Darjeeling Tour

A sleepy hamlet in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is the exotic gateway to the northeast. This picture postcard destination, spread over steep mountain ridges with towering Kanchenjunga in the backdrop, verdant tea clad hills and quintessential colonial structures, rightfully deserves the title of the Queen of Hills. Walk the meandering tea-trails, visit its beautiful monasteries and ride the steam-billowing heritage train of Darjeeling. The adventurous ones may trek up the ridges or drive mountain bikes on the hilly terrain. And do try a steaming Darjeeling brew to boost the energy levels!

Major attractions in Darjeeling

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
This tiny train, running on the narrow gauge track, evokes the visions of the colonial past. Affectionately called the toy train, it chugs along precipitous slopes and picturesque valleys on its daily route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling & back. Pulled by antiquated steam locomotives, this charming train is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage.

Singalila National Park
Covering the scenic Singalila Ridge, this National Park is known for its panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. Tall rhododendrons cover its vast stretches and make a gorgeous picture when blooming in April & May. There is a lot of vegetation, birds and fauna that can be found in this trekkers paradise.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Spread over an area of 67 acres, this zoo is known for its breeding program for red panda and snow leopard. Its rocky & forested environ is home to rare and endangered species such as snow leopards, Himalayan salamanders, Tibetan wolf, red pandas, and Siberian tigers.

Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill, at an elevation of 2590, is a perfect spot to watch the dawn spread its wings over a spectacular 250 kilometer stretch of Himalayan horizon that includes Everest and Kanchendzonga. Early morning jeep rides up the tiger hill to catch a brilliant sunrise are quite popular amongst the tourists.

Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple
The hill, a short trek up the Mall Road amidst colorful prayer flags & tinkling bells, is home to various temples with Mahakal Temple being the main summit temple. Mahakal is worshipped by both Buddhists and Hindus and thus the temple is staffed by a Hindu priest and a Buddhist lama sitting side by side and performing various temples rituals.

Yiga Choeling Gompa
Yiga Choeling Gompa, the oldest in the area, home to exquisite murals, a 5m-high statue of Jampa (Future Buddha) and over 300 delicately bound Tibetan texts. Founded in 1850, the Gompa has since been a symbol of Buddhist faith in the region.

Other Attractions

• Japanese Peace Pagoda
• Batasia Loop
• Happy Valley Tea Estate
• Neora Valley National Park

Fairs & Festivals of Darjeeling

• Tendong Lho Rumfaat- Lepchas Tribe Festival
• Cham Dance- Tibetan Festival
• Teesta Rangeet Tourism Festival

Shopping in Darjeeling
Darjeeling Tea, bamboo objects, curio, scroll paintings and Tibetan artifacts are a great buy in Darjeeling.

Food in Darjeeling
Food in Darjeeling reflects on the cultural diversity of this tiny city. Do taste the delicious Tibetan Momos & Thupkas, typical Alu Dum & Nepali Thali, and top it all with the famous Darjeeling tea, the salted Tibetan Tea or Tongba- the local Darjeeling beer.

Best Time to Visit
Summer season in Darjeeling is from March to June and then from October to December in winters.

How to Reach Darjeeling
By Air- Bagdogra International Airport, around 70 kilometers from Darjeeling, caters to domestic & international air traffic.
By Rail- New Jalpaiguri railway station is the closest one around 60 kilometers away.
By Road- Darjeeling is connected to major cities in the country by a well-maintained network of roads & highways.