Don’t miss these 12 popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling!

Darjeeling is one of the best hill stations to visit in West Bengal and the most beautiful town in India. The stunning scenery of tea gardens and cloudy hills will definitely leave you spellbound. These are the things that our soul wants when our mind is disturbed and our soul wants some serenity. Darjeeling has something in its air that keeps motivating me to visit there. There are so many tourist spots in Darjeeling from where you can get a clear view of the great Kanchenjunga range of Nepal. 

Darjeeling has a lot of interesting things to do besides its beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views. If you are planning a long trip in the lap of the mountains, then you should definitely consider going to Darjeeling. There is no shortage of places to visit in Darjeeling. You can either indulge yourself in Darjeeling sightseeing activities or find something adventurous to do in Darjeeling. There are a lot of popular activities to do in Darjeeling, including hiking to the Monastery, camping along a fall, taking a toy train ride, or just taking a sip of an authentic cup of tea here. 

Let’s take a peek at the popular activities and famous tourist attractions in Darjeeling that will add excitement to your trip.

1. Take a walk around the tea gardens

Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations and, believe it or not, your Darjeeling tour is incomplete without visiting the tea gardens. It is one of the best things to do in Darjeeling, especially for tea lovers. Just roam around the city leisurely and you will find many tea gardens around you.

It’s up to you whether you ask for their prolonged history, buy a cup of authentic Darjeeling tea for yourself or pack it as a souvenir for your close friends and family members. Tea is grown in the Himalayas, and Darjeeling is the best place for tea lovers.

2. Trek to Yiga Choeling Monastery/Old Ghoom Monastery

Yiga Choeling Monastery, or Old Ghoom Monastery, is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in town. It is a popular tourist spot in Darjeeling constructed back in 1875. . This architectural beauty was famous for its 15-foot (4.6 m) high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. 

The monastery is located 8 km from the city, and the stunning view of the monastery will take you back to the Buddhist era. 

Address: Ghoom Monastery Rd, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM 

Entry fee: NA

3. Visit the Druk Sang-Ngag Choling Monastery/Dali Monastery 

This beautiful monastery in Darjeeling is not as old as Ghoom Monastery, but it is one of the biggest monasteries in West Bengal. The interior of this monastery was beautifully constructed in 1971, and more than 200 monks live in the monastery. 

Aside from exploring the beautiful carvings on the monastery’s walls, you can also visit the library to learn more about Buddhism and philosophy. In the end, reach the top floor of the monastery to get a breathtaking view of Darjeeling, observe the moments of cloud closely and end your day on a positive note.

Address: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Timings: Mon: Closed | Tues-Sun: 7 AM – 5 PM

4. Explore the wildlife at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Wildlife viewing is another fun activity to do in Darjeeling where you can spot animals like deer, monkeys, birds, and even tigers. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the best place to go in Darjeeling if you want to see wildlife up close. Padmaja Naidu national park is home to various kinds of wildlife, including some endangered species like the Himalayan wolf, snow leopards, and red pandas. However, deer, chital, wild boars, and black bears are often spotted here by visitors. 

Address: Zoological Park, Lebong Cart Rd, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104

Timings: Thurs: Closed | Fri-Wed: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Entry fee: INR 60 for Indians and SAARC citizens; INR 100 for foreigners.

5. Trek to the top of Tiger Hill for a breathtaking view of sunrise

Darjeeling is known for its beautiful mountains and views. There are many treks to choose from, ranging from short hikes to long expeditions. But you will get the best view of nature at Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. 

Just trek to the top of the hill before sunrise to treat your eyes to magnificent sunrise views. It is one of the best things to do in Darjeeling if you are here to explore nature, and I am sure that the view of the valley below makes it worth the effort. 

Address: Darjeeling, WB

6. Explore the Darjeeling Mall road

Darjeeling Mall Road is the most famous tourist attraction as it offers some great shopping opportunities to visitors. You can head to Mall Road to purchase anything specific from a wide range of things available in the market. The road brustles with crowds during the evening, so plan to complete your shopping in the daytime to enjoy other activities in Darjeeling in the evening.

