Darjeeling

Darjeeling

About Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the 'Queen of the Hills' and one of the prettiest hill destinations in India, with spectacular views of the Himalayas, green tea gardens, pretty colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, toy train rides and lovely mountain weather. Darjeeling is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and is famous for its breathtaking scenery of the world's third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. The hill town is particularly famous for its world-renowned Darjeeling Tea, picturesque tea plantations, and the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city boasts a lovely natural landscape, adventures, spirituality and a colonial past. Along with its diverse people, traditional Nepali and Tibetan culture, colourful festivals, handicrafts and mouth-watering Himalayan cuisine, Darjeeling is also renowned for its natural beauty. Enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, visit the beautiful tea gardens, ride the famous toy train, visit the peaceful monasteries, discover scenic mountain viewpoints and more, all in the town of Darjeeling, a hill station experience in the making.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling 

The best time to visit Darjeeling is between March and May and October to December when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear and the mountains are beautiful for sightseeing, exploring tea gardens, toy train rides and outdoor activities. The spring and summer season (March – May) is especially delightful with enjoyable temperatures, colourful flowers, and scenic views of the Himalaya. October and November are also great times to visit since the monsoon clouds lift and beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga become more prominent. December is a quiet and cold month, which is perfect for taking advantage of the mountain scenery. During the monsoon period (June - September), heavy rainfall, mist and in some cases landslides, may impact road access and outdoor activities. January and February are very cold months; fog and snowfall may occur at higher altitudes close to the area.

Darjeeling: Places, Experiences & Food
Places to Visit in Darjeeling

• Tiger Hill
• Batasia Loop
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
• Ghoom Monastery
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
• Peace Pagoda
• Rock Garden
• Ganga Maya Park
• Happy Valley Tea Estate
• Glenburn Tea Estate
• Makaibari Tea Estate
• Darjeeling Mall Road (Chowrasta)
• Observatory Hill
• Mahakal Temple
• Japanese Temple
• Dali Monastery
• Bhutia Busty Monastery
• Yiga Choeling Monastery
• St. Andrew's Church
• Lloyd Botanical Garden
• Tenzing Rock
• Gombu Rock
• Nightingale Park
• Shrubbery Nightingale Park
• Darjeeling Ropeway
• Singalila National Park
• Sandakphu
• Phalut
• Lamahatta Eco Park
• Tinchuley
• Takdah
• Chatakpur Eco Village
• Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake)
• Pashupati Market
• Dali Monastery
• DHR Museum
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum
• Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rangit Valley Ropeway
• Lebong Race Course
• Ava Art Gallery
• Bengal Natural History Museum
• Dhirdham Temple

Things to Do in Darjeeling

• Mount Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill
• Ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train
• Batasia Loop and admire its panoramic mountain views
• Ghoom Monastery and discover Buddhist traditions
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and spot rare Himalayan wildlife
• Peaceful visit to the Japanese Peace Pagoda
• Lush green tea plantations of Happy Valley Tea Estate
• Tea-tasting session and learn about Darjeeling Tea
• Cable car ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway
• Tea gardens, valleys, and mountain landscapes
• Vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants along Mall Road
• Relaxing evening at Chowrasta
• Beautiful Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
• Tibetan and Buddhist architecture at local monasteries
• Singalila National Park
• Visit Lamahatta Eco Park
• Explore the charming mountain villages of Tinchuley and Takdah
• Enjoy photography at scenic viewpoints and tea gardens
• Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock and experience rock climbing
• Local handicraft markets and traditional Tibetan shops
• Artistic heritage of Darjeeling at Ava Art Gallery
• Traditional Nepali and Tibetan cultural performances
• Colourful celebrations of Losar, Dashain, and Tihar
• Peaceful nature walk through Lloyd Botanical Garden
• Mirik and enjoy boating at the beautiful Sumendu Lake
• Sunset over the surrounding mountain ranges

What to Eat in Darjeeling

• Darjeeling Momos
• Thukpa
• Wai Wai Sadeko
• Shaphaley
• Thenthuk
• Tibetan Noodles
• Tingmo
• Churpi
• Phagshapa
• Gundruk
• Sinki
• Sel Roti
• Aloo Dum
• Nepali Thali
• Thakali Thali
• Dhido
• Sukuti
• Kinema Curry
• Chana Sadeko
• Pork Momos
• Chicken Momos
• Cheese Momos
• Fried Momos
• Steamed Momos
• Chilli Chicken
• Tibetan Butter Tea
• Darjeeling Tea
• Butter Toast
• Chicken Thukpa
• Veg Thukpa
• Chowmein
• Tibetan Bread
• Sha Phaley
• Alu Tama
• Dal Bhat
• Chhurpi Soup
• Kachumber Salad
• Keema Noodles
• Sel Roti with Aloo Dum
• Yomari
• Khapse
• Lal Mohan
• Rice Pudding (Payesh)