Unique Places To Visit In Darjeeling: A Darjeeling Tourism Guide Including 13+ Must Visits And Activities
When summer heat takes a toll on us in this part of the world, we scream “Darjeeling,” the Queen of Hills and the land of the Tiger Hill.
However, Darjeeling is much beyond one of the best hill stations in India and a popular summer retreat.
The places to visit in Darjeeling are unique, and it has hotspots like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and ancient Buddhist centers like the Ghoom Monastery.
Moreover, the Bhutia and Sherpa towns and villages showcase the legacies of human lives that have continued for more than 600 years.
No wonder that every summer (April-June), Darjeeling, with an average temperature of 11-16 Degrees Celsius, has an influx of tourists. You will understand the summer tourism scenario in Darjeeling better if you assess the tourism surge in Darjeeling from April onward in 2024.
The hotels in Darjeeling were full this summer, and that, in fact, was a pleasant boost for the $100 million tourism industry of Darjeeling.
So, with the tourism scenario in Darjeeling on a further high, do you want to revisit the best places to visit in Darjeeling? Let’s gear up for the best sunrise experience in the Tiger Hills and behold Kanchenjungha in its full glory.
Unique Places To Visit In Darjeeling: Exploring Different Flavors Of This Land Of Tea Gardens
With misty hills and pleasant weather conditions, Darjeeling emerged as a popular hill station during the British Raj.
The British East India Company, especially Dr. Campbell, who was transferred to Darjeeling as the Superintendent in 1839, was behind building this hill station as a popular tourist destination.
So, Darjeeling is a confluence of ancient tribal lives and their beliefs and British culture. This eclecticism is also reflected in the religious centers of the district.
On the one hand, you have ancient Buddhist Centers like the Ghoom Monastery, and on the other hand, you have St. Andrew’s Church built during the British Colonial era.
Moreover, Darjeeling is well-connected to Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim with a shared history and struggles. So, many people opt for a Darjeeling to Gangtok road journey and explore the best of the Eastern Himalayas.
Nevertheless, if you are spending a week in Darjeeling, these are the unique places you must visit.
Unique Places To Visit In Darjeeling: The Iconic Landmarks
A trip to Darjeeling is incomplete without a visit to iconic landmarks like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Let’s know a little more about them.
1. Tiger Hill
Located at an altitude of 2,590 meters, Tiger Hill offers the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest.
Tiger Hill is radiant at sunrise. The golden and red rays of the Sun touch the Tiger Hill peak before bathing the lower valleys.
Did you know that Tiger Hill is about to get a new “Observatory Gallery and Deck,” as claimed by the Gorkha Territorial Administration or GTA? It will have the best amenities and will replace the existing pavilion for a better tourist experience.
⁕⁕Dream And Travel Tips⁕⁕
Tiger Hill is always packed with tourists and photo enthusiasts. So, you really have to be an early bird to get the best view of sunrise.
Further, on the 25th celebration of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26th July 2024, Tiger Hill was again under the spotlight. Till today, capturing the Tiger Hill is seen as a master stroke by the Indian Army to win the Kargil War of 1999.
Moreover, the photograph of Indian soldiers posing with the Indian flag on Tiger Hill will remain one of the proudest memories of the Kargil War and Indian history.
2. Batasia Loop
Operating Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 (No Entry Fee Needed If You Already Have A Toy Train Ticket)
Batasia Loop, a prominent stop between the Darjeeling to NJP Toy Train Ride, literally means a windy place. There is a war memorial in the center of Batasia Loop.
Built by the District Sainik Board, the war memorial remembers the Gorkha soldiers sacrificing their lives to protect the nation since independence.
Further, Batasia Loop is an architectural excellence of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The Railways Line descends for around 1000 feet in altitude and creates a circle of loop.
Moreover, you must spend some time at Batasia Loop to enjoy the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Peaks.
