Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a charming hill station that is known for its stunning natural beauty, tea plantations, and colonial heritage. Here’s your ultimate travel guide to Darjeeling:
Getting There
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located about 70 kilometers from Darjeeling. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a shared Jeep to reach the town. If you’re coming from Kolkata, you can take a train to New Jalpaiguri and then hire a taxi to reach Darjeeling.
Things to See and Do
Tiger Hill: Known for its stunning sunrise views, Tiger Hill is a must-visit attraction in Darjeeling. From here, you can see the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga range, the third-highest mountain peak in the world.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Also known as the “Toy Train,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a scenic journey through the hills and tea plantations.
Darjeeling Tea Plantations: Darjeeling is known for its high-quality tea, and a visit to the tea plantations is a must. You can take a tour of the tea estates, learn about the tea-making process, and even sample some of the finest teas.
Peace Pagoda: Located on a hilltop, the Peace Pagoda is a beautiful structure that offers stunning views of Darjeeling town and the surrounding hills.
Ghum Monastery: One of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, Ghum Monastery is known for its beautiful murals, sculptures, and prayer wheels.
Batasia Loop: Located on the way to Darjeeling from Ghum, the Batasia Loop is a unique railway loop that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Mountaineering Institute: If you’re interested in mountaineering, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling is worth a visit. You can learn about the history of mountaineering in the region, see a collection of mountaineering equipment, and even take a course in mountaineering.
Where to Stay
Darjeeling has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. You can choose to stay in a heritage hotel, a budget guesthouse, or even a homestay with a local family.
Where to Eat
Darjeeling is known for its momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan delicacies. You can also try the local tea and pastries at the many tea houses and bakeries in the town.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Darjeeling is a beautiful and charming hill station that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of the Himalayas at this stunning destination.
So, why not take the first step towards your next great adventure? Visit our website at www.wanderingjane.com or give us a call at +91 998 656 5263 (Jane) to start planning your journey today. We can’t wait to help you discover the world and all its wonders.