Situated at a pleasing altitude of 2134 meters, the town of Darjeeling covers a neat 4 square miles in area but the entire district expands up to 1,215 square miles. The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Darjeeling. But with time, a major influx of immigrants in the town has resulted in the presence of a culturally diverse population inclusive of Bhutias, Sherpas, Tibetans, Khampas, Gorkhas, Europeans & Bengalis. Irrespective of their diverse background, each Darjeeling resident is hospitable & adept in making the incoming tourists feel more than welcome during their joyful stay in the Queen of the Hills.
If you are to pay Darjeeling a visit, you will be spellbound by the astounding view of the Khangchendzonga range the location offers. Its rich colonial heritage preserved till today is sure to take you on a time-travelling spree. Browse through the European & British architectural marvels standing around the corner, waiting to be explored. Book your joy ride on the world famous Toy Train. View the break of the dawn against Khangchendzonga in myriad colors when you’re in Tiger Hill. Tread through its eclectic gompas & temples that have preserved rare religious relics against the test of time. And to give your journey a signature ending, take home your own batch of premium, hand-plucked Darjeeling.
Sightseeing Places in Darjeeling
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
This globally recognized World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful railway undertakings operating at high altitudes. Affectionately known as the Toy Train, it marches from the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and tours you through the emerald cloud-tipped hills & manicured tea estates of Darjeeling.
Batasia Loop
This chunk of land is riddled with winding trails of 2ft wide Toy Train tracks. A War Memorial is erected here in honor of the Gorkha soldiers. Stand on the loop after your joy ride and enjoy the blissful, panoramic view of Khangchendzonga.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
Established to rehabilitate the Tibetans who followed His Holiness The Dalai Lama on his journey to India, this center is a live workshop where Tibetans work in full swing, displaying & selling their classic, homespun handicrafts. Take home a well-cherished souvenir.
Tiger Hill
We take you on popular 4 am rides to this most craved destination, where tourists gather to witness the majestic sunrise. Stand on the podium overlooking the grand peaks of Khangchendzonga & Everest and watch the golden rays of the sun slowly creep up the pristine snow-clad peaks.
Observatory Hills
A place riddled by reverberating prayer bells, colorful flags & raiding monkeys, its real uniqueness lies in the peaceful existence of Buddhist monasteries & Hindu temples side by side. Get the best view of Khangchendzonga from here
Bhutia Busty Gompa
Shifted from the Observatory Hills & rebuilt by the Chogyal of Sikkim at its present location, the Bhutia Busty Gompa is just a five-minute walk from Chowrasta. Standing in front of the majestic Khangchendzongan backdrop, this monastery houses rare Buddhist relics, including the Tibetan Book of the Dead &, is an imminently serene, aesthetic spot to visit.
Happy Valley Tea Estate
Learn what made Darjeeling famous- take a trip down the Happy Valley Tea Estate during the plucking season (March-November) and get an exclusive tour regarding the how-about of tea-making. The executives guide you down the factory to watch how the leaves are rolled & fermented.
Singalila National Park
Gear up your trekking boots & trudge towards the Singalila Ridge Trek from Sandakphu to Phalut. We have the best tour guides for you. Or take a jeep safari inside the Park to the wilderness to witness orchids and rhododendrons in full bloom during Spring. Singalila Park is home to an extensive range of Himalayan fauna like barking deer, long-tailed pangolins, yellow-throated martens, snow leopards & red pandas as well.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The largest breeding center for snow leopards, this zoo was established in 1958 to preserve & study Himalayan flora and fauna. Trudge in and get a glimpse of Asiatic Black Bears, Tibetan Wolves, Red Pandas & Snow Leopards, etc.
Rangit Valley Ropeway
This ropeway glides from Singamari to Singla Bazaar from an altitude of about 7,000ft. Hop in and float above manicured tea lawns, getting a bird’s eye view of the Himalayas, waterfalls and the stream of Little Rangeet.