⁕⁕Dream And Travel Notes⁕⁕
The local people sell many unique and comfortable woolen products at Batasia Loop. However, you really need to up your bargaining game to crack the best deal.
3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Franklin Prestage built it between 1879 and 1881.
Stretching between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs via Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery. The fare for each ride in the Toy Train between Darjeeling to NJP will cost you between INR 1000-1500.
Unique Places To Visit In Darjeeling For The Best Natural Attractions
Darjeeling has Tiger Hills, tea gardens, rivers, and many other geological variations. Further, it is home to many endangered species.
So, when in Darjeeling, you must spend time in nature visiting the following spots.
4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Entry Fee– 50
Photography Fee – 10
Operational Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute offers various courses in basic and advanced mountaineering in Darjeeling. However, the museum at the heart of this institute, is the biggest draw to the visitors.
The museum has the following sections.
‣ Mountaineering History Section
‣ A Panorama of Himalayan Life
‣ Mount Everest Section
You will find photographs, sculptures, artifacts, books, scriptures, and more in these sections.
5. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
‣ Operation Hours: 8:30 AM to 4 PM (Thursday Closed)
‣ Entry Fee: INR 110 for Adults (India and SAARC Countries) and INR 180 for Foreigners, Free for Children Below 6 Years
‣ Camera Fee: INR 10
‣ Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to January
Formerly known as the Himalayan Zoological Park, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has bears, mountain goats, snow leopards, and Siberian tigers. It is also home to many endangered bird species.
Recently, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums has recognized the efforts of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in the conservation of red pandas.
It was shortlisted as one of the top three finalists for its Red Panda Conservation Breeding and Augmentation Programme.
6. Tea Gardens
You must know Darjeeling as the home to globally-acclaimed tea gardens. However, very few know that high in the altitudes, Darjeeling tea gardens produce one of the most expensive tea varieties in the world.
The price of these varieties can be as much as 1.5 Lakh per Kg. Nevertheless, you can take a guided tour of the tea gardens in Darjeeling and the cost of the package will be something between INR 7500-15500. You can visit the following tea plantations when in Darjeeling.
‣ Castletown Tea Estate
‣ Makaibari Tea Estate
‣ Puttabong Tea Estate or Tukvar Tea Estate
‣ Glenburn Tea Estate
‣ Gopaldhara Tea Estate
You will learn about the operations of tea plantations there, and you can take part in tea-tasting sessions. Moreover, you can buy tea from these plantations as souvenirs for yourself, friends, and family.
Unique Places To Visit In Darjeeling: Cultural And Religious Sites
Darjeeling is the hub of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also home to tribes like Sherpas and Bhutias. Further, thanks to British colonialism, Darjeeling has some churches bearing religious and architectural excellence.
7. Ghoom Monastery
‣ Operating Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
‣ Entry Fee – None
‣ Photography Fee (For Indians): INR 10
‣ Videography Fee (For Indians): INR 50
‣ Contact Number: 9832424705
Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, a Mongolian astrologer and famous monk, built the Ghoom Monastery in 1850. You will feel humble as you enter the monastery and the golden Maitreya Buddha statue embellished with precious stones.
Also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery, Ghoom Monastery is most popular in the Yellow Hat or Gelukpa sect of Buddhism.
Moreover, the Ghoom Monastery has 108 volumes of Kangyur. Kangyur is supposedly the documentation of the words uttered by Lord Buddha.
In addition, the interior, especially the walls of this monastery, are the best examples of Tibetan Art.
8. Japanese Peace Pagoda
‣ Operating Houses: 24 Hours
‣ Prayer Ceremonies: 4:30 AM to 6 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
As the name suggests, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace. A place of religious significance, the Japanese Peace Pagoda also has Maitreya Buddha and three other avatars of Buddha.
Nichidatsu Fujii was the founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. The Japanese Peace Pagoda was built under the leadership of a monk from Japan.
