Delightful Darjeeling – 11 Best places to visit

Darjeeling has been one of India‘s darling hill stations. This is not a surprise considering its serene beauty. This was one of the most popular summer retreats for the British. Darjeeling is resting at the foot of Eastern Himalayas, with the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range in its backdrop. The town is beautifully decorated with layers of lush green tea plantations. It has amazing places to visit and enjoy its natural beauty. Because of its proximity to Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan, the culture and lifestyle have a heavy influence. Everywhere you go, you will be stunned by breathtaking natural sights, the local cuisine, rich culture. We bring to you the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Also Read: Best time to visit Darjeeling

Best Places to visit in Darjeeling

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
2. Tiger Hill
3. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
4. Ghoom Monastery
5. Batasia Loop
6. Peace Pagoda
7. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
8. Singalila National Park
9. Tea Estates
10. Mall Road
11. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The toy train in Darjeeling goes through the mist of the lush green mountains. This one of a kind UNESCO World Heritage site is an identity of Darjeeling. This is an experience like no other. Additionally, the incredible views you get to see during this trail journey cannot be described. The antique steam engine pulls four to six cars. Get on this train at Ghum and travel till Darjeeling and enjoy the toy train experience.

Tiger Hill

Being the most beautiful viewpoint in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill does not disappoint anyone. Since it is located 8000 feet above sea level, Tiger Hill offers an amazing view of the early sun rays of the sun. You can observe the sun slowly rising from the snowclad Himalayan mountains. Not just this, the view of Kanchenjunga ranges in the golden rays are sure to brighten up your day. You will begin appreciating the beauty of the awe-inspiring Himalayas. Undoubtedly this is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

Visit this mountainside zoological park and see the rare Himalayan wildlife. It is home to the Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Tibetan Wolves. The natural setting of the zoo and its atmosphere is good for the animals as well. This park is dedicated to the increasingly endangered Himalayan animals including a huge number of snow leopards. This is an unavoidable place to visit when in Darjeeling.

Ghoom Monastery

This Buddhist monastery is one of the most recognizable places in Darjeeling. This is a popular movie location. It is brimming with Buddhist architectural and historical beauty. The 5-meter statue of Maitreya (Future Buddha) is the highlight of the monastery. This temple also houses well-crafted murals and paintings related to Buddism.

Batasia Loop

Batasia loop is a beautiful ecological garden has a variety of wildflowers and plants. There is a spiral railway track for the toy train and the garden offers an unbelievable view of the Kanchenjunga. The only thing that blocks the view is the flock of clouds slowly moving over the valley. Above all, the gardens tend to be quite crowded during weekends.

Peace Pagoda

This is one of many Pagodas built by the Japanese Buddhist organization Nipponzan Myohoji. The intention behind this Pagoda is to spread peace. The architecture is impressive and there are prayer chants which take place daily. Here you can simply meditate and find inner peace. Because of the calm and quiet atmosphere, you can leave your troubles away for some time and enter a state of trance.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Located right next to the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, the institute inspires aspiring mountaineers to pursue their dreams. There is a museum which exhibits the history and achievements of past mountaineers. It houses some of the equipment used for different expeditions. Furthermore, it has the original tools used for the first successful Mount Everest expedition by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. Right beside the museum, you can also see the tombstone of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

Also Read: Unique Homestay Experience in Darjeeling

Singalila National Park

The national park is the Indian side of the Singalila Ridge and has some of the best trekking areas in Darjeeling. Walk around in the gorgeous rhododendron forests and towering trees. Also, the national park has some of the greatest views of the Himalayas. This is the best place to wake up your inner adventure lover and go for a trek. Singalila National Park is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Tea Estates

Darjeeling is known worldwide for its authentic tea. The beautiful tea estates in Darjeeling cover the hills like a green blanket. The Happy Valley tea estate is one of the oldest in Darjeeling and also the best place to see the process of tea making. Visit the factories and understand how is the famous Darjeeling tea is made. Also, make sure you buy your favourite varieties of tea right from the misty hills of Darjeeling.

Mall Road

A visit to Darjeeling is incomplete without a little local shopping. Thus, you have to explore the Mall Road. The street contains a variety of shopping options. You can find genuine and authentic art and craft items here. Not just shopping, also indulge yourself in the local cuisine and street food of Darjeeling. Because of the Tibetan and Nepalese influence in the region, you can find abundant restaurants and eateries with those cuisines as well.

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

Refresh your senses with a visit to this beautiful garden. The Lloyd’s botanical garden is home to the Orchidarium which has more than 2000 varieties of Orchids. Also, you can see plenty of rare plants and flowers along with species of oaks, magnolia etc. This garden is one of kind and is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Charmingly known as the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling is truly worthy of the name. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas this beautiful town is full of incredible places to visit and things to do. If you are a fan of hill stations you must visit Darjeeling and enjoy its natural beauty.

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