Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling – Travel Guide

BY Nabamita SinhaJul 23, 2022

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 DarjeelingNickname The Queen of the HillsDarjeeling Whole  Area 3149 sq.kmLanguage Spoken Nepali, Hindi, and BengaliPopular Places to Visit Batasia Loop, Tinchuley, Darjeeling Rock Garden,  Lepchajagat, Darjeeling Ropeway, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tiger Hill, etc. Best Time to Visit April-June to experience summer, October-January to experience winter. Popular Places to visit for couples Mirik, 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 Do Trekking, 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 ZooThe 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 RopewayOpened 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 EstateEnjoy 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 SanctuaryThis 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 ParkIf 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 pmBlooming Seasons: October and November.6. Dhirdham TempleAnother 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 pmNote That: Inside the temple premises, cameras are not allowed.7. Darjeeling Mall And ChowrastaAt 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:Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

25 Amazing Things to do in Ladakh

BY Vishal ChauhanJun 5, 2017

If you come across arid jagged mountains kissing the skies, you know its Ladakh. Here, the dry winds seem to carry spiritual messages with them. The ancient gompas (Tibetan monasteries), with their whitewashed walls, are repositories of solitude and knowledge. The pristine waters of the lakes here create a perfect impression of the encompassing surroundings.Once in Ladakh, there is so much to see, so much to explore. From pure blue freshwater lakes to picturesque passes, from dreamy valleys to frozen rivers. One must prepare oneself for a kaleidoscope of experiences here. Have you recently decided to take a trip to Ladakh? This blog brings you the 25 amazing things to do in Ladakh. 25 Amazing Things to do in Ladakh: 1. Sunrise at Pangong Tso Lake! Witnessing the sky streaked red by the morning sun can be an exhilarating experience. Doing the same by Pangong Tso Lake embellishes the experience further. This spectacular lake made its appearance in the movie “3 Idiots.” Apart from that, it’s a highly coveted spot for late-night camping. 2. Biking on World’s Highest Motorable Road! Imagine biking at Khardung La – one of the world’s highest motorable road with a height of 18,380ft. You can plan a bike trip to this place from any city of India, or arrive at Leh, and book a bike there. There are several holiday packages for Ladakh trip. Choose any one of your linking. 3. Camping delights! Another way of absorbing the alluring beauty of Ladakh is going camping. Some of the best camping sites are found at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Camping by the lakes here is the best way of exploring the surrounding landscapes and carrying home some great memories. 4. Go Trekking One of the best manners of exploring the scenic landscapes of Ladakh is trekking. Be it the winter season or the summer season, trekking provides you an outstanding experience. Some of the most popular trekking routes here are Chadar, Stok Kangri, Tso Moriri and Markha Valley. 5. Go river rafting! Struggling against the forceful rapids always gives you that ultimate adrenaline rush. No wonder then that river rafting is a favorite amongst tourists to Ladakh. Nothing is more adventurous than fighting your way against the freezing waters of Zanskar River. Along the way, you are treated to the magnificent sights of hilltop monasteries, hillside villages and glimpses of the unique wildlife. 6. Take the Ride-on Double Bactrian camel! The thrill of taking a ride on a double-humped Bactrian camel is simply indescribable. The place to do this would be the Nubra Valley, located at 12,000ft above sea level. This wonderful wobbly ride takes you through the various landscapes of the region. This is the ride of a lifetime! 7. Look, a snow leopard! Spotting a snow leopard is a real privilege. These magnificent beasts, sporting a white fur, camouflage themselves with the environs as they patiently wait for their prey. One of the best places to view these lovely creatures is the Hemis National Park. This park is home to more than 200 snow leopards and is best visited during winters. 8. Explore Buddhist Monasteries! The various monasteries in Ladakh are some of the most ancient ones in the world. As such, they are a repertoire of knowledge and wisdom. One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh is the Spituk Monastery. It also enjoys a fabulous location and offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Another monastery worth checking out is Hemis Monastery. Besides being the biggest in all of Ladakh, it also hosts the famous Hemis Festival in June every year. 9. The Royal side of Ladakh! The magnificent Leh Palace lies in a dilapidated state in this day and age. However, its grandeur is still reflected in it's wood and stone ruins. It is often visited by history and architecture enthusiasts. Built by King Namgyal in the 17th century, this building is nine stories high. One can get panoramic views of the Zanskar and Stok Kangri ranges that traverse the Indus Valley. 