeeling is also famous for its tea plantations with over 86 tea plantations responsible for producing the world famous 'Darjeeling Tea'. Photo: @Vogue India
Visit Darjeeling's many tea estates including Glenburn, Makabari and Happy Valley to see the tea growing and picking process, and sample some of the region's best brews while you're there.
Climb the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) : To the north of town is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay. It has a small museum dedicated to mountaineering as well as photographs and memorabilia from Norgay's ascent of Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953. The museum includes a model of the entire Everest massif, showing the approximate heights of Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga as you look at it from above. At the HMI you will find climbing records of major expeditions undertaken, and there is also the Everest Museum which displays historical events and equipment that you can visit when traveling to Darjeeling
What to eat in Darjeeling?
Darjeeling offers a delicious fusion of Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine, here are some must-try dishes
Momos: Steamed or fried and stuffed with meat or vegetables, momos are the most popular snack when traveling to Darjeeling . Basically, dumplings made from wheat flour, you can enjoy them at most big and small eateries in town.
Momos. Photo: @The Maker Makes
Thukpa : A popular Tibetan dish, Thukpa is a hearty hot noodle dish served with eggs, meat and vegetables. Served piping hot, it is a delicious meal in itself.
Dalle : If your taste buds like something spicy, treat them to Dalle. A pickle made from red chillies marinated in mustard oil, salt and spices, this spicy side dish is often served with momos.
Traditional Nepali Thali: Thali is a platter of various dishes served on a single plate. A traditional Nepali thali usually consists of dal (lentils), bhat (rice), tarkari (vegetables), chutney or achar (pickle) and a sweet dish.
Traditional Nepalese thali. Photo: @The Infatuation
Aloo Dum: Aloo Dum is a simple yet flavorful potato dish made with spices like red chilli powder, garlic, chopped onions and ginger cloves.
Gundruk: Gundruk is a pickled fermented leafy vegetable dish that is a staple in Nepali cuisine. It has a sour and salty taste and is often served with rice or roti.
Dal Bhat: Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepalese dish made with steamed rice (bhat) and lentil soup (dal). It is usually served with vegetables, pickles and chutneys.
Dal Bhat. Photo: @Kalimpong News
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