Darjeeling - What to Do and See!
Remember Rajesh Khanna wooing Sharmila Tagore singing ‘Mere Sapno ki Rani’? That was Darjeeling for you, one of the most popular hill stations in India, it is a hub for tourists and travellers. Darjeeling - broken down as Dorje (thunder) and Ling (land), giving the place the name - ‘Land of Thunderbolt’. Surrounded by the Himalayas all around, the view of Kanchenjunga - third highest peak in the world will leave you spellbound. The beautiful valleys, picturesque train rides and the lush tea plantations make Darjeeling a perfect getaway in the hills.
Does this make you excited already? Before you start packing for Darjeeling, we give you a bucket list with all the to do’s and see’s that you should definitely cross off it.
Before that, let us delve into some basic facts and information that would come in handy.
Best Time to Go!
> The Autumn - October and November and Spring - March to May is the best time to enjoy Darjeeling as the weather is clear and dry and temperatures are pleasant.> Winters can be cold here, so bring an extra jumper if visiting from December to February.
> The rains of July to September can be extremely wet and are best avoided.
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How to Reach!
> By Air - Nearest Airport is Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri.Direct Flights are available from Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.
> By Railway - Nearest Railway station is New Jalpaiguri, connected by many major cities.
There are a number of trains from cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar and Kochi.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE!
Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Barfi!’ gave us a mesmerizing view of the streets of Darjeeling from the joy trains to the undulating tea gardens. It’s beyond beautiful and visually very scenic.
In the lap of West Bengal, Darjeeling has evolved as a popular hill station because of its multiple trekking routes, quaint colonial charm, authentic Himalayan cuisine and an overall natural beauty made of lush green tea gardens and snow clad mountains.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
Famously known as the Toy Train, DHR is also a UNESCO Heritage site. It runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and has become an iconic part of darjeeling. A ride in this train is a must!
Tiger Hill
One of the best sights in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill offers some breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range and some clear sky days, views of the Mount Everest. You can trek your way to Tiger Hill or go by jeep which takes you through the tea plantations.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was built to commemorate the success of Tenzing Norgay in his conquest on Mount Everest. Today, it is a almost like a pilgrimage for all rock climbing enthusiasts and other adventure sports lovers.> Try basic terrains for fun and go have a look at the museum. Enjoy views of the Kanchenjunga by the side of HMI restaurant.
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Singalila National Park
Situated in one of the highest regions of West Bengal, Singalila National Park gives a picturesque view of the lesser Himalayas.> This is a paradise for you if you are a trekker as the park entails many opportunities for that.
> You will get good views of rare and endangered animals like Red Panda, Black Bear, Tigers and Leopards, Yellow throated Marten, Wild Boar etc.
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Observatory Hill
Another famous tourist destination in Darjeeling, Observatory Hill and as the name suggests, you observe some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas.> There is also an ancient temple - Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva that is often frequented by tourists and locals.
Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop houses the famous Gorkha war memorial and is usually visited by the Toy Train.> The loop covers an area of 50,000 square feet and transverses spirally into tunnels, lush parks and hills in this 1,000 feet high descent giving you a 360 degree view of Darjeeling by Toy Train.
> The local crafts market nearby is a must visit.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
This Buddhist shrine was built by a Japanese monk known as Nichidatsu Fuji and is one of the 30 such structures across the world.> A beautiful white structure with golden sculptures, the Pagoda is 28.5 meters high.
> The shrine is centered around beautiful views of the hills and is very picturesque for photographers.
Senchal Lake
The main reservoir in Darjeeling area also serves as a popular tourist destination. At an elevation of 8160 feet, you will find yourself staring at the at the dense forests, oak trees and hilly areas. There are also beautiful orchids on the lakeside.> A 9-hole golf course and clubhouse are also present in proximity to this scenic lake, which adds to its popularity.
Happy Valley Tea Estate
A must visit place in Darjeeling, as the tea from here is famous worldwide.
> The process of tea manufacturing is a must watch and you also get to pick tea leaves in the baskets.
> Located only 3km away from the city, the tea garden is very accessible and transports you straight into a scene from a bollywood movie!
Darjeeling is a heavenly abode in the hills, popularised by many films in India. The beauty of the place is one to behold. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go to Darjeeling for your own rendezvous with the mountain!
Created By -
Namrita Singh
Namrita Singh
