The mighty town of Darjeeling, nestled in the Lesser Himalaya, has always piqued the interest of visitors from all over the world.
Furthermore, this hill station in India serves as the starting point for one of the most popular treks in the Indian Himalayan region, the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, and is one of only two locations in India from which one can see the entire Eastern Himalayan range, from Everest to Kanchendzonga.
Darjeeling is blended with a wonderful balance of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, twisty hiking trails, mountain ranges, monasteries, momos, tea plantations, and toy trains. The serene vegetation and scenic vistas amidst the lush greenery ensure a vacation to remember.
Darjeeling is ideal both for an easygoing relaxing vacation or an adrenaline-fuelled short break for all you adventure buffs. The mountains provide umpteen opportunities for trekking etc. Some of the hill stations near Darjeeling, such as Siliguri and Sikkim, are major domestic and international tourism destinations.
However, there are a few small villages, such as Tinchuley and Ravangla, that are hidden gems offering complete peace and tranquility. The unspoiled beauty of this hill town draws visitors from all over the country to seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
So here is the roll of 26 Places To Visit In Darjeeling that will surely make your holidays worth to be remembered. These are the Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling.
1. Tiger Hills
Tiger Hills is a perfect package for nature enthusiasts and is one of Darjeeling's greatest famous tourist attractions. If you can hold the chilly, climb to the top of this hill to see the unforgettable first rays of the Sun on Mt Everest.
Push to Tiger Hill before sunset and customize your aperture settings and frame rate to capture the hypnotic ambiance. In the blink of an eye, it happens. From the Tiger Hill view tower, enjoy spectacular sunrise and use a telescope to spot various peaks. A Great Spot to visit among the places to visit in Darjeeling.
2. Batasia Loop
The Batasia Loop is renowned for its circular tracks on the Darjeeling Himalayan Rail system, where the Toy Train makes the overall loop around a beautiful circular garden, making it a landscapes lover's paradise. It covers 50,000 square feet and is home to a multitude of orchids.
There's also an environmentally friendly garden, a Gorkha War Memorial, and a variety of bars and pubs to choose from. The Batasia Loop is about 5 kilometers outside of Darjeeling's town limits, close to Ghoom. On a clear sunny day, you might get a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range.
This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
3. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
The Rock Garden, about 10 kilometers from Darjeeling town, is comprised of stunning scenery and vibrantly colored terraced gardens dotted with a wide variety of flowering plants... blazing the rocks and cliffs at various levels.
Another feature that adds to the park's beauty is the Chunnu Summer Falls. Another nature park with a narrow gushing stream runs through Ganga Maya Park, which is 3 kilometers ahead. There are also gardens with a variety of colorful flower species and a lake in the park.
This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling. At Ganga Maya Park, visitors can also watch Gorkha folk dance.
4. Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta
The Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta, located in the heart of Darjeeling town, is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling that no visitor should miss. It is a popular tourist hangout in Darjeeling, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Apart from being home to several boutique shops, restaurants, and eateries, this location is entirely up to you if you want to experience nature at its most natural. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
5. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
An attractive Japanese temple and the Peace Pagoda are 10 minutes away from the Darjeeling center of town. The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two-story white building was completed in 1972 in a Japanese Culture style.
This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling. Near to the monument is the Peace Pagoda, which features four Buddha avatars. You can get a breathtaking view of the Darjeeling environment, including the Kanchenjunga range, from the top of the Pagoda.
6. Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill, located 2 kilometers from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, is a clifftop near Chowrasta Square in Darjeeling's dreamlike beautiful place.
It is one of the most widely known outlooks in Darjeeling and one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. At the bottom of Mall Road, the hill is encircled. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
Observatory Hill is one of Darjeeling's ancient tourist attractions, with cultural and heritage significance.
7. Bhutia Busty Monastery
The Bhutia Busty Monastery, also widely recognized as Karma Dorjee Chyoling monastery, is a subdivision of Sikkim's Phodang Monastery and belongs to the Nyingma religious group.
It was initially constructed just above Observatory Hill in 1761 by Lama Dorje Rinzing, but after the Gorkha invasion of Darjeeling in 1879, it was relocated to its current location.
The Bhutia Busty Monastery, located about 2 kilometers south of the Mall, houses a large collection of Old Buddhist scripts, including the "Book of Dead," which is one of the most notable. Thousands of tourists visit the current architectural structure, which dilates the Buddhist traditional style of artisanship.
