Darjeeling is a hill station situated in West Bengal India. This place is also known as the Queen of Hills. If you are planning a trip to Darjeeling, then you are in the right place. Here I will be sharing some tips, tricks, and guides which can help you make your Darjeeling trip memorable. I was here on my motorcycle. If you want to watch the video check below.
Darjeeling History
Darjeeling is, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-famous tea plantations. The history of the town can be traced back to the early 19th century when it was a small village of the Lepcha tribe. However, it was during the British colonial rule that Darjeeling became a popular tourist destination and a center for tea cultivation.
In 1828, the British East India Company annexed Darjeeling from the Kingdom of Sikkim, making it a part of British India. The town was established as a sanatorium for British soldiers, who found relief in its cool climate and fresh air from the hot and humid plains of India. Soon after, Darjeeling became a popular hill station for British officers and their families.
During this time, tea cultivation was introduced in the town by the British. In 1841, Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon, planted the first tea bushes in the town. The tea produced here was of high quality and had a unique flavor, which quickly gained popularity in Britain. Soon, tea plantations sprang up across the town, and Darjeeling became known as the “Champagne of Teas.”
In 1864, Darjeeling was declared a municipality, and the town saw significant development in infrastructure and amenities. Roads, hospitals, schools, and churches were built, and the town began to attract visitors from all over the world. However, the colonial administration also brought about significant changes in the socio-economic fabric of the region, displacing local communities and exploiting their labor to grow tea. After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Darjeeling became a part of the state of West Bengal.
Today, this is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site(Darjeeling Toy Train) and known for its tea plantations, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. The town continues to be a center for tea cultivation, and its tea is exported to countries around the world. However, the region remains politically volatile, with demands for a separate state persisting among the local population.
Culture
The culture of the town is a unique blend of different ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. The town is home to various communities, including the Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, Bengali, and Tibetan, each with its distinct culture and customs.
The Gorkha community, also known as the Nepali-speaking community, constitutes the largest population in Darjeeling. They bear a strong cultural resemblance to the neighboring state of Nepal, as is evident in their language, music, and dance forms that prominently reflect this influence. The Nepali New Year, called “Nava Barsha,” is celebrated with much enthusiasm, with traditional dance performances and feasting.
The Bhutia community, hailing from the Tibet region, boasts a rich heritage of weaving, characterized by vivid colors and intricate designs that embellish their garments. Additionally, they have a distinctive dance form, called “Gha To Kito,” which involves swirling around a pole while clutching vibrant prayer flags.
The Lepcha tribe is the oldest indigenous community in the region, with a distinct language and culture. The community possesses a distinctive musical instrument known as the “Dungchen,” which is a lengthy brass trumpet commonly utilized during religious ceremonies and festivals.
The Tibetan community, who came to the place as refugees in the 1950s, has brought with them their rich Buddhist culture. The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center in Darjeeling is a must-visit place for those interested in Tibetan culture and handicrafts.
Apart from the diverse communities, this place also has a rich colonial legacy, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. The town has several colonial-era buildings, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway station, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has a significant English-speaking population, and the colonial era’s imprint is apparent in the local culinary scene, with dishes like steamed momos, thukpa, and chowmein in the menus.
Overall, the culture of the town is a fascinating mix of different ethnic groups, languages, and traditions, making it a unique and vibrant place to explore.
Now we know about Darjeeling’s history and culture. Now, where should you visit? There are several places to visit here, but some places are like you can’t miss. I am going to tell you about those places.
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Best time to Visit in Darjeeling
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to May (spring) and from September to November (autumn). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are usually clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
In spring, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the town is covered in beautiful flowers, making it a perfect time to explore the tea gardens and go trekking. The Rhododendron blooms in March and April, and the town hosts a Rhododendron festival during this time.
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit Darjeeling. The temperature during this time ranges from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), and the skies are clear, providing spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. The Darjeeling Carnival is held during this time, showcasing the town’s cultural diversity through music, dance, and food.
Winter in Darjeeling, from December to February, can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C (35°F to 50°F). However, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas are a beautiful sight during this time. Winter is also the time for the Darjeeling Tea and Tourism Festival, celebrating the town’s tea culture.
Monsoon, from June to August, is not an ideal time to visit Darjeeling as the region receives heavy rainfall, leading to landslides and roadblocks. However, if you are interested in monsoon tourism, you can visit Darjeeling during this time to experience the lush greenery and the foggy mist.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Darjeeling is from March to May (spring) and from September to November (autumn) when the weather is pleasant, and the town is bustling with festivals and cultural events.
How to reach Darjeeling?
This city is well connected by all means of transport.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is located about 68 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Darjeeling. Several airlines operate regular flights to Bagdogra from major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From NJP, you can take a shared jeep, private taxi or toy train to Darjeeling. The toy train is a popular mode of transport, and it takes around 7 hours to reach from NJP.
