Darjeeling, The Queen of Hills is a district of Jalpaiguri Division in the Indian state of West Bengal. Darjeeling district city and municipality area is located at an altitude of 7,100 ft above sea level. The district is bordered by the state of Sikkim to the north, Bihar state to the south, Jalpaiguri district to the east and Nepal to the west. Karshiang, Mirik and Siliguri are the three main towns of Darjeeling district. Darjeeling district is under the state of West Bengal but has partial local autonomy in certain areas including Darjeeling city. The picturesque hill town of Darjeeling is famous for tourism and tea industry. Many tourists flock here every year to witness the unparalleled beauty of Kanchenjunga and the impressive sunrise at Tiger Hill. If the sky remains clear, one can have the view of entire Singalila Range along with Mt.Kanchandzonga, Bhutan Himalaya, and a part of the Everest range from Darjeeling. The eye caching valleys, meandering rivers and of course the lush green tea gardens are the unique features of Darjeeling . Beside all these the main attractions of this popular hill stations are Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Himalayan Zoo, Tiger Hill, Rock Garden , Batasia Loop.
1. Tiger Hill:
Tiger Hill is extremely famous for its splendid views of the early sunrise where you can see a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together. It is located at a distance of 13 Kilometers from Darjeeling and 8,482 feet height above sea level.
At sunrise, the white peaks light up as the first rays of the sun fall on them. The peaks of Kanchenjunga and others light up before sunlight is visible anywhere else in the city, which is an amazing thing to experience. Similarly, the color of the white peak changes to peach at sunset. On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance. Everyday, many people come to this beautiful place of Darjeeling to enjoy the stunning views.
2. Batasia Loop:
Batasia Loop is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling. This is the highest point in the world where Locomotive Engines operate and the loop was specially designed to reduce the steepness of the hill climb. Batasia Loop attracts the tourists for the Incredible view of Kanchanjungha and other snow capped peaks of Himalayan range. A war memorial stands in the middle of the loop here constructed by the District Sainik Board in commemoration of Gorkha Soldiers.
3. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling
Zoological park– This is the favorite place for the people having interest in animals. Many tourists around the world come here to see rare mountain animals like snow leopards, red panda, and other Himalayan bears. The park spreads over an area of 67.57 acres. Of which approximately 10 acres of this land is under display, the rest is zoo forests and Conservation Breeding Centre. A large part of this park is surrounded by forest where the animals can roam in their natural environment. This park is dedicated to the conservation of Wildlife.
4. Darjeeling Tea Gardens:
Everywhere you go in Darjeeling you will see more or less tea gardens. Actually can say, Darjeeling is surrounded by tea gardens. Darjeeling ranks high among the tea producing regions of the world. Looking at the plantations from a distance, it looks like a green carpet is spread over the hills and roads are built between them. In Darjeeling, tourists can actually experience the process of tea processing with their own eyes and taste the tea here. Tea gardens are attractive spots for tourists.
5. Darjeeling Toy Train:
The Darjeeling Toy Train is a tourist attraction known for its route through the picturesque hills of Darjeeling, in India. Darjeeling also boasts of the toy train as a draw, for visitors to the region. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 this charming train winds its way through the mountains between New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling. With its views of skies and majestic peaks this iconic train ride provides an exciting adventure for travelers. An integral part of Darjeelings history the toy train journey is a must do, for anyone exploring the area.
6. Japanese Temples and Peace Pagoda:
Japanese peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple also known as Nipponjan Myohji Buddhist Temple is one of most famous place in Darjeeling. It was built in 1972 and later inaugurated in 1992 located on the hill of Jalapahar, 10 minutes from the center of Darjeeling city. You will find four gold polished statues of Lord Buddha here and eight engraved stones that describe the stages of Gautama Buddha’s life. Morning prayer time here is 4.30 am to 6 am and evening prayer time is 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Anyone can join the prayer and get a chance to experience the heavenly inner peace that the temple offers. If the sky is clear, you can get the best panoramic view of the Darjeeling landscape including the Kanchenjunga range from here.
7. Ghoom Monastery:
Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Lama Sherab Gyatso a Mongolian monk built this Monastery in 1850 and this Buddhist monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. There is a 15 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha which is believed to be one of the largest Buddha statues in the region. You will find many murals and paintings on the monastery wall that describe the life of Buddha.
Ghoom Monastery, just 8 kilometers from Darjeeling, is a peaceful place that is easy to reach by taxi, shared jeep, or by the famous toy train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The monastery is open from 5 am to 7 pm for visitors and all are requested to remove your shoes before entering. Taking photos is not allowed inside the temple but, you’re free to capture the beauty of the monastery’s exterior to remember your visit.
