bigtravelbuzzDarjeeling is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal, known for its picturesque scenery, tea gardens, and colonial architecture. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Darjeeling:
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” which passes through the scenic landscape and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Tiger Hill: Visit Tiger Hill early in the morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Kanchenjunga peak, the third-highest mountain in the world.
Tea gardens: Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens, and visitors can take a tour of the tea plantations to learn about the tea-making process and sample the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
Mahakal Temple: Visit the Mahakal Temple, located on the Observatory Hill, which is an important Hindu pilgrimage site and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Peace Pagoda: Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which is located on the Jalapahar Hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which was established in 1954 and offers courses in mountaineering and rock climbing, as well as a museum showcasing mountaineering equipment and artifacts.
Darjeeling Zoo: Visit the Darjeeling Zoo, also known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which is home to a variety of rare and endangered animals like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf.
These are some of the top attractions and things to do in Darjeeling. Visitors can also explore the local markets, sample local cuisine, and take scenic walks to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between the months of October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The temperature during this time ranges from 5°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the hill station and its attractions.
The months of October and November are particularly popular, as the weather is clear and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range. The months of December to February can be chilly, but visitors can still enjoy the winter festivities and snowfall.
The summer months of March to May are also a good time to visit Darjeeling, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and visitors can enjoy sightseeing, tea garden tours, and trekking in the surrounding hills.
It is best to avoid visiting Darjeeling during the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rainfall can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. Additionally, the skies are often cloudy during this time, which can limit the views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
How to get around in Darjeeling
There are several ways to get around in Darjeeling, including:
Walking: Many of the popular attractions in Darjeeling are located within walking distance of each other, and visitors can explore the town on foot.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Darjeeling and can be hired for a full day or for specific destinations. It is advisable to negotiate fares before getting into the taxi.
Shared Jeeps: Shared jeeps are a popular mode of transportation in Darjeeling and can be used to travel to nearby towns and villages. The fares are generally cheaper than taxis, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
Toy Train: The famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a popular mode of transportation for tourists and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Buses: Local buses run between Darjeeling and nearby towns and villages, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
It is important to note that the roads in Darjeeling can be steep and winding, and drivers may need to be experienced in driving in such terrain. Visitors should also be prepared for traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons.
Where to eat in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is known for its local cuisine, which is a blend of Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali flavors. Here are some of the best places to eat in Darjeeling:
Keventer’s: Keventer’s is a popular breakfast spot in Darjeeling, known for its English breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches.
Glenary’s: Glenary’s is a famous bakery and café in Darjeeling, known for its freshly baked cakes, pastries, and bread.
Kunga Restaurant: Kunga Restaurant serves authentic Tibetan food like momos, thukpa, and shapta, as well as Indian and Chinese dishes.
Sonam’s Kitchen: Sonam’s Kitchen is a cozy little café that serves homemade breakfast, sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts.
Nathmull’s Tea Room: Nathmull’s Tea Room is a tea room that offers a wide range of Darjeeling teas and tea-based desserts, as well as light snacks.
Lunar Restaurant: Lunar Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, as well as local Darjeeling food.
Dekevas Restaurant: Dekevas Restaurant is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Darjeeling, known for its Indian and Chinese vegetarian dishes.
These are some of the best places to eat in Darjeeling, but visitors can also explore the local markets and street food stalls to sample local snacks and delicacies.
Famous street stalls in Darjeeling
Darjeeling has a vibrant street food scene, and visitors can explore the local markets and street stalls to sample local snacks and delicacies. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Darjeeling:
Keventer’s: Keventer’s is a popular breakfast spot in Darjeeling, known for its English breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches.
Glenary’s Bakery: Glenary’s Bakery is a famous bakery in Darjeeling, known for its freshly baked cakes, pastries, and bread.
Golden Tips Tea Shop: Golden Tips Tea Shop is a tea shop that offers a wide range of Darjeeling teas, as well as tea-based desserts and snacks.
Janta Store: Janta Store is a small shop that serves delicious samosas and kachoris, which are perfect for a quick snack.
Kunga Restaurant: Kunga Restaurant serves authentic Tibetan food like momos, thukpa, and shapta, which are perfect for a quick bite.
Nehru Road: Nehru Road is a popular street in Darjeeling that is lined with food stalls selling local snacks like momos, chowmein, and thukpa.
Chowrasta: Chowrasta is a popular square in Darjeeling that is surrounded by food stalls selling local snacks and delicacies.
These are some of the famous street stalls in Darjeeling, but visitors can also explore the local markets and street food stalls to discover new and exciting flavors.
Where to stay in Darjeeling
Luxury accommodation
Darjeeling has a range of luxury accommodation options that offer world-class amenities and breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Darjeeling:
Mayfair Darjeeling: Mayfair Darjeeling is a luxurious heritage hotel that offers elegant rooms, a spa, a gym, and stunning views of the Himalayas.
Windamere Hotel: Windamere Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in the colonial era and offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Cedar Inn: Cedar Inn is a luxurious hotel that offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and panoramic views of the mountains.
The Elgin Darjeeling: The Elgin Darjeeling is a luxurious heritage hotel that offers elegant rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and stunning views of the Himalayas.
Sinclairs Darjeeling: Sinclairs Darjeeling is a luxurious hotel that offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and panoramic views of the mountains.
These luxury hotels in Darjeeling offer world-class amenities and services, making them ideal for travelers looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay in the city.
Where to stay in Darjeeling
Budget accommodation
Darjeeling has several budget accommodation options for travelers who are looking for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Darjeeling:
Hotel Golden Heights Enclave: Hotel Golden Heights Enclave is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and stunning views of the mountains.
Travellers’ Paradise: Travellers’ Paradise is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
Dekeling Hotel: Dekeling Hotel is a budget hotel that offers basic rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the mountains.
Revolver Hotel: Revolver Hotel is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Everest Yatri Niwas: Everest Yatri Niwas is a budget hotel that offers basic rooms, a restaurant, and stunning views of the mountains.
These budget hotels in Darjeeling offer basic amenities and services, making them ideal for travelers who are looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in the city.
Travel Tips Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal, famous for its tea gardens, scenic beauty, and adventure sports. Here are some travel tips for visiting Darjeeling:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to May and September to December when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
How to reach: Darjeeling is well-connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, about 95 km from Darjeeling. From there, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to Darjeeling. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri, about 88 km from Darjeeling. You can also take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Darjeeling.
Local transportation: The best way to explore Darjeeling is on foot. You can also hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to travel within the city. The famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is another popular mode of transportation that takes you through the scenic landscapes of Darjeeling.
Accommodation: Darjeeling offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury hotels, homestays, and resorts. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season.
Places to visit: Darjeeling has several tourist attractions, including the Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling Mall, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Food: Darjeeling is famous for its tea, momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan and Nepali delicacies. You can find several cafes and restaurants in Darjeeling that serve these dishes.
Safety: Darjeeling is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take precautions against theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.
Altitude sickness: Darjeeling is located at an altitude of 2,042 meters above sea level, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to consult your doctor before visiting Darjeeling and take necessary precautions, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol.
Shopping: Darjeeling is famous for its tea, handicrafts, and woollen garments. You can find several shops and markets in Darjeeling that sell these items.
Respect local customs: Darjeeling is a culturally diverse place, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering temples, and avoid public display of affection.