Darjeeling, a beautiful town at the Himalayan foothills in India’s West Bengal state, was formerly a summer retreat for the upper-class British Raj population. Now, it serves as home to the unique and old narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” built-in 1881. It is famous for its characteristic black tea, cultivated on the plantations in the surrounding mountain slopes. The best places in Darjeeling are where you’ll be charmed by nature, learn about mountain life, eat garden-fresh organic cuisine, and participate in activities where nature, humans, and animals coexist in perfect harmony.
You can join a stroll through the rolling tea gardens and see the garden workers harvest tea leaves, interact with them, or take a walking tour through a hamlet to learn about the democracy and lives of the locals. You may also go on a nature walk, do bird watching, and even see wildlife. Return to your lodge in the evening to enjoy the ethnic-cultural music and dancing organised by the villagers around a bonfire while sipping a glass of house wine. It has a rich cultural heritage and natural resources, and it is a popular tourist destination because of its pleasant temperature all year.
Top 10 Beautiful Places in Darjeeling
- Singalila National Park
- Batasia Loop
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Tiger Hills
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
- Rock Garden
- Dali Monastery
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Bengal Natural History Museum
- Darjeeling Ropeway
1. Singalila National Park
The popular Singalila National Park is perched on the Singalila Ridge in the West Bengal district of Darjeeling, at an elevation of 7000 feet above the ground sea level. The park is well-known for its majestic peaks and panoramic vistas of the lower range of the Himalayas. The National Park is one of the most Darjeeling famous places for being a trekker’s paradise, with a diverse range of highland vegetation, animals, and birds. Red Panda, Pangolin, Black Bear, Leopard, Tigers, Serow, Clouded Leopard, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Leopard Cat, and Takin are among the uncommon and endangered species that the park is home to, making it one of the best places in Darjeeling to visit.
- Attractions: The Himalayan range viewpoint
- Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm
- Entry fee: 100 INR
- Things To Do: Photography, Trekking
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
2. Batasia Loop
It is a famous Darjeeling scenic spot notable for its distinctive uphill railroad track, gardens, and an Indian military monument. Visitors may observe Batasia Loop as the famous ‘Toy Train’ travels around a looped train track that runs through some beautiful parks. The location is well-known for holding a Gorkha war memorial, and the toy railway provides a 360-degree panorama of Darjeeling. In its 1,000-foot-high fall, the loop encompasses 50,000 square feet and spirals through tunnels, beautiful gardens, and hillocks. The neighbouring local crafts market is also a must-see.
- Attractions: Spiral railroad track, Gorkha War Memorial, parks
- Opening hours: 6 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee: 15 INR
- Things To Do: Toy train ride
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
3. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of Darjeeling’s oldest tea estates. In fact, established in 1854, it is the second-oldest and has remained one of the best tourist places in Darjeeling for many years. It covers 177 acres and is at 2,100 metres above sea level. It employs approximately 1500 people and is quite a popular tourist spot near Darjeeling.
- Attractions: Tea estate
- Opening hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm
- Entry fee: 150 INR per person for the factory tour
- Things To Do: Tea factory guided tour
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
4. Tiger Hills
Tiger Hills, another best tourist destination in Darjeeling, is a complete package for nature lovers. Climb up this slope surrounded by chilly air to see the magnificent sunrise. The view of the first rays on the mighty Mt Everest is a sight to behold. Alternatively, you could drive up to Tiger Hill before sunset and fine-tune your camera settings and shutter speed to capture the hypnotic ambience of the sunset hues. It happens as fast as an eye blinks, so pay close attention.
- Attractions: Views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest
- Opening hours: All day
- Entry fee: Free
- Things To Do: Catching a sunrise, Hiking
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
5. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park falls among Darjeeling’s nearest tourist places that are must-see. It covers an area of 67.56 acres and is well-known for its Red Panda and Snow Leopard breeding programs. The zoo is the largest high-altitude zoo in India, with an average height of 2,134 metres above sea level. Snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Siberian tigers, and Himalayan mountain goats are among the zoo’s unique as well as endangered animals.
