Most of us consider Darjeeling to be famous only because of the tea, but this is not true. Darjeeling is not only famous for tea but for its beauty as well. That is why a number of tourists come here every month to see famous and beautiful Darjeeling tourist places. The most of locals here are Buddhist and they speak Nepali and Bengali only. There are several places to visit in Darjeeling, but if you like do shopping, then here you will find good options for shopping as well.
If you love to see mountains, valleys, and tea plantations, then Darjeeling is the place where you should go. We are sure after visit this place all your stress and worries will go away. The pleasant weather here is enough to make your vacation memorable. Darjeeling’s height is around 2134 meters above sea level and lets us tell you Darjeeling shares its border with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Darjeeling is among the popular tourist places to visit in summer in India and two reasons make this hill station a popular tourist spot. The first one is the world’s third-highest peak Kangchenjunga and another reason is tea plantations here. Apart from these, there are many other tourist places in Darjeeling, where you can go and make your trip full of thrill.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
Between March to June is considered as the best time to visit the Darjeeling tourist spot, as at this time the temperature remains here between 8-14 degrees Celsius. Also, you can say this time is the peak season of Darjeeling. Most of the tourists love to visit this place at this time only.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the winter season here, you can come here between November to December. At this time, the temperature is between 1-6 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, there is heavy rainfall here, Due to which the risk of landslide remains. That is why at this time-limited tourists come here. If you are an adventure lover, then you can come here any time between February-June.
How to Reach Darjeeling
By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra International Airport, which is 88 km away from Darjeeling. This airport is well connected via air with other major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai. After reaching Bagdogra airport, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach Darjeeling. Taxi will take around 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from the airport.
By Train: If you are planning to take reach Darjeeling by train, then you will have to get down at New Jalpaiguri Junction, which is the nearest railway station to Darjeeling. It is around 84 km away from Darjeeling and well connected with all Metro States. From here you can hire a cab or taxi to reach your destination.
By Road: If you are planning a road trip to Darjeeling, then you have to go via Siliguri. Also, you can get a direct bus from any major city bus terminal to reach Siliguri. From Siliguri, you can get a direct cab or taxi to Darjeeling. Siliguri to Darjeeling Distance is 63 km
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Famous Darjeeling Places to Visit
There are a number of places to see in Darjeeling, where you can visit and can feel pleasant. So, if you are looking for information about the places to visit in Darjeeling, then here you will get the complete information in one place.
Tiger Hill
Situated around 11 km away from Darjeeling and near Ghoom Station, Tiger Hill is the second highest peak in Darjeeling after Kangchenjunga. It is one of the most favorite Darjeeling places to visit for tourists. Tiger hill is situated at the height of 8482 feet above sea level. From here you can see the amazing bird’s eye view of the whole city of Darjeeling.
Apart from this, the sunrise view from here is also worth seeing. At this height, it feels as if you can touch the sun. Many tourists come here every day to enjoy these beautiful views. Snow-covered trees and mountains are enough to make you feel like heaven. It will be a unique experience for you to see the ice-covered city from here, which will be shining like silver. To get this unique experience must add this place to your itinerary.
Visiting Time
Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop is among the major Darjeeling tourist places. The line of toy trains has been laid here by cutting the mountains so that tourists can enjoy the amazing view of Darjeeling city and Kangchenjunga Mountain. This amazing place is spread over 50,000 square feet and it is designed like a beautiful garden, which you can roam on a toy train.
Apart from this, you will also see a war memorial in the middle of this place on which the name of Gorkha freedom fighters is inscribed. The toy train in Darjeeling stops at this place so that you can see this memorial of martyrs. Also, you will get a chance to see rare species of plants here including Cedar, Rhododendron, Maidenhair tree, etc.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as Iron Lady of Darjeeling, runs only on a 2 feet railway line only. It was built by the Britishers in 1881. At that time, it is used to run on coal only, but now diesel engines are used. This train covers a distance of 88 km from Siliguri, Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The journey of this train will surely be an amazing experience for you.
While visiting the entire Darjeeling city, this train stops 10 minutes at the Batasia loop and 30 minutes at Ghoom station. The journey of this train starts twice in the morning and once at 3 pm in the evening. So, if you are planning for a trip to Darjeeling, do not miss this toy train ride for the best Darjeeling Sightseeing.
Nightingale Park
Nightingale Park is among the most beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. This Park is not only famous for its natural beauty but also to see amazing views of Kanchenjunga from here. At the time of British rule, this park was the courtyard of Sir Thomas Turton. Now, this is converted into a public park. In this beautiful park, you will see a huge Lord Shiva statue along with a musical fountain. In the evening, the beauty of this place is worth seeing. So must visit this place during your Darjeeling trip.
