Tucked in the Lesser Himalaya, has always attracted the mind of travelers from all over the world. The town hosts the typical Gorkha culture and is well known for its quaint colonial ambiance. Moreover, this hill station in India is the gateway to one of the popular treks in the Indian Himalayan region, the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek and is also one of the two places in India where from one can capture the entire panorama of the Eastern Himalayan ranges, from the Everest to Kanchendzonga. Further, the refreshing environment layered with several tea estates and evergreen forests… simply offers a retreat and is ideal for leisure capes. Its breathtaking beauty and pleasant weather are the reasons why to visit Darjeeling for an amazing vacation.
Here is the list of some of the best places to visit in Darjeeling that will surely quench your Darjeeling trip palette.
- Tenzing and Gombu Rock
- DHR Sukna Museum
- Darjeeling Old Cemetery
- DHR Ghum Museum
- Love Road
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shrubbery Nightingale Park
- St Andrew’s Church
- Dhirdham Temple
- Aloobari Monastery
- Samten Choling Monastery and Yiga Choling Monastery
- Dali Monastery
- Ghoom Monastery
- Bhutia Busty Monastery
- Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center
- Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
- Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta
- Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo
- Tiger Hill
- Batasia Loop
- Bengal Natural History Museum
- Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple
Quick Travel Information about Darjeeling
Darjeeling Nickname |
The Queen of Hills |
Darjeeling Area |
3149 sq. km |
Language |
Nepali, Bengali and Hindi |
Popular Places to Visit in Darjeeling |
Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway, Darjeeling Rock Garden, Tinchuley, Lepchajagat, Happy Valley Tea Estate etc. |
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling |
April- June |
Popular Places for Couples |
Tiger Hill, Mirik, Batasia Loop, Chowrasta, Darjeeling Ropeway, Observatory Hill, Mahakal Temple, Tea Gardens, Glenburn Tea Estate etc |
Top Religious Places in Darjeeling |
St, Andrew’s Church, Dhirdham Temple, Aloobari Monastery, Dali Monastery, Ghoom Monastery, etc. |
Top Things to Do in Darjeeling |
River Rafting, Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Visit Tea Gardens, Shopping, Camping, Explore Wildlife, Mountaineering etc. |
Popular Darjeeling Tour Packages
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo
![Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Himalayan-Mountaineering-Institute-Darjeeling.jpg)
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute showcases the best mountaineering gears and expedition artifacts. It is one of the best tourist places in Darjeeling especially for the mountain lovers. It was built in the memory of Tenzing Norgay who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, climbed Everest in 1953. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute further runs a boarding school for mountaineering students and maintains a memorial dedicated to Tenzing Norgay, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.
Located within the premises of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which is also known as Darjeeling Zoo. It spreads over approximately 68 acres and houses many endangered species of animals adapted to alpine conditions like the snow leopard, red panda, goral (mountain goat), Siberian tiger, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, clouded Leopards, Black Leopards and a variety of birds. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo is perched on the Birch Hill, which is easily accessible from Darjeeling Mall.
Timings- 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Summer & 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Winter
Batasia Loop
![Batasia Loop Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Batasia-Loop-Darjeeling.jpg)
One of the top tourist attractions for nature lovers and honeymooners, the Batasia Loop is specifically known for its spiral of a narrow-gauge railway track on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the Toy Train makes a complete loop around a wonderful circular garden. It was built in 1919 to reduce the gradient of the slope for the toy train to fall smoothly from about 140ft. It covers an area of 50,000 square feet and is dotted with several flowering plants.
You will get a 360-degree view of the entire landscape of Darjeeling from here. It also maintains an eco-garden which has information about organic farming in Darjeeling, Gorkha War Memorial, and many restaurants and eateries.
The Batasia Loop is approximately 5 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and is close to Ghoom. If you are lucky enough then on a clear sunny day, you will get a jaw breaking view of the Khangchendzonga range and Eastern Himalayas.
Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
![Rock Garden Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Rock-Garden-Darjeeling.jpg)
The Rock Garden also known as Barbotey Rock Garden, which is approximately 10 kilometers from Darjeeling town, is set with picturesque and colorful terraced gardens dotted with highly diversified flowering plants… blazing the rocks and cliffs at different levels. The Chunnu Summer Falls is another additional feature that makes the park a best tourist spot to visit in Darjeeling.