This market is also peppered with tiny cafes, so you can satiate your appetite while shopping, making them a treat for all types of shoppers.

7. Go River Rafting at Teesta river

If you are looking forward to adding some adventure to your Darjeeling trip, then try our river rafting on the Teesta River. It is one of the best places in India to try out river rafting after Rishikesh, as it offers plenty of adventure activities for adrenaline junkies.

There is a wide range of rapids to navigate, from Grade 1 to Grade 4, with the latter reserved for the most skilled and well-prepared rafters. 

Address: Rafting point, Kalimpong Dansong Forest, Kalimpong, West Bengal

Price: INR 900 – INR 1500 (depending on the length of the rafting route)

Best Time to visit Darjeeling: December – June

8. Take a ride in a Toy Train

If you want to experience the real charm of Darjeeling, take a ride on a toy train. These trains were first introduced in 1881 and have been running ever since. The railway track runs along the National Highway and even crisscrosses the road several times.

The Darjeeling toy train is a part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which also comes under UNESCO world heritage sites. This cute little train runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, making passengers enjoy Darjeeling sightseeing to the fullest. This is one of the best adventure activities in Darjeeling for kids.

Tickets: INR 1000 for diesel engine rides with first-class seats; INR 1500 for steam engine rides with first-class seats and vista dome coaches. 

9. Enjoy a cup of authentic Darjeeling Tea

How can you miss taking an authentic sip of Darjeeling tea when you are in Darjeeling? Tea is a major export item of India, and Darjeeling is well known for its delicious teas. Try different varieties of tea while you are in town.

Dooars is home to some truly stunning tea gardens in Darjeeling. The garden is lush and beautiful, like a mat of green carpeting.

10. Lamahatta Eco Park

Lamahatta Eco Park is a romantic place near Darjeeling famous for its dense pine forest and gardens of colorful flowers. The terms “Lama,” a Buddhist monk, and “hatta,” a hut, are combined to form the name “Lamahatta.” Therefore, the word “Lamahatta” means “a monk’s hermitage.”

Darjeeling is a popular destination in India for honeymoon, and couples often visit Lamahatta Eco Park here. 

Address: Takdah, West Bengal

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM 

Entry fee: INR 10 per person

11. Ride the Darjeeling Ropeway cable cars

There is no greater vantage point from where you will get a better view of Kanchenjunga peak and the entire Darjeeling area other than taking a Ropeway cable car ride at 7000 feet. It seems to be one of the most adventurous things to do in Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Ropeway makes it easier to see the beautiful views of the hill towns, tea plantations, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains. 

This tourist attraction in Darjeeling was built in 1968 and is open all year. Make sure you grab your camera with you to catch the amazing vistas. This ropeway is the oldest in the country and, at 7000 feet, one of the highest as well.

Address: Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Timing: 9.30 AM – 4.30 PM 

12. Visit Batasia Loop to memorize brave soldiers

The Batasia Loop is one of the most beautiful train tracks in all of Darjeeling. It is a lush green toy train loop that was built to lower the elevation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. If you’re using the Toy Train or walking from Tiger Hill, look for this famous railway loop that circles the open-air Gorkha War Memorial. This memorial honors the brave Gorkha troops who died in World Wars I and II. 

A panoramic view of Darjeeling in all its lush splendor is available from here, along with a number of other endearing sights and activities to do in Darjeeling.

Address: Batasia loop, near Ghoom, West Point, Ghoom, West Bengal

Timing: 6 AM – 5 PM

Entry fee: INR 15/- per person

The Darjeeling attractions are quite popular among the East Indians and they never miss an opportunity to visit this popular hill station in India. I am sure that these places to visit in Darjeeling and the popular things to do in Darjeeling will not only keep you engaged but also add a beautiful and memorable chapter to your life. Also, don’t forget to visit the local market in Darjeeling and collect some souvenirs for your friends and make them jealous.

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