Darjeeling Tourism

                    Places to visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling – the queen of Hills is the popular most Hill tourism destination in West Bengal. The lush green Tea Gardens, Mt. Kanchenjunga, & DHR are the main attractions of Darjeeling along with its reach nature & cultural aspects. It is located in the Singalila Range of Eastern Himalaya with an elevation of 7,100 Ft. (2,164.1 m). It is famous for beautiful tea gardens and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) the ‘Toy Train’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Serpentine roads, emerald green tea plantations, colonial-era architecture and beautiful views obstructed only by colourful Buddhist flags that hang in every lane; Darjeeling is a beauty to behold. Quirky and authentic, the hill station is arguably the best part of West Bengal.

Darjeeling Tourism

Toy Train

The next best thing to do is to ride the Toy Train, a mobile UNESCO World Heritage property! Running on narrow gauge tracks that were built in the 1880s, a steam engine pulls mini coaches through breathtaking landscapes and impossible curves. Eighteen rides are scheduled through the day between 7.40 AM and 4.20 PM. While diesel engine train rides are offered at Rs. 800, choose the steam engine ride priced at Rs. 1,300 for authenticity.

Tiger Hill : Tiger Hill being the popular most as the view point of Mt Kanchenjunga with the lovely sunrise. It is located 16km away from Darjeeling Town. From Tiger Hill one can enjoy the effect of sunlight on Mt. Kanchendzonga as well as Mt. Everest. Pandim, Makalu, Kabru, Kumbhakarna are some of the other peaks visible from Tiger Hill.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park : Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is spread across 67.56-acres in the hilly town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958 and has an average elevation of 7,000 feet, is famous for being the largest high altitude zoo in India. It houses some rare Himalayan spices like snow leopard & red panda.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) : The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is the eminent most platforms to learn & explore each and every minute detail of mountaineering and systematic training for the prospective and professional mountaineers. Persons with the adventurous zeal from all over the country choose HMI as their stepping stone till the advanced level before conquering the mountains. This was one of the prominent most mountaineering institutes established post-independence. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute does have an outstanding Geography, being surrounded by the heavenly hills-tea belts & the mesmerizing peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway : The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as “Toy Train”, is a narrow gauge railway. It used to run between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, but in present the service is vailable only between Kureuong & Darjeeling. A Joy Ride by DHR from Darjeeling to Ghoom 7 back to Darjeeling is very popular among the tourist. It is declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

Batasia Loop : A Loop is basically a spiral railway track created to lower the gradient. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India has a number of loops in its way. Basasia Loop is decorated with a beautiful garden & war memorial. The journey through Batasia Loop & and view of Kanchandzonga from the same, is mesmerizing.

Ghoom Monastery : Looking for a peaceful destination around Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is the one to be included in your list. The tiny town of Ghoom is famous for the Monastery or Gumpha which was established by the famous Mongolian Monk, Sokpo Sherab Gyatso in 1850. This century old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of the Yiga Choeling Gumpha. The Gumpha is situated at an elevation of 8,000 Ft, nearby the Ghoom Railway station. The main attraction of the monastery is a 15Ft high statue of ‘Maitreya Buddha’ (prospective Buddha).

Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple : Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is situated just a few kilometers away fro darjeeling town. The Peace Pagoda was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii. The foundation was laid by Nichidatsu Fujii himself in 1972 & it was inaugurated in the year 1992. Close to the Pagoda the Japanese Temple. It was built in 1972 in a traditional Japanese style.

Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car: Are you ready to feel the thrill, then here you are at the oldest passenger ropeway of India. This Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is best known as the Ropeway connects the hill town of Darjeeling with Singla Bazar, over the beautiful Rangit Valley. You can reach at the North point of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to board the ride. One can experience this heavenly journey over the lavish green tea plantation, through the dreamy clouds to feel at the top of the world.

Darjeeling Zoo

Standing at a height of 7,000 ft and spanning across 67.5 acres of land, is the zoo that houses exotic animals and various kinds of birds, native to these high altitudes. Located right next to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the zoo is a cocoon of greenery with over 200 species of trees, shrubs, climbers and medicinal plants, not to mention the huge and circular Aviary right at the front. The zoo is open daily between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM except for Thursdays.