- Attractions: Himalayan Wildlife Conservatory, Breeding Centre
- Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm
- Entry fee: 60 INR
- Things To Do: Exotic wildlife exploration
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
6. Rock Garden
Rock Garden Park is one of the best tourist places in Darjeeling, offering a variety of activities over a large area. It’s a rocky wonderland filled with vegetation, waterfalls, and bridges created by man. The Ganga Maya Park is one, and the Rock Garden located at Chunnu Summer Falls is the other that makes up the two new tourist destinations in Darjeeling. It is a showcase designed to entice visitors to Darjeeling after political unrest hampered tourism in the 1980s. So, if you’re visiting Darjeeling with your family, don’t forget to stop by the beautiful garden!
- Attractions: Waterfalls, lake, flower gardens, sitting spaces
- Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
- Entry fee: 20 INR
- Things To Do: Photography, Picnic
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
7. Dali Monastery
Popularly known as the Druk Sangag Choling Monastery among the locals, the Dali Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the state of West Bengal and one of the best locations to visit in Darjeeling. It was founded by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche in 1971. The Dalai Lama paid a special visit for its inauguration in 1993. The monastery is the headquarters and residence of the Kargyupa sect’s leader, Drukchen Rinpoche the XII. More than 210 monks live in this monastery. It is designed in vibrant crimson and depicts the life of Lord Buddha.
- Attractions: Giant Buddha structure, Buddhist art and sculpture
- Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee: Free
- Things To Do: Meditation, Exploring architecture
- Best Time To Visit: All year
8. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda was built-in 1885 by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Nichidatsu Fuji. The golden sculptures adorn the Buddhist temple, which is white. The construction is 23 square metres and stands tall at 28.5 metres. People of all faiths visit this place to receive divine compassion and spiritual peace. You can spend quality me-time by meditating and connecting with your inner self here. It is one of Darjeeling’s nearest tourist places and one of the most picturesque spots offering a stunning view.
- Attractions: Buddhist Temple, Peace Pagoda
- Opening hours: 4:30 am to 7 pm
- Entry fee: Free
- Things To Do: Meditation, Prayer
- Best Time To Visit: All year
9. Bengal Natural History Museum
Bengal Natural History Museum is located in the city centre of Darjeeling. It is home to a massive variety of local flora and exotic wildlife. It was once a small home to many birds and butterflies that were found in adjoining hills. Today, the museum boasts an extensive structure and preserves the remains of various species, including insects, mammals, reptiles, and even birds. Here you can also find species like Tibetan foxes, Himalayan Brown Wood owls, Toddy cats, panthers, and other Eastern Himalayan animals, making it a must-visit place in Darjeeling.
- Attractions: Entomological Specimens, displays including dioramas and taxidermy
- Opening hours: 8 am to 7:30 pm (Sunday closed)
- Entry fee: 60 INR
- Things To Do: Learning wildlife insights
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
10. Darjeeling Ropeway
The Darjeeling ropeway is a 5 km long ropeway. It has sixteen carriages and runs between Darjeeling’s North Point to Singla on the banks of the Ramman river. Who could say no to a panoramic vista of Darjeeling that can be captivated in a single photograph? A cable ride will give you a “birds-eye” perspective of the mountainous town. If you travel in the winter, you may expect to see breathtaking views of tea plantations and magnificent landscapes covered in a blanket of snow. If you don’t want to miss out, make it a priority to include it on your to-do list this year.
- Attractions: Aerial views of the city
- Opening hours:
9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Sun-Mon)
9:30 am to 4 pm (Tue-Sat) - Entry fee:
200 INR per adult (Round Trip)
100 INR per child (3-8 Years) - Things To Do: Ropeway ride, Photography
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
Darjeeling Calling
The list of the 10 best places in Darjeeling in this article is just a glimpse into the infinite beauty and diversity the place has to offer. The town has an air of romance about it with the rolling green hills, snow-capped peaks, and the gurgling streams. It offers travellers a variety of things to explore and do. At some of the best tourist places in Darjeeling, you will find tea plantations, beautiful landscapes, and breathtaking views that will make you fall in love with India
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