Darjeeling, often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” is a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Famous for its rolling tea plantations, Darjeeling offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. The town’s colonial charm, cool climate, and serene atmosphere attract travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re sipping the world-renowned Darjeeling tea, exploring vibrant local markets, or taking a ride on the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, this enchanting destination offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and history.
1. Tiger Hill: Get Mesmerized By The Surreal Beauty
One of the best tourist places of Darjeeling, Tiger Hills is a complete package for a nature lover. If you can bear the chilling cold, climb up this hill to witness the charismatic first rays of the Sun on Mt Everest. Drive to Tiger Hill before sunset and fix your camera settings and shutter speed for the mesmerising aura. It happens in a blink of an eye.
Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling
Don’t miss: Experience spectacular sunrise and spot different peaks through a telescope from Tiger Hill view tower
Opening hours: Dawn till sunset
Entry fee: None
Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Tumsong Chiabari – The Tea Retreat, Rambler’s Nesting Homestay, Vajra Kunj Homestay
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
2. Batasia Loop: Admire The Panoramic View
This elevated area below Ghum has spiral railway tracks through a tunnel over a summit. What adds to the panoramic view is a nicely decorated garden area that offers a perfect retreat. It is the wide expanse of planned greenery that makes Batasia Loop one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in April which every traveler must visit.
Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Don’t miss: See the toy train meandering over the loopy tracks. A picturesque sight!
Opening hours: Accessible throughout the day
Entry fee: INR 50
Places To Stay: Darjeeling Stay Inn, Atithi Guest House, Sewaro Homestay, Silver Star Boutique Hotel, Batasia Guest House
Things To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: March to September
3. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: Meet & Greet The Animals
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is another name among the rich in some of the most exquisite and rare flora and fauna. Located downslope from the Jawahar Road, this zoological park is home to the largest population of snow leopards in India and is one of the best places to go in Darjeeling. So, if you want to witness the intriguing wildlife, plan a visit to this zoo.
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Don’t miss: Red pandas, Himalayan bears, clouded leopards, and Tibetan wolves. Do not forget to visit the snow leopard breeding center
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (summers), 8:30 am to 4 pm (winters)
Entry fee: INR 110 onwards
Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Sanderling Residency & Spa, Ramada, FabExpress Tibet Homes
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
4. Peace Pagoda: Explore & Meditate
Peace Pagoda reflects four avatars of Lord Buddha and is located adjacent to Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. It attracts people from all religion and offers spiritual serenity and love to all. Spend half an hour meditating here and you are in for a trance nothing else can guarantee. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling which offers a view worth capturing.
Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Don’t miss: Panoramic birds eye view of Darjeeling including Kanchenjunga from the summit of the Pagoda.
Opening hours: 4:30 am to 7 pm
Entry fee: Free
Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Villa Everest, Hotel Palbheu, Rambler’s Nesting Homestay, Humro Himalayan Orchid
Things To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: March to September
5. Ghoom Monastery: Please Your Eyes With Vibrant Colors
Among the top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. This is among the tourist places in Darjeeling that is located downslope of Ghoom Railway station. This monastery is one of the oldest in the region and reflects the ancient glory of Buddhist culture.
Location: Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling
Don’t miss: The prayer room, library and study hall. Do not forget to taste the awesome momo and Thukpa just outside the monastery.
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Free
Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Tumsong Chiabari, ZimbaladimSA, Green Tara Residency, Frost Inn
Things To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: March to September
6. Rock Garden: Gape At The Man-Made Beauty
Rock Garden of Darjeeling is one of the famous places of Darjeeling. It is a man-made rocky garden enriched with flora, waterfalls and bridges. With plenty of activities to do over a wide expanse, this park is a popular tourist place in Darjeeling. So, if you are visiting Darjeeling with your family, do visit this garden!
Location: Rock Garden Road Bloomfield Tea Garden, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Don’t miss: Picnic in the rocky area, clicking photograph in local attire and pony riding
Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Entry fee: Free
Places To Stay: Atithi Guest House, Darjeeling Stay Inn, Silver Star Boutique Hotel, Batasia Guest House, Irish Homestay
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
7. Himalayan Railway Station: Toot-Toot Through The Peaks
Among the other top 10 tourist places in Darjeeling, the toy train starts from New Jalpaiguri and terminates at Darjeeling. This station in the lap of the Himalayas is a picturesque destination. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this railway station has been used for filming several documentaries and movies.
