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Darjeeling is one of the most renowned, popular and admired hill stations in the world. This hidden gem is a town and municipality in the state of West Bengal, gifted with cool mountain air, healthy weather, and lush green mountains to escape the bustling city life.
Located in the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling’s hill stations are filled with beautiful, serene sanctuaries, tea plantations, and the amazing toy train. The great Kanchenjunga Mountain, the world's third-highest mountain, is inevitably visible from every part of the town.
The smell of fresh tea leaves with colonial architecture and a touch of Tibet makes Darjeeling a captivating place to behold. This stunning town is also home to Sundarban mangroves, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a memory of the British Raj, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
In this blog, Unify Holidays gives you a tour of interesting places in Darjeeling that keeps every visitor coming back.
What Makes Darjeeling a Unique Place?
Darjeeling, a hidden treasure in West Bengal is known as a unique destination for several reasons. It has a multiethnic culture with predominant Tibetan, Nepali (Gorkha), and colonial influences, especially in its history, cuisine, language, and economy.
The town has breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, tea gardens that produce its world-famous tea and a Toy Train that makes it a universal attraction. It doesn't end there, it also has British-style public schools, which attract students from different states in India and other neighbouring countries.
The town is famous for its vibrant local markets, stunning sunrises from Tiger Hill and serene Buddhist monasteries that add to its magical appeal. Its accessibility to other Himalayan locations also makes it a centre of attraction for tourism.
The Best Places to Explore in Darjeeling
Ride The Iconic Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage is a two feet narrow gauge train that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The Himalayan Railway provides transport links to other hill stations in West Bengal and offers a slow-paced ride which allows the passengers to feel joy amidst nature.
It also passes through cloudy mountains, lush tea gardens, different villages and local shops, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Darjeeling toy train ride is no doubt a relaxing and charming one that will transport you into a world of romance. It is also one of the most fun activities to enjoy with your family during your vacation in Darjeeling.
Visit The Peace Pagoda
Located on a hilltop, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a beautiful white structure that screams calmness and positivity. Built by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii to symbolise harmony and world peace. It also represents the Nipponzan-Myohoji school of Buddhism born in Japan. The campus is beautiful with a temple that is built adjacent to the Peace Pagoda.
The Peace Pagoda is a wonderful spot to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature while immersing yourself in the spiritual essence of Darjeeling. The gentle chants and the soothing atmosphere also make the place perfect for those who want to meditate and reflect. You can also climb to the Peace Pagoda to enjoy breathtaking views of Darjeeling’s hills and the snow-capped peaks beyond it.
Explore the Tea Gardens
Every time you come across the name Darjeeling, you will always hear the word "tea". Therefore, tea garden tours in Darjeeling are a must. The town is known for its enormous tea gardens that make its view beautiful and appealing to the eyes.
You can take a stroll across these tea plantations, chat with the tea pluckers and sip on the finest Darjeeling tea fresh from the source. Some of the most famous tea estates you can visit include the following:
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Makaibari Tea Estate
- Ging Tea House
- Glenburn Tea Estate
- Singtom Tea Estate and Resort
- Puttabong Tea Estate
You can take a guided tour to see how tea leaves are processed and brewed to perfection in the estate. Also enjoy the view from a terrace overlooking vast stretches of tea bushes, with the cool mountain breeze carrying the fresh aroma of tea leaves.
Watch The Sunrise at Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is one of the most popular Darjeeling tourist places because of its sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga. This iconic viewpoint, sitting at an altitude of 8,482 feet, is famous for its out-of-this-world sunrise.
It’s a view that shows the entire Himalayan range and trekking to the highest peaks gives you an experience that will last forever. To enjoy the hike, set your alarm early and wrap yourself in warm layers when heading to the hills.
For photography lovers, Tiger Hill is a paradise! Capture the changing hues of the mountains, the sea of clouds below, and the awe-inspiring shape of the Himalayas. Just remember to get there early, as this spot gets crowded quickly as many tourists want to witness the same breathtaking sunrise.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park has different kinds of animals, making it a huge centre of attraction for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts who visit Darjeeling. Home to rare species such as Himalayan Monal, Eastern Pangolin, Lady Amherst, Asiatic black bear, and Siberian Tiger, this zoo is a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Unlike ordinary zoos, the animals here enjoy a natural mountain habitat, making your visit feel more like an exciting jungle expedition.
The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is the largest high-altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions and has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda, this adorable, fluffy creature is the star attraction.
Darjeeling Ropeway
It is not an overstatement to say that Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful cities in India. You can experience it from another viewpoint on Darjeeling Ropeway, a thrilling cable car ride that takes you over tea gardens, rivers, and valleys.
When you hop on this rope, you will get the bigger picture of the Queen of the Hills. From the amazing sights of tea gardens, valleys, and hilly forests to snowy peaks of mountains and Mount Everest, you will see it all.
The ride is especially beautiful during spring when the tea gardens are lush green and in autumn when the hills have golden shades. If you’re scared of heights, don’t worry, the view is so mesmerizing that you’ll forget your fears in no time.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
If you’ve ever dreamed of a Darjeeling hill station tour and scaling the mighty Himalayas, a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a must! The HMI offers mountaineering courses for aspiring climbers and adventure lovers, and even if you’re not looking to climb, it’s still an exciting place to explore.
The museum inside HMI showcases amazing exhibits such as Everest expedition gear, old photographs, and memorabilia from legendary climbers. There are also memorials dedicated to the mountaineering hero that inspire the courage and resilience of those who conquer the world’s highest peaks.
The Bottom Line
Darjeeling isn’t just a place; it’s an experience everyone should have once in a lifetime. This hill station offers something for every traveller whether you're an adventurer, a peace seeker, or a foodie, Darjeeling welcomes you with open arms.
Enjoy your visit to Darjeeling’s hill stations without any strain with Unify Holidays. We have an itinerary tailored to your preference and budget. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in Darjeeling!