Darjeeling

Usually, Darjeeling has two main peak seasons for tourists – March to May and October to November. This is the time when Darjeeling gets the maximum footfall of tourists. When you want to plan your Darjeeling trip, entirely depends on what you want to experience at Darjeeling.

October to March: The monsoon season ends in October and makes way for the onset of winter from mid-November to February. The average high temperature is 10C and it is common for it to go below 0C at night.

April to June: These are the relatively warmer months in Darjeeling with temperatures going up to 25C in May and June. The days are filled with sunshine and the nights are cool.

July to September: Monsoons in Darjeeling are usually during July and August when rain falls incessantly. Fog and mist engulf most of Darjeeling, making it grey and gloomy. 

One of the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling, DHR is approximately a 2 feet narrow gauge train track that covers the distance between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. This 88-km long railway track is best known for its toy train which gushes amid the misty hill side and offers absolutely gorgeous views of the valley. 

The most famous mountain peak in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is best known for its trekking routes and panoramic views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenzonga. One needs to walk or drive through the oldest tea plantations, in order to reach Tiger Hill. It is recommended to witness the first rays of the sun on Mt. Everest. Don’t miss capturing it in your camera as well because it will be a majestically rich experience. 

Another interesting thing about this place is that it is the summit of Ghoom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the highest railway station in Darjeeling.

It is a mesmerizing toy train pathway that was brought into existence to reduce the elevation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Set amidst the lush green mountainside, Batasia Loop offers beautiful views of the valley and snowy abode of Mt. Kanchendzonga. 

When the toy train meanders its way through the loops of the track, everything about this place seems dreamy. Also, the surrounding tunnels, hill-locked valley and little shops in the area makes Batasia Loop one of the top places to visit in Darjeeling. 

The beautiful hill station of Darjeeling is best viewed via its exclusive ropeway. From the exquisite landscapes, verdant tea estates, lush green forests, breath-taking flora and fauna to the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Everest and Kanchenjunga, one can witness the beauty of Darjeeling in all its glory!

Rimbik is a small town located in the Singalila National Park area in Darjeeling. It is famous for its trekking routes and gradually gaining popularity among unconventional travelers. Singalila National park and Sandakphu are the famous and busiest routes and one of the best treks in the Eastern part of India. Enroute Sandaphu, the trekkers will pass the Singalila National park, which is home to the red panda and one can enjoy nature at its pristine best.

This institute was established on November 4, 1954 with the main aim of encouraging the interest of people in the mountaineering sport. Currently, this institute is the best school for mountaineering training. Thus, the aspiring mountaineers must apply to this institution to fulfil their dreams.

In fact, the popularity of this institute is such that it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. One reason for this institute being a popular tourist spot is its picturesque setting. It is surrounded with the splendid peak of Kanchenjunga which alone makes it worth a visit. 

One of the most popular places to see in Darjeeling, this park is best known for its Red Panda and Snow Leopard breeding program. Spread across a sprawling 65.56 acres of area, the Zoological Park is home to some of the most endangered species of animals in India, including snow leopard, red pandas, and Himalayan Salamanders. 

The park is commonly referred to as Darjeeling Zoo and was given its official name by Indira Gandhi to honour Padmaja Naidu, the ex-Governor of West Bengal and daughter of Sarojini Naidu. The zoo is also home to more than 200 species of plants including Oak, Birch, and Alder. 

It is a Buddhist shrine which is a part of 30 similar structures located around the world. This white-coloured edifice is accentuated with gold painted sculptures, which are the highlight of the entire Pagoda. There are four avatars of Buddha located inside the building, including the famous Maitreya Buddha.

The main purpose of establishing this monument was to promote peace, unity, and goodwill amongst people who belong to different communities and religions. Apart from it, the place gives out peaceful and tranquil vibes as it is surrounded with snow-covered mountain peaks on all sides. 

Elevated at a height of approximately 8,000 feet Ghoom Monastery is one of the top places to see in Darjeeling. Also known as Yiga Choeling, it was established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and is known to be the oldest Tibet Monastery of Darjeeling. 

It is best known for its 15-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha which stands tall in the main hall of the Monastery. The place is also amongst the top tourist attractions in Darjeeling due to its massive collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts and records. Another attractive thing about the Monastery is its walls that are painted with depictions of Buddhism wisdom and Tibetan art. 

There is also a temple of Ma Kali on the hill top which is regularly visited by people to offer prayers and seek blessings. 

This popular picnic spot is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. Basically, it is an artificial garden whose beauty is accentuated by waterfalls, lush green hill side and flora and fauna. 

Rock Garden is amongst the most frequently visited tourist attractions in Darjeeling for the reason that there are plenty of activities to do with your family and friends. Its Chunar waterfall is a natural cascade that attracts a lot of visitors who are fascinated to see it in its divine flow. Additionally, a mountain stream meandering through the Garden also makes people soak in the good vibes of the place. Apart from it, the place is lush with green trees and vibrant flowers all through the summer season, making it the best time to visit the Garden. 

Chowrasta is the place from where Mall road originates and finishes. Situated in the heart of Victorian Darjeeling, it is a significant paradise for shopping lovers and souvenir collectors. The central shopping items to shop for are tribal ornaments, rosaries, woolen garments, Gorkha daggers, and brass statues. Local handicrafts are also available for shopping.

One of the top tourist attractions in Darjeeling, this Observatory Hill is known for its Buddhist and Hindu temples that are spread across this Hill. Some of the famous temples amongst them include Mahakal Temple, Tibetan Memorial Shrine, and Kanchenjunga Temple.

The place attracts a large number of tourists, mostly because the trekking routes of this Hill are quite beautiful. There is also a small cave located at a distance of about 15 minutes from the Hill which is highly revered in nature.

People feel blessed after visiting this cave; thus, it is recommended to not miss this place and soak in its good vibes.

A great place for the patrons of history and nature, Bengal natural History Museum is one of the most prominent museums you can find in the region. This unique museum is dedicated to the rich wildlife or biodiversity of the region and its history. The museum is divided into two large sections, and features different sub-sections where specimens of a variety of avifauna and fauna that are found in the region.

The museum claims to have specimens of 820 bird species on display here, which is quite impressive for any nature lover taking a tour of the museum.

It is a large natural rock named after Tenzing Norgay, the first man to climb Mt. Everest along with Edmund Hillary in 1953. The place also serves as the training area for both amateurs and professional climbers.

Tenzing himself practiced climbing in this place and that alone makes this area quite popular amongst the tourists, especially those who seek adventure. In fact, every year, Indian Army organizes rock climbing competitions at Tenzing Rock.

If you love being outdoors and surround yourself with the freshness and calm of nature, Dooars is the most ideal place for you to visit when you are in Darjeeling. Dooars is a place that defines ‘pristine nature’ with its untainted, lush green landscapes. It is a vast region of floodplains that encompasses tea gardens, hill slopes, undulating meadows, tropical forests, and ethnic villages.

The place is ideal for nature photography, wildlife exploration, and nature stay. The natural beauty of the region and the variety of experiences it has on offer make Dooars one of the most fascinating places to visit in Darjeeling.

Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park, located in Kalimpong District of West Bengal is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for indulging in wildlife experience. The wildlife park spreads over a region of 88 sq. km and houses some exotic species of flora, fauna, and avifauna. The extremely charming valleys and hills at the park are soothing to one’s eyes, and call for a unique photography session.

The rich Himalayan biodiversity of Neora Valley National Park attracts wildlife enthusiasts from different parts of the country. The park is also famous for trekking trails that pass through it.