Darjeeling

Are you all set to go for your much-awaited annual vacation? If it is a trip to the mighty mountains, give Darjeeling a chance. The spectacular hill station of Darjeeling could be all the colour that you need.

Indeed Darjeeling never ceases to be surprise. This awe – inspiring hill station is visited by a large number of visitors including the locals as well visitors from other parts of India and abroad. The most widely recognized of all, the biggest draw Darjeeling has is perhaps the names associated with it. Needless to say Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak. A visitor to this famous hill station in the state of West Bengal is greeted with long stretches of unending tea plantations.

Japanese Peace Pagoda offers a breathtaking view of the Darjeeling town and the mountains. Dhirdham Temple, a replica of the famous Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu in Nepal, is another landmark of Darjeeling. The Mall road is another highlight of a tour to Darjeeling. Built recently, Japanese Peace Pagoda offers a breathtaking view of the Darjeeling town and the mountains.

Darjeeling was popular even during colonial days and the British used to throng here during the summers.

Places of Interest

Situated at an altitude of 2134 metres above the sea in the eastern state of West Bengal level Darjeeling is home to interesting tourists centres and is a mesmerizing destination for the tourists.

Tiger Hill

One of the main attractions of Darjeeling is the Tiger Hill located at an elevation of 3000 meters (8482 ft.) above sea level. Located 15 km from the centre of the town, the point offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak during sunrise.

Ghum Monastery

Yiga Choeling Monastery, popularly known as Ghum Monastery, was founded by Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1875. Backdropped by snow-capped peaks, the monastery houses the 5m-tall (16-ft.) clay statue of the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha who is yet to come).

Batasia Loop

Commissioned in 1999, Batasia Loop is located on Hill Cart Road and a prime attraction of Darjeeling. An amazing feat of colonial engineering, this railway loop is 5 km from Darjeeling and commands a 360 degree view of Darjeeling with the Kanchenjunga in the back-drop. The War memorial, built in the memory of the Gorkha soldiers who laid down their lives for the country, is located in the centre of the Batasia Loop

Dhirdham Temple

One of the oldest temples in Darjeeling, Dhirdham Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and a replica of the famed Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu in Nepal.

Observatory Hill

The viewpoint below the Observatory hill, offers you the spectacular view of the landscape. At Observatory Hill is located the famous Mahakal temple one of the most-revered places of worship for the Hindus in Darjeeling. The temple’s uniqueness lies in that both Buddhist monk and Hindu priest offer prayers at the same altar.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

One of the best zoos in the country, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling is known for start the captive breeding of satyr, Temminck tragopans, red pandas, blue sheep and endangered species like Tibetan wolf , snow leopard, and Himalayan salamander. This zoo is the first zoo in West Bengal to introduce an animal adoption scheme.

Senchal lakes

Located at an elevation of 8,160 ft atop a hill, the North and the South Senchal lakes provides potable water to the people of Darjeeling. The lakes are favourite with the picnickers.

Lloyds Botanical Garden

One of the famous tourist spots in Darjeeling, Lloyds Botanical Gardenan is one of the places in the city where you can spend time with nature. Set up in 1878, this beautiful garden is spread over an area of 40 acres and is home to a diverse species of flora like rhododendron, arisaema, bamboo, cotoneaster, oak and wild geranium.

The Mall

The Mall, the main promenade in Darjeeling is a place where you can enjoy leisurely walks, browsing the shops or stopping for a cup of tea in the restaurants.

Toy Train Ride

While at Darjeeling, it is a sheer delight to take the famous toy train ride. Built by the British the blue coloured toy train still relies on the stream locomotives. Run by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, the train is listed as world heritage site. As the train chugs along, you will come across several gurgling streams and hair rising curves and pass through fearful tunnels and cross tall girder bridges.

Adventure activities in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is at a height of 2,050 m meters. This beautiful hill station of India offers several adventure sports, such as River rafting, hiking, skiing and trekking and is an ideal travel destination for those who seek adventure. Trekking is a major attraction of Darjeeling. Facilities for Trekking are available at Darjeeling. A visitor can take mountaineering lessons at the Himalayan Institute Mountaineering at Darjeeling. River rafting can be enjoyed at the Rangit River.

Barbotey Childrens' Park, Majitar, Kurseong, Bijanbari, Mirik and Kalimpong are famous excusion sites from Darjeeling.

How to reach Darjeeling

How to reach Darjeeling by Air

Bagdogra airport serves the town of Darjeeling. Take approved/shared taxi to Darjeeling which is 90 kilometer from Bagdogra

How to reach Darjeeling by Rail:

Though Darjeeling has a railway station it is only meant for the toy train declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railhead that is connected to Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities of India.

How to reach Darjeeling by Road:

Darjeeling is easily accessible by roads. The hill station is easily accessible by road and you could get here either by the State Transport buses, private taxis and buses, enjoying the scenic drive to this beautiful hill station.