By Road: Darjeeling is well-connected by road to major cities. You can take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Darjeeling. The drive is scenic, with beautiful tea gardens, mountains, and waterfalls along the way.
Once you reach Darjeeling, you can get around the town by hiring a taxi or taking a shared jeep. You can also explore the town on foot or take a ride on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train.”
Places to visit in Darjeeling
Here are some places you should definitely visit if you are here. Some people may ask how many days are enough for the Darjeeling trip. My answer is, it totally depends on you, how much time do you have and how many places do you want to see?
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is a popular tourist destination located about 11 km from town. It is famous for its stunning sunrise views and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest peak in the world.
The best time to visit Tiger Hill is early in the morning, around 4 am, to witness the sunrise. Visitors can take a shared jeep or private taxi from Darjeeling to Tiger Hill, and it takes around 45 minutes to reach the top. The last stretch of the journey is on a steep uphill road, and visitors can either walk or take a pony ride to the summit.
At the top of Tiger Hill, there is a viewing platform where visitors can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. The view of the sunrise from Tiger Hill is one of the most spectacular sights in Darjeeling, with the peaks changing colors as the sun rises above them.
Apart from the sunrise views, Tiger Hill is also a popular spot for hiking and trekking. Visitors can take a trekking route from Tiger Hill to Ghoom Monastery, which is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling.
Overall, Tiger Hill is a must-visit destination in Darjeeling, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and a chance to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world.
Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre
The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is a non-profit organization established in 1959 to support Tibetan refugees who fled to India after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. The center provides training and employment opportunities to the refugees to help them become self-sufficient and preserve their culture and heritage.
The center is located about 4 km from the center of Darjeeling town and is open to visitors who want to learn about Tibetan culture and support the refugees. Visitors can take a tour of the center and see the various workshops where the refugees produce traditional Tibetan handicrafts, including carpets, wood carvings, and leatherwork. The center also has a small museum showcasing the history of the Tibetan refugees and their struggle for freedom.
One of the main attractions at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is the weaving workshop, where visitors can see the process of hand-weaving traditional Tibetan carpets. The center also has a small shop where visitors can purchase handicrafts and souvenirs made by the refugees.
Overall, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is an important cultural and social institution in Darjeeling, supporting the Tibetan refugees and preserving their heritage. A visit to the center provides visitors with a unique insight into Tibetan culture and the resilience of the Tibetan people in the face of adversity.
Happy valley tea estate
The Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most famous tea estates in Darjeeling, located about 3 km from the center of town. Established in 1854, the estate covers an area of about 437 acres and produces some of the finest Darjeeling tea in the world.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the estate to learn about the tea-making process, from plucking the tea leaves to processing and packaging them. The tour takes visitors through the tea fields, processing unit, and tea tasting room, where visitors can sample some of the estate’s finest teas.
The estate also has a tea shop where visitors can purchase a variety of teas, including black, green, and white teas, as well as tea accessories and souvenirs.
Apart from tea, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is also known for its scenic beauty, with lush green tea gardens, rolling hills, and stunning views of the Himalayas. The estate has several walking trails that visitors can explore, including the scenic “Happy Valley Tea Garden Trail” which takes visitors through the tea fields and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Overall, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is a must-visit destination in Darjeeling, offering visitors a chance to learn about the tea-making process, taste some of the finest Darjeeling teas, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the tea gardens.
Batasia Loop
The Batasia Loop is a famous railway loop located about 5 km from the center of Darjeeling town. The loop was built in 1919 to allow the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to negotiate the steep gradient between Darjeeling and Ghoom. The Batasia Loop is a spiral track where the train makes a complete loop, turning 360 degrees around a beautiful garden with a central war memorial.
The Batasia Loop offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, with the Himalayas forming a breathtaking backdrop. Visitors can watch “Toy Train,” make its way around the loop, while enjoying the panoramic views of the town and the Himalayan peaks.
At the center of the loop is a beautifully landscaped garden, featuring a central fountain and a war memorial dedicated to the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various wars and conflicts. The memorial is surrounded by a circular path, which offers visitors a chance to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenic beauty of the garden and the surrounding hills.
The Batasia Loop is a popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the town’s rich history and heritage while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple located on a hilltop, built-in 1972 by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii. The pagoda is one of the 70 similar structures built around the world to promote world peace and non-violence.
The pagoda is an impressive sight, with its gleaming white dome and the golden statue of the Buddha on top. Visitors can climb a flight of stairs to reach the pagoda and enjoy stunning views of the town and the surrounding Himalayas from the hilltop.
The pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, which are adorned with colorful flowers and small water bodies.
Inside the pagoda, visitors can find several Buddhist relics and scriptures, as well as a small meditation hall where visitors can meditate and seek inner peace. The pagoda also hosts several Buddhist festivals and cultural events throughout the year, which are attended by Buddhists from all over the world.
