Darjeeling has always captivated me with its breathtaking landscapes, which are highlighted across various platforms. Whether on the internet, in magazines, or through personal accounts, its natural beauty is so vividly depicted and praised that it was impossible not to fall in love with the town.
Particularly after watching the movie Mere Sapno Ki Rani, my desire to visit and explore the place only grew stronger.
So, when the opportunity finally arose to discover this city, affectionately known as the Queen of Hills, I couldn’t wait to delve into its charm.
1. Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill, the highest point in Darjeeling, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its fame lies in the breathtaking panoramic view it offers of both Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
Tourists often gather here at the crack of dawn to witness the stunning sunrise over India’s highest peak.
If you’re planning to visit Darjeeling when the weather is clear, it’s a good idea to check the sunrise time on Google the night before. Typically, drivers pick you up as early as 4:00 AM to ensure you arrive in time to secure a good spot before the viewpoint gets crowded.
Unfortunately, our visit was met with heavy fog that stubbornly lingered until late in the morning, preventing us from experiencing the magnificent view.
2.The Batasia Loop
The Batasia Loop is another noteworthy stop in Darjeeling. While there isn’t much to explore here, it is still listed among the must-see attractions in the town’s tourist guide. Situated in the heart of Darjeeling, this spot is famous for its uphill toy train track, which spirals around in a unique loop.
From here, you can catch a stunning view of Kanchenjunga, adding to the charm of the place. The loop also features a small garden and a monument honoring Indian soldiers. Given its compact size, a visit here typically takes no more than 10 minutes to fully enjoy.
3. Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom Monastery, built in 1850, is a historic Buddhist monastery home to a magnificent 15-foot statue of Buddha. As one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling, it offers a peaceful and spiritual experience. The monastery is open every day of the week, and you can visit anytime after 12 PM.
4. The Himalayan Zoological Park
If you’re an animal lover or traveling with children, the Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-visit. Spanning 68 acres, this park is home to a wide range of endangered Himalayan species.
From Royal Bengal Tigers to Red Pandas, Rhinos, and Snow Leopards, you’ll find a diverse array of wildlife here. The park is meticulously maintained, and the entrance features several souvenir shops offering beautiful mementos for visitors.
5. Peace Pagoda
Out of all the places in Darjeeling, this one was my favorite. The Peace Pagoda offers a serene escape, nestled in a tranquil Buddhist stupa surrounded by tall pine trees. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in the breathtaking views from the top, which are especially stunning during the day.
The foundation stone of the temple was laid in the 1970s, and it took nearly 36 months to complete. Standing at 94 feet tall with a diameter of 75 feet, the temple is truly a remarkable sight.
6. Tenzing Rock
I wasn’t particularly impressed by this tourist spot. Dedicated to Tenzing Norgay, Tenzing Rock is located just across from Gombhu Rock, a few kilometers away from the main town. The site consists of two natural rocks that are open for visitors who want to try rock climbing.
If you’re expecting a towering mountain, you might be a bit disappointed. It’s a standalone rock—not very large or tall—where people gather for climbing sessions. There are trained climbers on-site who assist visitors, providing guidance and ropes for the climbing experience.
7. Rock Garden (Gangamaya Park)
Next on the list is the Rock Garden, located several kilometers away from the main town. On your way there, you’ll pass through scenic tea gardens that stretch across vast acres of land.
When the driver told us about the park, we were excited, hoping it would feature intricate stonework. However, the reality was quite different. It’s just a well-maintained park for tourists, complete with several shops and tea stalls offering various items.
The main highlight here is the waterfall, which can actually be viewed without entering the garden. Apart from that, it’s a fairly ordinary park where you can take a quick stroll.
8. Tea Estate
Wait! Don’t get too excited by the name. It’s not like the fancy wine tasting events you might have attended. We were told we would visit a tea garden and take part in a tea-tasting session, with the option to purchase the famous Darjeeling tea afterward.
With high hopes, we set off, but to our disappointment, we were taken to a small, unimpressive tea garden with several tea stalls lined up at the entrance. We’d seen much larger and more scenic tea gardens on our way back to NJP via Mirik and even within the town itself.
The worst part was the tea-tasting experience. The stalls sell you their “best” tea, convincing you to buy it, but when we got home, it turned out to be completely different from what they had served us. We felt completely misled by the vendors.
Based on my experience, I’d recommend not falling for these stalls. If you’re looking for genuine Darjeeling tea, head to one of the authentic tea shops in the main market instead.
9. Darjeeling Ropeway
The ropeway ride is one of the must-do experiences in Darjeeling, and it’s something you’ll likely enjoy. This cable car, which started operating in India in 1968, offers a brief yet scenic ride with a stunning aerial view of the lush tea estates below.
If you walk just a minute down the road from the ropeway entrance, you’ll come across a beautiful school on your right. The Victorian-style buildings, surrounded by pine trees, create a picturesque and charming scene.
TIPS FOR DARJEELING TEA SHOPPING
Take a leisurely walk through the market to explore the various tourist-friendly items on display. You’ll find plenty of warm clothes, which are perfect for the chilly weather. While the market can be a bit overpriced, you might still come across some great souvenirs to bring home.
If you’re a fan of bargaining, keep in mind that shopkeepers here aren’t very open to negotiating prices, so Darjeeling may not be the best place for haggling. Additionally, you’ll find several specialty shops offering a wide variety of tea for sale.
FOOD IN DARJEELING
If you’re visiting Darjeeling for the first time, be sure to try some of the local dishes. While the food isn’t vastly different from mainland India, you can easily discover popular local flavors by chatting with the locals. If you’re coming from northern India, you might find the food a bit milder in comparison.
Personally, my experience with the food wasn’t great. I recommend checking the menu and asking about what’s served before randomly choosing a restaurant, as it can save you from potential disappointments.
REACHING DARJEELING BY AIR OR TRAIN
I booked my tickets and hotel online. Since Darjeeling is not directly connected to the rest of India by air or train, you’ll need to first reach New Jalpaiguri (by train) or Bagdogra (by flight) and then take a cab to your final destination.
New Jalpaiguri is about a 2 hour and 45-minute drive from Darjeeling, while Bagdogra is approximately the same distance away.
Depending on your convenience and budget, you can choose your preferred mode of transportation. Both locations are well-connected to Darjeeling by taxi (private or shared) and bus.
Shared taxis cost around 150 INR per person. If you opt for a private car, the price varies based on the vehicle you choose. However, private cars don’t offer one-way service; you’ll need to book a package for the entire trip, which typically includes sightseeing as well.
Since I was traveling with my family, we hired an Innova. For a 3-day trip, it cost us around 10,500 INR, which included a drop-off back at our original pickup point.
