Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling (2024)

Darjeeling is famously known as the summer capital of India and is located in West Bengal. This scenic hill station is the best destination for a romantic honeymoon. It is situated amidst acres of tea plantations, at the elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting a cool climate throughout the year.

Over 86 tea estates are established in Darjeeling that is responsible for producing the worldwide popular ‘Darjeeling Tea’. The Kanchenjunga peak, the third highest peak in the world and the highest in India, can be viewed from here, and you can enjoy a picturesque view of the peak.

The toy train built in 1881 was declared as World Heritage Status by UNESCO. The train starts its journey from the plains and moves to over 2000 meters above sea level, offering splendid views of the mountains. This hill station in India is one of the famous treks in the Indian Himalayan region. Further, the refreshing environment nestled with various tea gardens and lush green forests caters to a retreat and is an ideal place for leisure capes. Its magnificent beauty and cool weather are the reasons why to visit Darjeeling for a perfect vacation.

There are many amazing places to visit in Darjeeling that will help to explore its history, culture, art, and lifestyle.

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10 Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Tiger Hill
• Batasia Loop
• Happy Valley Tea Estate
• Darjeeling Observatory Hill
• Japanese Peace Pagoda
• Ghoom Monastery
• St. Andrew’S Church
• Bengal Natural History Museum
• Shrubbery Nightingale Park

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is famously known as the ‘Darjeeling Toy Train’, is a 2 feet narrow-gauge train that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The construction of this 88-kilometer offers a coveted ride experience. A journey in the Darjeeling Toy Train has splendid sights with majestic mountain views and has villages and local shops on the way. It provides a significant transport connection between several parts of the Darjeeling hills and lower plains is an example of sheer engineering inventiveness and vision.

Two more railway lines were added later, and the site is popularly known as the Mountain Railways of India. A ride on a Toy Train gives a relaxing and pleasant experience. It is indeed one of the famous tourist places in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Major Attractions: Toy Train

Things to Do: Photography

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is located at an elevation of 2590 meters and a distance of 13 kilometers away from Darjeeling. It is famous for its picturesque tourist spot of sunrise from where you can explore the peaks of Kanchenjunga before the sun is seen at a lower altitude. The splendid view of snow-capped mountains amidst cotton clouds attracts tourists from all over the country. Interestingly, this is also the peak of Ghoom, which is the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 It is one of the two points in India from where you can explore the entire magnificent view 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 explore a glimpse of a panorama is from Phalut, located at 3,600 meters approximately, which can be only reached by trekking. The Phalut trekking route begins from Manebhanjan and goes through Tonglu, Giribas, Kalapokhri, and Sandakphu. It is indeed a great place to visit in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Major Attractions: Peaks of Kanchenjunga

Things to Do: Photography, Trekking.

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop is one of the most amazing train routes in all of Darjeeling. It is an abundant green toy train pathway that is constructed to lessen the elevation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The unique design of this picturesque attraction permits the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop tunnel. One of the most amazing aspects of the Batasia Loop is its natural beauty which is an excellent sight to behold. It is located on Hill Cart Road (NH 55), you can enjoy a scenic view of Darjeeling in all its verdant glory.

It is located in Ghoom which is about 5 kilometers away from Darjeeling. The objective behind constructing the spectacular pathway of the Batasia Loop is to ease navigation around the terrain of Darjeeling. It begins from the midst of a verdant green mountain and overlooks the snowy peaks of Kanchenjungha with beautiful flowers lining the way, which makes an amazing trip through this Loop. The splendid view of the white clouds and the surrounding lush green beauty of the terrain is a refreshing and enchanting expedition. It is one of the eminent tourist places in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: April to June

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Major Attractions: Eco Garden

Things to Do: Photography, Trekking

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Happy Valley Tea Estate is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet. It is a fine land, growing some of the best shrubs and producing the world-famous Darjeeling tea. It is the second oldest tea estate of Darjeeling. It is the main attraction for tourists visiting Darjeeling as it caters to a splendid scenic view with a breathtaking appearance of Himalayan foothills. Its elegant beauty surrounded by hundred and acres of Tea Gardens, pleasant weather, open clouds, and beautiful Aroma of high-quality tea being produced make it a perfect tourist destination for those who are looking for a rendezvous with natural greenery and tranquility.

