Arguably West Bengal’s premier destination, Darjeeling is all about emerald-green tea plantations towering over the majestic Khangchendzonga.
One of the most brilliant hill resorts in the country, Darjeeling is immersed in the hues of every shade. Blooming with red rhododendrons and white magnolias, the ‘Queen of Hill stations’ is applauded for its emerald green tea bushes and silver fir forests. Darjeeling - the crest of Kanchenjunga, shines with the first dawn!
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Famous as the Toy Train, this steam-powered joy ride happens to be an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train route runs for 80 kilometers (50 miles) from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling via Siliguri, Kurseong, and Ghoom.
Windamere Hotel
Constructed as the ‘Ada Villa’ in 1841, the building was turned into a Boarding House for Tea Planters. Since in 1939, when it became the ‘Windamere Hotel’, is worth a marvel because of its architecture.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
This refugee centre since 1959, has a home for the aged, orphans, a school, a clinic and gompa. Some craft workshops are also there, that make carpets, wood carvings and woollen products.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
One of the oldest mountaineering institutes in the country, it is for those who enjoy the adventure activities. The institute has played a vital role in training the mountaineers.
Singalila National Park
Established in 1986, the park home to the rare Red Panda. The park surprises its visitors with scenic beauty that cannot be explained in words. It is a heaven for wildlife photographers.
Nathmull’s Tea Room
Best place to taste more than 50 varieties of Tea in attractive teapots, strainer and cosies as souvenirs.
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hills is the first to witness the first rays of the Sun on Mt Everest. One can spot other peaks through a telescope at from Tiger Hill view tower.
Batasia Loop
The spiral railway was created to lower down the incline of ascent for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The track spiralling through a tunnel over a hilltop is worth a marvel. The toy train winding over the loopy tracks is a feast for an eye.
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
Set amid the most exquisite flora and fauna, this zoological park is the home of the largest population of snow leopards in the country. Other members of the jungle are Tibetan wolves, Red pandas, Himalayan bears and clouded leopards. Snow leopard breeding centre is a must visit here.
Peace Pagoda
The Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple worships the four avatars of Lord Buddha offering spiritual serenity to everyone. Spend some time here in meditation and connect to the spirit of Lord Buddha.
Ghoom Monastery
Also famous as Yiga Choeling Monastery, this temple can be reached at the downslope of Ghoom Railway station. It is one of the oldest monateries of Darjeeling that sings the glory of Buddhist culture.
Rock Garden
The man-made rocky garden is known for its exotic flora, waterfalls and bridges. Picnic can be done in the rocky area alongwith pony riding and photography.
Darjeeling is blessed with various cultures, and the festivals here are unique and colourful. Some of the major events are:
New Year celebrations (January)
The Bhutias and Lepchas celebrate the New Year in a unique way. They take out colourful traditional processions which are one of its kind. Fairs are held during this time and people enjoy momo and thupka.
Losha (February)
The Tibetan New Year has ceremonies that go on for a week. Tibetans cook mouth watering dishes and wear new clothes. Yak dances are performed on the streets too. On the 11th day of the event, Cho Nga Chopa is celebrated with a lot of devotion.
Chaita Dasai (March)
Also called Ram Navami, grand processions are on the road with idols of Lord Rama. This day marks the triumph over evil, as per Nepalis. Offerings are made to Devi Mata and people wear rice tika on the forehead.
Buddha Jayanti (May)
An important event in Darjeeling, monasteries come up with colourful processions carrying idols of the Buddha and holy books on the streets. Musical troupes perform during this time.
Tihar (October-November)
The festival commences with feeding crows and proceeds with Bhai Tika. On the third day Goddess Lakshmi is being worshipped. Fireworks and gambling are normal during this time and young girls go door to door singing Bhaileni.
Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival (November- December)
During this time tourists from various parts of the world come to Darjeeling to enjoy the famous tea and also savour local food. Toy train is the busiest during this time.
Just like the tea plantations, Darjeeling is also famous for its markets that sell tea, handicraft items, woollen scarves and caps and junk jewellery. Check out the list for a marvelous shopping experience.
Nehru Road
Darjeeling tea variants, exclusively designed woollen clothes, small souvenirs, exotic handicrafts, leather handbags, books, exquisite paintings, Khukree or Gorkha knives, Buddha statues and Pashmina shawls.
Batasia Loop Market
House décor items, Woollen wear, accessories for women.
Ghoom Monastery Market
Tibetan artefacts including singing bowls, prayer wheels, prayer flags, Thangkas (a form of Tibetan wall paintings), bags for women.
Teesta Bazaar
Hunting equipment, footwear, wall paintings called 'Thangkas', copper wares, crockery, silver wares and lanterns.
Pashupati Nagar Market
Small souvenirs, woollen jackets, shawls and sweaters, Gorkha knives, books and Darjeeling Tea.
The Mall Road
Fancy jewellery items, woollen cloths ranging from shawls, jackets, scarves and sweaters, Tibetan masks and other handmade souvenirs.
Chowk Bazaar
Exotic rugs, handwoven textiles, fur caps, brassware, brilliantly carved boxes, masks and silverware.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center
Tibetan carpets, woollen clothes, opulent woodwork décor, stylish footwear, wood carved items, paintings.
Winter
(October to March): Average temperature during this time ranges between 7 - 5 degree Celsius. Snowfall is quite rare but the temperature can go down to -2 degree Celsius.
Summer
(April to June): Darjeeling is quite pleasant during this time. The maximum temperature is around 25 degree Celsius. It makes for a great vacation in Darjeeling.
Monsoons
(July to September): Heavy rainfall is observed in Darjeeling with a lot of land slides. A visit is not recommended during this time.
By Air:
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport, about 96 kilometres from Darjeeling. Flights from here connect to Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata.
By Rail:
New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station for Darjeeling at 62 km from the main town. It connects to major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar and Cochin. The DHR Toy Train service commences at New Jalpaiguri and goes to Darjeeling at a speed of 30 miles per hour. It takes 7 hours and halts at Batasia Loop for passengers to click photos.
By Road:
The road network in Darjeeling is good for venturing to Darjeeling from neighbourhood cities like Siliguri, Kalimpong and Kurseong. En route, you can also enjoy stunning mountain beauty.
