Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling – Travel Guide

Jul 23, 2022

Last Updated on: Feb 6, 2025

India

Welcome to the “Queen Of The Hills!”

Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Hidden beneath the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is an “abode of god.” Situated among the serenity of nature, it is a must places to visit in Darjeeling for some intoxicating time in nature’s lap.

Travel Guide About Darjeeling

NicknameThe Queen of the Hills
Darjeeling Whole  Area3149 sq.km
Language SpokenNepali, Hindi, and Bengali
Popular Places to VisitBatasia Loop, Tinchuley, Darjeeling Rock Garden,  Lepchajagat, Darjeeling Ropeway, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tiger Hill, etc. 
Best Time to VisitApril-June to experience summer, October-January to experience winter. 
Popular Places to visit for couplesMirik, Love Road, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Mall, Observatory Hill, Darjeeling Ropeway, Tea Gardens, Mahakal Temple, and Glenburn Estate. 
Top Religious Places Ghoom Monastery, St.Andrew’s Church,  Dali Monastery, Dhirdham Temple, Aloobari Monastery, etc.
Top Things To DoTrekking, Shopping, River Rafting, Toy Tain Ride, Visit the Tea Garden, Camping, Explore the wildlife and flora, Mountaineering, etc.

Darjeeling: Why Even Go There?

Darjeeling is one of the biggest tourist destinations in India. Its natural beauty, perfect climate, and captivating mountain view are a few of the reasons to visit here.

Darjeeling is a part of West Bengal and is located at a height of 2134 meters. It is a proud possession of West Bengal Tourism. The exotic flora, fauna, and chilly weather are a few reasons why it is named the “Queen of the Hills.”

It is a perfect abode for trekkers and mountaineers. The view of the Kanchenjunga is spectacular from here. This spectacular view is what attracts a lot of tourists year-round in Darjeeling.

However, Darjeeling has a lot more to offer tourists. From Darjeeling, you have access to most other hill stations such as Gangtok, Kalimpong, and many more. There are great places to visit in Gangtok, and Darjeeling is your starting point for that.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

1. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute And Darjeeling Zoo

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling is one of the best in the country. It exhibits the mountaineering gears from the early days along with certain artifacts.

The Institute was built here in honor of Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to climb Mt. Everest. They were the first to climb the tallest mountain in the world for the 1st time in 1953.

All the mountaineering gear that the men used is also here in the Institute itself. There are souvenirs and a restaurant here on the premises for the tourists.

Located beside the Institute on the same premises is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Here you can experience the best wildlife Darjeeling has to offer.

Here you will find a number of exotic animals such as the Siberian Tiger, snow leopard, goral, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear, and red panda.

Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Summer & 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Winter.

2. Darjeeling Ropeway

Opened in 1968, known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car; from here, you can have the best view of Darjeeling. This was the first cable car system ever built in India.

From the beautiful Tea Gardens to the majestic peak of the Kanchenjunga and the dense forest beneath it. You will be able to experience everything Darjeeling has to offer at once.

Timings: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Winter and Monsoon), 10:00am to 2:00pm (Summer and Autumn).

3. Happy Valley Tea Estate

Enjoy the lush greenery and the sweet taste of Darjeeling Tea. This is a 150 years old Tea Estate, one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Although this is only the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, built in 1854, situated 2100 meters above sea level.

Timings: Tuesday to Saturday- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

4. Senchal Lake And Wildlife Sanctuary

This is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, set up in the year 1915. Situated about 11 kms away from Darjeeling town, it is a must-visit place in Darjeeling.

Senchal Lake, which is situated within the wildlife, has the most beautiful picturesque view. For nature lovers and photographers, this is an ideal place.

Here you will find a number of wildlife such as leopards, rhesus monkeys, and Himalayan black bears. Along with that, here, you will see a wide variety of exotic birds.