One can take a guided tour through the fragrant factory, to see how fresh tea leaves are withered, rolled, fermented, dried, sorted and finally graded to produce the several varieties of tea available in the market, from traditional black tea and green tea to more elegant teas like Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe. It is indeed a great place to visit in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: March to November

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Major Attractions: Tea Garden

Things to Do: Photography

Darjeeling Observatory Hill

 Observatory Hill is situated above Chowrasta Square, which is 2 km from the splendid hill town of Darjeeling. It is one of the amazing tourist destinations in Darjeeling as it offers a picturesque view of the mountains. It is mainly visited by adventure seekers who want to enjoy a splendid view of the mountains after trekking along with the presence of various Hindu and Buddhist temples such as Kanchenjunga Temple, Mahakal temple, and Tibetian Memorial.

The entire area is filled with colorful flags and small shrines with the peaceful sound of devotional belts. It is recommended for older people. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: March to November

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Major Attractions: Hindu and Buddhist temples

Things to Do: Photography, Trekking

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Japanese Peace Pagoda is a fine example of traditional Japanese-style architecture, the Japanese Temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling that was inaugurated in the year 1972. It is dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is a two-storied white building with a large prayer room where the chief priest offers the Ho-ko prayers, beating a huge drum that pulsates to develop a  majestic atmosphere in the entire temple premises.

The Peace Pagoda is situated close to the Japanese Temple is a monument to persuade peace, designed to serve focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for tranquility. It was established in the year 1992 and houses four avatars of Lord Buddha. From the top of the Pagoda, you get a splendid view of the landscape of  Darjeeling including the Kanchenjunga range. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: March to November

Major Attractions: Peace Pagoda

Things to Do: Photography

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastery is the largest monastery, which was constructed in the year 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It is one of the major and oldest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling. It is situated 8 kilometers away from the main town. This monastery is dedicated to Gelugpa Sect.

Besides the prayer hall, a 15 feet high statue of “Maitreya Buddha”, images of Buddha’s disciples, and many Buddhist texts were constructed in this monastery. The oil lamps in the monastery keep burning throughout the year and all the time. Other tourist spots located over here are Aloobari Gompa if you’re interested in both shopping as well as sightseeing and Bhutia Busty Gompa if you are interested in the scenic view. It is one of the amazing places to visit in Darjeeling to experience the essence of the site.

Best Time to Visit: March to November

Major Attractions: Maitreya Buddha

Things to Do: Photography

St. Andrew’S Church

St. Andrew’S Church is one of the eminent architectural examples from the colonial era and is named after the patron saint of Scotland. It was constructed in the year 1843. The church has many inlaid marble tablets and brass plaques, including the discoverer of Darjeeling and Charlotte Countess Canning. The church looks too old from the outside but from the inside, it looks amazing. One of the most gripping facts about this church is that the old cemetery of Darjeeling was under its power till 1995. It is one of the famous tourist places in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: March to November

Major Attractions: Old Cemetery, Marble tablets

Things to Do: Photography

Bengal Natural History Museum

Bengal Natural History Museum was constructed in the year 1915, to show the specimens of butterflies and birds of the area. It includes two major sections enclosing a massive collection of different specimens like birds with nests and eggs, reptiles and fishes, mammals, insects, and more.

The taxidermy unit caters to preparing the skins of animals so that they have a lifelike appearance at the display. While one of the sections includes specimens like Himalayan Brown Wood Owls, Northern spotted owlet, Northern Brown Fish Owl, pheasants, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and 800 more bird species, Tibetan fox, Tibetan Lynx, elephant, leopards, and many more. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for a perfect insight into bird and animal life.

Best Time to Visit: March to November

Major Attractions: Specimens of animals

Shrubbery Nightingale Park

Shrubbery Nightingale Park is an amazing place for those who are looking for a rendezvous with peace and tranquility. Magnificent Kanchenjunga Peaks and Eastern Himalayan Ranges is an amazing backdrop that will give you a visual treat. This park becomes a fun place during peak tourist season as many Nepali cultural programs are managed here every evening.

The park has been designed with many pebbled walkways and also maintains the shrine of Lord Shiva. The musical fountain is also a main attraction inside the park. It is one of the amazing tourist places in Darjeeling.

Best Time to Visit: October and November

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

 Major Attractions: Shrine of Lord Shiva

Things to Do: Cultural programs

Darjeeling, with the lush greenery, scenic view, majestic hills, wildlife, temple, museum, and every other tourist attraction is indeed a perfect place where you can spend the best vacation. The list of best places to visit in Darjeeling offers a great blend of nature and mountains where you can explore the greenery and view the picturesque scenery around you.

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