10 Places to Visit in Darjeeling: Breathe in the Fresh Mountain Air

Darjeeling is an excellent holiday destination for nature and mountain lovers because this hill station is a perfect combination of the two. The natural beauty and mesmerizing landscape of this city is the perfect way to spend a peaceful retreat. The serene environment, tranquil surroundings, and breathtaking places to visit in Darjeeling are what make this a famous hill station in West Bengal. People from all over the world flock to this city to spend quality time and to take a breather from their hectic schedule. It’s also an excellent place for honeymooners and couples because of the romantic landmarks here.

10 Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling: A Dose of Nature to Rejuvenate Your Soul

Nestled in the lower Himalayas, also known as the Mahabharat Range, this city in West Bengal witnesses a huge tourist influx throughout the year. This place is famous for its tea estates, but there’s more to it than this. The natural resources and tranquil beauty of this city would sweep you off your feet; therefore, you must visit the following places in Darjeeling for a fun vacation.

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
2. Tiger Hill
3. Rock Garden
4. Singalila National Park
5. Japanese Peace Pagoda
6. Happy Valley Tea Estate
7. Old Ghoom Monastery
8. Observatory Hill
9. Lepchajagat
10. Batasia Loop

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Travel to Darjeeling in this Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or Darjeeling Toy Train is the first attraction that you should experience. It’s one of the most popular things to do in India, after all. This toy train runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and covers 88 km of scenic beauty and mesmerizing views. The highlight is that this is the second train in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 because it’s a marvel that such a small steam engine can travel up the mountains pulling the mini coaches along. Several movies, including a scene of the iconic Bollywood movie “Parineeta” were filmed in this train. In recent years, two more railway lines have been added, and they are now famous as the Mountain Railways of India. This attraction should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling Toy Train journey:

• Darjeeling to Ghum
• Siliguri Junction to Rangtong Station

Darjeeling Toy Train timings:

• Darjeeling to Ghum and back – 7:40 A.M to 4:20 P.M
• Siliguri to Rangtong and back: 10:30 A.M to 1:35 P.M

How to book tickets for Darjeeling Toy Train: You can book the train tickets through the Indian Railway’s official website or at the reservation counter on the station

Darjeeling Toy Train travel tips:

• Book your tickets beforehand
• Reach the station before time

Things to do in Darjeeling Toy Train: Enjoy the scenic view of Kanchenjunga Mountain and other scenic attractions

Attractions near Darjeeling Toy Train: Kanchenjunga Mountain, Tiger Hill, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Restaurants near Darjeeling Toy Train: Baker's Village, Mezbaan, Dark Horse Cafe

Hotels near Darjeeling Toy Train: Goomtea Tea Garden Retreat, Kurseong Tourist Lodge, Orange County Retreat

How to reach Darjeeling Toy Train: You can take a flight to Bagdogra Airport and then take a taxi to Darjeeling. You can also travel via bus from nearby states. From Darjeeling, you can take a cab to reach the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station

2. Tiger Hill: A Romantic Escapade to Witness a Stunning Sunrise

Tiger Hill is one of the most magnificent viewpoints because it overlooks the Kanchenjunga Mountain. Watching the sunrise from here is a whole other feeling as you can see the mountain glowing even before the sun fully rises. You’ll have to trek to reach the top of this hill, but it’s absolutely worth it because of the captivating scene playing in front of you. The chilly weather, lush greenery, clear blue sky, and the glorious Kanchenjunga Mountains. It’s the perfect combination to turn this into a cherished memory. This hill is also the summit of Ghoom, the highest point of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It’s among the famous places to visit in Darjeeling for couples, so if you want your trip to be an iconic one, then you must visit this location.

Tiger Hill timings: 4 A.M to 6 P.M

Tiger Hill travel tips:

• It’s ideal to start the trek by 3:30 A.M, so that you reach the top around 4:15 A.M
• Wear comfortable shoes with a firm grip
• Dress up in comfortable clothes
• Stay hydrated

Things to do at Tiger Hill: Watch a glorious sunrise, enjoy the trekking route

Attractions near Tiger Hill: Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Batasia Eco Garden

Restaurants near Tiger Hill: Dekevas Restaurant, SuzAm’s Café and Kitchen, Nanglo Cafe

Hotels near Tiger Hill: Singom Tea Estate and Resort, Mayfair Darjeeling, Little Tibet Resort

How to reach Tiger Hill: You can take a cab from Darjeeling and reach the hill, or you could board a bus from nearby cities like Siliguri, Bagdogra, etc. A jeep ride from Chowrasta, Alubari or Jore Bangla is also a convenient option

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3. Rock Garden: Relax in this Man-Made Garden with Gorgeous Attractions

Rock Garden is a man-made garden with a bounty of scenic beauties, such as waterfalls, vibrant flora, and much more. It’s one of the most famous places to visit in Darjeeling in 1 day because it’s an ideal spot for relaxing, having a picnic, and spending quality time. You can watch the Chunnu Summer Fall, which is a natural fall surrounded by a variety of flora or you could sit by the serene stream flowing through the garden. There are also tea gardens around this place and a lake, which enhances its beauty even more. It’s one of the Darjeeling places to visit in December because it’ll allow you to take in the crisp air and cold surroundings. You’ll definitely get the suggestion of visiting the rock garden whenever you plan a trip to Darjeeling.

