Darjeeling, India
Darjeeling is a gorgeous hill station of West Bengal, which is known for its charming peaks, intact natural beauty and arresting tourist spots. Situated on the Shivalik Hills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is famous worldwide for its tea industry and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Along with picturesque splendor, Darjeeling is considered a trekker's paradise. Cuddled amidst the rolling mountains, this city offers an ideal getaway to people looking for a rendezvous with nature. With a wholesome weather and calm environment, Darjeeling makes the tourists fall in love with it right away. Darjeeling is a cultural hotspot along with being an interesting tourist hub.
It enjoys indigenous ethnic crowd. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two extensively followed religions at this place and Christians and Muslims come in minority group. Darjeeling is also known for its British-style public schools, which invite students from different corners of India and abroad. Previously, Darjeeling used to be the part of Sikkim. It also served as a frontier town in British India, due to its strategic location and modern political situations. During freedom of India, Darjeeling was merged in West Bengal. At present, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination of India.
Visit in Darjeeling
Cultural diversity, chronological connection, lip smacking foods, exclusive local markets and extraordinary trekking expeditions are some of the key reasons for the tourists coming to explore this incredible hill resort. One can find a number of places to visit in Darjeeling, from vantage points to war memorials, temples to monasteries and toy train to climbing institute. Here below is the information on the tourist attractions in Darjeeling city.
Tiger hill is one of best tourist attractions in Darjeeling and this is the point from where you have to start tour. It is located at a distance of 12 km from the main city. Tiger hill is the highest hill in the region, which provides the most incredible views of surroundings. You can see sunrise at the Mount Everest if weather is clear.
Batasia Loop is a railway loop where Darjeeling toy train takes a 360 degree turn over a hilltop offering an amazing view. This place also has a good shopping market where you can buy bags and other items made by the local people at reasonable price.
Happy Valley Tea Estate is a tea garden in Darjeeling, which was established in 1854. It is the oldest tea estate in Darjeeling. Spread over 437acres, the estate is situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet above the sea level.
Senchal Lake is located near the tiger hills. This place has popularly known for a picnic spot among the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to Darjeeling.
Spread in about 40 acres of land, Lloyd Botanical Garden was founded in 1878 as a secluded capture of the Calcutta Botanical Garden. This garden features a wonderful collection of orchards, which is also known for its collection of a number of exotic species of flora.
It is situated about 7 kms from Darjeeling. Dhoom Gompa has very attractive statue of Maitryie Buddha. This monastery also has some of the rare manuscripts of Buddhist.
Spread across an area of about 44 hectares, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is well-known for its flourishing enslaved breeding of numerous rare animals, like Snow Leopard and Red Panda. Situated at an altitude of 2133.5 meters, on the Birch Hill, this zoo now serves as home to countless species of endangered animals and birds.
Observatory Hills is situated close to Darjeeling town. This hill offers the visitors majestic view of the Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the World.
The Kali Temple is very renowned in Darjeeling. It is fully decorated with lots of vibrant flags. The temple is surrounded with monkeys all around and they can snatch things from you. It is highly recommended to tease them not.
Your Darjeeling trip is incomplete without visiting monasteries of this scenic town. Let’s explore the top Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling.
The monastery was established by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche with a purpose to preserve the Buddhist religion and Tibetan culture. On the inauguration of this new building of monastery, Dalai Lama preached here for three days.
It belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas and was previously situated on the 'Observatory Hill'. It was removed by the Nepalese in the 19th century and then reconstructed at its current location. Due to an earthquake, it was ruined in 1934 and again restored by the late king of Sikkim.
Situated 8 km away from the main town of Darjeeling, Guru Shakya Monastery is situated. It is a notable and important monastery of the Shakya Order.
Located at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhism, which worships 'Maitreya Buddha'. This monastery was built by Lama Sherab Gyantso in the year 1975.
Makdhog Monastery was built to preserve the distinct cultural, ethnic and social identity of the Yolmowa community. It was built by Sri Sangay Lama – a highly admired religious leader of the Yolmowas sect.
Globally famous for its floral fragrance, Darjeeling tea enjoys a musky spiciness. The tea is processed from the Chinese variety of 'Camellia Sinensis' plant. At present, the town officially features 144 tea gardens sprawling over an area of 74843.82 acres. Some popular tea gardens in Darjeeling are Arya, Castleton, Chamong, Glenburn, Jungpana, Lingia, Makaibari, Margaret's Hope and Risheehat. Tea gardens in Darjeeling are must visit attraction of the town.
Founded in year 1903, the museum provides the visitors a wonderful view of rich flora and fauna of the surrounding areas. This museum captivatingly portrays the archeological testimonies of the natural world and their evolution process. It is a perfect stopover for nature’s enthusiasts, which provides them an intimacy with different varieties of plants and animals.
Japanese Peace Pagoda is one of the key tourist attractions in the Darjeeling. It has been established to enlighten people from different casts, creeds and regions to come together and work for world peace. It is an important sightseeing place in Darjeeling.
Darjeeling, India
March to Mid-June, Pleasant and beautiful
Temperature:8°C – 25°C
July to September
Annual rainfall -281 cm
Last November to February, Cool and Pleasant
Temperature:0°C – 5°C
Sights of Darjeeling