Overall, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a must-visit destination in Darjeeling, offering visitors a chance to experience the town’s rich cultural heritage, while promoting peace and non-violence.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as the Darjeeling Zoo, is a famous zoo located about 2 km from the center of town. Established in 1958, the zoo is spread over an area of about 67.56 acres and is home to a variety of Himalayan wildlife species.
The zoo is known for its conservation efforts and breeding programs for endangered species such as the Himalayan red panda, snow leopard, and Tibetan wolf. The zoo also houses several other animals, including Himalayan black bears, yaks, barking deer, and several species of birds.
Visitors to the zoo can take a guided tour to learn about the various animals and their habitats. The zoo also has a small museum that showcases the flora and fauna of the Himalayan region, as well as the culture and lifestyle of the local communities.
One of the highlights of the zoo is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, located within its premises. The institute was established in 1954 and offers courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, and trekking. The institute also has a museum that showcases the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas and honors famous mountaineers such as Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, who scaled Mount Everest in 1953.
Overall, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-visit destination in Darjeeling, offering visitors a chance to experience the Himalayan wildlife and learn about the region’s rich culture and heritage.
Ghoom Monastery
The Ghoom Monastery, also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery, is a famous Buddhist monastery located about 8 km from the center of Darjeeling town. Established in 1850, the monastery is one of the oldest in the region and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage.
The monastery is a popular destination for tourists and visitors who come to admire its beautiful paintings, sculptures, and thangkas (Buddhist tapestries). The highlight of the monastery is a 15-foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha, also known as the Future Buddha, which is believed to be one of the largest statues of its kind in the region.
Visitors to the monastery can also witness the daily rituals and prayers performed by the resident monks, who follow the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery also hosts several Buddhist festivals and cultural events throughout the year, which are attended by Buddhists from all over the world.
The Ghoom Monastery is located near the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway station, making it easily accessible for visitors. The monastery offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination in Darjeeling.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a renowned mountaineering institute located in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Established in 1954, the institute is dedicated to the training and development of mountaineering skills among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The institute was founded by Tenzing Norgay, the famous Sherpa mountaineer who became the first person to climb Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. The institute offers several courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, and trekking, ranging from basic to advanced levels.
The institute has a well-equipped training center with modern facilities, including a climbing wall, a high-altitude laboratory, and a library. The institute also has a museum that showcases the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas, with exhibits featuring mountaineering equipment used in the past, photographs of famous mountaineers, and detailed information about various mountaineering expeditions.
In addition to its training and development programs, the institute also conducts research on high-altitude physiology and ecology and collaborates with various national and international organizations on research and conservation projects.
The HMI is also home to the famous Tenzing Norgay Rock, a natural rock face used for rock climbing training, and the institute’s famous Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa, a Buddhist monument built in honor of Tenzing Norgay.
Overall, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a must-visit destination in Darjeeling for adventure enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history and culture of mountaineering in the Himalayas.
Mahakal Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. The Mahakal Temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Darjeeling, with some sources dating its origin to the 18th century. The temple is located in the heart of the town, near the Chowrasta Mall, and is easily accessible to visitors.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, which are typical of traditional Hindu temple architecture. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the main deity, Shiva Lingam, which is worshipped by devotees who visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
The Mahakal Temple is also famous for its annual Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated with great fervor by devotees from all over the region. During the festival, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and several cultural events and performances are organized.
The temple’s location near the Chowrasta Mall, one of the most popular tourist spots in Darjeeling, makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the town. The temple’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and religious significance make it a must-visit destination in Darjeeling for anyone interested in Hinduism or Indian culture.
Darjeeling Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling. The railway line, which was built in the late 19th century, runs for 88 km between Siliguri and Darjeeling and passes through several picturesque locations, including Ghum, the highest railway station in India.
The Toy Train is famous for its narrow gauge track, which is just 2 feet wide, and its slow speed, which allows passengers to enjoy the scenic views of the mountains, valleys, and tea gardens along the way. The train has several classes of coaches, including first-class and second-class coaches, and offers a unique and memorable travel experience.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is not just a means of transportation but also a significant part of Darjeeling’s cultural heritage. The railway line and its associated infrastructure, including the stations, bridges, and tunnels, have been carefully preserved and maintained, and are considered to be excellent examples of the engineering and architectural skills of the time.
A ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Darjeeling. The train offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region, as well as the history and culture of the area. The Toy Train is also an important part of Darjeeling’s tourism industry and has helped to promote the town and its surrounding areas as a popular tourist destination.
I was on my motorcycle, so I decided not to get on this toy train but next time for sure. So, I have told you about the places you must have to visit during your Darjeeling tour. In this Darjeeling, tour guide tried my best to give you the information about the place.