5. Shrubbery Nightingale Park

If you are someone who loves flowers and exotic flora, then you must visit Shrubbery Nightingale Park. Here you will find beautiful flowers along with a majestic view of the Kanchenjunga mountain

The park was totally destroyed during a massive earthquake in 1934; it was rebuilt to its former glory. It has pebblestone pathways, a musical fountain and benches to sit on. This park is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Blooming Seasons: October and November.

6. Dhirdham Temple

Another gorgeous tourist attraction is the Dhirdham Temple; it is a Hindu temple in Nepalese style. This is located just below the Toy Train station. This temple was built by the King of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Pradhan, in the year 1936. The temple has the idol of Lord Shiva.

The idol is of white color, and Shiva is represented to have various expressions with his third eye. This temple has the architectural design of the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu.

Aarti Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Note That: Inside the temple premises, cameras are not allowed.

7. Darjeeling Mall And Chowrasta

At the heart of Darjeeling town are the Darjeeling Mall and the Chowrasta. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. It is the best places to hang out for both tourists and localities.

Here you will find the best restaurants, shops, boutiques and cafes. This is a must-visit place in Darjeeling for anyone to visit. During the evening, you will find a lot of entertainment options here.

Few of the best shops around here are Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Curio Corner, Habeeb Mullick & Sons and the Jolly Arts & Bhutan Tibetan Art Shop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What Are The Nearest Railway Station And Airport To Darjeeling?

The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is Darjeeling Railway station and Siliguri Railway Station. And the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located 70 km from Darjeeling.

2. What Is The Best Time To Plan A Holiday To Darjeeling?

Depending on the season, you need to plan your trip here. If you are planning to visit during the summer for pleasant sightseeing you can visit from April-June.

But if you are willing to experience the cold and with it wildlife, you can visit from October-December.

3. How Are The Accommodation Facilities For Tourists In Darjeeling?

Darjeeling has a huge number of good quality accommodation facilities for tourists. No matter how you are traveling, big group, solo, as couple, or with family, there are options for all.

From 5-star hotels to luxury resorts, pocket-friendly hotels, and even homestays, everything is present here in Darjeeling.

Visit Now!

Here I have pointed out the 7 best places in Darjeeling to visit, but there are more than 25 places to visit in Darjeeling, and Gangtok should be your next destination of choice.

Darjeeling is a staple tourist destination for every Indian. It is the first place our parents took us to. It has a different emotion on my part.

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE best honeymoon places in India