Location: Darjeeling
Don’t miss: Scenic greenery, toy trains
Opening hours: NA
Ticket cost: INR 360 onwards
Places To Stay: Hotel Royal City, Sinclairs Siliguri, Treebo Trend Venkatesh Regency, Stay Darjeeling, Treebo Trip Gupta’s Hotel
Things To Do: Train ride
Best Time To Visit: March to September
8. Nightingale Park: Relax & Stroll Around
Take a stroll in the nIghtingale Park and breathe in the salubrious mountain air while you enjoy scenic mountain views. The park was not open for public until 2011 and was called Shrubbery then. It is a perfect spot to sit in peace amidst nature. There is even a large statue of Lord Shiva and a musical fountain in the center of the park. It is truly one of the places to visit in Darjeeling in 3 days.
Location: Richmond Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Don’t miss: Scenic mountain views
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Places To Stay: Jetavana, Khrishna Residency, Smriya Homestay, Nestaway Homestay, Dajling Homestay
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
9. Singalila National Park: Savor Impressive Nature Sightings
Considered one of the top tourist destinations in Darjeeling, Singalila National Park is one of the top must visit places in Darjeeling. Located at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level, it is the highest national park in West Bengal sprawling with rhododendron forests and greenery. It offers riveting views of the Singalila Mountain Range and impressive panoramas of the Himalayas from Nepal to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, up to Bhutan.
Location: West Bengal
Don’t miss: Witnessing impressive views of the Himalayan range
Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm
Entry fee: INR 100
Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Ramada, Mount Himalayan Resort, Villa Everest
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
10. Happy Valley Tea Estate: Vast Tea Plantations Await You
Your Darjeeling sightseeing will be incomplete without visiting one of the tea estates that are the pride of this hill station! This tea estate is one of the oldest in the town and adds to its beauty! Make a visit, understand the process of tea making and buy some tea!
Location: Lebong Cart Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Near, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Don’t miss: Understanding the process of tea making
Opening hours: 8 am to 4 pm
Entry fee: INR 100 per person for a factory tour
Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Crescent Resort, Simma lodge, Three V Lodge, The Elgin Hotel, Nestaway Homestay
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
11. Tinchuley
Located at a distance of 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an isolated hamlet that is located in the vicinity of the West-Bengal Sikkim border and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 1 day. Resting at an altitude of 5,550 ft, the place is known for its beautiful surroundings. Surrounded by the tea plantations and the fruit orchards, Tinchuley is a must-visit place in Darjeeling to experience a peaceful getaway. It is also one of the for enjoying brunch and sightseeing.
Location: In the vicinity of the West-Bengal Sikkim border
Don’t miss: The amazing viewpoint
Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm
Entry fee: None
Places To Stay: Tinchuley Ratna Vajra Vatika Resort, Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Darjeeling homestay Mangkhim, Saino ADKD Homestay Darjeeling
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
12. Darjeeling Observatory Hill
The observatory hill is one of the best tourist spots in Darjeeling which is located on the hill above Chowrasta square which is located at a distance of 2 km from the Darjeeling Himalaya railway station. This is one of the must-visit places to visit in Darjeeling where Hindu and Buddhist temples are located all around. Some of the famous temples in the area are the Kanchenjunga temple, Mahakal temple, Tibetian Memorial Shrine.
Location: Naya Basti, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Don’t miss: Exploring the religious spot
Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm
Entry fee: None
Places To Stay: Pradhan Niwas, Moonlight Homestay, Light Inn, Little Tibet, Tathagata Rooms
Things To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: March to September
13. Darjeeling Ropeway
Who would want to say a no to a panoramic view of Darjeeling that can be contained in one picture? No one, right? So, the next place to see in Darjeeling is the ropeway attraction where you can get a cable ride and get a birds-eye view of the hill town. Would you want to believe the fact that Darjeeling Ropeway is the first cable car system in India that was established in the year 1968? After hopping on this car, you can expect a breath-taking view of the tea plantations and exquisite landscapes covered with a sheet of snow if traveling in the winter season. If you do not want to miss this then make sure to include it in your to-do list this year.
