10 Best Tourist Places in Darjeeling

A place full of peaceful sightseeing views, cold weather, snowcapped mountains, and the view of the beautiful Himalayan range sounds perfect if you are planning a vacation. Enjoying the toy train or enjoying the first ray of sun falling on the mountains and covering the mountains in a magical pattern of light all have their own beauty and their own significance. Exploring the wildlife 7000 feet above sea level or discovering the ancient temple of the earlier centuries will fill you with joy.

This is possible only if you have the correct guidance and proper knowledge of the place you are going to visit. However, if you want to know about the Best Tourist places in Darjeeling then stay tuned till the end of the blog.

Here is the list of Top 10 Tourist Places in Darjeeling:

1. Tiger Hill

This hill is famous for giving the perfect view of sunrise between the mountains. These are the highest twin peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. In the soulful morning, with the cold breeze flowing in the ranges, when the first ray of sun falls on the twin peaks and showers the scattering of a different light.

Even if you miss the sunrise you are still left with many views to explore. The famous Kurseong will be in the south with the passage of many rivers from it. You can also see the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Why Visit: Tiger Hill is famous for its stunning sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga and other eastern Himalayan peaks.

Things to Do:

  • Sunrise Viewing: Arrive early to witness the spectacular sunrise.
  • Photography: Capture panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Hiking: Enjoy short hikes in the surrounding area.

Other Details: The best time to visit is during the early morning hours for the sunrise. It is advisable to dress warmly as it can be quite cold.

How to Reach: Located 11 km from Darjeeling, accessible by local taxis and shared jeeps.

2. Batasia Loop

Here you will see one of the highest railway tracks in I top India. The top view of various railway tracks is laid down and makes the view glorious. In the Batasia Loop, you will see the toy rain in the lush green valley. Tourist really enjoys the ride of a toy train between the tunnels and the snowcapped mountains.

When the toy train moves slowly on the high tracks on the mountain hill and gives different stunning views from various locations. The tracks are made with unique designs while the safety of the tourist is kept in mind. Meanwhile, it is made sure that the tourist enjoys maximum thrill and joy.

Why Visit: Batasia Loop is a scenic railway loop with a beautiful garden and a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers.

Things to Do:

  • Toy Train Ride: Experience the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
  • War Memorial: Visit the war memorial and learn about its history.
  • Photography: Enjoy and capture the panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding hills.

Other Details: Best visited during the day when the toy train is operational. The garden is beautifully maintained and offers a peaceful environment.

How to Reach: Located 5 km from Darjeeling, accessible by local taxis and shared jeeps.

3. Darjeeling Ropeway

In India, Darjeeling is the first cable car system which was estimated to be started in 1968 Watching the mountains below you and moving above them seems like flying above the highest peaks of mountains. There is a total number of 16 cable cars and one cable car can hold 6 people in counting.

The adventurous cable car transports passengers at an altitude of 7000 feet.  This thrilling ride starts from Northern Point in Singamari to the banks of the enchanting Ramman River situated in Singla Bazar. During the ride, you will see the stunning view of the mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga Range and the flow of many rivers between the mountains.

Why Visit: The Darjeeling Ropeway offers a breathtaking aerial view of the lush green valleys, tea estates, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Things to Do:

  • Ropeway Ride: Enjoy a thrilling cable car ride.
  • Photography: Capture stunning aerial views.
  • Nature Viewing: Observe the beautiful landscapes and tea gardens below.

Other Details: The ropeway operates from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and it’s recommended to visit during clear weather for the best views.

How to Reach: Located 3 km from Darjeeling, accessible by local taxis.

4. Nightingale Park

It will not take you more than two hours to reach this amazing park from the main city. This park is also known as “The Shrubbery” in that region. You can visit the park from 7 AM to 8 pm with the entry fees of only 10 Rs per person. It is the hotspot for tourists in the whole of Darjeeling.

The top view which people get to see is marvelous. This park is situated at the peak of the hill so you have to climb a few feet to reach the beautiful entry of the mountain.