On the other hand, 3 kilometers ahead is the Ganga Maya Park, which is another nature park with a narrow gushing stream flowing through it. The park also hosts gardens dotted with varied species of colorful flowers and a lake. Tourists can also enjoy Gorkha folk dance at Ganga Maya Park.
If you are a nature lover, then you must visit Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, the entire landscape of Darjeeling and lofty mountain ranges, the dancing clouds, deep gorges, soothing water streams, lush greenery all around and enchanting hills will definitely take your breath away.
Tenzing and Gombu Rock
![Gombu Rock Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Gombu-Rock-Darjeeling.jpg)
Named after Tenzing Norgay (Who was the first person to climb Mt Everest), Tenzing Rock is one of the most beautiful gigantic natural rocks in Darjeeling. Just opposite to this is the beautiful Gombu Rock which is named after Nawang Gombu, the nephew of Tenzing who became the director of field training at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute after Tenzing retired in 1976.
Both these rocks are used for rock climbing training. Adventurers from all across the globe come here to become mountaineers and rock climbers. The rock-climbing training is given by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Tenzing himself used to practice on the one named after him. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Darjeeling for adventure lovers and thrill seekers.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Darjeeling Ropeway
![Darjeeling Ropeway](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Darjeeling-Ropeway.jpg)
With the natural element in just one view, the Darjeeling Ropeway, which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, offers a refreshing getaway to the tourists. It was started in 1968 and it was the first cable car system in India.
From the ropeway you can enjoy the spectacular view of the valley below that is bedded with lush green tea gardens, waterfalls, gorgeous Peaks of Kanchenjunga and dense forest and cut by several small gushing streams.
It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling where one can spend some ideal hours in the tea estate and enjoy a nature walk.
- Winter and Monsoon Timings – 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Summer and Autumn Timings- 10:00am to 2:00pm
Other Interesting Blog to Read
DHR Sukna Museum
![DHR Sukna Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DHR-Sukna-Darjeeling.jpg)
Set up in 2005, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum (DHR Museum) at Sukna is the third of DHR museums. The first one is in Ghoom and the second is in Kurseoung. It is one of the top tourism sites to visit in Darjeeling. It has a nice collection of original photographs related to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
It houses rare collections which will give you great insight on the history of Darjeeling. You will witness the sketches of Tangas, Rare pictures of toy train, original pictures of Kurseong station in 1880’s, Tindharia Railway Station before 1910, entire history of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and a very rare picture of a 100-year-old woman “the Witch of Ghoom” who used to visit Tindharia Railway Station in 1890’s, etc.
If you are a kind of person who really loves to know about the history of places then Darjeeling Museum is a perfect place to be in.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Darjeeling Old Cemetery
![Darjeeling Old Cemetery](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Darjeeling-Old-Cemetery.jpg)
One may not consider Darjeeling Old Cemetery as a tourist place but it is declared as a site of ‘National Importance’, the Darjeeling Old Cemetery houses two historical graves and several other graves belonging to people from the colonial era. There are graves of those British settlers who turned the dense forests of Darjeeling into beautiful Tea estates which are now visited by nature lovers and solace seekers. It will give you a glimpse of the colonial days of Darjeeling.
The upper section of the cemetery offers breathtaking vistas of tea gardens and mesmerizing landscapes of Darjeeling. The graves dating back to 1840’s will give you spooky vibes. There used to be more than 100 graves in the cemetery but now most of them are destroyed by the ravages of time and it is very difficult to point exactly how many graves are here.
The grave of Lt. General George W. Aylmer Lloyd and the great Hungarian linguist Alexander Csoma de Koros are the major attractions in the vicinity. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions to include in your Darjeeling itinerary for peace and surreal views of Darjeeling’s landscapes.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
DHR Ghum Museum
![DHR Ghum Museum](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DHR-Ghoom-Museum-Darjeeling.jpg)
One of the three museums in Darjeeling district, the DHR Ghoom Museum that is located in the premises of the Ghoom Railway Station, which is the highest railway station in the world, preserves the oldest model of Toy Train engine of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It showcases the heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan toy train. The Baby Sivok is a major tourist attraction.
