Darjeeling Tour - A Romantic Brew

Darjeeling evokes visions of fragrant tea gardens, lofty rhododendron forests, breathtaking landscapes and romantic toy train chugging along scenic vistas. Add the charming colonial structures, stunning monasteries, and bustling bazaars; and Darjeeling makes a perfect holiday destination for you! With an assorted population of Nepalis, Lepchas, Bhutias Tibetans and Gorkhas; Darjeeling is a melting pot of colorful cultures.

Major Attractions in Darjeeling

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The steam billowing heritage train of Darjeeling was commissioned in 1881 and has since been a favorite with everyone. Chugging along its picturesque route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and back; this enchanting narrow gauge toy train brings back the old world charm.

Singalila National Park

Tall forests of blooming rhododendrons proclaim the boundaries of Singalila National Park. Covering the scenic Singalila Ridge, this National Park is quite popular for its pretty trekking trails, amazing flora & fauna and a stunning view of the Himalayas.

Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple

A short trek from the Mall road takes you up the Observatory Hill, home to the famous Mahakal shrine sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Amidst tinkling temple bells and fluttering prayer flags, sit a Hindu priest and a Buddhist lama, performing rituals of both faiths.

Tiger Hill

When in Darjeeling, be sure to catch the first rays of sun as they fall on the majestic Himalayas and color the dawn sky; and the best spot for it is the Tiger Hill. Ride a jeep up the hill to view a stunning sunrise and trek down amid beautiful views.

Ghoom Monastery

Around 8kms form Darjeeling, in Ghoom, this monastery was built in 1875 by a lama called Sherab Gyatso. It houses a 15ft statue of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha) and some rare handwritten manuscripts.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Take a peek at the endangered Red Pandas and Snow Leopards at this Darjeeling Zoo. Stretching over an area of 67 acres, this zoo is renowned for its breeding program for red pandas and snow leopards. The zoo also houses other rare animals such as Himalayan salamanders, Tibetan wolf, and Siberian tigers.

Other Attractions

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

Excursion from Darjeeli

Kalimpong (50kms) - Darjeeling's picturesque cousin.

Fairs & Festivals of Darjeeling

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

Food in Darjeeling

From delectable Tibetan momos & Thupkas to typical Alu Dum & Nepali Thali, and from Chhurpi to Shaphalay; it’s a medley of flavors! Must have brews here are the famous Darjeeling tea, the salted Tibetan Tea and Tongba- the local Darjeeling beer.

Shopping in Darjeeling

Darjeeling Tea, Tibetan artifacts, woolens, Tibetan Masks, Thagkas( Buddhist scroll paintings) , silver & copper wares, wood carved items- shop for all at bargain prices!

Best Time to Visit

Summer season in Darjeeling is from March to June and winter tourist season is from October to December.

How to Reach Darjeeling

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