10 Best Honeymoon Places In India You Must Know

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 4, 2018

The honeymoon practice started in the nineteenth century in Britain, when couples of the upper class went to bridal tours accompanied by friends and family to visit relatives. The popularity of this practice increases gradually. Currently, this practice is common among young couples in the world. Immediately after the wedding, couples go visiting exotic destinations. There is evidence that Indians tour foreign places for honeymoon. They ignore a lot of the best honeymoon places in India. Below are some of the places in India that you can visit on your honeymoon. 10 Best Honeymoon Places In India: 1. Darjeeling Found in West Bengal between the arms of lesser Himalayas, it bears the name of the queen of hills. Darjeeling is among the most peaceful and picturesque best honeymoon places in India, with a climate that is pleasantly cool, and the Kanchenjunga to frame the skyline. Close attractions include the sunrise from Batasia loop, Singamari ropeway, Tiger Hills, Peace Pagoda, and much more. There are other attractive activities like touring using the UNESCO world heritage toy train, paragliding, and rock climbing. While summer is the best time for going there, you can choose the winter months to visit the best honeymoon destinations in India. 2. Himachal Pradesh Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and has been among the best honeymoon places in India. This is because of their snowy peaks, romantic climate, temples, churches, monasteries, the mall and British architecture, and plush mills. It is best to visit these places in summer and winter. There is also Manali and Kulu, a favorite of couples, with sprawling and greenery landscape. It is among the best destinations for a trip that is full of adventures like skiing, hiking, paragliding, mountaineering, trekking, and river rafting, angling, and biking from October to February. 3. Rajasthan For a trip that will leave you feeling royal, this destination is one of the best honeymoon places in India. Regal Udaipur has Havelis, temples, and palaces along rustic, crooked streets. You can cruise calm lakes in this destination. For a desert destination with elephant and camel rides and other things, you will find a majestic Jaisalmer. The other places you will visit are Jaipur, Mount Abu, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. 4. Tamil Nadu Be it a wildlife or spiritual couple, this is a destination to be. The January-May and October-November periods are best for visiting the Anaimalai tiger reserve, Valparaiso forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. You can begin spiritually at Ramana Ashram or Arunachala Temple during February – August. Ooty is found in Nilgiri hills with rose gardens, botanical gardens, Dodabetta peak, and Glen Morgan Tea garden for boating and angling. 5. Kutch Gujarat is a colorful, beautiful, and among the best honeymoon places in India where culture, architecture, and history meet guests. For newlyweds, this is the best destination for shopping and you will have an interest in traditional bags and mirror stoles, accessories, and furnishings that have Kutchi embroidery, and jewelry. The surroundings of Bhuj are great for shopping. You will also get wildlife sanctuaries and white-sand deserts that are colorful. 6. GOA Goa is a favorite for Bollywood when it comes to beauty and fun, providing a novel couple a memorable honeymoon with golden beaches, warm sun, swaying coconut palms, and endless sea. You will also find colonial Portuguese churches and buildings, and hilly places. Couples with adventure may choose water sports, wind, and deep-sea surfing. The party capital of India serves Goan sausages, best sea-food, pork vindaloo, and drinks at the shacks of the beach. You may choose this place as one of the best honeymoon places in India. 7. Uttarakhand For a couple that is adventurous, it is perfect to get to Auli in November-March for a honeymoon marked with speeding down snow peaks and ski workshops. For a calm and romantic couple, there is the beautiful and quaint Nainital, with aerial ropeway, lakes, the Jim Corbett National park, and much more. If you are planning for a honeymoon in India then you can visit them in the winter. For a romantic getaway, visit Mukhteshwar as it offers pears, apples, peaches, plums, and peaches from food and orchard farms, and excellent chocolates in the mountains. 8. Kashmir And Jammu   Srinagar, the state capital, offers lakes that are perfect places for honeymoon in India as they have valleys lush and sparkling ripples that are heavenly, and mountains. The best honeymoon places in India are coveted as they have Mughal gardens and houseboats. Winter offers unforgettable caves, temples, and forts. 9. Nicobar And Andaman Islands The idea of going to the best honeymoon places in India on an island is very romantic. Be it in winter or summer, Nicobar and Andaman Islands are among the best honeymoon destinations in India. It is private and exotic, with the best fauna and flora, from hills and jungle life to colorful sunken ships and fish, plus accommodation and great food. 10. Kerala   Kerala unleashes itself in diverse beautiful ways, be it in winter or summer months, and is in high demand when it comes to choosing places for honeymoon in India. For a sunbath that is relaxing, you will get to Kovalam beach. For a cruise of romance, you can get to Munnar, Alleppey, and Wayanad found in the hills for a deserved visit during the wonderful moments. You can choose Kerala as one of the best honeymoon places in India and enjoy your holiday with your soulmate. As a couple, you can explore backwaters with an interconnected network of rivers, canals, and lakes in the houseboats or even discover hidden treasures found in Kerala. If you desire to go to a traditional holiday, the one that is complete with vegetation that is thick, different biology, and the rural culture gentleness, Kerala has it all. Conclusion For each newlywed couple, the honeymoon is a very crucial aspect of the whole thing. The prolonged occasion of elaborate weddings and the preparations, plus the anxiety of starting newfangled life with a new-fangled person, it may leave you somewhat stressed and drained. In this state of mind, the best honeymoon places in India are perfect for relaxing and knowing one another. Read Also : Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip Best National Parks In Missouri