⁕⁕Dream And Travel Note⁕⁕
The Japanese Peace Pagoda does not have any entry fee. However, you have to visit this site between 4:30 AM and 7 PM.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a place to practice introspection and focus. It also brings people from all castes and creeds together. So, have an inclusive and humble mindset while visiting this site.
9. St. Andrew’s Church
Opened on 30th November 1843, St. Andrew’s Church is the oldest in Darjeeling. It is named after St. Andrews of Scotland and was rebuilt in 1873 after surviving a devastating fire attack in 1867.
Today, the church can accommodate around 200 people. Further, much of the interior of this 180-year-old church is the same, and it is an excellent example of British colonial architecture in Darjeeling.
Adventure And Outdoor Activities
Darjeeling is no longer a resort hill station to behold the beauty of Kanchenjunga and sip on the best teas in the world.
From river rafting in the Teesta River to Sandakphu trekking, you can participate in many outdoor pursuits here.
10. Trekking
(Best Time for Trekking – September to November for Better Clarity and March to May for Rhododendrons and Other Flowers)
Sandakphu trek (3636 Meters) is surely the most popular in Darjeeling. With a moderate difficulty level and perilous terrains, Sandakphu is also preparing ground for many trekkers who want to conquer higher and more difficult terrains like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, etc.
Further, you can explore the following trekking routes in Darjeeling.
‣ Chatakpur
‣ Tonglu
‣ Gorkhey
‣ Singalila Ridge
‣ Kamala Falls
‣ Bamunpukhuri Jungle
‣ Rohini
Darjeeling is safe for trekking. However, you must follow your guide and maintain a steady pace while conquering those altitudes.
11. Paragliding
The best months for paragliding in Darjeeling are April, May and June. However, you can also explore this adventurous activity between October to April.
The average cost for paragliding will be 3000-3500 INR for Indians, and you will be in the air for 15 minutes. Further, the best spots for paragliding in Darjeeling are:
‣ Jalapahar (Near St. Paul’s School, St Pauls To Lebong Route)
‣ Tukvar Tea Garden To Jaumney
Do you want to try paragliding in Darjeeling? You can contact any of them.
| Lama – La TrailsOff-Road AdventureAdventure Darjeeling |
The best time for paragliding in a day is between 9 AM to 4 PM. You must confirm with your operator about the timing.
12. Rock Climbing
Tenzing & Gombu Rocks are the best places for rock climbing in Darjeeling. The Tenzing Rock gets its name from Tenzing Norgay, who conquered Mount Everest for the first time with Edmund Hillary in 1953.
Further, the Gombu Rock gets its name from Nawang Gombu Sherpa, the only man in the world to conquer Mount Everest twice.
Moreover, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the best place to learn rock climbing in Darjeeling. It has a Google Rating of 4.6 stars, and you can call them at 76022 15312.
⁕⁕Dream And Travel Notes⁕⁕
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts multiple rock climbing courses throughout the year.
You can take part in “Men Only,” “Women Only,” and “Combined” classes for the basic training. There are 60 seats allocated for these courses and the course fee is Rs 22,547/- for Indians and US $1172 for foreigners.
Further, the institute conducts advanced training, customized training, expedition, adventure and other courses with varying course fees.
Shopping And Local Markets: Unique Places To Visit In Darjeeling
We all love those silver jewelry and handicrafts from Darjeeling. It’s a sin not to collect that beautiful stuff as souvenirs when you are on a Darjeeling trip.
However, while doing my further research on the shopping and local markets in Darjeeling, I came across something interesting on a digital news platform, Awaz – The Voice. It was about the Habeeb Mullick & Son antique shop run by a Kashmiri Family in the Chowrasta Mall.
Iqbal Mullick, the current owner of the shop, explained how his great-grandfather and the founder of the shop, Habeeb Mullick, came to Darjeeling from Kashmir in the late 19th century.
