Once the summer capital of the British Empire, Darjeeling, is a picturesque hill town in the Eastern Himalayas region of West Bengal.  Originally just a cluster of villages’ later Darjeeling grew evidently in the mid 19th century. Because of its pleasant climate the British unleashed it from the Chogyal of Sikkim and later it was discovered as the best suited area for tea plantation.

And the rest is quite evident, Darjeeling became famous globally for its tea cultivation and the distinctive Darjeeling tea produced is recognized and ranks among the finest of the black teas. The town also hosts the UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Darjeeling Himalayan railway and toy train. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was opened in 1881 since then it became the de-facto summer capital of India and a favorite holiday destination of the Kolkata based people.

With beautiful scenic beauty and tourist activities like trekking and river rafting, Darjeeling became the most traveled destinations for foreign tourists. The fact is one can actually watch the fascinating process of tea making here closely.

Get In

 

Getting to and from Darjeeling is easy. One should land in Siliguri the gateway to the entire north-eastern area from where Darjeeling is nearly about 64.3 Km distance. The town is well connected by air, rail and road.

Travel in a shared car or a luxurious separate car to reach to this place which will take roughly 2-3 hours. We suggest you to take the ride of the toy train and take leisure time enjoying the panoramic view of the foggy Himalayan peaks on its way to Darjeeling. This train has been a subject of matter for many romantic tales. Why not make it one of your memorable journeys.

 

Get Around

 

Crowned with the Himalayas along with the salubrious climate, Darjeeling is the favorite holidaying destination of the locally based people and the tourist from all around the world. The quaint colonial ambience tucked in the lesser Himalayas has always attracted visitors and the number is still increasing.

Darjeeling is also famous for its adventurous activity of trekking and river rafting. Beside this one can also take a walk on the Chaurasta Mall- the heart of Darjeeling. It is the most crowed and a favorite place to hangout with your friends. Indulge in to the delicious cuisines of the hill stations or go shopping for ancient artifacts and street fashion.

When in Darjeeling visit these places which are a list of the top visited places in town :

 

Tiger hills

It is located in the highest peak in the region and is the summit of Ghoom. The Tiger hill is amongst the two places in India from where you can view the panorama between Mt. Everest and the Kanchenjunga. It is advised to visit early morning to get the stunning glimpse of the mountains. It is 11 Km away from Darjeeling town and takes roughly 40 minutes. While we always hear how charismatic the view we suggest you to see it yourself.

Darjeeling mall and Chaurasta

Chourasta is located in the midst of the Darjeeling town. It’s the core part of the town and favorite place for hangout for local as well as the foreign people. Surrounded by numerous shops, this place is also a good place to enjoy some water-dropping foods and beverages. The restaurants and eateries around offer some the best authentic foods. Tourists hardly go empty handed as this area is famous for its high-end street fashion. The huge collection of ancient artifacts and jeweler one cannot go without buying one.

Japanese temple and Peace Pagoda

This is also a place for devotees and pilgrims. Peole from different countries come to see this fine example of traditional Japanese style temple in Darjeeling. It was inaugurated in the year 1972. This temple houses the idol of the founder Fujii Guruji and a mold of Lord Buddha. At close proximity to the Japanese Temple is the Peace Pagoda with a slogan to unite people of all races, religions and creeds. Its sole purpose was to spread peace and happiness among the people.

Ghoom Monastery

It was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It ia also a popular name of Yiga Choeling Monastery at Ghum. About 8 km from the town this is the major Buddhist pilgrimage places in Darjeeling district. The monastery portrays a 15-feet high statue of ‘Maitreya Buddha’. It also contains the images of Buddha’s disciples, Chenrezi and Chongapa.

Batasia loop

Batsia loop is place where the toy train takes a loop. The local craft market is something that cannot be ignored. It is also the place which houses the Gorkha martyr memorial.

Nightingale Park or Shrubbery Park

This park is about 2-5 Km away from railway station. It is a package of cultural program performed daily during tourist seasons. If you have missed the opportunity of visiting Tiger hills then this place is the alternative to see the magical sunlight. It is also a preferred place for photographers.

Yolmowa Buddhist Makdhog Monastery (Alubari Monastery)

Situated a little over 2 kilometres from the town on Tenzing Norgay Road, this beautiful place of worship is popularly known as Alubari Monastery, after the tiny village in which it is situated . Yolmowa Makdhog Monastery was built around 1914 by Sangay Lama, a highly revered religious head of the Yolmowas, a small ethnically Tibetan group from northeast Nepal, some of whom settled in Darjeeling .

Yiga Choling Monastery (Ghoom Monastery)

Just below Ghoom railway satation, about 8 kilometres away from Darjeeling town, Yiga Choling is the largest of Darjeeling’s three monasteries. Built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, it contains images of Buddhist deities and lamas, such as Chenrezing (Avalokitesvara), the Buddha of compassion, and Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect. The monastery also contains a huge 15- foot image of Jampeyang (Maitreya), the Buddha of the future. Alarge collection of liturgical texts includes the 108- volume Kangyur, the Tibetan Buddhist canon.

Senchal Lakes

A favorite picnic area is the Senchal Lakes, located about 3 kilometers from Ghoom. You can take the train from Darjeeling to Ghoom, and then pick up onward transportation to the lakes. These bodies of water are actually reservoirs which supply filtered water to the entire town .

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

The Tibetan Refugee Self Help centre lies at an altitude of 7000 feet (3657 meters) near Lebong. Established in 1959 to house refugees from Tibet, these days it provides shelter to the aged in addition to housing an orphanage, a school, a hospital and a monastery. Various craft workshops produce Tibetan Carpets of Ladakhi wool, wood carvings and leather products. There is also a showroom where antique Tibetan coins, banknotes and jewelers are sold. Vistors may hire ataxi to reach the Centre or walk along the Chowrasta Hermitage Road. No entranc e fees are charged.