READ MORE Easy Way To Travel In India

The Easy Way To Travel In India

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 19, 2019

Would you like to make the most out of your Travel in India? There are some things that you need to do and consider to get the most from your trip. Once you’re through, you can enjoy a holiday in India and make all your dreams come true.   India has some of the best tourist attractions sites and people in comparison to other destinations in the world. You cannot get access to these fantastic opportunities unless you plan your travel well.   Preparation is critical when going for a vacation, and India is not an exemption. This article will suggest some of the easy ways to travel to India. The most important thing is to get the most from your vacation.  The Easy Way To Travel In India: Conduct A Background Check   The very first thing that you have to do is conduct a background check by reading about India. It will help you to familiarize yourself with the foreign country. It is not advisable to get a culture shock once you get to the new county.   The good thing about India is that it has perfect living conditions. You can find five and four-star hotels in India that offer international standards. The most important thing is to have enough funds to get the right accommodation.   Their foods and way of cooking compete favorably with the rest of the world. Palace hotels have garnered a world status that you can’t compare to other hotels around the globe. You need to do a lot of research to get some of the best places to lounge while in India.    If you are a budget traveler, you can check-in in three-star hotels. These hotels charge relatively modest amounts that will accommodate your budget. You can also find tourist bungalows, traveler’s lodges, youth hotels, holiday homes, and YWCA/YMCA’s.   All these come at rates that are quite pocket-friendly to anyone who is operating on a budget. You cannot get access to all this information unless you conduct a background check. Everything is available online, but you can also speak to your travel agency for further advice.   Make All Your Arrangements In Advance: For worry-free travel, it is advisable to make arrangements in advance. The months of October until March are the peak season for people who are traveling to India. From May until June is the season of the Indian holiday.   If you plan to travel during these months, you should book in advance. The reason is that at this time, there are limited travel amenities. You don’t want to miss out on the best places to stay because the hotels are full.   Communication Is Critical   Communication is critical when traveling to any foreign country. You can choose to learn the local language, but most tourist centers use English. The most important thing is to communicate effectively with all the people that you come across.   Employ the Services of a Reputable Tour Guard   Going it alone in a new land is not a joke. The Indian locals are gracious and friendly people. If you think staring is rude, relax if the locals stare at you because it’s a natural thing to Indians. You will understand more about the locals with the help of your tour guide.  The most important thing is to choose the best tour guard in the region. Do your homework well to get the one that will give you an exceptional experience. The area has several tour firms, but not all of them will provide you with the same level of service.   Doing your homework well will help you choose the best tour and travel firm. You can also speak to past clients to help you make an informed decision.   Be Ready For Great Dining   Indian food is very much different from your usual diet. Make sure that you eat only one serving of Indian dishes for each meal. One thing that you can have the assurance of is that Indian foods are highly nutritious.   Start by eating peeled fresh fruits and mostly cooked foods. This way, your body system can easily adjust to the Indian diet. You will find the food to be so enjoyable within no time.   It is also advisable that you drink only bottled drinks, water, tea, and coffee. The hotels have filtration systems so you will not encounter any health problems. It will make sure that you are taking good care of your health while in transit.  Are you On Any Special Medication?   If you are on any medications, buy it before you leave for India. The reason is that you may not be able to find the same brand of medicines there. However, local doctors may suggest alternative medications just in case you need immediate medical attention.  Therefore, you will not fail to get something that will help you while in India. Remember, this region has some of the best doctors all over the world. Therefore, there is no course of alarm when India Trip, and you have a medical condition.   Respect Indian Temples  When you’re visiting a temple or mausoleum, make sure that you remove your shoes, sandals, or slippers. There are also Indian temples that will not allow non-Hindus to enter. Your tourist guide will be the one to explain these matters to you.  You don’t want to become a disgrace to the locals when visiting India. Listen to what the tour guards tell you so that you don’t violate these expectations. Indians adore their religion, and you need to pay close attention to what they value most.   It is useful to read in the papers about some troubles in India. However, this should not discourage you from visiting a country like India. The place is rich in culture and heritage. You can be sure of getting the best experience from your trip.   Conclusion   Traveling to India may come only once in your lifetime. Therefore, you need to take advantage of it by seizing the opportunity. You have to enjoy your life while you are in India, as you may not re-visit the country again.  Travel in India is more comfortable and hassle-free if you have a guide. Therefore, book your tour with the right travel agency in India. It will help you to get a suitable tour package that can meet all your traveling needs.  Make sure that you do this in advance if you want to get the best experience. Use the internet when you’re conducting your researches so that you will find more about India and its people. Make this trip a memorable and enjoyable one.  Read Also : Best Places For River Rafting In India 10 Best Places for Honeymoon in India 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

