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Darjeeling, located in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayan region, is a hill station known for its rich history and world-famous tea. This peaceful town is a perfect blend of natural beauty and colonial charm. When exploring places to visit in Darjeeling, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Tiger Hill, visit the Peace Pagoda or ride the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lush greenery of tea plantations, local markets, and the beautiful backdrop of Kanchenjunga make Darjeeling an unforgettable destination for travellers.
10 Places To Visit In Darjeeling
Be it panoramic mountain views or historical landmarks, Darjeeling remains a treasure trove of attractions. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling :
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ,a train that runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Known as “Darjeeling Toy Train”, it serves views of the mountains, villages and shops. There are two routes; the first is from Darjeeling to Ghum and back. Trains begin at 7:40 AM; the last train is at 4:20 PM. The second route is from Siliguri to Rangtong and back. It begins at 10:30 AM and reaches Rangtong at 11:50 AM. The train arrives at the Siliguri Junction at 1:35 PM.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
2. Batasia Loop
Photo: Deb Anutosh / Wikimedia Commons
Start your train journey with the Batasia Loop, one of the most intriguing Darjeeling tourist places. This mechanical wonder is a rolling railway that offers spectacular views of the gardens of Darjeeling. You can explore the Gorkha Soldiers War Memorial, surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is immensely popular among tourists and locals. As the train moves, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This monument celebrates the bravery and sacrifices of the Gorkha soldiers and adds historical significance to that journey.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 per person
3. Tiger Hill
Photo: Judith / Wikimedia Commons
Tiger Hill is a picturesque spot and a must-visit place amongst places for a Darjeeling trip. When the sun rises above the Kanchenjunga Peak, Tiger hill offers a stunning view of the horizon. A panoramic view of Mount Everest is ideal for those who enjoy both nature and photography. An early morning trek to the top of the hill is accompanied by a spectacular sunrise that illuminates the region with a golden glow and provides the perfect start to the day.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Timings: 4 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Observatory Tower; ₹20 for ground level, ₹30 for first floor, ₹40 for seating
Suggested Read: Paragliding In Darjeeling
4. Darjeeling Ropeway
Photo: Jyoti PN / Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Cable Car, India’s premier cable car infrastructure. This ride offers an overview of the lush tea plantations, dense forests and mountains. Darjeeling Ropeway offers a unique perspective of the wonderful nature of Darjeeling, where you can enjoy the scenery from 2000 metres above sea level. The cable car is exciting and peaceful and offers unforgettable experiences. As you glide through the landscape, you’ll see the intricate patterns of tea gardens and terraced hillsides, creating a visual treat that is stunning and is overall one of the more memorable places.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Timings: Winter and Monsoon; 10 AM – 4 PM, Summer and Autumn; 10 AM – 2 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 (Adults) and ₹100 (Children aged 3 – 8 years)
5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was found by Tenzing Norgay, the first man to reach the summit of Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. It provides a range of courses and training programmes to help mountaineering enthusiasts become proficient in safety and climbing techniques. Visitors to the museum can explore the climbing tools, images and personal mementoes of renowned climbers who inspire them with their stories of courage and endurance. The institute provides information on the challenges and triumphs of mountaineering.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹40
Camera: ₹10
Highlights: Museum, Library, Auditorium, Souvenir Shop
Suggested Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
6. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Photo: Senorita 786 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places for your Darjeeling trip, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Animal Park preserves red pandas, snow leopards and other endangered animals. This zoo prioritises the conservation of Himalayan wildlife and offers an informative experience of local wildlife. The endangered species’ breeding programs contribute significantly to wildlife conservation. Visitors can learn about various conservation measures and the importance of protecting these unique species. You can spot both the playful red pandas, and the majestic snow leopards here.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Timing: Summers: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Winters: 8:30AM – 4 PM (Thursdays closed)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners
7. Barbotey Rock Garden
Photo: Csheik / Wikimedia Commons
Immerse yourself in the calm ambience of the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park. Between rugged cliffs and waterfalls, these gardens are perfect for a picnic in the sun. The tranquil surroundings and lush greenery, coupled with the gentle sound of the waterfall, make it a favourite among visitors looking for places to visit in Darjeeling and a peaceful getaway. Well-planned paths and vibrant flower beds complement the natural beauty of the park. Families often enjoy the day here, with children playing near the waterfalls and adults relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
Weather: 14 to 18°C
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for Foreigners
Highlights: Ganga Maya Park
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Darjeeling
8. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Photo: L Manju / Wikimedia Commons
A symbol of peace and harmony, the Japanese Peace Pagoda was built by Japanese Buddhists. The magnificent white structure sits atop a hill. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of Darjeeling. The Pagoda is decorated with four Buddha figures, each exuding peace and serenity. The quiet atmosphere is emphasised by the soft ringing of prayer bells and the fluttering of the prayer flags. Visitors often feel calm and spiritual when they explore this pagoda with its peaceful surroundings and impressive architecture.
Weather: 14°C – 18°C
Timings: 4 AM – 7 PM
9. Observatory Hill
Photo: Matte Stabile / Wikimedia Commons
Observatory Hill is a religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It’s one of the leading places to visit in Darjeeling. The hilltop Mahakali temple is decorated with prayer flags and bells, providing a spiritual environment. This hill boasts magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This makes it both a place of religious significance and landscape beauty. The mountain is a popular place among pilgrims and tourists who come to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views. At the peak of this hill, prayer wheels and colourful flags lead visitors on a spiritual journey, concluding with stunning views.
Weather: 14°C to 18°C
Timing: 5 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Best Food In Darjeeling
10. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Photo: Benoy / Wikimedia Commons
Embark on an adventure at Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of the oldest tourist places in Darjeeling. Here, you can take a guided tour to learn about the complex process of tea making and get a taste of the best Darjeeling tea. The experience of walking through the tea gardens and tasting freshly brewed tea is both educational and delightful. Guests can enjoy the tea made at the property’s shop, where they get to choose from various tea blends for a memorable souvenir.
Weather: 14 to 18°C
When you leave, carry the essence of Darjeeling’s eternal charm with you. Never forget that the Queen of the Hills will always be there to greet you with open arms. You can explore everything about this charming town with TripXL, which takes you to the best places to visit in Darjeeling, ranging from the breathtaking views at Tiger Hill to the calm serenity of the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Cover Photo: Darkone, MichaelJanich, Hph / Wikimedia Commons