Location: Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104
Don’t miss: The aerial bird eye view of the hill town
Opening hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm (Tue-Sat), 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Sun-Mon)
Entry fee: INR 175 for adults & INR 90 for children
Places To Stay: North Point Homestay, Mady’s view -Aaple Ghar, Falcon Inn, Nature View Home Stay
Things To Do: Hiking, Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
14. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden
If you are looking for best Darjeeling tourist spot that can please your eyes then you must head to the famous Lloyd’s Botanical Garden which takes over an area of 40 acres to house some of the rare species of plants. Some of these include species of oak, Arisaema, rhododendron, magnolia, and more. Apart from this, there is also a separate conservatory for 150 different species of cactus. A visit to this botanical garden is incomplete without heading to the Orchidarium which showcases 2,500 orchids.
Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Don’t miss: Different sections of flowers that preserve special species
Opening hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 20
Places To Stay: The Elgin, Wonder Woods Boutique Hotel
Things To Do: Photography
Best Time To Visit: March to September
15. Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary
How can a trip to Darjeeling be complete without heading to this beautiful place in Darjeeling which gives both nature and fauna lovers a chance to witness the beauty of nature at its best? Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of around 40 sq. km. You can witness high-altitude animals here which include Himalayan black bear, rhesus monkey, barking deer, Himalayan flying squirrel, and several birds. Senchal Lake is the source of drinking water for the whole hill town and it forms a part of the wildlife sanctuary only. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in february for animal and nature lovers.
Location: Sittong Khasmahal, West Bengal 734008
Don’t miss: Opt for cycling and explore the place on your own
Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 per person
Places To Stay: The Rope, Goroomgo Stay Broadway Darjeeling, Yonzon Homestay, Allay’s Homestay
Things To Do: Hiking, Boating
Best Time To Visit: March to September
Best Places For Shopping in Darjeeling For All the Shopaholics
Famous for its tea plantations, Darjeeling is a haven for tea addicts, shopping in Darjeeling and in its small markets and old school malls will give you a great feel for the town. The authentic flavors and aromas of the teas will steal your heart away. Apart from hoarding packets of tea leaves, one can also shop local knick-knacks such as handicraft items, woolen scarves and caps, faux jewelry items, and many other things from the markets in the city. Whether it is the Chowk Bazaar that you head to or The Mall Road, you will have a marvelous experience shopping in Darjeeling.
1. Nehru Road
Located on the Hill Cart Road, this market has small shops which have been set up by the local population of Darjeeling. A must-visit shopping destination, Nehru Road, offers a delightful street shopping experience for shopaholics. The market stretches on an uphill road. In recent years, several branded stores have also opened their outlets. The State Government added a Handicrafts Emporium recently. For those who love arts and crafts, make sure that you pick up some stunning paintings for your home. The art specimens contributed by skilled Bengali craftsmen and artisans can also be seen at the Art Gallery in the locality. It is advisable to keep cash in handy because most of the shops do not accept cards here.
What to Buy: Darjeeling tea, woollens, handicrafts, leather handbags, books, paintings, Khukree or knives, Buddha statues
Timings: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
2. Ghoom Monastery Market
The ideal time to visit the Ghoom Monastery and the market in the vicinity is early mornings and evenings because the sunrise and sunset from here are simply mesmerising. The colourful bunting banners adorning the streets, give off pleasant vibes. Buddhist monks walking in the area will have a calming effect on you while you shop Tibetan souvenirs from the Ghoom market.
What to Buy: Tibetan artefacts including singing bowls, prayer wheels, prayer flags, Thangkas (a form of Tibetan wall paintings), bags for women
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
3. Pashupati Nagar Market
4. The Rink Mall
Being a peaceful hill station, Darjeeling did not have any malls until recently. The Rink Mall, located at the starting point of The Mall Road is a one-stop solution to the tourists who prefer malls. While stores such as Big Bazaar and Reliance Trends offer designer wear, the massage parlour will provide a soothing experience, if you are tired from all the walking in the hills. Nathmull’s Tea Room is a special attraction here for any tea lover. You can pick some of their best varieties of tea, attractive teapots and other souvenirs from the store. They also organize tea-tasting sessions which is a guaranteed unique experience.
Timings – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5. Chowk Bazaar
The hub of activities for the locals, Chowk Bazar, also attracts tourists in large numbers. Fresh and green vegetables will make your soul light up. Quirky tea stalls serving freshly brewed tea is a must-try here. Bustling with people, the by-lanes of Chowk Bazar sell rugs, handwoven textiles, fur caps, brassware, brilliantly carved boxes, masks and silverware.