READ MORE Eternal Magnificence Why the Taj Mahal Reigns as the World's Most Popular Monument

Eternal Magnificence: Why The Taj Mahal Reigns As The World’s Most Popular Monument

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 29, 2023

In the heart of India, amidst the city of Agra, stands an architectural wonder that has captured the imaginations of tens of millions around the world. The Taj Mahal, regularly dubbed the "Crown Jewel of India," isn't just a monument; it's a symbol of everlasting love, architectural brilliance, as well as cultural importance.  With its mesmerizing splendor, the Taj Mahal has earned its reputation as the maximum popular monument in the international. In this article, we will discover the motives at the back of its iconic repute as well as provide insights into planning a taj mahal tour package to this breathtaking masterpiece. 1. A Monument Of Love The Taj Mahal's profound reputation begins with its compelling love tale. Built by emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his spouse, Mumtaz Mahal, the monument is a testimony to enduring love. This romantic narrative has frequent attraction and attracts site visitors from all walks of life who are moved by the tale of love and loss. 2. Architectural Grandeur One look at the Taj Mahal becomes obtrusive as to why it reigns as a worldwide architectural icon. Its lovely symmetry, tricky marble inlays, and ethereal white domes make it a masterpiece of Mughal structure. The Taj's unheard-of splendor and meticulous craftsmanship leave site visitors in awe, earning its rightful vicinity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. Cultural Significance The Taj Mahal is deeply ingrained in India's rich cultural heritage. It represents the Mughal structure's zenith and symbolizes the kingdom's artistic as well as cultural prowess. Its inclusion within the "Seven Wonders of the World" list has also elevated its status and made it a must-visit vacation worldwide. 4. Spectacular Setting Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is ready against a picturesque backdrop that complements its allure. The mirrored image of the monument within the river's tranquil waters creates a mesmerizing scene that photographers and artists discover impossible to resist. 5. Timeless Beauty The Taj Mahal's splendor transcends time as well as seasons. It captivates visitors at some point of dawn, while the tender colors of the sunrise shower it with a gentle, rose-tinted glow, and at sunset, the placing sun lends it a warm, golden charisma. Its ethereal allure is equally enthralling beneath the moon's light, supplying traffic with a unique nocturnal enjoyment. 6. Icon of Peace and Harmony Beyond its architectural splendor, the Taj Mahal includes a team spirit as well as a concord message. Its production involved artisans and craftsmen from numerous cultural backgrounds, reflecting India's age-antique way of life of inclusivity. The monument serves as a symbol of religious tolerance as well as multicultural coexistence. 7. Planning Your Visit Now that we've explored why the Taj Mahal is the world's maximum famous monument, here are some practical guidelines for making plans for your visit: 8. Timing Matters The Taj Mahal can get crowded, so plan to reach early in the morning to conquer the crowds and revel in the tranquil environment. Sunrise is a super time to witness its mesmerizing splendor. 9. Tickets And Entry Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues at the price ticket counters. There are exclusive ticket options, together with dawn and sunset visits, so pick the one that fits your desire. Conclusion The Taj Mahal's enduring popularity is due to its beautiful love tale, architectural elegance, cultural importance, as well as picturesque putting. It is a monument that transcends time, serving as a symbol of affection, splendor, as well as concord. Planning a Taj Mahal tour from Delhi is a journey into the coronary heart of India's wealthy history and the risk of witnessing a real marvel of the sector.  So, pack your luggage, put it together to be enchanted, immerse yourself in the royal charm of the Taj Mahal, and enjoy it so that it will live with you for your entire life. If you have thoughts to share, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling – Travel Guide