Top 5 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

A serene hill station that has remained a holiday favourite since the British-Raj, Darjeeling is quintessentially 'colonial' even now. With pretty houses, lively bazaars and velvety tea plantations–a weekend in Darjeeling is just what you need and deserve!

From tea-tasting at the picture-perfect tea gardens to navigating through the mountains in a toy train, there’s a lot you can indulge in here! We have compiled a list of the top 5 places to visit in Darjeeling, go ahead and have a look…

1. Batasia Loop

This historically significant junction is a great sightseeing spot for tourists in Darjeeling. The beautifully decorated garden area serves as an amazing backdrop for photographs, so keep your cameras handy. You can also sight the famous toy train winding over the tracks.

There is also an Eco Garden in Batasia where you can learn about organic farming and plantations in Darjeeling. You can also spot many rare species of plants in the garden.

The War Memorial located in the centre of Batasia was built in 1995 to commemorate the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in wars.

2. Peace Pagoda

Peace Pagoda sits on top of the Charlimont Hill, and is adorned with the idols of lord Buddha and Japanese wall writings. Located on the Jalapahar Road, this is a place of beauty and solitude, and a visit here during the prayer ceremony is totally worth it!

It is one of the 30 pagodas in the world established by monk Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist, to promote world peace and harmony.

3. Happy Valley Tea Estate

Your Darjeeling-trip would be incomplete if you don’t visit a tea estate! Your daily cup of aromatic Darjeeling tea comes from these sprawling tea plantations. Happy Valley is one of the oldest estates in town, spend a day here and learn everything about the world renowned teas. The preferable time to visit is during the plucking season (March to November).

Don’t forget to taste different flavours of teas, and yeah, do buy some tea leaves for your loved ones as well!

4. Tiger Hill

Wake up a little early and head to the Tiger Hill to witness the magical sunrise, along with breath-taking views of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

It is a complete package for nature lovers, as it is the highest point in Darjeeling, located at an altitude of 8,482 feet. The best time visit here and watch the dazzling snow-clad peaks is between October to December and March to April.

#MMTTip:  To witness the sunset you need to reach here by 4:15 am, start early as during the peak season there’s a long queue of cars.

5. Ghoom Monastery

This popular destination amongst tourists is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. Soak in the ancient glory of the Buddhist culture at one of the oldest monasteries in the region. Don’t miss the 15 feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha here.

#MMTTip: The delicious momos and thukpa soup outside the monastery, are must-try for all tourists.

Insider Tips: Here are a few travel tips for your vacation in Darjeeling…

Where to eat? Sonam's Kitchen, Gatty's Cafe, Kunga Restaurant

Where to stay? We recommend the following hotels in Darjeeling: The Elgin, Sumi Yashshree Suites & Spa, Mayfair Hotel Darjeeling

Budget: Approx. Rs. 16,000 per person for four nights and five days (inclusive of stay and meals in a 3-star hotel in Gangtok and Darjeeling).

Distance from Kolkata: 630 kms (12 hours)

Traveller type: Nature lovers, friends and family groups

Read More: Darjeeling: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

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