Happy Valley Tea Gardens: Having spent some time in Darjeeling, you cannot be kept yourself away from the popular most valleys that serve the world the best of aroma. The Happy Valley Tea gardens give the rolling hills an Emerald status with its vast popularity. This Tea Estate is spread across 435 acres and is nonetheless a must visit for the tourists. The reason being the easy accessibility from the hill town of Darjeeling.

The Mall and Chowrasta: Thinking of taking memoranda from this trip, and for the usual demands of near and dear ones back home, The Chowrasta welcomes you with its authentic collections. Being situated at the heart of the hilly town, the Chowrasta is the main commercial destination of Darjeeling. You can try the numerous varieties of traditional and conventional dishes. Beautiful artifacts, woolen items and other hilly picks are must to attract your shopaholic mind.

In between a small Amphitheatre that hosts live performances from numerous bands. You can enjoy your cup of aroma by strolling down the road or by relaxing at the side benches. The famous hill top temple of Mahakal is situated at the heart of this place. This crowded commercial hub of the hill heaven is, known as The Mall, controls the local economy.

Ava Art Gallery: You have the passion of the contemporary art, then the Ava Art Gallery should be your next destination, just 4 kms outskirts of the hill town towards Darjeeling town center. Late Ava Devi, who was famous for her rich contribution of embroidery art, established the Art Gallery along with Bhopal Rao Sett. It showcases the eccentric beauty of the hill town.Morning hours are usually preferable between 8A.M-12 Noon to calmly visualize the Art works.

Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park: Take a ride of about 10 Kms from Darjeeling to the down valley to reach the Barbotey Rock Garden. The journey of about 30 minutes through the layers of the dreamy clouds. The stepwise seating arrangements at different levels are been created by cutting the rocks, thy Rock Garden. The cascading flow of the waterfalls from the top, beautiful trees and flower gardens at different levels and the upward climbing the stairs for the enthusiasts, give full marks to this awesome spot.

Go further down of about 3 Kms; you reach the beautiful valley, the Ganga Maya Park. The lucid water flow over the rocky bed is a treat to watch from the tiny bridges built over the stream. Paddle boating in the small lake and the lovely fountain are other attractions of this park.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: Self-help is the best help, which was the main mantra of the Tibetan refugees who followed Dalai Lama and migrated from Tibet. They set up this center to establish themselves as self-independent. And the overall process and set up is the symbol of their determination since its inception in October 2, 1959.

Bhutia Busty Monastery : Bhutia Busty monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Tongsong, Darjeeling, India. It also known as Karmaa Dorjee Chyoling monastery. It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas.

Lamahatta

The eco-tourist spot Lamahatta, located at 5,700 ft and 23 kms away from the town, offers a thoroughly spiritual experience. The ecological balance and biodiversity of this place remains untouched. The winds passing through the numerous Buddhist flags hanging around are believed to purify the surroundings and the minds of people who pass through here.  The locals work with the tourism department to offer home-stays and more. Opposite the Lamahatta garden is a tea stall that serves the best Thupka – local pasta served with soup, and ground chicken if you want the non-vegetarian variant.

Ropeway / Cable Car Ropeways

One of the first cable car systems to be set up in India, the ropeway takes you from an altitude of 7,000 ft to 6,000 ft in 15 minutes. It soars over lush tea gardens, dense forests and mountain streams, all with snow-capped peaks in the background. It operates from 10 AM – 4 PM during winter and monsoon and from 10 AM – 2 PM during summer. A round-trip stands priced at Rs. 160 per adult and Rs. 80 for a child aged between 3 years and 8 years. The ropeway remains closed on the 19th of every month for maintenance.

Shopping and food

Many skilled artisans and sculptors ply their ware at the numerous curio shops around town. Some of the best handmade items to buy here include Tibetan masks, local jewellery, kukri/gorkha knives, and various kinds of winter wear. Do not miss out on the scroll work paintings called ‘Thankas’ that depict various Buddhist stories. And how can one leave Darjeeling without taking back the ‘Champagne of Teas’. Head to Mayukh to find some of the best teas in town.

