Darjeeling

Darjeeling Spectacular views of the Himalayas, breathtaking natural beauty and effervescent hills; Darjeeling is a heavenly retreat.

Introduction

This popular hill station in West Bengal, once a holiday resort of British, derives its name from Tibetan language which means “the land of the thunderbolt”. It is certainly the place for one who loves to be in nature’s lap. People visiting this hill town get a warm welcome in the form of its snow-capped Himalayan peaks, refreshing air, pleasant weather, emerald-green tea plantations and striking scenic beauty. The impression of Tibetan and Sikkimese culture can be seen here. It is also famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train) started by the British, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see

Darjeeling is a traveller’s delight offering lots of pleasurable moments through its tourist attractions.

Tiger Hill

At an altitude of 8,482 ft., the place is famous for the majestic view of sunrise over Kanchanjunga and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. One can also see the colossal Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain, from here. An astounding scene is created when early morning sun rays turn the entire mountain peak pale gold.

 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The 2 feet narrow gauge train runs between Darjeeling and Ghoom. Popular as the toy train, one gets to see the wondrous faces of nature while the train moves through meandering tracks. A journey in this world heritage site becomes so fascinating when the passengers get the glimpses of rhododendron slopes, spiral hills and pristine views of snow-clad mountains.

Happy Valley Tea Garden

The place is located at 18 Lebong Cart Road at a distance of 1 km from Darjeeling. It is away from the regular hustle and bustle of a city, and offers a very peaceful and serene environment. A leisurely walk through the garden is invigorating. Set up by an Englishman name David Wilson in 1854, the garden is believed to have tea bushes as old as 80 to 150 years. There is also a factory where tourists can see tea processing. The rich aroma of fine tea, emanating from the place, fills the heart with absolute ecstasy.

 

Passenger Ropeway

It is the oldest passenger ropeway located at North Point connecting Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar over Rangeet River at the bottom of the valley. The 5-km-long ropeway provides panoramic view of breathtaking valley along with lush green tea gardens, beautiful rivers, rich forests, spectacular waterfalls and magnificent view of the Eastern Himalayan range.

Observatory Hill

This oldest site in Darjeeling is located at Chowrasta and is popular among locals as the "Holy Hill". It once housed the famous Bhutia Busty monastery before its relocation. Now, it has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva named as the Mahakal temple. The place is extremely revered among local people, and represents a blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.

 

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

Designed by Mr. W. Lloyd in 1878, this garden is very popular among tourists as well as residents. In this 40 acres of garden, a wide collection of Himalayan plants, orchids and flowers along with many species of flora are found. It is famous for containing two living fossils. The garden is divided into three sections - Upper (containing flora of the Eastern Himalayas), Middle (containing large variety of alpine flora) and Lower (with a collection of exotic species of many temperate countries). Its main attraction is impressive orchid collection with a whopping 2,500 species.  

Ghoom Monastery

Built by Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1875, it is located at a distance of 8 km from Darjeeling.  The monastery is renowned for its 15-feet-high idol of Maitreye Buddha, the 'Future Coming Buddha'. It also preserves some rare Buddhist manuscripts and is believed to be blessed by Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet.

 

Luxury hotels

Darjeeling is abounded with luxury hotels. Here, you will get best options for your luxurious stay.    

Mayfair Darjeeling

Enjoy the proximity with nature in this heritage hotel which was once the summerhouse of Maharaja of Nazargunj. Mayfair Darjeeling comes with 44 luxurious options of accommodation segregated into deluxe rooms, cottages, family rooms and suites. It offers grand hospitality with immaculate services. The wonderful settings of the rooms are complemented by all modern amenities.

 

Cedar Inn

The boutique hotel is surrounded by lush green trees offering awesome views of the Kanchenjunga and the Eastern Himalayan Range. The hotel building is designed in Victorian style with its interiors having elaborated wooden work and panelling. The warm ambience and traditional elegance of the hotel ensure a memorable stay to its guests.

Windamere Hotel

It is the only property on top of the Observatory Hill which was constructed in the 19th century to provide a boarding house for British tea planters. Before the starting of World War II, it was converted into a hotel. Famous among sophisticated travellers, the hotel offers spacious grounds and pleasant seating areas with comfortable rooms. The greenery surrounding the beautiful colonial-era hotel is extremely captivating. Moreover, Hotel Viceroy, Hotel Central Heritage and Hotel Elgin are widely recognized for providing high quality accommodation and premium hospitality.

 

Shopping: Darjeeling is well-known for producing fine quality tea. Tourists find wide range of handicraft items, mainly Tibetan products, in Darjeeling. They can also buy old Tibetan masks and woollen carpets. For ladies, modern as well as antique silver jewelleries are also available here.

Best time to go: Tourists can take full pleasure of their Darjeeling tour in two seasons. The months from March to May and September to November are best to visit Darjeeling.

Reaching Darjeeling

By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport at 88 km from Darjeeling.

By Rail: At 88 km from Darjeeling, New Jalpaiguri is the closest railhead.

By Road: Darjeeling is well-connected to all major cities through regular bus services.

Darjeeling - a pristine hill station

The beautiful town of Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in India.