Now, the shops in Chowrasta and other market areas of Darjeeling are filled with such stories.
Along with finding here the best indie handicrafts from the local and country-wide craftsmen, you will also get to know about the tales of people making their homes here, the backstories of the beautiful creations, etc.
13. Chowrasta (The Mall)
Chowrasta Mall is your go-to destination if you are interested in food tourism in Darjeeling or just want to shop for the best woolen, handicrafts, or other indigenous stuff.
Further, located in the heart of Darjeeling and on the ridge of the Darjeeling Hill Range, it has been the place of assembly for the local elites and tourists since the 18th century.
Nevertheless, when in Darjeeling Mall, you must visit the following places.
| Heritage Shops | Stops For Tea And Food | Famous Landmarks |
| Habeeb Mullick & Sons Estd 1890 | Keventers | Deshbandhu Library It is the oldest library in Darjeeling. |
| Oxford Books and Stationery Co. | Glenary’s | Das Studio It has a museum with photographs dating back to the 19th century. |
| Nathmull’s Tea Shop (Phone No: 9547137680) | Uzumaki’z | Hawa Ghar You can enjoy Nepalese song and dance performances here. |
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Watching the screening of a football match at the Mall is a maddening experience. The craze for football in Darjeeling is electric.
14. Nehru Road
Nehru Road is one of the most bustling places to visit in Darjeeling. Along with Keventers and the Darjeeling Mall, you will come across the following places of attractions on Nehru Road.
- The Planters’ Club in Darjeeling
- Kurki House (You will get the best Nepalese Kurkis here.)
- P. C. Banerjee of 1900
- Goodricke’s House of Tea
Further, you will find many popular accommodations on Nehru Road. Hotel Pine Ridge (Phone: 80930 39874) and Hotel Shangri-La (Phone Number: 86178 45532) are some of the best lodging options on Nehru Road.
Is Overtourism Ruining It? Concerns As The Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling Have A Tourist Influx
As I just touched upon the point of tourist influx in Darjeeling this summer, over-tourism emerges as a major problem in Darjeeling tourism.
With an increase in the number of tourists to the unique places to visit in Darjeeling, there is more demand for accommodations and cab services.
While the spike in the number of cabs brings a direct impact on carbon emissions and air pollution, the construction of more hotels and temporary accommodations is leading to deforestation. More cabs plying also creates traffic congestion.
Moreover, with a hike in footfall, waste management has been a concern for the hill station. In addition, water scarcity is troubling the tourists and residents of the hill station.
| “There is a land scarcity within the municipality area. So all hotel buildings are gaining height vertically and exceeding the permissible building height as per the Bengal Municipal Act. As a result, Darjeeling town has become like a fort with no views of Mt Kanchenjunga or the greenery of the tea gardens. Solid and liquid waste management has been a regular problem in the Darjeeling Municipality Area. Now, the extra load from tourists is getting beyond the management capability of the municipality.” Bharat Prakash Rai, Secretary, Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection (FOSEP) |
The good news is that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is now looking into the issue of overtourism. Their measures to resolve this issue include the proposals to the Government of West Bengal for building alternative roads.
These two alternative roads are “Lebong to Triveni at Teesta Bazar” and “Lebong to the 3rd Mile via Pandam and Rangeroon.”
⁕⁕ Dream And Travel Notes ⁕⁕
Darjeeling is not just a tourist destination. It’s a brand and an emotion with the best of hills, tea gardens, heritage, and its people. That’s why people keep coming back to Darjeeling.
At Dream and Travel, we sincerely hope that GTA and the Government of West Bengal come up with some quick resolutions to combat over-tourism and its impacts.
In this context, the Kerala High Court’s order to control tourism in the state can be an example. In the order issued on 7th September 2024, The High Court asked the state government to determine the tourist limits to its hill stations by 25th October 2024.
Furthermore, this order came in response to the death of 400 people in the landslides in Wayanad.
