10 Things To Do in Summer in Darjeeling In 2024

The top things to do in Darjeeling are quite literally packed with activities for every taste and interest. For example, rafting down the rapids of Darjeeling Lake, a deluxe hot air balloon ride, trekking up the slopes of Mount Kanchenjunga, and visiting the tea gardens scattered around the region are just some of the many adventures you can embark upon while in Darjeeling.

But do not be disheartened by the crowds – Darjeeling remains one of the most popular places in India to backpack in and discover new vistas.

So Darjeeling should be on your list of top things to do in India.

Must Explore :When to Visit Darjeeling: A Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Time for Your Trip

Table of Contents

Top 10 Things to Do in Darjeeling

1. Beauty of Darjeeling: Do not forget to capture the moments!

Are you not taking photos yet? Grab your camera and capture the beauty of the city. You must see it with your own eyes. The feeling of it is more significant than taking photos all the way.

Captured memories are also important. You can take back the views of the mountains, valleys, tea gardens, and sunrises captured in your photos. After you’re back in your daily routine, remember the Darjeeling moments.

2. Toy Train: Take the ride on the Himalayan mountain railway toy train

Darjeeling is also known for its historical toy train. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railroad was built by the British in 1881. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs from Darjeeling to the lower reaches.

It takes almost a full day to complete the journey. You can also take shorter joy rides. This is the most popular route, which runs from Darjeeling via Batasia Loop to Ghoom.

The train stops at Batasia Loop for 10 minutes, where you can see a war memorial and lookout dedicated to Gorkha soldiers who fought in Darjeeling. The train stops at Ghoom for 30 minutes, where you’ll find a railway museum. Read a detailed guide about Darjeeling Toy Train: Guide, Fare, Timing, Booking, Route.

3. Darjeeling Tea: Learn about how tea is made

It is an exciting experience to witness and even participate in the tea harvesting process from March through November. Many larger tea estates offer guided tours of their factories.

The best place to see and do this is Happy Valley Tea Estate. The entire process of the leaves being oxidized, separated, and processed will be demonstrated to you. It’s fascinating! Guided tea tours cost 100 rupees and are offered daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Another recommended place to learn more about tea processing is Makaibari Tea Estate. The tour of the tea factory is informative and well-organized. There are also samples available for tasting. It costs 20 rupees.

A pioneering homestay program is also offered. This allows you to stay in the village overnight with a group of tea laborers and join them in their morning activities for an immersive experience.

4. Mahakal Temple: See the Sea Where Hindu and Buddhist Faiths co-exist

Make a detour from Mall Road to reach the fantastic Mahakal temple complex at Observatory Hill. The site was once home to a Buddhist monastery that Lama Dorjey Rinzing built in 1765. He also built the Mahakal temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in 1782, after three Shiva lingams (symbols representing Lord Shiva) appeared there.

Invading Gorkhas from Nepal took the monastery in 1815. The temple is still intact, and Buddhist prayer flags surround it. It is not unusual to see a Hindu priest praying alongside a Buddhist monk. There are also a few temples nearby and a sacred cave.

5. Kanchenjunga Views: Take a look at Mount Kanchenjunga

Tourists will move to tiger hill in the early morning to see the sunrise over the iconic Mount Kanchenjunga. It is the highest mountain in India and the third-highest in the entire world. This is best visible from mid-October to December and March to April.

However, the show may be ruined by unpredictable fog or mist. Some people are discouraged from attending because of the cold temperatures and the early hours.

6. Rafting: Whitewater Rafting in Teesta

Rafting is an excellent activity for adrenaline junkies. It’s also one of the most popular and engaging activities in Darjeeling. The Teesta River is a stunning river filled with rapids. This thrilling adventure will leave you wanting more.

7. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the ropeway

You can’t go to a hill station and not take a ropeway ride. Never let this happen. You can buckle up! The ropeway will take you on a thrilling ride at 7001 feet. It also offers a stunning view of Darjeeling’s valleys and hills at a height up to 801 feet.

8. Have time for some artistic engraving?

You can’t miss the opportunity to get tattoos that are not only cool but also have a profound spiritual meaning. You can get tattooed at many places.

9. Participate in the prayer for worldwide peace

Another calm attraction is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which connects Ghoom with Darjeeling. It is one of many peace Pagodas built worldwide by Nichidatsu Fujii (a Japanese Buddhist monk).

There are striking gold statues of Lord Buddha in different poses and artwork depicting his life. It is also home to a small Japanese temple. Prayers for world peace are held upstairs in the prayer hall from 4.30 to 6.30 am and 4.30 to 6.30 pm, respectively.

10. Darjeeling Shopping

Darjeeling is known for its shopping. Many people love to shop in Darjeeling through the night at various local shops. The Mall Road and the Bhutia market are two great places to shop. Mall Road is a popular tourist destination. There are small shops selling souvenirs and trinkets. High-end shops sell handcrafted shawls and sweaters as well as carpets. You can also find local jewelry shops.

To buy anything on Mall Road, you will need to bargain hard. But, woolen products are cheaper here than in other places. Bhutia market is the best place to shop for low-budget people. Local Bhutia residents set up this market to sell everything, from jackets to shawls, woolen scarves, and caps, as well as gloves. You can also find denim at a lower price. You are sure to have a wonderful experience if you go shopping in Darjeeling once.

Conclusion

The above is the famous & best activities to do in Darjeeling. A trip to Darjeeling can be a delightful experience, and there are some incredible places to explore while in the city.

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