Visiting Time
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This famous park is named after Padmaja Naidu, daughter of Sarojini Naidu, and was built under the Red Panda Program of the Central Zoo Authority of India. In this zoological park, you will get the chance to see snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Asiatic black bears, red pandas, gorals, blue sheep, and other Himalayan endangered species. This zoological park is so beautiful and well maintained that it is counted among the best zoos in India, Also, it is one of the most favorite Darjeeling places to visit for tourists.
Visiting Time
- 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Thursday Closed)
River Rafting in Regent and Teesta River
Darjeeling is famous not only for its mountains, peaks, and valleys but also for its rivers. Here are two famous rivers namely Teesta and Regent. Both are originating from the valleys of Darjeeling and Siliguri and covers a distance of around 172 km. Teesta and Regent are famous for river rafting and other water sports. But in these rivers, only 1-4 level rapids are allowed while rafting. Anyone can go rafting in the Teesta River, but only trained rafters are allowed to do rafting in the Regent River.
Visiting Time
River Rafting Charges
- From Melli to 29th Mile (5 km) – Rs 800/person
- From Melli to Kalijhora (7 km) – Rs 1200/ person
Barbotey Rock Garden
Situated in the middle of the Himalayas hills, Barbotey Rock Garden is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Darjeeling. A number of tourists visit this place every year to enjoy a picnic with their loved ones along with nearby amazing views of mountains, and valleys. Different species of beautiful flowers and the pleasant environment of this place will fascinate you. Along with these, there is a musical fountain here as well, which will double your enjoyment. So, if you are a peace lover and looking for a place where you can calm your mind by sitting peacefully, then this is the place that should be on the top of your list.
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
Ropeway Ride
To get an amazing bird’s eye view of tea plantations, and mountain peaks, the facility of ropeway cars is also here. From these ropeway cars, you can travel from the North Point of Sonmari to Singla Bazar, which is situated at the height of 7000 feet from sea level near the Raman River. The amazing view of tea gardens from these ropeway cars is worth seeing. After these ropeway cars facility, many places are now accessible, which were unreachable before. Let us tell you, these ropeway cars were started here in 1968. In a single car, 6 people can sit at a time. There are also many hill cafes here, where you can enjoy the amazing food.
Visiting Time
- 10 am – 4 pm (In Winters)
- 10 am – 2 pm (In Summer)
Entry Fee
- For Adults Rs 200/person
- For Children’s (3-8 yrs.) Rs 100
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Singalila National Park
This Singalila National Park is among the most amazing and beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. The dense forest, mountains, and valleys around this place increase its beauty manifold. This beautiful place is spread in around 78.46 sq meters and located about 7000 feet above sea level. In this national park, you will get a chance to see many different endangered species of animals including Leopard, Pangolin, Chinkara, Elephant, Deer, Clouded Leopard, Black Panther, Himalayan Black Bear. This place is also popular for trekking and other mountain activities. You can participate in these mountain activities to make your trip full of adventure.
Visiting Time
Entry Fee
- For Indian Rs 100
- For Foreigners Rs 200
- Camera Charges Rs 100
- Jeep Safari Charges Rs 5500
Sandakphu Peak
Sandakphu is one of the major Darjeeling tourist places, which is about at the height of 11,491 feet from sea level. The main reason behind this place’s popularity is that out of the 5 highest peaks in the world, the view of 4 peaks can be seen from here. Also, this peak is home to Cobra Lily flowers, which are considered poisonous and because of these flowers, this peak is also known as the ‘poisonous plant’s peak’. Valleys with Rhododendron and magnolias flowers make this place even more beautiful to visit. But remember one thing, climbing on this hill is not so easy, you should have to be physically fit to enjoy this trek.
Some Famous Shopping Places in Darjeeling
Shopping enthusiasts love to do shopping from new places they visit. If you are also one of them, then do not forget to visit famous shopping places in Darjeeling during your Darjeeling trip. From these places, you can buy handicraft items, different flavors of tea, woolen scarves and caps, jewelry, and amazing antique items. Here is the list of famous markets in Darjeeling and the products which you can buy from there.
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Nehru Road – For Leather Bags, Woolens, Books, Handicraft Items.
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Batasia Loop – For Home Decor, Darjeeling Tea.
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Ghoom Monastery – For Tibetan Handicraft Items, Singing Bells, Prayer Flags.
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Teesta Bazar – For Hunting Items, Paintings, Slippers.
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Pashupati Nagar – For Woolen Clothes, tea.
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Mall Road – For Fancy Jewelry, Woolen Clothes, Shawls, Scarves.
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Chowk Bazaar – For Jewelry, Tea, and Woolen Clothes.