Rock Garden timings: 10 A.M to 4 P.M

Rock Garden travel tips:

• Don’t litter the area
• Don’t pluck the flowers or harm the flora in any way

Things to do at Rock Garden: Relax and unwind, listen to the sound of the waterfall, enjoy a picnic

Attractions near Rock Garden: Ganga Maya Park, Batasia Loop, Yiga Choeling Monastery

Restaurants near Rock Garden: Sonam’s Kitchen, Dekevas Restaurant, Tom & Jerry’s

Hotels near Rock Garden: Singom Tea Estate & Resort, Sterling Darjeeling, Udaan Himalayan Suites and Spa

How to reach the Rock Garden: You can board a bus to Siliguri or Takdah bus stand and then take a taxi to reach the garden

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4. Singalila National Park: Explore the Wildlife Haven of Darjeeling

The Singalila National Park is the highest park in West Bengal at an altitude of 7000 ft. above sea level. The biodiversity in this national park would amaze you, from the exotic flora and rare species of animals to other breathtaking attractions, there’s a lot to look forward to here. The highlight, however, is the mesmerizing view of the Himalayan peak. Also, this is one of the parks that is home to the Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear. It’s an ideal place for trekking as well because of the mountainous terrain, which is why visiting this place is one of the things to do in Darjeeling. You’ll come across Tigers, Clouded Leopards, Barking Deer, Yellow Throated Marten, Pangolin, etc. This park was named after the Singalila Spur that runs through this entire region from the Kanchenjunga Mountain. It’s among the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Singalila National Park timings: 6 A.M to 7 P.M

Park is closed from June to September due to monsoon

Singalila National Park travel tips:

• Don’t disturb the animals
• Maintain a safe distance from the animals
• Wear comfortable shoes for trekking
• Carry food and water for the journey
• Don’t feed the animals
• You must get a permit from the Forest Department to explore the forest deeper

Things to do at Singalila National Park: Observing the animals, camping, bird watching, clicking photographs, trekking

Attractions near Singalila National Park: Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Phalut, Srikhola Bridge

Hotels near Singalila National Park: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Ramada

How to reach Singalila National Park: You can take a train to Ghum and then travel via a taxi the rest of the way, or you can drive to the park from nearby areas

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5. Japanese Peace Pagoda: A Symbol of Unity and Harmony

This Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling was established as a symbol of unity and harmony among different sects in the society. You’ll experience utmost peace and tranquility at this place with the views of the Kanchenjunga Mountain. The Peace Pagoda includes four avatars of Lord Buddha and is open to people of all religions. There are 30 similar structures around the world and one of them is in Darjeeling. It’s among the places to visit in India because of its symbolic meaning and the intention behind it. It’s also an amazing place for meditating in a quiet environment. Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist Monk laid the foundation for this structure in 1972, and it has gained a lot of popularity since then.

Peace Pagoda timings: 4 A.M to 7 P.M; the prayer timings are from 4:30 A.M to 6 A.M and 4:30 P.M to 6 P.M

Peace Pagoda travel tips:

• Wear modest clothes
• Respect the culture and traditions

Things to do at Peace Pagoda: Meditate, explore the structure, soak in the positive vibes

Attractions near Peace Pagoda: Tiger Hill, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Restaurants near Peace Pagoda: Kushal Restaurant, Kunga Restaurant, Tom & Jerry’s

Hotels near Peace Pagoda: Udaan Himalayan Suites and Spa, Hotel Villa Everest, Cedar Inn

How to reach Peace Pagoda: You can ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train and then take a car to this monument

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6. Happy Valley Tea Estate: One of the Oldest Tea Estates in the City

When you’re adding the places to visit in Darjeeling to your itinerary, don’t miss out on this second oldest tea estate in the city. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers to spend time in the foothills of Himalaya, with vast expanse of shrubs as far as the eyes can see. The aroma of fresh tea leaves emanating from this plantation would teleport you to a happy place, maybe that’s why it’s named such. You can take a tour of the estate, learn about the varieties of tea, the organic methods used to ensure high quality tea leaves, and so on. There’s also a tea tasting session that you must participate in to experience the different teas. You can even buy the ones you like.

