Source –
flickr.com/photos/
Darjelling a beautiful hill station in the State of West Bengal located at a distance of 65 Km from Siliguri. It is a beautiful location with the views of the Himalayan range and the lush greenery that surrounds the town. However it is not an extreme location but a moderately cool location throughout the year which makes it a busy weekend getaway destination thought the year.
How to reach Darjelling?
By Air – The nearest airport from Darjelling is the Bagdogra airport that is located at a distance of 90km from Darjelling. Bagdogra sees some regular flights from all over the country from where tourist and visitors need to take a car or bus to Darjelling.
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By Railway – The nearest railhead from Darjelling is the New Jalpaiguri and the Siliguri railway station which has regular trains from all over the country. However the is also a narrow gauge train that connects the lowlands with the town of the Darjelling or once can also take a cab or a bus from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri station to cover the distance of 78km from there on.
By Road – Darjelling is connected through road via Siliguri (NH 55) and also connects the town with other neighboring hill stations like Gangtok, Kurseong and so on.
Places to visit in Darjelling
Religious Places
1)Bhutia Busty Monastery –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
Bhutia Busty monastery popularly also known as the Karmaa Dorjee Chyoling monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Bhutia Busty which is at a distance of 2.5km from the city centre of Darjeeling in West Bengal. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas and the monastery is known for its charm and aura of peace and tranquility.
Location –Bhutia Busty Rd, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling, West Bengal
2)Ghum Monastery –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
Old Ghoom Monastery is popularly known as Yiga Choeling. There is a 15 feet-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha which makes this iconic and stand out from rest of the monasteries.
Location – Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal
3) Japanese Buddhist Temple Darjeeling –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
It is a unique and traditional Japanese-style Buddhist temple and is a popular tourist attraction for its multi-level pagoda provides mesmerizing mountain views of the Himalayas which are sure to make your weekend getaway the best.
Location –
Darjeeling, West Bengal
4) Dali Monastery –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
It is undoubtedly a wonderful place to be at. It is certainly one of the largest monasteries out here where you can find and huge statue of Buddha. If you visit this monastery during prayer time you may hear and enjoy the chanting of mantras by the monks. This will enlighten your soul. However, photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited. Visiting this monastery is certainly one of the things to do in Darjelling.
Location – Darjeeling, West Bengal
5) Mahakal Mandir –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
The Hindu temple is located on the Observatory Hill in Darjelling which is has a characteristic trait that is a sacred cave and an array of colorful flags. Being mesmerized by the beauty of the place and the Himalayan Mountain is also among the things to do here while you’re making it the best Darjelling trip during your weekend getaway here.
Location –Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
6) Buddhist Temple –
Like all other Buddhist monasteries this is also a place to calm your soul and get lost in the serenity of the place. Located on a beautiful mountain top the scenery is equally beautiful as the architecture of the monastery. So to make your best Darjelling package worth it, you should really dip into the ambience of this monastery.
Location – Jalapahar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
7) St Andrews Church –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
St. Andrew’s church is a branch of the United Church of North India. Every Sunday services are held for believers and non-believers. And like all other religious place this place is marked by its tranquility and the spiritual significance.
Location – Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
8) Peace Pagoda –
It is essentially a Buddhist shrine built to welcome people of all creeds to enjoy the serenity of this place and enhance the chances to bring World peace. The statue of Buddha and the complex is a well kept and the location is as well mesmerizing, the breath of fresh air, the view of the Himalayas all together makes it a stunning place to be at.
Location – West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Natural Structure and Sightseeing
1)Mirik –
Source – flickr.com
Located at a distance of 60km from Darjelling, Mirik is a heavenly abode where one can enjoy the view of the Mirik Lake and the surrounding mountains. Tourists are mesmerized by the beauty of the place and usually take a stroll around the lake on horseback or walking. According to the city tour guide there are numerous orange orchards which are not just beautiful but also a new thing for people from the plains. So among the many things to do, strolling around these orchards is a must. Mirik is included in all best Darjelling packages and a visit to this beautiful location is worth while you’re on your weekend getaway.
Location – Darjelling, West Bengal
2) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park –
Source –
flickr.com/photos/
The zoo has numerous Himalayan animals in perfectly simulated habitat and are well kept and looked after. According to the city tour guide there are also many conservation programs that the Zoo undertakes and conserves many endangered species. It is a great place for all kinds of tourists, students and especially kids.
Location –Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timing – 8:30AM – 5PM (except Thursday)
Ticket – INR 50 per person + INR 10 extra for camera
3) Tiger Hill, Darjeeling –
Source – flickr.com
At an elevation of 2600 m it is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal and obviously Darjelling. It is an all time favorite spot and is the most visited place as well as travelers from who visit Darjelling make a point to make a visit to Tiger Hill during dawn to enjoy the stunning view of the sunrise. It is an absolutely breathtaking view when the first rays of the sun kiss the snow clad mountains of the Himalayas and the mountains turn golden, silver and then eventually the magnificent white that they are. All best Darjelling packages include this spot and it is highly recommended to visit this place to make it the best Darjelling trip.