It is the oldest toy train engine of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways which was started in 1881. The premises also have a huge collection of rare and old artifacts of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, photographs and items donated by the ex DHR employees. You must include DHR Ghum Museum in your Darjeeling sightseeing tour if you want to make your trip interesting.
Timings– 10:00 am to 1:30 pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Love Road
![Love Road Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Love-Road-Darjeeling.jpg)
A perfect place to spend some romantic moments with your partner, Love Road will bring out the romance in your life. It is 3 kilometers long stretch of narrow refreshing walkway in the midst of nature… the Love Road encircles Birch Hill. As stated, it is a lovers’ point… hence it is also one of the best honeymoon places in Darjeeling where you can see some beautiful bird species coupling, twittering and flattering around which makes this place an awesome paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Surrounded by the soothing views of nature and gorgeous steep hills, the narrow road’s beauty will give you goosebumps. It is a place where you will see the lofty Kanchenjunga Range and Lebong Spur. The serene shade of Pine and Rhododendron trees is a delightful sight to behold. For a lovely start to your love life, Love Road is one of the most beautiful places to visit for couples in Darjeeling.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Happy Valley Tea Estate
![Happy Valley Tea Estate Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Happy-Valley-Tea-Estate-Darjeeling.jpg)
It is time to enjoy the sprawling tea estate that is spread across 440 acres. The serene charm of this bliss Tea Estate will rejuvenate your soul completely. If you are looking for a place to fine tune your spirit, Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the most beautiful nature tourism places to see in Darjeeling. The thing that will chuckle you is that it has bushes which are more than 150 years old. Your trip to Darjeeling remains incomplete till you visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is Darjeeling’s second oldest tea estate and was established in 1854. It is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above the sea level.
If you are touring Darjeeling between March and May, then you are likely to see the plucking process. The Happy Valley Tea Estate is approximately 3 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and I must say that tea lovers are surely going to like this place… because of the sweet flavor blending with the atmosphere.
Timings- Tuesday to Saturday – 8:00am to 4:00
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary
![Senchal Lake Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Senchal-Lake-Darjeeling.jpg)
One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India that was set up in 1915, the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife lovers who are visiting Darjeeling for just a couple of days or on the weekends. It is approximately 11 kilometers away from the Darjeeling town.
The Senchal Lake inside the sanctuary is one of the picturesque sites that attract lots of tourists. It is a perfect haunt for photographers and nature lovers. The Senchal Lake is a source of drinking water to Darjeeling. If you are looking for a place to spend some fun filled moments with your family and friends, the perfect surroundings to Senchal Lake is good for a weekend picnic.
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several species of animals such as the barking deer, wild pig, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel and many more. It is also rich in several bird species and plant species. It covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers.
There are beautiful varieties of flora in the Sanctuary. Oak, Pine and Birch trees, around 350 types of flowering plants including Rhododendron and Orchids, plantations of Dhupi, Kapasi, Kawla, Hemlock and mating bamboo etc. will surely tickle your lens to capture amazing photos of the wilderness.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Shrubbery Nightingale Park
![Shrubbery Nightingale Park Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Shrubbery-Nightingale-Park-Darjeeling.jpg)
The beautiful Shrubbery Nightingale Park is an amazing place to visit with your family in Darjeeling to relax your soul from the chaos of work life. Mesmerizing Kanchenjunga Peaks and Eastern Himalayan Ranges is a beautiful backdrop that will give you a visual treat. In a peak tourist season, this park becomes a fun place as many Nepali cultural programs are held here every evening.
This place was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1934, after some years the place had been renovated. The park is crisscrossed by many pebbled walkways and also maintains an idol of Lord Shiva. The musical fountain is also a major attraction inside the park. Holidays in Darjeeling will be more interesting and pleasant if you include Nightingale Park in your Darjeeling itinerary tour.
Timings- 8:00am to 8:00pm
Best Time to Visit – October and November
Other Interesting Blog to Read
St Andrew’s Church
![St. Andrews Church Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/St.-Andrews-Church-Darjeeling.jpg)
Another major Tourist attraction in Darjeeling St. Andrew’s Church, which is one of the prominent architectural examples from the colonial era. It is named after the patron saint of Scotland. It was built in the year 1843 but was later rebuilt in 1873 after it was damaged by a massive earthquake. The church holds many inlaid marble tablets and brass plaques, including that of Lt. General Lloyd (Also known as Discoverer of Darjeeling) and Charlotte Countess Canning (Wife of governor general).