Happy Valley Tea Estate timings: 8 A.M to 4 P.M; closed on Sunday and Monday

Happy Valley Tea Estate travel tips:

• Take a tour of the estate
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Don’t harm the shrubs

Things to do at Happy Valley Tea Estate: Explore the tea estate, indulge in a tea tasting session

Attractions near Happy Valley Tea Estate: Observatory Hill Viewpoint, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda

Restaurants near Happy Valley Tea Estate: Hot Stimulating Café, Sandakphu, New Kalika Restaurant

Hotels near Happy Valley Tea Estate: Mayfair Darjeeling, Little Tibet Resort, Crescent Resort

How to reach Happy Valley Tea Estate: You can reach this estate via a taxi or car via the Lebong Cart Road, or you can reach there from the Chowk Bazar

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7. Old Ghoom Monastery: The Oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

Old Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery was established by Lama Sherab Gytaso and is part of the Yellow Hat sect that worship the “Coming Buddha” or Maitreyi Buddha. When you entire the monastery, you’ll witness a glorious sight of a 15 ft. Maitreyi Buddha made entirely of clay. You’ll also come across several rare Buddhist scripts and the view from the outside with the magnificent Kanchenjunga Mountain and the colorful prayer flags is a sight to behold. There are two oil lamps in front of the statue that burn the entire year, but the highlight is that there are paintings on the wall placed in a sequence, so that it’s easier for the visitor to understand the Buddhist philosophy it depicts. There’s also a Kali temple on the hilltop above the monastery, where people go to seek blessings of Ma Kali.

Old Ghoom Monastery timings: 9 A.M to 6 P.M

Old Ghoom Monastery travel tips:

• Dress up in decent clothes
• Respect the culture and traditions

Things to do at Old Ghoom Monastery: Sit in the tranquil environment, marvel at the beauty of the monastery

Attractions near Old Ghoom Monastery: Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop, Rock Garden

Restaurants near Old Ghoom Monastery: Misty Mountain Restaurant, Santa Banta Dhaba, Himalayan Coffee

Hotels near Old Ghoom Monastery: Sterling Darjeeling, Summit Grace Hotel and Spa, Udaan Hotel Zambala Retreat

How to reach Old Ghoom Monastery: You can either reach there via car through the Hill Cart Road or you can reach the Ghoom Railway Station and then walk up to the monastery

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8. Observatory Hill: Visit this Spectacular Viewpoint for a Mesmerizing Time

This Observatory Hill in Darjeeling is among the famous places to visit in Darjeeling because of the stunning views it offers of the various Hindu and Buddhist temples, such as Kanchenjunga Temple, Mahakal Temple, and Tibetan Memorial Shrine. You’ll have to trek to the top of this hill, but the journey is quite fulfilling with colorful flags decorating the path and beautiful shrines on the way. There are even benches for old people to relax for a while since it’s approximately a 15-minute walk. The picturesque views from the top are worth the effort; therefore, you must add this place to your bucket list when vacationing in Darjeeling.

Observatory Hill timings: 7 A.M to 7 P.M

Observatory Hill travel tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes with a firm grip
• Stay hydrated

Things to do at Observatory Hill: Trek to the top of the hill, admire the beautiful shrines, lose yourself in the mesmerizing view from the top

Attractions near Observatory Hill: Mall Road, Mahakal Temple, Kanchenjunga Temple, Tibetan Memorial Shrine

Restaurants near Observatory Hill: Lion Gate, Nathmull Tea, Orchid Restaurant

Hotels near Observatory Hill: Udaan Nirvana Resort Darjeeling, Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort, Windamere Hotel

How to reach Observatory Hill: You can take a cab or taxi to the base of the Observatory Hill and then climb uphill to reach the top

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9. Lepchajagat: Surround Yourself with Natural Beauty

Lepchajagat is a small village in Darjeeling, which is popular for its pines, oaks and rhododendrons forests. The abundance of natural beauty in this village is ideal to spend some peaceful downtime here. The tranquil surroundings and lush greenery would instantly rejuvenate you. If you’re seeking an ideal destination for honeymoon in India, then Darjeeling is the right option because of such breathtaking locations it nestles in it. The best part of visiting this village is the alluring view of the Kanchenjunga Mountain. The beauty of this village and its forests has been protected and preserved by turning it into a reserved forest area.

Best time to visit Lepchajagat: October to April

Things to do at Lepchajagat: Explore the dense forests, relax under the shade of the trees, view the glorious Kanchenjunga peak

Attractions near Lepchajagat: Hawa Ghar, Ghum Rock, Jhorpokhri, Ghoom Monastery

Hotels near Lepchajagat: Lepchajagat Home Stay, Lepchaview Home Stay, Green Valley Home Stay

How to reach Lepchajagat: You can travel here from Darjeeling via a cab or taxi

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10. Batasia Loop: The Highlight of the Darjeeling Toy Train Journey

Here’s another reason why you should go for a ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train because it goes through the Batasia Loop, which is a famous railway path in the city. It’s a point where the train track wraps itself around the hilltop tunnel and gives a complete 360-degree view. The magnificent view of the hill station with verdant greenery and mist-covered mountains is an absolutely breathtaking sight. You’ll regret not having included this attraction as one of the places to visit in Darjeeling. Traveling on this path is an entirely different feeling altogether that you must experience.

Batasia Loop timings: 5 A.M to 8 P.M

Attractions near Batasia Loop: Eco Garden, War Memorial

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When it comes to places to visit in Darjeeling, you can bet that you’re in for a wonderful time. The incredibly charming tourist attractions of this hill station are worth visiting because this hidden gem is an absolute treat. From magnificent views of the hills and greenery to the serene environment, there’s nothing here that wouldn’t make you reach cloud 9 with excitement and awe. So, pack your bags and plan a trip to this city in West Bengal with our Darjeeling travel packages.

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