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Darjeeling is a hill station located in the state of West Bengal. There are many places to visit near Darjeeling such as the tea gardens, majestic peaks, forested hills, scenic waterfalls, national parks, and rock gardens. Home to the intriguing Ghum Monastery, Darjeeling offers a mix of natural and cultural heritage. There are also plenty of fun activities for tourists here. For instance, you could take a fun ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Rail line, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Darjeeling will surely leave you enthralled with its sights and sounds.
10 Places To Visit Near Darjeeling
Set apart by its colonial-era charm, Darjeeling continues to attract tourists every year. Here are 10 places to visit near Darjeeling that you should not miss.
1. Tiger Hill
Photo: DaLoetz / Wikimedia Commons
Tiger Hill is a great place to watch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga’s peaks, awash in shades of gold and red at the break of dawn. With its height of 2,590 metres, Tiger Hill beckons photographers looking to capture the majestic Himalayas. One of the best places to see near Darjeeling, Tiger Hill also allows you to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest from a distance on a clear morning.
Best Time To Visit: October to December and April to June
Suggested Read: Best Hill Stations Near Darjeeling For A Marvellous Staycation
2. Batasia Loop
Photo: Dr. Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
Batasia Circle is where the Darjeeling toy train makes its way in a circle through a tunnel and over a hilltop, around a pretty garden. This place offers a 360-degree view of Darjeeling’s scenery and the Himalayas. The place is also known for its War Memorial, built in honour of Darjeeling’s Gorkha soldiers. Batasia Loop is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions to visit near Darjeeling.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
3. Mirik
Photo: Shubh.ch1994 / Wikimedia Commons
The town of Mirik is well known for its pleasant weather and the Bokar Monastery. Moreover, Mirik Lake, also known as Sumendu Lake, offers a quiet retreat from the everyday city life. Visitors can take a walk around the tranquil waters of Sumendu Lake or stroll along its bank on the footbridge. Surrounded by forested hills and pine trees that enhance the overall scenery, the lake offers splendid spots for picnicking and relaxing.
Best Time To Visit: February to June and October to December
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide For Rock Climbing In Darjeeling
4. Sandakphu
Photo: Solarshakti / Wikimedia Commons
Sandakphu, West Bengal’s highest point at 3,636 metres, offers the best view of the Himalayas from Bhutan to Nepal, including Makalu, Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Kanchenjunga. The trek route to Sandakphu meanders through the Singalila National Park. In springtime, this route, adorned with rhododendrons and magnolias, is a sight to behold. Dotted with rustic village homes, the road gives travellers a feeling of warmth even as the breathtaking landscape fills them with awe.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and October to early December
5. Kalimpong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the Teesta River, Kalimpong is one of the most beautiful attractions near Darjeeling. A pretty hill town, Kalimpong is known for its Tibetan handicrafts, monasteries, churches, and flower markets. The Deolo and Durpin hills make for ideal picnic spots, away from the buzz of this lively hill town. Those seeking spiritual tranquillity visit Kalimpong’s monasteries such as the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang and Kalimpong Sakya Monastery.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Darjeeling For An Exciting Outing
6. Kurseong
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
Due to its abundance of orchids, Kurseong is known as the Land of White Orchids. Known for its scenic waterfalls and tea gardens, it is one of the more tranquil areas of the Darjeeling district. Kurseong is home to places like the Eagle’s Crag that offer a vantage point to enjoy views of endless stretches of tea gardens. The town’s toy train station brings in an element of colonial nostalgia, charming young and old visitors alike.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
7. Ghum
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Ghum houses the highest railway station in India, making it a significant spot along the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway line. The Ghum Monastery is one of the most peaceful places to visit near Darjeeling. Known for its Buddhist places of worship, Ghum has a powerful aura that is sure to attract visitors looking for a spiritual retreat. The place serves as a vital piece of the religious and cultural fabric of Darjeeling.
Best Time To Visit: September to June
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling For Your Next Trip
8. Lepcha Jagat
Photo: Kunalkrishna008 / Wikimedia Commons
Known for offering picturesque views of the Kanchenjunga, Lepcha Jagat – meaning Lepcha tribe shelter – is a great place for nature lovers. You can take strolls around this town which is laden with shade of oaks, rhododendrons, and pines. The area’s tranquillity and diverse flora and fauna make it one of the unique places to visit near Darjeeling. An ideal spot for reconnecting with nature, Lepchajagat presents a tranquil retreat while not being too far from the hustle-bustle of Darjeeling.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and October to December
9. Rock Garden
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia commons
The Rock Garden in Darjeeling is a terraced picnic ground around a natural waterfall. Adorned with flower gardens and sitting spaces at various levels, the Rock Garden offers a scenic view of a hill stream flowing over rocks along a slope. There is an open platform where the local people perform a dance during peak tourist season (summer and autumn) and entertain and acquaint visitors with their culture. There is a small lake where visitors can avail of boating facilities.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
10. Singalila National Park
Photo: G Devadarshan Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
The Singalila National Park, on the Singalila Ridge, is an ecotourist’s dream, offering some of the most stunning trekking routes in the Eastern Himalayas. The popular trekking road to Sandakphu runs through the Park which is rich in biodiversity, with rare species like the Red Panda and Himalayan Mountain Bear. The scenery undergoes a dramatic transformation as the seasons change, from snow blanketing the landscape to wild rhododendrons and magnolias speckling it in the spring.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and October to December
There are many places to visit near Darjeeling, each of which unfolds like a page from a pretty illustrated book. From the peaceful waters of Mirik to the adventurous ride around the Batasia Loop, every spot reveals a unique aspect of this Eastern Himalayan region. So begin your adventure and plan a trip to Darjeeling and West Bengal with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Hasan538485 / Pixabay.com
