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Dali Monastery is a zone of tranquillity entirely dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The red-painted walls are adorned with murals and prayer flags. Over two hundred monks live here to study and practise Buddhism. The architectural marvel is an amalgamation of Tibetan and Nepalese kinds with minute details. The surroundings are serene and green, overlooking the valley. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or anyone searching for a moment of quiet, this monastery is where the mind finds solace and the spirit gets resorted.
How To Reach Dali Monastery
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The monastery can be conveniently reached via road from Bagdogra International Airport or Darjeeling Railway Station in West Bengal. Visitors can either drive their car or hire a taxi from nearby towns like Darjeeling, Ghoom, or Kurseong.
- From Ghoom, the drive is approximately 7 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
- From Darjeeling, it’s a shorter distance of about 3 kilometres, taking approximately 12 minutes.
- Kurseong is another option, located 38 kilometres away, with a travel time of roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Places To Visit Around Dali Monastery
The monastery is a serene and peaceful location in Darjeeling. There are various places to visit around the monastery.
1. Ghoom Monastery
Photo: Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated at an altitude of nearly 8,000 feet, Ghoom Monastery is a living embodiment of Tibetan Buddhism, set against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. This monastery houses a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha, made of Tibetan clay, and beautiful Thangka paintings. Other than the religious importance of the place, Ghoom Monastery also offers a cultural experience and some monks have been dedicating their lives to the study of Buddhism and its application in their lives.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: NA
2. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Photo: Matt Stabile / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the rolling hills of Darjeeling, Happy Valley Tea Estate is a living example of tea cultivation. Winding up the road, a beautiful scene unfolds with lush green tea bushes and crisp air, much like a painter’s palette. Beyond the process, Happy Valley offers an oasis of calm with its tea gardens and colonial bungalows in the backdrop. This estate’s tea is particularly noted for its exquisite flavour profile, which comes from a unique terroir and careful cultivation.
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100
3. Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park
Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
Two of the lesser-known wonders, Rock Garden is a multitiered symphony of stones and greenery, with rivulets that further lead down to cascading waterfalls and vibrant flowers. While, Ganga Maya Park is an oasis of quiet among the hills, complete with a gentle stream, lush green lawns, and a serene lake. The off-beat waterfall presents a different aspect of the hill station, thus assuring an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20
4. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist monument in Darjeeling, situated amidst busy streets and rolling hills of the Himalayas. Constructed by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, it symbolises peace and nonviolence against the chaos on Earth. One is taken to a different world, brimming with peace and enlightenment while climbing this pagoda. It has four gilded statues of Buddha depicting important stages of his life and carvings of scenes in Buddhist mythology. People of any religion will find solace inside the pagoda.
Timings: 4 AM – 7 PM (Prayer Timings: 4:30 AM – 6 AM, 4:30 PM – 6 PM)
Entry Fee: NA
5. Kalimpong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong is one of the many picturesque hill stations in the Himalayas. It offers a tranquil retreat from bustling tourist destinations like Darjeeling. Understatedly beautiful and culturally rich with its serene ambience, Kalimpong proves to be a melting pot for varied communities like Lepchas, Bhutias, Nepalis, and Bengalis. It is a town with lively markets and greenery, just the right place for trekking and nature walks. Kalimpong is also the entryway to scenic villages and monasteries, which provide an insight into the spiritual legacy of the region.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20
Where To Stay
Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Darjeeling offers a plethora of accommodation facilities to pilgrims and travellers. Some of the popular ones are Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow, Lizahill Villa, The Elgin, Pahari Soul, and Yamfu Homestay. Accommodations are available in various budgets. Parking, Wi-Fi, and dining facilities are also provided in some accommodations.
Where To Eat
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Food Paradise, Jains Midway Restaurant, Wayside Inn, Grains Pure Veg by Udaan Nirvana, Mamta Pizza Place, and Machhan Tea Bear Cafe are some options for delectable food. One is sure to get a good mix of local flavours and dishes familiar to all.
Best Time To Visit Dali Monastery
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Spring offers pleasant weather, flourishing flowers, and lovely landscapes. The summer season is mild, and visibility is good for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season may hamper plans. Winter is the peak tourist season with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, so it tends to get crowded. Therefore, consider the months of March to June and October to December for the best Dali Monastery photos if you prefer quieter surroundings.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entrance fee at the Dali Monastery Darjeeling. Additional expenses may include transportation, food, and refreshments. The estimated cost would be from ₹5000 to ₹10,000 per person per day.
Tips For Travellers
- Take care as a responsible traveller, and do not litter in the temple complex.
- Dress modestly—covering your shoulders and knees—since you will be entering places of worship.
- Show due respect to the local customs and traditions.
The journey to Dali Monastery is a spiritual pilgrimage that provides a serene ambience and deep wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism. It conveys the rich artistic heritage of the land, which in its architecture reflects intricate carvings with bright colours and deep meanings. Plan a trip to West Bengal with TripXL and come back home with a memorable and enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Pavel Špindler / Wikimedia Commons
