Darjeeling, West Bengal, (East India)
Darjeeling is a hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is known for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, and the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the mighty Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling is also famous for its aromatic tea, which is exported worldwide. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Mall Road. The serene ambiance and pleasant climate make Darjeeling a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
Unlock the beauty of Darjeeling with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Darjeeling has it all
Sightseeing
The Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park are beautiful natural attractions located near Darjeeling. The Rock Garden features terraced gardens, waterfalls, and rock sculptures, while Ganga Maya Park offers boating facilities and scenic views of ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 20.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Train Ride
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a unique and picturesque journey through the hilly landscapes of Darjeeling, providing stunning views of the mountains ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-16:15
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 30.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Train tickets can sell out quickly
Sightseeing
Tiger Hill is famous for its panoramic view of the sunrise over the Kangchenjunga and the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for nature lovers ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 04:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sunrise view may be crowded
Experiences
The Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, offers a thrilling ride with breathtaking views of the valleys, tea gardens, and mountains. It's a unique way to appreciate the beauty of ...
Best Time to Visit: March - December
Timings: 10:00-14:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 200.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Enjoy aerial views of Darjeeling
Historical Sites
The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track located in Darjeeling. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The adjacent War Memorial commemorates the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various ...
Best Time to Visit: March - December
Timings: 06:00-16:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 15.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Enjoy the scenic view and memorial
Wildlife
Singalila National Park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the red panda and the Himalayan black bear. Trekking in the park allows visitors to explore its natural beauty, enjoy ...
Best Time to Visit: April - June, September - November
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 100.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Prepare for a challenging trekking trail
Sightseeing
The Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling. Visitors can take guided tours of the estate, learn about the tea-making process, and sample different varieties of Darjeeling tea. The ...
Best Time to Visit: February - November
Timings: 08:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 100.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Learn about tea production
Paragliding
Paragliding in Darjeeling offers an exhilarating experience as you soar high in the sky and enjoy bird's-eye views of the stunning landscapes below. It's a thrilling adventure activity for those seeking an adrenaline rush and ...
Best Time to Visit: March - May, October - December
Timings: 09:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 3199.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Thrilling adventure activity
Wildlife
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a high-altitude zoo known for its conservation efforts and housing various Himalayan species, including the endangered snow leopard and red panda. Visitors can observe these animals in their ...
Best Time to Visit: March - December
Timings: 08:30-16:00
Closing Days: Closed on Thursday
Price: 50.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Closed on Thursdays
Experiences
Mirik Lake is a serene and picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and pine forests. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake, take leisurely walks along the promenade, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. It's ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 200.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Experience serene lake views
Sightseeing
The Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is a symbol of peace and harmony. It offers a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore the pagoda, enjoy the serene surroundings, ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 04:30-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Enjoy panoramic views from the pagoda
Religious Visit
The Mahakal Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts devotees from different parts of the country. Visitors can experience the spiritual ambiance, witness religious ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-17:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
A sacred place for Hindu devotees
Sightseeing
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a prestigious mountaineering institute that offers courses and training in mountaineering and other adventure activities. Visitors can explore the museum, learn about mountaineering history, and view artifacts related to famous ...
Best Time to Visit: March - December
Timings: 08:30-16:00
Closing Days: Closed on Thursday
Price: 40.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Closed on Thursdays
Religious Visit
Guardian of ancient wisdom in 1850 at 8,000 feet, embraces the Gelupka sect's legacy, housing a revered 15-foot Maitreyi Buddha crafted from Tibetan clay.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:30-17:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Quiet reverence, modest attire, and mindful engagement are key while visiting these sacred monasteries
Religious Visit
A historic gem adorned with Tibetan art, nestled in the Himalayan embrace near Darjeeling Railway Station.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:30-17:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious Visit
High on Darjeeling's hills, Druk Sangag Choling: A serene Tibetan haven for Buddhist study and practice
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:30-17:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Quiet reverence, modest attire, and mindful engagement are key while visiting these sacred monasteries
Adventure
Where legends meet stone: Tenzing and Gombu rocks stand tall, honoring Everest's conquerors with timeless grace
Best Time to Visit: April - June
Timings: 06:30-16:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 2000.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Hire a guide from local
Travel Guidelines for Darjeeling, West Bengal (East India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Darjeeling, known as the 'Queen of the Hills', is nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal. Renowned for its tea plantations, panoramic views, and the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, it's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. More about the region can be found on the Official West Bengal Tourism Website.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Darjeeling is well connected by road to major cities such as Siliguri and Gangtok. The journey through winding hill roads offers scenic views.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, about 95 km away from Darjeeling. Regular taxis and shared vehicles are available from the airport to Darjeeling.
By Railway: The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which connects Darjeeling to various parts of India. From NJP, one can take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train) or other road transport to reach Darjeeling.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any identification or travel-related queries, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in Darjeeling include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. Connectivity is generally reliable in the city, but can be spotty in remote areas or higher altitudes.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Visitors should adhere to local safety and health guidelines. Due to its high-altitude location, it's recommended to stay hydrated and take it easy on the first day to acclimatize. For updated health guidelines, consult the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
Taxis, shared jeeps, and auto-rickshaws are commonly used for transportation within Darjeeling. For a unique experience, consider taking the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (often referred to as the 'toy train') for scenic views.
7. Special Mentions
Don't miss out on a visit to the tea gardens and trying the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
Tiger Hill offers an unforgettable sunrise view with the majestic Kangchenjunga in the backdrop.
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park houses the rare red panda and snow leopard.
Darjeeling's colonial-era architecture, including churches and schools, provides a glimpse into its rich history.