From outside the church looks old and not well maintained but from inside it looks beautiful. One of the most interesting facts about this church is that the old cemetery of Darjeeling was under its authority till 1995. In 1970, with the help of Das studio collected records of all the graves through photography but strangely the records have disappeared since then.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Dhirdham Temple
![Dhirdham Temple Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dhirdham-Temple-Darjeeling.jpg)
The gorgeous Nepali Style Hindu Temple of Dhirdham is one of the most popular religious tourist attractions to visit in Darjeeling. The temple is located just below the Toy Train Railway Station. Built by Rai Saheb aka Purna Bahadur Pradhan (King of Nepal) in 1936, this beautiful temple of Lord Shiva offers spiritual bliss and eternal peace to the devotees.
The major attraction inside the complex is the white colored statue of Lord Shiva that represents the five different expressions of Shiva with his universal third eye. The architecture of the temple resembles The Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. The temple complex holds a tranquil ambiance and you will surely come across the hospitable nature of the priests’ bestowing blessings to devotees.
Aarti Timings- 8:00 am to 6:00pm
Note- Cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Aloobari Monastery
![Aloobari Monastery Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Aloobari-Monastery-Darjeeling.jpg)
Located 3km away from Darjeeling, Aloobari Monastery got its name from a place named Aloobari. A religious leader from North Eastern Nepal Sangay Lama built this serene Buddhist monastery during the first world war. This monastery was built as a symbol of peace amidst the chaos of war. The name Mak Dog was given to this monastery which means averting the war. The bright red and yellow walls, two lions on the top of the entry gate look gorgeous.
Inside the monastery you will see the statue of Buddha, Padmasambhava, a prayer hall and murals depicting the life story of Lord Buddha. Surrounding the monastery are several villages inhabited by Tibetan families. It is one of the must visit places near Darjeeling where you can get acquainted with the local culture and experience their hospitality.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Samten Choling Monastery and Yiga Choling Monastery
![Samten Choling Monastery Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Samten-Choling-Monastery-Darjeeling.jpg)
One of the three monasteries in Ghoom, the Samten Choling Monastery is approximately 7 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhists. It is crafted with a huge square arched gate and the exterior of the monastery maintains a white body and golden top in the typical Tibetan architectural style. The major attraction is the 26-foot model of Lord Buddha. It also houses a huge collection of Buddhist books and manuscripts. Inside the premises you will find a small café where you can have tea or coffee and light snacks. It is also the residence of several monks belonging to the yellow hat sect.
Tourists are requested not to confuse Samten monastery with Yiga Choeling monastery, which is the original Ghoom Monastery, was built in the year 1850, and is 1 kilometer away from the Samten Choling Monastery. It also belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhists and maintains a 15-foot model of Lord Buddha. Inside the Yiga Choeling Monastery there are images of Lord Buddha and lamas. There is a large collection of Buddha’s manuscripts, bells and a huge drum inside. Visiting these monasteries will teleport you into the world of euphoria.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Dali Monastery
![Dali Monastery Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dali-Monastery-Darjeeling.jpg)
5 km away from Darjeeling, Dali Monastery’s soothing and calm vibes will give you peace and divine wisdom. The Dali Monastery which was originally named as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, is yet another important Buddhist pilgrimage center and top tourist attraction to visit near Darjeeling belonging to the Kagyupa sect. It was built in a typical Tibetan style during the period of Thuksey Rinpochey in 1971.
The monastery also maintains huge cylindrical golden coloured drums. The chants from the prayer room and humming from cylindrical golden coloured drums creates wonderful ethereal vibes. There is a coffee shop and residences belonging to over 200 monks.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Ghoom Monastery
![Ghoom Monastery Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Ghoom-Monastery-Darjeeling.jpg)
The largest monastery in Ghoom, which was built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and belongs to the Gelug sect, the Ghoom Monastery is one of the major and oldest Buddhist pilgrimage places in Darjeeling district. It is approximately 8 kilometers from Darjeeling town. This monastery belongs to Gelugpa Sect.
Besides the prayer hall, the monastery houses a 15 feet high statue of “Maitreya Buddha”, images of Buddha’s disciples, and many Buddhist texts. The oil lamps in the monastery keep burning all year and all the time. Don’t get confused with Samten Choling Monastery which is also known as Ghoom monastery by locals.