A prayer room, a prototype of Lord Buddha, pictures of the Dalai Lama, and visuals of Goddess Tara Devi and Lakshmiswari are all kept at the monastery. It also has a large collection of murals, many of which are made of real gold. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
8. Darjeeling Ropeway
The Darjeeling Ropeway provides incomparable views of Darjeeling and its alpine setting, with vistas and sights worthy of postcards.
The first cable car system in India was established in 1968 and runs from Singamari to Singla Bazar for 45 minutes. This ropeway, which reaches a height of 4,260 meters, is Asia's longest and highest ropeway ride.
A ropeway ride provides a bird's eye view of the township's most striking sights, all while flying through the clouds. It gives you the sensation of flying through lush green valleys. This is one of the best destinations among places to visit in Darjeeling.
9. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center
The Tibetan Refugee Self Support Centre is now the residence of 130 Tibetan families who primarily made their livelihood by creating traditional handicrafts such as Buddha idols, numerous Tibetan carvings, musical equipment, masks, thangka art, and many others.
It is situated near Darjeeling's hillside Lebong, which has historical importance as the location where the thirteenth Dalai Lama spent his expulsion in India from 1910 to 1912. It is a must-see attraction in the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
10. Ghoom Monastery
The Ghoom Monastery, the biggest Buddhist temple in Ghoom, was constructed in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and originally belonged to the Gelug religious group. It is among the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
Darjeeling town is approximately 8 kilometers away. The monastery also houses a 15-foot-tall statue of "Maitreya Buddha," illustrations of Buddha's disciples, and numerous Buddhist messages.
11. Samten Choling Monastery and Yiga Choeling Monastery
The Samten Choling Monastery, one of the three monasteries in Ghoom, is about 7 kilometers from Darjeeling town and originally belonged to the Gelupka Buddhist religious group. It has a massive cubical arched entrance, and the exterior of the monastery is white with a golden edge, as is pretty standard of Tibetan architecture.
The 26-foot framework of Lord Buddha is the main attraction. It also residences a sizable collection of Buddhist ancient texts and books. There is a small café on the premises where you can get tea, coffee, and light snacks. It is also home to several monks from the Yellow Hat Religious group.
12. Dali Monastery
The Dali Monastery, which was initially identified as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery and is located on a steep slope about 5 kilometers from Darjeeling town, is also another ancient Buddhist pilgrimage center of the Kargyupa religious group.
It was constructed in 1971 during Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche's reign. It has a house of worship, a Tibetan school, a coffeehouse, and over 200 monks' residential areas. Huge cylindrical golden-colored drums are also kept at the monastery.
13. Dhirdham Temple
The Dhirdham Temple, the temple dedicated To the Lord and constructed in the style of the Pasupatinath temple, is a popular Hindu holy site in Darjeeling. The white-colored statue of Lord Shiva, which comprises the following distinct forms of Shiva with his universal third eye, is the main attraction within the complex.
The temple complex has a peaceful atmosphere, and you will notice the priests' friendly demeanor as they bestow graces on worshippers. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
14. St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew's Church, among the most prominent architectural illustrations from colonial times, is just another major tourist attraction nearer to the Shopping center. It was built in 1843, but after being disrupted by a major quake, it was reconstructed in 1873.
Many inlaid stone tablets and brass inscriptions can be found in the church, including those of Lt. General Lloyd and Charlotte Countess Canning. This is one of the best destinations among places to visit in Darjeeling.
15. Shrubbery Nightingale Park
The Shrubbery Nightingale Park, a national garden about 10 minutes trek from the Mall or Chowrasta, is a must-see in Darjeeling for visitors looking for some stress relief after a long guided tour.
During the peak tourist season, it's a fantastic way to grab some Nepali cultural programs. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling. Many marbled sidewalks run through the park, which also houses an idol of Lord Shiva. The park's melodic waterfall is also a popular attraction.
16. Aloobari Monastery
The Aloobari Monastery, constructed by Sangay Lama in 1914, is about 3 kilometers from Darjeeling town. Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery was its official title. It has vibrant red and yellow walls, as well as a prayer room, statues of Lord Buddha, a magnificent model of Padmasambhava, and murals portraying Lord Buddha's life story.
Several Tibetan families live around the Structure. It is one of the must-see attractions in Darjeeling for those interested in learning about the local culture and experiencing their hospitality.
