Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling – Travel Guide

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

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):

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.

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