10. Opt for a homestay! A great way to get acquainted with the culture of Ladakh is opting for a homestay. Try to get in touch with a local family. The warm-hearted people will host you with great zeal and enthusiasm. Enjoy a drink of butter tea, taste some delicious momos (dumplings) and have a great time. 11. Gaze at the starlit sky! When it comes to certified stargazing in India, nothing beats Ladakh! Engaging in stargazing here transports you to the world of stars and comets. The infinite sky, glistening with stars, casts a magical spell on the onlooker. In Ladakh, the best place to do this is the Nubra Valley. 12. The Mysterious Magnetic Hill! Ever heard of a car ascending without any external force being applied to it? Don’t be shocked, defying the laws of physics is a common experience here. The Magnetic Hill, as it’s commonly referred to, pulls a car or a bike towards the peak. The reasons behind this occurrence are as yet unknown. However, it’s worth giving it a try! 13. River of opportunity! One of the top things to do in Ladakh is watching the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The frozen Zanskar River presents tremendous trekking opportunities during winters. Also known as Chadar Trek, it’s a favorite among adventure seekers. The surreal beauty of the icy world enveloping you throughout the trek leaves you overwhelmed. 14. Sipping Tea at World’s highest Cafeteria A board stating the benefits of drinking black tea welcome you at Rinchen Cafeteria. Located at an altitude of 18,380ft, momos and Maggi are also served along with tea. This wonderful cafe has been named after Col. Rinchen for seizing Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Once here, check out the various stories, paintings, and quotes by the Army. 15. Piping hot Maggie at High Altitude! Nothing beats the taste of piping hot Maggi at high altitudes. After a tiresome journey which leaves you exhausted, this humble meal comes as a blessing. One of the best places to experience this treat is Khardung La. Here, not only do you enjoy the meal, but discover a fascinating history associated with it. 16. Participate in Mask Festival! Hemis Mask Dance Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ladakh. This colorful and vibrant festival is held every year at Hemis Gompa, the biggest monastery in Ladakh. The main attractions are the mask parade and the “Chaam” dance. Here, the Lamas put on a spectacle with their burgundy and mustard yellow attires 17. Attend a Ladakhi Wedding! A wedding in Ladakh is a quite solemn affair. However, the various rituals associated with it are every bit as interesting. The couple wears ceremonial dresses while the guests, seated on small tables, are served butter tea. Traditional songs are played and dance goes on for hours. “Chang”, the local alcohol is served and everyone joins in the festivities. 18. Ladakh’s local delicacies! Ladakh’s cuisine is the result of an innovative twist to Kashmiri cuisine. One of them is the delicious stew which contains a wonderful combination of ingredients like rice, noodles, momos, thukpa, etc. One should also try the Yak Cheese and the Yak Cheese momos here. Of course, no meal is complete without trying the local butter tea. 19. Meditate by the famous lakes! Lakes in Ladakh enchant the visitors with their breathtaking beauty. They are known as “Tso.” Pangong Tso, which means “long and narrow lake,” is the highest saltwater lake in the world. Tso Kar and Tso Moriri are two famous lakes. Mirpal Tso attracts travelers with its sandy bed and turquoise waters. 20. Pleasures of bird watching! The enormous and arid landscape of Ladakh is a haven for diverse avifauna. This region is visited by various species of birds, many of them endangered. The amazing solitude makes bird watching in Ladakh a perfectly blissful activity. Bird watching is popular in Suru Valley, Rizong Monastery and Nubra Valley, besides others. 21. Pray Some, Spin Some! Ladakh is dotted with several monasteries that are as charming as they are fascinating. A visit to any of them is sure to leave you with great memories. One of the prime activities to do in a monastery is spin a prayer well. Spinning the prayer wheel, according to Buddhist traditions, ushers in good luck. So, when in Ladakh, spin that wheel! 22. Mingle with monks! One of the great attractions of visiting the monasteries is mingling with the monks. Saffron clad and bald, they possess a wealth of knowledge, with a good dose of humor. Request them humbly, and you may just be in for a session of fascinating tales and stories. 23. Make-a-wish stones Since the beginning of history, stone stacking has been followed by wish making. During earlier ages, they served the roles of messengers, signs, and landmarks. The locals, however, believe that stacking stones brings good luck to travelers. Stack some stones, make a wish! Your work is done. 24. Shop in the Local Markets to Carry Memories of Ladakh Trip! Shopping takes an exciting turn in the markets of Ladakh. It’s the best place for mingling with the locals and learning various aspects of their culture. The streets here are lined with numerous stalls which display exotic items. From hand-woven rugs, wall hangings and wicker baskets to woolen bags, one finds it all here! 25. Visit Leh City after sunset! Sunsets in Leh City are unlike any other you may have come across. Here, the sun takes its own time to leisurely paint the sky red. One of the best places to witness the sunset here is Shanti Stupa. Bring your camera along, and capture some great shots.Read Also :10 best places to visit in Sikkim 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi

15 Interesting Facts about India That Every Traveller Should Know

BY RashmiJan 30, 2020

If you are traveling to India for the first time, you’ll for sure feel a little bit overwhelmed, confused and excited at the same time. Adjusting to the culture shock, frenetic energy and diversity will take some time. But worry not, once you get used to the Indian ways, you’ll develop a special bond with this place that will urge you to come back again and again.If you are traveling to India, here are a few facts about India to keep in mind before and while you are on your trip: EXPLORE A PLACE AND TAKE YOUR TIME When you come to India, don’t hop from one place to another too soon because then you wouldn’t really get a feel of the real India and experience the place deeply.Take your time with a place, stay there for a few days, visit different sites in that place, get to know the local people and traditions of the place, and relish the experience.For example, if you go to Kerala in South India, then stay there for more than at least 9 -10 days, explore the local food and culture, different festivals.Many top-notch yoga retreats in India are also held in Kerala. If you want to experience the true spiritual gift of India that is yoga and meditation, you can attend yoga and meditation retreat or a yoga teacher training course in one of the best yoga schools in Kerala. EXPLORE MORE THAN JUST THE CITIES The real beauty of India lies not only in the cities of India but way beyond the cities in the natural world.The forests, the majestic mountains, the motherly rivers, the gorgeous oceans, and pristine beaches, and the divine landscapes are sure to give you an experience of a lifetime.Travel to the Himalayas in north India, the beaches of south India, the Western Ghats, the Mangrove forests in the east and experience a deeper connection with Mother Nature. DRESS ACCORDINGLY In most parts of India, the dress code is Indian sarees and traditional Indian clothes though many people in the cities wear western clothing as well.Please wear clothes that cover your body appropriately, especially when you are visiting the rural parts of India, temples, mosques, etc.It is also a custom in India to open your shoes outside while visiting a temple or a religious site. RESPECT THE INDIAN PEOPLE AND THE INDIAN CULTURE Most Indians are very warm-hearted, and this is truly one of the best qualities of Indian people. They are welcoming and love it when people from all over the world come to visit and explore the beautiful and divine land of India.Be respectful to the Indian people and the Indian culture.The Indian people will greet you with warmth and acceptance. Make sure you can be humble and return the same. BE PREPARED TO EXPLORE DEEP SPIRITUALITY One of the most well-known facts about India is that it is the origin of yoga and meditation. Many top-level yoga and meditation schools offer yoga retreats in India.If you genuinely want to feel the deep spiritual connection of India and want to learn the ancient art of yoga and meditation, then you can enroll yourself in one of the best yoga schools in India.Some of the best yoga schools of India are in Kerala in South India and Rishikesh in North Indian at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. KEEP AN OPEN MIND Keeping an open mind is a great way to travel the land of India as you will see things that you did not expect to, like children asking for food while you are stuck in traffic.Keeping an open and accepting mind will help you move through some of the things you did not expect with grace and ease. AVOID PDA Avoid public displays of affection towards your partners, as this is not a common thing in the culture of India. Avoid kissing and excess public display of affection as a respect for the Indian culture TRY OUT THE INDIAN FOOD You will find all kinds of foods, dishes, and cuisines in India that will relish your taste buds. You can try out the North Indian dishes, the south Indian dishes, and the local food of whichever place you travel to.Be mindful of the water you are consuming and make sure it is purified. Most places have clean water to drink, but it is advised to be mindful. GET A SIM CARD Getting a sim card would be helpful as you can use the internet to have easy navigation through the landscapes of India. A sim card will allow you to navigate google maps, best restaurants, and make calls to your home country.Though only Indians can buy a SIM card in India, you can ask your trusted Indian friend to buy you a SIM card. There are also special provisions for sim cards for foreigners. UNDERSTAND THE UNSPOKEN INDIAN LANGUAGE Indians communicate a lot without words and just simple hand gestures or head nods. The classic Indian head nod is one of the most common communication methods in India. Usually, it means yes or no, depending on the context.Understanding the unspoken Indian language can make your trip interesting and can be helpful too. BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS While this advice applies to many places around the globe, it is always a good idea to keep your cash, cards, and belongings safe, especially in the populated cities of India. FIND A TRUSTWORTHY INDIAN FRIEND WHO CAN GUIDE YOU It is also wise to have a trustworthy Indian friend who can help you out in a foreign country and guide you in case you are confused about something.Knowing someone trustworthy and intelligent in India who can help out is also an advantage. DO YOUR RESEARCH Do a good in-depth research of India and the places that call out to you the most in India. India is a vast country, and it is not advised to cover the whole country in one short trip.Do your research and see which places you feel the most drawn to and then make a detailed itinerary of your trip. KEEP YOUR CALM Scamsters, touts, etc. often target foreigners to make some quick bucks by simply luring them with good deals which are not in fact, good deals. You’ll come across different people (agents, cab drivers, etc.) who’ll insist on giving you the best deals (maybe hotel charges, tour packages). But don’t lose your head over these things. Simply keep your calm and try to show them that you know better. Slowly you’ll learn the tricks to handle such people. DON'T HESITATE TO BARGAIN Indian markets are colorful and have some beautiful things like leather bags, clothes, artifacts, and so much more that you can buy. However, some shop keepers give a higher price to those traveling from another country.Don’t be afraid to bargain and get a reasonable price for your purchase. Sharpen your bargaining skills and have fun with it.Read Also:8 Amazing Things To Do In Delhi For First Time Tourists Complete Guide For A Pleasant Agra Tour The Easy Way To Travel In India Top Most Expensive Hotels Of India To Enjoy And Stay Your Holidays