8. Happy Valley Tea Estate:
Happy Valley Tea Estate is a Tea Garden Established in 1854 by Mr. David Wilson, the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India. it is situated at a height of 2,100 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level and spread over 177 hectares (440 acres) of hilly area. The minimum age of the bushes in the garden is 80 years, and some are 150 years old though In the recent past replantation has been done at a small scale.
Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the major tourist attractions for its beautiful carpeted greenery situated around 3 km north of town, below Hill Cart Road, accessible via Lochnager Road from Chowk Bazaar, this tea estate is the closest tea estate to Darjeeling town, and tourists often visit the garden and they can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the garden from Hill Card Road.
The months of March to May are the busiest time here. when plucking and processing are in progress. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can book through Happy Valley Website or can email to. tour@happyvalleytea.com
9. Rock Garden:
The Rock Garden is an impeccable place for tourists to relax, especially those who love natural surroundings, located in the hills of Darjeeling. It is also called Barbotey Rock Garden – it is a unique terraced garden with waterfalls and green lawns improving the appearance of the site. It also has many hallowed ovals with curvy roads and small bridges over the streams which help to make a serene atmosphere and therefore serves as a good place for walking around. Comprising of a farming sector, the garden is approximately ten kilometers away from the main town, and affords good sightseeing through rolling tea fields and mountain ranges.
This is an excellent place for photographers as every angle provides a beautiful view, more so with the falling water from the waterfall. The garden is always well tended and flower beds have been planted with flowers of all colors to make the place charming at any time. This is a perfect destination for those who are in a group or just one person who decides to have a walk in the woods. Relaxing environment of the park, combined with sound of water, creates very calming effect on the guests.
The Rock Garden is one of those places which are off the beaten tourist track of Darjeeling so people seeking a change can definitely visit. Another suggestion is that visitors should consider visiting the garden in the morning when the number of visitors is low so that they can be fully absorbed. For the lovers of nature or for those who want to get away from the busy-business of the town, one can be assured that the Rock Garden provides a tranquil atmosphere.
10. Singalila National Park:
Singalila National Park is located on the Singalila Ridge more than 7000 feet above the sea level and is the highest national park in West Bengal. The park was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary In 1986 and later in 1992 a National Park. The region had long been used as the trekking route from Manebhanjang to Sandakphu and Phalut and is no less than a paradise for trekkers and adventure lovers. It is most famous for the panoramic view of the gigantic Himalayas Range spanning from Nepal to Bhutan.
11. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling is a famous institute and known worldwide for its mountaineering training. It was founded in 1954 inspired by Sherpas Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, who conquered Everest. For those who have interest in mountain climbing, HMI could be the ideal place for them. The institute has a museum with a large collection of mountaineering equipment, photographs, and other historical relics. Here you will find detailed information on the story of the conquest of Everest and other incredible expeditions, which are very interesting for adventurers and nature lovers.
12. Cable Car:
By far the most popular attraction in Darjeeling is the ropeway as you get a panoramic view of the entire Darjeeling from the cable car. The starting point of Darjeeling ropeway is the Singamari station which is approximately 3 km away from Darjeeling Chowk Bazar and is at 7000 ft elevation.
In this journey, the cable car descends 1738 feet from the base station to Tukvar station which is the last station now, and returns to the Singamari base station. From the cable car, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley below which seems to feel like a flying bird, see the tea gardens on the hill slopes, forests, river, and mostly the magnificent panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan range as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga.
Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in India, and it is accessible from the cities nearby. Darjeeling does not have an airport, you can easily reach Darjeeling by road. here is how to reach Darjeeling:
By Road
The most convenient way to reach Darjeeling is by road from Siliguri, which is well-connected to almost all major cities by road, railway, and air. Travelers can take rental taxis or can go by bus to Darjeeling, enjoying a scenic trip through picturesque tea gardens and hillside villages. This is a preferred route for most of travelers because of convenience and flexibility.
There are four routes to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri
- Tindharia – Kurseong route
- Dudhiya – Mirik route
- Rohini route
- Pankhabari route
By Air
The nearest Airport from Darjeeling is Bagdogra which is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. Several flights are operating from different cities every day. From Bagdogra buses or private taxis can get you to Darjeeling in 3 hours.
By Train New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the two closest railway stations to Darjeeling. Several trains operate here from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and so on. From New Jalpaiguri, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known to all as the ‘Toy Train’ starts its journey to Darjeeling and passes through many very picturesque mountains and reaches Darjeeling known as Queen of Hills, and completes its journey