Why Visit: Nightingale Park is a beautiful public park offering lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and scenic views of the surrounding hills.

Things to Do:

  • Leisure Walks: Enjoy peaceful walks in the park.
  • Cultural Programs: Watch local cultural performances during the evening.
  • Photography: Capture the beauty of the park and its surroundings.

Other Details: The park is open from 7 am to 8 pm. It’s a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

How to Reach: Located in the heart of Darjeeling, it is easily accessible by foot or local transport.

5. Darjeeling Rock Garden

You will just need the time of one hour to reach this rock garden from the main city. This garden is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. You will require a ticket of Rs 10 to get entry into the garden. The full name of the rock garden is Barbotey Rock Garden. People enjoy visiting this picnic spot with their families.

The popular site to visit in this Rock Garden is the Chunnu summer-fall. This garden is fully maintained for the visitors, the proper sitting arrangements are done, beautiful patterns of flowers are re-laid and the most pleasurable is the view of the tea garden spread in the whole valley.

Why Visit: Darjeeling Rock Garden is a picturesque terraced garden with waterfalls, ponds, and beautiful floral displays.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the Gardens: Walk through the terraced garden and enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Photography: Capture the scenic landscapes and waterfalls.
  • Relaxation: Spend time relaxing amidst nature.

Other Details: The garden is best visited during the day. There are small eateries nearby where you can enjoy local snacks.

How to Reach: Located 10 km from Darjeeling, accessible by local taxis and shared jeeps.

6. Singalila National Park

You will just need a time period of 3-4 hours to explore the Singalila National Park completely. The is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Singalila National Park is located at the height of 7000 feet above sea level and its beauty is spread in 78.60 sq km of land between the mountains.

You will be charged 100/- for the entry to Singalila National Park. The attraction points of the Singalila National Park are the Land of Virgin Rhododendron forests, Alpine Valley, and rare species of wildlife. This national park is filled with the view of Himalayan ranges.

Why Visit: Singalila National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the red panda, and offers stunning trekking routes with views of the Himalayas.

Things to Do:

  • Trekking: Explore popular trekking routes such as the Sandakphu Trek.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Spot various wildlife species including red pandas and Himalayan black bears.
  • Nature Walks: Enjoy nature walks through the park’s beautiful landscapes.

Other Details: The best time to visit is from March to May and October to November. Trekking permits are required and can be obtained in Darjeeling.

How to Reach: Located 20 km from Darjeeling, accessible by local taxis and private vehicles.

7. Darjeeling Peace Pagoda

This is a very popular temple situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills in Darjeeling. This is also known as the “Japanese Peace Pagoda”. This Japanese Peace Pagoda is very ancient and built under the supervision of Nichidatsu Fuji, a Buddhist monk who came to Japan in the early 19th century.

It took approximately more than 36 months to build the Peace Pagoda with the help of expert designers and sculptures. The name of the expert who designed the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda was M. Ohka. This temple was built to spread the message of peace, harmony, and a feeling of oneness.

Why Visit: The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace and spirituality, offering panoramic views of Darjeeling and the Himalayas.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Pagoda: Explore the Peace Pagoda and its serene surroundings.
  • Meditation: Spend time meditating in a peaceful environment.
  • Photography: Capture stunning views from the top of the pagoda.

Other Details: The pagoda is open from 4:30 am to 7 pm. It’s a great place to visit for a peaceful retreat and spiritual experience.

How to Reach: Located 2 km from Darjeeling, accessible by local taxis and shared jeeps.

8. Sandakphu Trek

This is the most popular hill in the whole of Darjeeling because it is the highest peak of West Bengal. This peak is situated at a height of 11,941 feet from the ground level. You can also see the border of Nepal from this peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling because it is situated almost at the border of Nepal.

You can reach the peak either by car or by trekking. You need to climb a height of approximately 51 km to reach the peak. The trekking will start from “Manebhanjan Sandakphu” which is also known as the mountains of poisonous plants.

Why Visit: Sandakphu Trek is one of the most famous treks in India, offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Things to Do:

  • Trekking: Undertake the challenging yet rewarding trek to Sandakphu.
  • Photography: Capture panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
  • Camping: Experience camping in the beautiful landscapes.

