15 Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Affectionately renowned as the "Queen of Hills" and a true paradise for nature lovers along with adventure seekers, Darjeeling guarantees its visitors one of the best sojourn vacations. This scenic city of India offers more than its stupendous vistas of breathtaking mountain peaks covered with snow, flourishing valleys, and vigorous tea gardens, as Darjeeling is also furnished with the perfect blend of thrilling adventure, unique art, enchanting cultural history, and enthusiastic annual festivals and events. Let's explore some of the commendable destinations in Darjeeling that will make your vacations more amusing.

15 Best Places to Explore in Darjeeling

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is fondly known as "Toy Train," the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is an 88-km narrow path that runs through a railway terrain from the city of Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is one of the world's oldest mountain railways and offers its riders a magnificent view of its rich forests, lively villages, aromatic tea gardens, and gorgeous Darjeeling Hills.

• Best time to visit- Either in the Spring (March to May) or during the autumn (October to November) months.
• Things to do- Explore breathtaking views, enjoy the ride of Himalayan peaks, and explore the cultural and natural history of Darjeeling.
• Places to visit- Observatory Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Bagdogra, Singalila National Park, Tiger Hill, and Lepchajagat.
• How to Reach—Darjeeling Himalayan Railway can be reached by air, with Bagdogra being the nearest airport, 90 km away, and by train, where you can directly reach your destination.

2. Happy Valley Tea Estate

A charming destination and the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, Happy Valley Tea Estate is filled with lush green landscapes and tranquil nature among its whirling hills. The bushes in the estate have a long history, witnessing many historic events in the area. The minimum age of the bushes is 80 years old, whereas some are even as old as 150 years.

• Best time to visit- Months between March and November
• Things to do- Explore Darjeeling tea's amazing greenery and rich history, experience the complex procedure of brewing tea, and taste the flavour and aroma of world-renowned tea.
• Places to visit- Observatory Hill, Bengal Natural History Museum, Rangeet Valley Cable Car, and Chalsa.
• How to reach- Happy Valley Tea Estate can be easily reached by train, with the nearest railway station being Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at a 2.5 km distance, via air, with Bagdogra airport, which is 90mkm away, and via road, which is connected with 77 km long distance from Siliguri.

3. Singalila National Park

Singalila National Park, at around 7000 feet high destination, promises a heaven-like experience for both nature lovers and exhilarating lovers alike. The park is large enough to comprise the two highest peaks of West Bengal (Sandakphu and Phalut), 78.6 square km of virgin rhododendron forests, rare species of flora and fauna, and an alpine valley. It also provides the habitat to a rare and non-native species of Red Panda and the Himalayan Black Bear.

• Best time to visit- Either visit the destination in the spring (March to May) or post-monsoon (mid-September to early December).
• Things to do- Explore the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, discover a wide range of flora and fauna, experience trekking, enjoy bike riding, and have a thrilling experience with paragliding, wildlife safari, or campaigning.
• Places to visit- Sandakphu, Lepchajagat, Bengal Natural History Museum, Chalsa, and Observatory Hills.
• How to reach- You can reach the Singalila National Park by train, 13 km away from Ghoom railway station, by flight, 100 km away from Bagdogra airport, or via a well-connected road system.

4. Tiger Hill

An ideal and popular destination for snappers as well as thrilling enthusiasts across the country, Tiger Hill offers a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga's golden peaks during early sunrise. The location is also iconic, as it makes visitors feel like Kanchenjunga is higher than the world's highest mountain range, Mount Everest.

• Best time to visit- During the springtime, i.e. from mid-February to April.
• Things to do- Explore the nonpareil view of two of the world's highest mountain ranges, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, discover the unparalleled vistas of the first rays of sunlight falling on these peaks, and experience mountain recreation.
• Places to visit- Sandakphu, Lava, Lolegoan, Lebong Race Course, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
• How to reach- Tiger Hill can be reached by air from Bagdogra Airport (67 km), by train from Siliguri Railway Station ( 65 km), or via a system of well-connected roads.

5. Lava

A hidden treasure of the country, Lava is completely woven into ancient and cultural traditions that promise to give its visitors remarkable adventure and exploration. Roaming down the narrow village lanes of Lava is the first element of the city's rich heritage, revealing the artistic talent of the local artisans in the form of wooden handicraft homes, locally made textiles, statues, masks, and more.

• Best time to visit- Winter months from October to January
• Things to do- Explore the underground ice caves, attend the annual Sky Lantern Festival, seek out diverse wildlife, and be mesmerised by the beauty of the outdoor scenery.
• Places to visit- Rachela Peak Point, Lolegoan, Kolakham, Neora Valley National Park, and Lava Monastery.
• How to reach- The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, 50 km away, and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri.