What to Buy: Exotic rugs, handwoven textiles, fur caps, brassware, brilliantly carved boxes, masks and silverware.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
7 Famous Foods of Darjeeling – Delicious Dishes of Darjeeling
1. Thukpa
Thukpa is essentially a dish of Darjeeling but finds its roots in Tibetan cuisine. A hot-noodle soup, Thukpa comprises many veggies, some customary tinge of spices, and Hakka noodles. It is one of the most admired dishes within the town and is available at almost all the restaurants and roadside stalls. One can also find a much diverse variety of Thukpa noodles within the city too. Thupa originally is offered as a starter but can also be eaten as a wholesome meal itself, as it is delicious and healthy!
Where: 1. Devekas Restaurant – Address: Chauk Bazaar
2. Kunga Restaurant – Address: 51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar (Opens at 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
2. Traditional Nepali Thali
A Thali is a platter of various range of foods served on a single plate. The traditional Nepali Thali is an excellent combination of our daily lifestyle food, which retains its originality and delivers the customers some fantastic and delicious food. A traditional Thali comprises of ‘Dal’, ‘Bhaat’, ‘Tarkaari’, ‘Chutney or Achaar’ and finally a sweet dish to complete the meal with a bang. The Nepali thali is a common and favoured food in Darjeeling.
Where: Revolver Restaurant -Address: 110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel
(Breakfast timings – 7:30AM to 10:30AM & Dinner timings – 7:00PM up to 8:30PM)
3. Naga Cuisine
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The Naga population within the city is considerably lower; however, their population’s influence on food in Darjeeling is quite notable in the town. The Naga cuisine is famous for its meats and fish which are often cooked through the process of smoking, fermenting etc. A grand Naga thali comprises fermented rice served with chicken or pork, also with fermented bamboo shoots, achaar and a sweet dish.
Where: Revolver Restaurant – Address: 110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
(Breakfast timings – 7:30 AM to 10:30AM & Dinner timings – 7:00PM up to 8:30PM)
The average cost for two: INR 300-400
4. Churpee
Churpees are local snacks made out of Cow’s or Yak’s milk. A Darjeeling original, Churpees are necessarily a milk snack and resembles cheese with coming in both versions of hard and soft. Churpees mixed with cabbages can also be a filling for vegetable momos. Also, it is often used by the Nepalis to cook a version of Churpee with onions, tomatoes, and green chillies to make what they call ‘Churpee ko achaar’.
Where: Keventer’s – Address: Keventer’s, 1 Nehru Road, Darjeeling, India.(Opens at 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM)
They only serve breakfast and snacks.
The average cost for two: INR 400
5. Momos
While Momos have become a popular snack in many metropolitan cities, it is one of the most adored plates of food in Darjeeling. Part of Tibetan cuisine, Momos are mostly dumplings made out of flour with vegetable or chicken/pork stuffing and can be cooked through the process of steaming or deep frying. Momos are also served with a bowl of hot soup on the side with usually 6-7 pieces on a plate.
Where: 1. Hot Stimulating Cafe – Address: Lebong Cart Rd, Richmond Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal. (Opens at 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM) (Best place for Momos)
2. Kunga Restaurant – Address: 51, Gandhi Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal. (Opens at 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
The average cost for two: INR 100-200
6. Aloo Dum
Along with the Naga cuisine, Bengali cuisine is also famous in the town of Darjeeling. The most typical dish of the Bengali cuisine is Aloo Dum, which has a special place in the heart of the locals staying in the town. The preparation of this food of Darjeeling includes boiling the pieces of potatoes in a gravy made up of spices such as red chilli powder, garlic, finely cut onions and, ginger cloves. The final touches to the dish in Darjeeling are garnishing it with coriander and bhujia.
Where: Hasty Tasty – Address: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal.(Opens at 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM)
Also available at the local vendors standing near Mall Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
The average cost for two: INR 200
7. Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling’s special tea is a must. The authenticity of the drink is such that it cleanses your mind, giving you spirit new energy. A special recommendation would be that while sipping on this tea, one can enjoy the beautiful view that Darjeeling offers and listen to some heartwarming music!
Where: 1. The House of Tea Address: 11, Nehru Road, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
2. Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge – Address: The Rink Mall (Opp. GPO), 19, Ladenla Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal. (Opens at 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