Note – You will have to pay for photography and Videography
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Bhutia Busty Monastery
![Bhutia Busty Monastery Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bhutia-Busty-Monastery-Darjeeling.jpg)
Belonging to the Nyingma sect, the Bhutia Busty Monastery, which is also known as Karma Dorjee Choling monastery, is a branch of Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It was initially built atop the Observatory Hill in 1761 by Lama Dorje Rinzing but was later relocated to its present location in 1879 after the invasion of Darjeeling by the Gorkhas.
The Bhutia Busty Monastery is approximately 2 kilometers down from the Mall and houses a huge collection of Old Buddhist scripts, including the “Book of Dead ”, which is one of the notable ones. The present architectural structure that dilates the Buddhist traditional style of craftsmanship pulls in thousands of tourists throughout the year.
The monastery maintains a prayer room, a model of Lord Buddha, photographs of the Dalai Lama and images of Goddess Tara Devi and Lakshmi Eswari. It also houses a huge collection of murals, which are originally made out of real gold powder.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center
![Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tibetan-Refugee-Self-Help-Center-Darjeeling.jpg)
Established on 2 October 1959, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is a home to the Tibetan refugees, sick, elderly and destitute… the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center today houses 130 Tibetan families who mostly earn their bread and butter by producing traditional handicrafts like Buddha idols, various Tibetan sculptures, musical instruments, masks, thangka painting and many more.
It is located at hillside Lebong in Darjeeling that has a historical significance where the thirteenth Dalai Lama had spent his exile in India from 1910 to 1912. It is a must visit place in Darjeeling for tourists having keen interest in Indo-Tibetan culture and their lifestyle.
Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
![Peace Pagoda Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Peace-Pagoda-Darjeeling.jpg)
A fine example of traditional Japanese style architecture, the Japanese Temple is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling that was inaugurated in the year 1972. It is a two storied white building that maintains a large prayer room where the chief priest offers the prayers, beating a huge drum (also known as Ho-ko) that reverberates to build up a solemn atmosphere in the entire temple premises. The temple further hosts a picture of the founder Fujii Guruji and a model of Lord Buddha.
Close to the Japanese Temple is the Peace Pagoda, which is a monument to inspire peace, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. It was inaugurated in the year 1992 and houses four avatars of Lord Buddha.
From the top of the Pagoda, you get a panoramic view of the landscape of Darjeeling including the Kanchenjunga range. The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda comes in the list of top 10 most sought tourist spots in Darjeeling that you can’t miss on your Darjeeling trip.
Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta
![Chowrasta Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Chowrasta-Darjeeling.jpg)
Located in the heart of Darjeeling town, the Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta is one of the best places to explore in Darjeeling that one cannot afford to miss on his or her trip to Darjeeling. It is a rendezvous of people from all over the world and is notable as a popular tourist hangout in Darjeeling.
Besides hosting several boutique shops, restaurants and eateries… this place is just your own pick where you would love to get hold of nature at its best.
One side of the mall is thickly layered with pine forest under the shadow of the towering mountain peaks, the other side lies shops of traditional garments, handicrafts, carpets, rugs, paintings, semi-precious jewellery and metal wares. Some of the noted shops, restaurants and eateries in the area are Habeeb Mullick & Son, Curio Corner, Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Golden Tips, Life & Leaf, Jolly arts and Bhutan Tibet Art Shop.
The Hawa Ghar and the huge golden color statue of the Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya are the two major attractions in Chowrasta. The Bhutia Market, which is close to Chowrasta is another attraction for shopaholics.
Tiger Hill
![Tiger Hill Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tiger-Hill-Darjeeling.jpg)
One of the top tourist attractions in Darjeeling is the Tiger Hill, which is the highest point in the region. It stands at an elevation of 2,590 meters overlooking the spur of the snowcapped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalaya. Tiger Hill is one of the two points in India from where you can capture the entire panorama between Mount Everest and Khangchendzonga along with other peaks like the Kabru, Rathong and Kokhtang on a sunny morning.
The other point from where you can have a glimpse of a similar panorama is from Phalut, at 3,600 meters approximately, which can be only reached by trekking. The Phalut trekking route from Darjeeling starts from Manebhanjan and goes through Tonglu, Giribas, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu.