Other Details: The trek usually takes 6-7 days. It’s advisable to go with a guided tour for safety and convenience. The best time to trek is from April to June and October to December.

How to Reach: The trek starts from Manebhanjan, which is 26 km from Darjeeling. Accessible by local taxis.

9. Mahakal Temple

You can visit this peak from 5 AM to 5 PM. If you visit the peak other than this time you may have encountered the wild animals of the place. The best part of this Temple is the huge statue of Lord Shiva. The presence of Lord Shiva makes this one of the spiritual hotspots also.

Why Visit: Mahakal Temple is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on Observatory Hill, and offers spiritual solace and panoramic views.

Things to Do:

  • Temple Visit: Offer prayers and explore the temple complex.
  • Photography: Capture views from the hill and the temple’s vibrant ambiance.
  • Spiritual Experience: Engage in a peaceful and spiritual environment.

Other Details: The temple is open from 5 am to 8 pm. It’s a short but steep walk from Mall Road, and it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes.

How to Reach: Located near the Mall Road in Darjeeling, easily accessible by foot or local transport.

The view of the temple between the high ranges of snow-capped mountains gives immense pleasure and joy. This temple is attached to the beliefs of many people. This temple is filled with glory during the festival of Maha Shivratri. The paranoiac view from this temple will fill you with peaceful memories.

Conclusion

Darjeeling is a very beautiful place. Visiting Darjeeling will make you feel like visiting heaven. Whether it be the ride of a toy train or either it be a passage of a ropeway every part of Darjeeling will fill you with joy. This place has adventurous activities for exciting people, stunning views for beauty lovers, various wildlife, and different species for nature lovers.

Still, it’s not the end this place contains spiritual spots for religious people. Hence Darjeeling is meant for everyone. Darjeeling is one of the most popular places to visit when it comes to visiting any hill station. The snowcapped mountains and the beautiful sunrise are stunning in Darjeeling. We hope this article helped you in finding the best place in Darjeeling.

FAQs about Visiting Darjeeling:

1. How far is Darjeeling from Ajmer?

The distance from Ajmer to Darjeeling is approximately 1,500 kilometers.

2. What are the best places to stay in Darjeeling?

The best places to stay in Darjeeling include The Elgin, Mayfair Darjeeling, Glenburn Tea Estate, Windamere Hotel, and Sinclairs Darjeeling.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Darjeeling and Gangtok?

Top attractions include Tiger Hill and Batasia Loop in Darjeeling, and Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass in Gangtok.

4. Why is Darjeeling famous?

Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, stunning views of the Himalayas, colonial architecture, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

5. What are the must-visit historical places in Darjeeling?

Must-visit historical places include the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Bhutia Busty Monastery, and the Old Ghoom Monastery.

6. Which places in Darjeeling are best for local sightseeing?

For local sightseeing, visit the Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, and the Darjeeling Zoo.

7. What are some good picnic spots in Darjeeling?

Good picnic spots in Darjeeling include Shrubbery Nightingale Park, Lloyd’s Botanical Garden, and the Rock Garden.

8. What are the famous viewpoints in Darjeeling?

Famous viewpoints are Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and Observatory Hill.

9. Which places in Darjeeling are best for couples?

Best places for couples include the Darjeeling Ropeway, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and the Peace Pagoda.

10. Is Darjeeling worth visiting?

Yes, Darjeeling is worth visiting for its breathtaking scenery, pleasant weather, and cultural experiences.

11. What is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Darjeeling is from April to June and from October to December.

12. How to reach Darjeeling from Kathgodam?

From Kathgodam, you can take a train or flight to New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra, respectively, and then a taxi or bus to Darjeeling.

13. What are the best activities to do in Darjeeling?

Best activities include taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visiting tea plantations, trekking, and shopping at the local markets.

14. What are the seven points in Darjeeling?

The seven points usually refer to popular tourist spots like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling Zoo, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Tenzing Rock, and Tea Gardens.

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