Darjeeling is filled with various food counters, each with its own unique way of making Maggi or Wai Wai noodles. Most of these counters also sell buttery dumplings that come accompanied with spicy chilli sauce and crispy onion fritters topped with green chutney. If you’re looking for a cosily warm place to sit down and have a good meal, Kanika’s for Veggie Lovers located at HD Lama Road is the one for you. While the restaurant also serves South Indian, go for their North Indian, Chinese and Tibetan options.

The Midpoint – Triveni

The story of the confluence of the rivers Teesta and Rangeet in the median of Darjeeling and Gangtok is one for the romantics. The feminine Teesta and the masculine Rangeet travel far and long braving hurdles to meet each other, lending hope to the romantics. Accordingly, the view-point that overlooks the river’s union is called ‘Lover’s View Point’.

White Water Rafting at Teesta was introduced by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1991 and has been popular ever since. The Government of Sikkim has set up a booth at the place, offering boat rentals that start at a non-negotiable price of Rs. 3,500.

Gangtok

Sikkim’s modern capital is a stark contrast to everything Darjeeling stands for. Layered along a precipitous mountain ridge is a city comprising of tall buildings and stores that are a shopaholic’s delight. Gone are the eccentric local stores of Darjeeling with cosy interiors, taking its place are brands that scream of the latest comforting commercialism. Cheerful and boisterous, Gangtok is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Nathu La

A mountain pass in the Himalayas connecting India and China, Nathu La stands at 14,140 ft above sea level and is a part of the ancient Silk Route – a trade route between India and China. Sealed in 1962, the pass only reopened in 2006 following bi-lateral agreements. The fenced Indo-China border, a few meters away from here, offers a view of Indian and Chinese soldiers guarding it diligently. It is not advised to visit Nathu La without consulting your doctor if one has breathing problems. One can also find portable oxygen cylinders in local medical shops for assistance with breathing.

Tsomgo Lake

Pronounced by most tourists as ‘Chongo Lake’ or ‘Changu Lake’ to the ire of locals, the panoramic view of a half-frozen serene lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks with Buddhist flags fluttering in the wind is enough to take one’s breath away, even literally, thanks to the chill in the air. One can rent winter clothes and indulge in some hot dumplings, noodles, Maggi or Wai Wai at the only store available half-way to the lake.

Ranka Monastery

One of the oldest and most significant monasteries of Sikkim, surrounded by forested mountains on all sides, this has to be one of the most picture-perfect monasteries of Sikkim. A restaurant that claims patronage from Aamir Khan and a souvenir shop dot the car park. The roadway to the monastery is in shatters but the peaceful atmosphere one ends up at makes it worthwhile.

Baba Mandir

A few kilometres away from Tsomgo Lake is Baba Mandir, a memorial for Major Baba Harbhajan Singh, the ‘Hero of Nathula’ maintained by the Indian Army. This serene and picturesque spot has a clear brook flowing through, offering amazing views of the mountains and the army trucks passing by. The souvenir shop on the premises of this memorial has everything that one would want to carry back from Gangtok.

How to reach Darjeeling and Gangtok?

The nearest airport is Bhagdora and the nearest railway station is NJP (New Jalpaiguri), it takes 3 hours to reach Darjeeling and 4.5 hours to reach Gangtok from both these destinations. While buses are available, it is convenient to book a private taxi and keep the driver on for later if he seems reliable.

Where to stay?

Darjeeling and Gangtok are filled with every kind of hotel that one would need – homestays, budget, mid-priced and even luxury resorts. Book a hotel that offers you a view of the city and the mountain peaks. Mid-prices and budget rooms do not come with central heating, so ask for one if you feel the biting cold at nights. What one must be prepared for though is walking a distance and up a long flight of stairs to not just reach the hotel but also your room as most hotels do not have elevators. Our reasoning? You could use the exercise, and also, it will help keep you warm.