6. Bengal Natural History Museum

Started as a way to display Darjeeling's butterflies and birds, the Bengal Natural History Museum has now developed and maintained a large collection and specimens of a variety of birds with nests and eggs, mammals, insects, reptiles, fishes, insects, and more. Moreover, the museum also preserves a rich collection of colourful rocks in the form of minerals that will help visitors learn about the diverse formation of the earth's landscape.

• Best time to visit- From October to mid-April.
• Things to do- Scout the fascinating library and learn about the city's rich biodiversity, meet the crocodiles' estuarine, look out for the bird's nest and eggs collection, and immerse yourself in the rich world of vibrant stones.
• Places to visit- Siddeswara temple, Biharinath Hill, Koko Hill, and Susunia Hills. 
• How to reach- Due to the broad network of roads, buses and taxis are easily available to reach the destination by road, whereas it can also be reached via Siliguri railway station or Bagdogra Airport.

7. Rock Garden

Rock Garden is a stunningly beautiful destination that showcases the perfect blend of human creativity and nature's beauty. It features a natural waterfall, cascading hill streams, flower gardens, and seating areas at various levels, including a small lake, and thus offers a mesmerising environment and a hustle-free life to its visitors.

• Best time to visit- Months of Summer and Autumn.
• Things to do- Enjoy the picnic with your loved ones, have a mesmerising photo session, explore human creativity, and look out for nature's charm.
• Places to visit- Ganga Maya Park, Durpin Monastery, Mirik Lake, Mahakal Temple, Bokar Monestry, Ghoom Monastery, and Neora Valley National Park.
• How to reach- Rock Garden of Darjeeling can be reached via air, through its nearest airport at Bagdogra which is 90 km away, via train, where the nearest railway stations are Darjeeling Himalayan, Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, and via road, Siliguri, which is around 62 km away.

8. Japanese Peace Pagoda

Designed with a motive to establish harmony, unity, and goodwill among different sects of people, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is Darjeeling’s tallest free-standing structure, that houses all four sects of Buddhism, including Maitery Buddhism. It has attracted people from every caste and creed in search of peace and is often recognised for offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, thus offering a treat to both the eyes and the soul alike.

• Best time to visit- Preferably either in April or March.
• Things to do- Experience a tranquil environment and beautiful surroundings, meditate to calm your mind, and explore statues depicting Buddha's life.
• Places to visit- Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point, Dhirdham Temple, the Elgin, and Birdwatching at Senchel Lake.
• How to Reach- The Japanese Peace Pagoda is located around 2.5 km away from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and thus can be easily reached via road from there.

9. Ghoom Monastery

Darjeeling’s first-ever Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Ghoom Monastery, provided a habitat for the statue of Maitreya as a successor of Buddha, in spite of it being as massive as 15 feet. Moreover, this Tibetian art showcasing monastery also maintains some exclusive collections of inscriptions, including the 108-volume Kangyur, which is traditionally considered to be spoken by Buddha himself. Apart from the spiritual calmness, the monastery offers a scenic view of the architecture, making it a perfect destination for historians.

• Best time to visit- Either in the spring season, from March to May, or the autumn season, from September to November.
• Things to do- Seek out your inner peace, learn about Buddhism from ancient and precious Tibetian manuscripts, and discover some of India’s crucial scripts, like Shriharsha’s Nagmandala, Kalidas’s Meghadoot, and many more.
• Places to visit- Shrubbery Nightingale Park, Lepchajagat, Ging Tea House, Darjeeling Toy Train, and Sandakhpu.
• How to reach- You can reach Ghoom Monastery by air at Bagdogra Airport or by train at New Jalpaiguri Railway.

10. Batasia Loop

Offering a panoramic and 360-degree complete view of all the landscapes of Darjeeling, Batasia Loop attracts visitors from across the world. Situated on Hill Cart Road, the destination's scenic view includes the hill town, Eastern Himakay’s snow-capped peaks, and a stunning flowering garden. The centre of the area even holds a war memorial to commemorate the sacrifice of various Gorkha regiment soldiers who have lost their lives after the independence of India.

• Best time to visit- In the spring months of March to May.
• Things to do- Visit the War Memorial, learn about organic farming and plantation, explore the breathtaking versa of Darjeeling, and walk around the beautiful Batasia Loop.
• Places to visit- Batasia market, Samten Choeling Monastery, Dali Monastery, and Dhirdham Temple.
• How to reach- It is located just below the Ghum Railway Station, from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.

11. Lamahhata

A picturesque village at a height of 5000 feet, Lamahhata is an unrevealed and precious gem of Darjeeling. The town has captured the hearts of all its visitors with its tranquil and peaceful ambience, along with, the engulfing fragrance of its majestic pine trees. The beautiful natural surroundings and the captivating scent are enough to make one relax from the hustle-bustle city life. It is considered an abode of God for all those who are looking for solitude.