17. Happy Valley Tea Estate
It's time to relax and appreciate the sprawling tea estate, which spans 437 acres. Your vacation to Darjeeling isn't perfect until you take a trip to the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which was founded in 1854 and is Darjeeling's oldest tea estate.
You're likely to see the plucking procedure if you visit Darjeeling between March and May. People enjoy this destination because the natural sweetness that blends with the ambiance makes the mood lift. This is one of the best destinations among places to visit in Darjeeling.
18. Love Road
This location is strongly recommended for couples who are heading together. The Love Road surrounds Birch Hill and is an excellent hideaway for couples. It is a 3-kilometer long walk off a constricted relaxing walking path in the middle of nature.
It is a perfect romantic place for couples. Introverts and elderly people are not permitted in this area. Ah! I've just tried to make a joke. The Love Road is open to all, but if you come across something unexpected, please keep your views to a minimum. Clears throat!
19. Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's oldest wildlife sanctuaries, was established in 1915 and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts touring Darjeeling for a few days or on Saturdays and Sundays. Senchal Lake, which is located within the sanctuary, is a popular tourist attraction.
The Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including the barking deer, wild pig, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel, and others. It is also home to a variety of bird and plant species. It is approximately 40 square kilometers in size.
20. DHR Ghoom Museum
The DHR Ghoom Museum, one among Darjeeling's three museums, is housed on the grounds of the Ghoom Railway Station, the world's largest railway station, and houses the earliest known model of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's Toy Train engine.
There is also a vast selection of unique and ancient Darjeeling Himalayan Railways artifacts, illustrations, and accessories donated by the former DHR workforce on the venue. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
21. Tenzing and Gombu Rock
The Tenzing and Gombu Rock, a remembrance of Tenzing Norgay and Nawang Gombu, is said to be a mountaineer's spiritual journey.
These two huge unique geological structures are about a 20-minute drive from Darjeeling and are where the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute provides adventure training.
22. Darjeeling Old Cemetery
The Darjeeling Old Cemetery, which has been designated as a 'National Importance' premises, contains two historical gravesites as well as several other cemeteries from the colonial rule.
The popular destinations in the area are the burial sites of Lt. General George W. Aylmer Lloyd as well as the great Hungarian linguist Alexander Csoma de Koros. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
23. Nightingale Park
Locals and visitors alike flock to Nightingale Park to take in the spectacular scenery of the Kanchenjunga ranges. In the midst of beautifully landscaped and softening breezes, it is a perfect way to rest and replenish.
The Shrubbery Nightingale Park in Darjeeling is a pleasant open venue that is notable for enjoying and participating in the breathtaking view of the Himalayan snow peaks. The nature reserve is about a ten-minute walk from the Mall area, which is one of Darjeeling's most popular attractions.
While walking around the gardens, you can see gorgeous pine trees on one side and beautiful snow-capped mountains on the other.
24. Lloyd's Botanical Garden
The Lloyd Botanical Garden, which encompasses 40 acres, is a habitat to some of the world's greatest exotic and threatened vegetation types. There's also a completely separate greenhouse or conservatory here with 150 different types of cactus.
The Orchidarium, which has 2,500 orchids on the showcase and 50 variations, is another tourist spot here. This is one of the best destinations among places to visit in Darjeeling.
25. RIMBIK
It is well-known for its hiking trails and is progressively gaining popularity among out-of-the-ordinary travelers.
The renowned and populous pathways, as well as one of the finest trekking trails in the Eastern part of India, are Singalila National Park and Sandakphu. This place is worth visiting among the roll of places to visit in Darjeeling.
26. Mahakal Temple
Mahakal Temple, a wonderful blending of Hindu and Buddhist ethnic backgrounds, stands as a majestic and heritage edifice on the site of a Buddhist Monastery known as 'Dorje Ling.' According to mythology, Shiva-Lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar evidenced themselves here in 1782.
As a result, the Mahakal Temple of Darjeeling, a revered and believed religious holy site of the scenic hill station, was born. This is one of the best destinations among places to visit in Darjeeling.
So here is the list of tourists recommended list of the Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling. Like and share this with your travel buddies to plan a trip soon.
These Places To Visit In Darjeeling are the perfect blend of stress buster and adrenaline rusher sceneries. We highly recommend you all to make a trip to these Places To Visit In Darjeeling. Do share your experiences to these places in Darjeeling once you visit them, in the comment box below.