Darjeeling Travel Guide: Explore the Queen of the Hills
Darjeeling

Darjeeling

West Bengal, India

Sprawled over a steep mountain ridge and dotted with unending stretches of emerald green tea plantations, the quaint hill station of Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is a popular travel destination. Darjeeling was once a summer resort for the British Raj elite and many parts of the town still boasts remnants of colonial-era architecture that exude a charm of their own. Darjeeling is famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. It's backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks. Darjeeling is very popular amongst travellers both from India and abroad and there are many interesting things and places to visit in Darjeeling which travellers can explore in & around Darjeeling.

Darjeeling Travel Trips

  • Carry warm jackets, gloves and thermals, especially if you plan to visit in winter season.
  • Walking shoes are a must, since the best way to see the city is by walking.
  • Do visit mall road road and try different food & drinks.
  • Darjeeling can be quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, so it maybe a good idea to leave your taxi or self driven vehicle at the hotel and explore the main city on foot.

Things to Do in Darjeeling:   

  • Witness a mesmerizing Sunrise at Tiger Hill: This is an early morning adventure where you have to drive to Tiger Hill to witness  the panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga

View from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

  • Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic train offers a scenic journey through lush tea gardens.
  • Explore the Batasia Loop: This engineering marvel offers stunning views of Darjeeling and a war memorial.
  • Trek to Sandakphu:  Witness panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks such as the Kanchenjunga range, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Janu, Chamlang, Baruntse when you trek to Sandakphu (the highest peak in West Bengal)
  • Visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Home to rare Himalayan animals like the Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk through tea gardens: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Darjeeling's famous tea plantations.
  • Explore Ghoom Monastery: One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, with stunning Tibetan artifacts.
  • Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Learn about the history of mountaineering and explore the museum.
  • Discover the Japanese Peace Pagoda: Find inner peace at this serene spot offering panoramic views.
  • Shop for local handicrafts and tea: Darjeeling is famous for its woolen items and of course, tea!
  • Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea: No visit to Darjeeling is complete without indulging in the world-famous tea.
  • Explore local markets: Discover hidden gems and bargain for souvenirs.
  • Savor local cuisine: Try delicious momos, thukpa, and other Himalayan delicacies.

Best time to visit Darjeeling:

Best time to visit Darjeeling would be in the months of March to June for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery, or October to November for clear views. Winter can be enchanting but requires preparation for cold temperatures. During monsoons, the roads can be disrupted but you also get the benefit of lesser crowds (which can be a big factor in a small town).

Where to stay in Darjeeling:

There are some really good hotels in Darjeeling including Elgin Heritage Resort, Windamere Hotel, etc. At the same time, if you have a lesser budget, there are some really nice homestays in Darjeeling where you can stay and get a glimpse of the local life in Darjeeling. 

For a customized Darjeeling tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in

Darjeeling Facts

  • Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling has an average elevation of 2,045 metres (6,709 ft).
  • The tea industry and tourism are the mainstays of the town's economy.
  • The population of Darjeeling meanwhile has exploded over the years, traffic congestion and water shortages are common.
  • Darjeeling has two peak tourism seasons, October to November and April to June.

How to Reach

Flight
By Air
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra which is approximately 95 km away from the city. From the airport, one can reach the city by hiring taxis. It will take almost 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from the airport.
Train
By Train
The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri which connects the city with all the major parts of the country. People can hire private or shared cabs from the station to reach Darjeeling which is about 3 hours journey.
Car
By Road
Darjeeling is well connected to some of the major cities closeby such as Gangtok and Kalimpong which are located at a distance of 100 km and 51 km respectively. The city is also connected with Kolkata which is 651 km away and it takes around 14 hours to reach here.
Book Homestays around Darjeeling

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Tour Packages around Darjeeling

Tour Packages around Darjeeling