Location – Darjeeling, West Bengal
4) Samsing –
Source – flickr.com
A small beautiful valley in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district at an elevation of 3000 ft is a stunning arena where tourists flock just to enjoy the time in natures lap and the sheer beauty. The fogy and cloudy climate along with the greenery and the scenery from the fusion of hills, rivers, tea-garden and villages makes for an excellent arena for people to relax. The locals here are really friendly and will tell you a lot about this area which is related with not only tourism but also tea since Darjelling tea has a demand worldwide and also timber – related businesses.
Location – Samsing, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
5) Himalayan Tibet Museum –
The most previous article here would be the miniature replica of the Himalayan Range which is really a great piece of art. Along with that the museum also posses many arts and artifacts relating to the Tibetan culture and the history of the place which is a must visit for all enthusiasts and travelers.
Location –12 Gandhi Road, Near School, Bethany, Manipur
Timing – 9AM – 5PM (except Wednesday)
6)Batasia Loop –
Source – flickr.com
The Batasia Loop as suggest a name is actually a spiral railway quite like a loop formed to drop the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or as it is popularly known the “toy train”. At this point, the railway path coils around over itself into a tunnel and over a hilltop. Thus for its interesting structure one of the main things to do in Darjelling is to visit this place for its architectural splendor.
Location – West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal
7) Rock Garden –
Source – flickr.com
Located at a distance of 10km from Darjelling it’s housed on hilly terrain. The garden is designed quite well using steep contours and using the flowing water stream very well creating the kaleidoscope of water bodies, vegetation and rocks. A walk around the garden is not at all tiresome as the same is provided with many places to sit and chat around. The water fall is quite picturesque and accessible for those who want to have fun with the cold water. It is definitely a spot you wouldn’t want to miss while you’re on your weekend getaway thus almost all best Darjelling packages include this spot in their package.
Location – Rock Garden Rd, Bloomfield Tea Garden, West Bengal
Timing – 8AM – 5PM
8) Tenzing Rock –
Source – flickr.com
The rock is the training ground for the Himalayan Mountain climbing institute and according to the city tour guide “HMI Rock Climbing Training Area” is written in bold on top of the rock. The rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who made history by successfully climbing the Mount Everest first time along with Edmund Hillary in the year 1953. This is certainly a good spot for a little hike for the thrill seekers and sport lovers and if you’re on your weekend getaway trip along with your friends this is a must go spot.
Location – Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timing – 8AM – 5PM (except Thursday)
9)The Darjelling Mall –
Source –
flickr.com
The main hangout spot for tourists in Darjelling. The Mall is the lifeline of the town; it serves as the most important tourist hub as it has numerous restaurants, hotels and also souvenir shops along with many other activities. The best Darjelling trip will remain incomplete without spending some quality time at the Mall. To make your weekend getaway the best Darjelling trip spending the hours from 5PM to midnight at the Mall is highly recommended which is the best time to visit the place as along with the popular things to do here there’s also many concerts that one can witness here.
Location – Mall Road, Darjelling, West Bengal
10) Darjeeling Clock Tower –
Source –
flickr.com
Standing at the centre of the town which once used to be a movie theatre according to the city tour guide, is now a clock tower and office which acts as a tourist attraction for its historical background.
Location – Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
11)Tea Garden/Plantation –
Source – flickr.com
Darjelling is famous for its tea and quite promisingly it has numerous excellent tea plantations which run for miles. It is highly recommended for tourists to visit these plantations to learn about the craft as well as have fresh Darjelling tea at Darjelling; well that’s an experience worth it.
Location – Darjelling, West Bengal
Adventure activity in Darjelling
1)Trekking –
Source – flickr.com
A stunning and uplifting day trek to Rohini waterfalls through tea gardens, Temples and lakes sprawling the region. It is certainly a delight to go for trek expedition that enables you to witness the stunning panoramic landscapes comprising of lush-green thickets and tea estates.
Location – Darjelling, West Bengal
2)Toy Train Ride –
Source – flickr.com
Probably not an adventure but surely an experience to cherish. The toy train or the narrow gauge railway is definitely one of the most important tourist attractions. Declared the world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999 the Darjelling Railway goes up to the Ghum station which is one of the few railway stations in the world at this elevation. It provides the travelers with the scenic beauty of the Hill station as well the smooth and sweet ride, the trip to Darjelling in only complete after a toy train ride.
Location – Darjelling, West Bengal