The Singalila National Park that falls on the trekking route is yet another attraction in and around Darjeeling. Nonetheless, Tiger Hill is best known for the amazing view of the Khangchendzonga peak at sunrise. It is easily accessible by road and roughly takes 40-45 minutes to reach from Darjeeling town.
Bengal Natural History Museum
![Bengal Natural History Museum Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bengal-Natural-History-Museum-Darjeeling.jpg)
Originally formed in 1915, to display only the specimens of butterflies and birds of the area… the Bengal Natural History Museum comprises two major sections today housing a huge collection of different specimens like birds with nests and eggs, reptiles and fishes, mammals, insects and more.
The taxidermy unit that was built at the time of inception serves to mount the skins of animals so that they have a lifelike appearance at the display. While one of the sections exhibit specimens like Himalayan Brown Wood Owls, Northern spotted owlet, Northern Brown Fish Owl, pheasants, fly catchers, woodpeckers and 800 more bird species, 35 species of snakes, 57 species of fishes, 608 species of butterflies and moths the other is stocked with animal species like Tibetan fox, Tibetan Lynx, elephant, Toddy cat, heads of wild buffaloes hanging from the walls, panthers, leopards and many more.
There are some other less important sections in the museum that display specimens of reptiles and insects. It is one of the best places to visit with family in Darjeeling for a great insight on bird and animal life.
Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple
![Mahakal Temple Darjeeling](https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mahakal-Temple-Darjeeling.jpg)
Close to Chowrasta or The Mall, the Observatory Hill is another popular tourist place in Darjeeling from where you can capture magnificent views of the snow-clad peaks, including Kanchendzonga and its sister peaks. It is approximately 10-15 minutes of uphill walk from the Mall. Atop the hill is the Mahakal Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also holds three gold plated icons of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar.
It is one of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling that was built after the invasion by the Gorkhas in the 19th century. Originally this place was the home to the Dorjeling Monastery that was relocated in 1861 to its present location, which is some 2 kilometers down from the Mall. Around the Observatory Hill you come across the Sai Baba Temple and Hanuman Temple and several Hindu priests and Buddhist monks.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
So are you ready to explore the best of Darjeeling tourism? Make your trip to Darjeeling this year more exciting with us. Tour My India offers you the best of Darjeeling sightseeing tour along with organizing other adventure activities in and around this hill station like rock climbing, wildlife trail, hiking and trekking in Singalila Range. Contact us and let our expert reach out to you with the best travel deals.
Other Important West Bengal Tourism Links
Like & Follow our social media accounts at Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin & Instagram for getting the latest updates & offers on holiday packages.
Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to plan a holiday to Darjeeling?
Darjeeling is a best tourist destination to visit in summer as well as winters. The weather is very pleasant for sightseeing in summer (April- June) In winters (October - December) is the best time for exploring wildlife and adventure activities.
What are the nearest airports & railway stations to Darjeeling?
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest Airport located 70 km away from Darjeeling. Darjeeling Railway Station and Siliguri Railway Station are the two closest Railheads to Darjeeling.
What are the top places to Visit in Darjeeling for couples?
- Love Road
- Batasia Loop
- Tiger Hill
- Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
- Tea Gardens
- Chowrasta
- Kanchenjunga National Park
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Nightingale Park
What are the best places in Darjeeling with Kids?
- Toy Train Ride
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Darjeeling Zoo
- Batasia Loop
- Nightingale Park
- Mirik
- Chowrasta Mall
- Bengal Natural History Museum
How are the accommodation facilities for tourists in Darjeeling?
Darjeeling offers good quality accommodation options to the tourists of all kinds. Whether you are with family or a couple, solo traveler or backpackers, leisure lovers to adventurers- You will surely get accommodation according to your taste and preferences. From 5-star, guest houses, luxury resorts, to budget hotels, the facilities and amenities are equivalent to international standards.
About the author
Brought up from the cultural capital of India, Kolkata, Swairik Das is a passionate traveller who seeks to travel and explore the length and breadth of the country. He is also a dedicated travel writer, blogger and photographer who by heart is also an adventure freak. His focus is mostly into exploring and writing on trekking, jungle safaris and several adventure activities; religion, festival, heritage, people and cuisine.