• Best time to visit- Either in the months from March to May or from October to December.
• Things to do- Sightseeing, visit Lamahhatan Eco Park and Roadside Garden, shop at Teesta Bazar, and seek out Lovers Meet Viewpoint.
• Places to visit- Tinchuley, Tea Garden, Heaven Hills, Ling Ding Dara, and Poomong Barbotey Hanging Bridge
• How to reach- The Lamahhata village can be best visited via its enlarged road network, as the nearest New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station and Bagdogra Airport are approximately 72 and 75 km away, respectively.

12. Dhirdham Temple

Dhirdham Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a marvellous fusion of Tibetan and Buddhist architectural styles, which is believed that the temple has taken its inspiration from Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple. The temple houses a beautiful idol of the deity is known as Pancha Bakram Tri Netram. It depicts five different facial expressions of Lord Shiva along with its renowned third eye.

• Best time to visit- The best time to visit the temple is at Mahashivratri, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and in a huge way.
• Things to do- Witness Different idols, ferry out the calmness of mind, and collect its blessing in the form of “bindi’.
• Places to visit- Sanchel Lake, Ghoom Monastery, Jhandi Dara, Ging Tea House, and Dali Monastery.
• How to reach- Dhirdham Temple is located just below the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.

13. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

A centre of conservation, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park offers an unparalleled biodiversity experience for its visitors. It is the highest-altitude zoological park in India, located at 7000 feet above sea level. People across the globe visit the park to explore and witness a live exhibition of the vibrant flora and fauna of the region, along with some endangered species of snow leopards, gorals, Siberian tigers, pandas, and various endangered birds.

• Best time to visit- Between March to June or September to January.
• Things to do- Discover the park’s rich landscape and explore various endangered and other animal kingdoms.
• Places to visit- Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple, Darjeeling Ropeway, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and Ghoom Monastery.
• How to reach- The roads are best connected to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, as the nearest New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station and Bagdogra Airport are approximately 88 and 85 km away, respectively.

14. Sandakphu

Situated between the borders of India and Nepal, Sandakphu is an elevated track at 11930 feet above sea level. It offers stunning views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga, some of the four highest peaks in the world. Renowned for its picturesque sunrise and sunset moments, the trek to Sandakphu offers beautiful bamboo and rhododendron forests rich in diverse flora and fauna. The trek even provides you the opportunity to spot the rare red panda along the way.

• Best time to visit- March is the best time to visit Sandakphu when it is springtime and the flowers are blooming in a lush green forest.
• Things to do- Explore the panoramic view of some of the world’s tallest summits, witness sleeping Buddha, do adventurous trekking, and enjoy breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
• Places to visit- Singalila Ridge, Sandakphu Peak, and the forests.
• How to reach- Take a road trip to Sandakphu from its nearest Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station.

15. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, shortly known as HMI, was established on the 4th of November in 1954 by none other than India’s first independent Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to commemorate Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s first Everest ascent. It is one of the top global institutes for mountaineering and a paradise for adventure-seekers.

• Best time to visit- Between April to June or from September to December
• Things to do- Learn about previous expeditions to the Himalayas, understand mountaineering and allied adventure activities, explore Darjeeling’s tea garden, and have a look at the rich collection of significant photographs and mountaineering films.
• Places to visit- Everest Museum, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Dali Monastery, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
• How to reach- The roads are best connected to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, as the nearest New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station and Bagdogra Airport are approximately 88 and 90 km away, respectively.

FAQs

Q. What is Darjeeling famous for?

Ans. Darjeeling is famous for its world-renowned Darjeeling tea because of its iconic flavours.

Q. Which month is best for Darjeeling?

Ans. The best time to visit Darjeeling is either from April to June, when the skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant, or from October to February when there is snow all over the city.

Q. How many days should I spend in Darjeeling?

Ans. Mostly, 2 to 3 days are enough to visit all the top attractions in Darjeeling while enjoying the city's scenic beauty.

Q. Which temples are popular in Darjeeling?

Ans. Shri Mahakal Temple, Peace Pagoda, and Japanese Temple are some of the most famous temples in Darjeeling.

Q. Why is Tiger Hill so special in Darjeeling?

Ans. Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is famous for its panoramic vistas of the early morning sunrise and a point where Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga can be witnessed together.

Q. What is the famous food of Darjeeling?

Ans. Churpee, Thukpa, Sel Roti, and Naga Cuisine are some of Darjeeling's famous cuisines.

Q. What are the places to visit in Darjeeling with family?

Ans. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Batasia Loop, Dali Monastery, and Lamahatta Eco Park are ideal family destinations in Darjeeling.