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Are you an adherent traveller, an adventurer or a family guy looking to skip your city life and escape to paradise? Then Darjeeling is a place for you.
This small hill station is located in the northernmost region of West Bengal, India. It’s a dream destination for many and the list of things to do in Darjeeling is full of thrilling adventure with a mix of spirituality. Darjeeling is known for its exciting river rafting, hill climbing, camping, monasteries and scenic viewpoint to witness the grandeur of the Kangchenjunga Himalayan Mountain range.
10 Things To Do In Darjeeling
From scenic hill treks to scintillating tea gardens, here is the list of exciting things to do in Darjeeling with your friends and family.
1. Sandakphu Trekking
Photo: Rajat63ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
Trekking is always a great way to get along with nature. In your bucket list of things to do in Darjeeling, the Sandakphu trek should be the foremost priority. Trekking through the lush forest of Sandakphu is as breathtaking as it can be. At the summit, you will get to witness not just one but four of the highest peaks of the mighty Himalayas. Among them scintillating Kangchenjunga stands out due to its unique massif. Truly once in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Location: Damey Gaon, Mane Bhanjang, Majua, West Bengal 734221
Cost/person: ₹ 10,000 Onwards
Best time to visit: April to May and October to early December
Suggested Read: Explore Himalayan Tibet Museum
2. Tiger Hill Sunrise Viewpoint
Photo: Lakun.patra / Wikimedia Commons
Witnessing sunrise is always a joyful experience but nothing comes close to really seeing it from the summit of Tiger Hill. It is one of the most famous things to do in Darjeeling. Situated at the height of 2590 metres above sea level it offers truly a breathtaking magical view of scattering first rays of the sun throughout the scintillating massif of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga which makes it appear something right from the books of fairy tales.
Location: Darjeeling West Bengal 734123
Best time to visit: October to December and March to April
3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways
Photo: Rupam Dey / Wikimedia Commons
Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) also referred to as a toy train by many is one of the most joyful things to do in Darjeeling. Constructed in 1879 DHR runs from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It passes through beautiful hilly landscapes and tea plantations covering multiple local villages. Finally, in 1999 Darjeeling Himalayan Railways was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The joyful 88 km long ride is full of majestic terrain and a great way to sightseeing Darjeeling local customs and traditions throughout the journey.
Location: Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide For Rock Climbing In Darjeeling
4. River Rafting in Teesta
Photo: Davedharmendra / Wikimedia Commons
All of you must have heard about the endangered species of Teesta fishes found in the upper Teesta River. However, Teesta is also known for its excruciating river rafting. famed for its various degrees of intensity. If you are an adventure enthusiast head out for rafting in Teesta and find why it’s one of the most famed things to do in Darjeeling. Due to the risk involved in river rafting high-intensity zones are only allowed for professionals and trained crews.
5. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Photo: Matt Stabile / Wikimedia Commons
Spanning around an area of 437 acres, Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the jewels of Darjeeling and home to the highest tea factory in the world established in 1854. At the altitude of 6,800 feet above sea level, aromatic tea valley rejuvenates your day with freshness and warmth. You can interact with locals and caretakers of the plantation to learn a thing or two about the process of tea making or can even buy freshly processed tea from them.
Location: Lebong Cart Road, Chauk Bazaar, Near, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Cost/person: ₹ 100
Suggested Read: Shopping Malls In Kolkata
6. Rangit Valley Ropeway
Photo: paddyc29 / Wikimedia Commons / Image is for representation only
Darjeeling is famous for its picturesque green lush valleys and mesmerising snow-capped mountains to carpet-like tea estates stretching throughout the horizon. A trip to Darjeeling is incomplete with a ropeway ride through the Rangit Valley and its alluring bird’s-eye view of the villages. The ropeway ride takes place at a height of almost 7,000 feet from sea level giving an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Location: Singamari, Darjeeling, Pattabong Tea Garden, West Bengal 734104
Best time to visit: October to December and March to May
7. Kalimpong Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong is a small town situated around the district of Darjeeling, West Bengal. The town is home to the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in 1957 after the exodus of the Dalai Lama from Tibet. The Monastery is home to many ancient scriptures brought to India by Tibetan monks from 1957 – 1959. Kalimpong is the perfect place to visit for travellers who are interested in history.
Location: E Main Rd, Chandraloke, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734301
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Suggested Read: Yumthang Valley In December
8. Peace Pagoda Monastery
Photo: Martin Skøtt / Wikimedia Commons
Peace Pagoda Monastery situated in Jalapahar hills houses the four avatars of Buddha including the Maitreya Buddha. This pagoda was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii to promote peace in the World. It continues to be one of the most exciting and sought-after tourist spots in the district of Darjeeling. A perfect spot for people travelling for spiritual purposes in life. If you are buckling down for a trip to Darjeeling make sure to add Peace Pagoda to your bucket list of things to do in Darjeeling this vacation.
Location: West Bengal, Darjeeling
Best time to visit: 4:30 AM – 7 PM
9. Dooars
Photo: Rajibnandi / Wikimedia Commons
Do you love walking long distances surrounded by beautiful trees and lush dense grass? Well if your answer is yes, then make sure to add Dooars to the list of things to do in Darjeeling on your next trip. When in Darjeeling Dooars are the most idealistic place to visit and feel the nature around you, where aromatic winds from tea gush through trees to uplift your spirit and warmth.
Location: Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal
Best time to visit: September to May
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Darjeeling For An Exciting Outing
10. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Photo: Senorita786 / Wikimedia Commons
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park was named after the ex-governor of West Bengal by the then Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It is located in the town of Darjeeling. Spanning around an area of 65 acres, it is known for its rare species of red pandas, snow leopards and Himalayan salamanders. Among wildlife enthusiasts visiting Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-do in Darjeeling.
Location: Darjeeling – Jorethang Road, Near Birch Hill Resort, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Cost: NA
Best time to visit: March to June and September to January
Darjeeling, located amidst the picturesque landscapes of Himalayan Downhills and home to the highest tea factory in the world and peace pagoda, is the perfect vacation destination for adventure junkies and seekers of peace. A perfect amalgamation of Adrenaline, Spirituality and enchanting landscapes. So, book your next trip with TripXL now, and discover the hypnotising hilly Himalayan terrains of Darjeeling.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
