Darjeeling is a beautiful hill town located in the state of West Bengal. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, lush green tea gardens, and its colonial-era charm. If you’re planning a visit to Darjeeling, here are some highlights and things to do in Darjeeling :

Places to visit in Darjeeling

1. Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling :-

Darjeeling, Peace Pagoda, or Darjeeling One of the Peace Pagodas was created to serve as a focal point for people of all races and religious beliefs to enable them work together in the pursuit of world peace. It is situated in the West Bengal state of India’s town of Darjeeling.

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Peace Pagoda Timings :

Best Time To Visit	April to June
Entry Fees	No Entry Fees
Location	West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timing	Every Day From  4:00 AM to 7:00 PM

2. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling :-

The Yiga Choeling or ancient Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, and is located at a lofty elevation of 8,000 feet. This temple, which was built in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, is a member of the Yellow Hat sect known as Gelupka, who worship the ‘Coming Buddha’ or ‘Maitreyi Buddha. The middle hall is home to a 15-foot-tall Maitreyi Buddha statue made entirely of clay imported from Tibet. During the time that Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche served as the second monastic leader, this monument was erected. The premises also include a large number of rare Buddhist texts. Outside the monastery, visitors are given to a stunning vista of the towering Kanchenjunga. The local monks fly prayer flags in the traditional Tibetan manner.

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Ghoom Monastery Timings :

Best Time To Visit	During All Year
Entry Fees	No Entry Fees
Location	Ghoom Monastery Rd, Darjeeling
Timing	Every Day From  9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

3. Bengal Natural History Museum, Darjeeling :-

A wide variety of natural artefacts and fossils are on display at the Bengal Natural History Museum in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The museum is home to 820 specimens of more than 400 species of birds, including 110 egg kinds, 35 snake species, and 57 fish species.

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Bengal Natural History Museum Timings :

Best Time To Visit	During All Year
Entry Fees	Rs. 60/- per person. Photography is not allowed inside.
Location	Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling
Timing	Every Day From 8 :00am to 7:30 pm

4. Sandakphu Trek, Darjeeling :-

The highest mountain in West Bengal is Sandakphu mountain (11,941 Feet). The highest point of Singalila Ridge is situated quite close to Singalila National Park in the Darjeeling district, practically to the Nepalese border. Four of the five highest peaks in the world may be seen from Sandakphu, the highest mountain in West Bengal. The nicest view is of Kanchendzonga mountain. The summit is accessible by automobile or on foot. The hike begins at Manebhanjan and travels 51 km up the hill.

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About Sandakphu Trek :

Best Time To Visit	March to May
Entry Fees	Rs. 120/- per person
Location	Sandakphu, Darjeeling

5. Rock Garden, Darjeeling :-

In the Himalayan town of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India, two new tourist attractions have recently been added: the Rock Garden near Chunnu Summer Falls and Ganga Maya Park. After political unrest hampered travel in the 1980s, it is a showpiece designed to entice travellers to Darjeeling.

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Rock Garden Timings :

Best Time To Visit	During All Year
Entry Fees	Indians: INR 10 Foreign tourists: INR 50
Location	Rock Garden Road Bloomfield Tea Garden, Darjeeling
Timing	Every Day From  8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

6. Batasia Loop, Darjeeling :-

In the Darjeeling area of West Bengal, India, a spiral railway known as the Batasia Loop was built to lessen the ascending grade of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The railway now circles back on itself, passing through a tunnel and a hilltop. It was put into service in 1919.

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Batasia Loop Timings :

Best Time To Visit	April to June.
Entry Fees	INR 15
Location	Batasia loop, near Ghoom, West Point, Ghoom
Timing	Every Day From  6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

7. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling :-

One of the top mountaineering schools in the world, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is situated in Darjeeling. Established on November 4th, 1954, the main goals of this effort were to develop, advance, and support people’s interest in climbing activity and to direct the youth’s abundant energy into a worthwhile and self-rewarding sport. This institute is where aspiring mountaineers from around the world come to hone their talents.

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Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Timings :

Best Time To Visit	During All Year
Entry Fees	INR 40, Camera: INR 10
Location	Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling
Timing	Every Day From  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

8. Nightingale Park, Darjeeling :-

The Nightingale Park is a public park area in the captivating hill town of Darjeeling that both visitors and residents go to take in the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peaks. In the middle of lush foliage and calming breezes, it makes for the perfect area to relax and rejuvenate. When it was a private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow during the British era, this park was once known as “The Shrubbery.
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Nightingale Park Timings :

Best Time To Visit	October – November
Entry Fees	Rs 10 /- adults
Location	Richmond Hill, Darjeeling
Timing	Every Day From  7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

9. Tiger Hill, Darjeeling :-

Tiger Hill, which is 13 km from Darjeeling and is at a height of 2590 metres, is well known for its magnificent dawn views, from where you can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga light up before the sun is visible at lower levels. Tiger Hill draws visitors from all over the nation because of its breathtaking vista of snow-capped mountains surrounded by cotton clouds. It’s interesting to note that this is also the top of Ghoom, the highest railway station on the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

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Tiger Hill Timing :

Best Time To Visit	February to April
Entry Fees	INR 50
Location	Senchal Forest, Senchal Road, Darjeeling

Itinerary For Places to visit in Darjeeling :

Darjeeling, a picturesque hill town in the Indian state of West Bengal, is well-known for its breathtaking Himalayan views, tea gardens, and comfortable weather. Here is a suggested itinerary for visiting Darjeeling:

Day 1: Arrival in Darjeeling

• Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which are the nearest major transportation hubs.
• Take a pre-booked taxi or shared cab to Darjeeling, which is approximately a 3-hour drive.
• Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 2: Exploring Darjeeling Town

• Start your day early and head to Tiger Hill to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
• Visit the Batasia Loop, a famous railway loop offering panoramic views of the town and the mountains.
• Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the nearby Everest Museum, which pays homage to mountaineering legends.
• Enjoy a peaceful walk in the lush surroundings of the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare and endangered species like the snow leopard and red panda.
• Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center to learn about Tibetan culture and browse through traditional handicrafts.

Day 3: Tea Gardens and Toy Train Ride

• Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train ride offers scenic views of the tea gardens and mountains.
• Visit one of the tea estates, such as Happy Valley Tea Estate or Glenburn Tea Estate, to learn about the tea production process and enjoy a refreshing cup of Darjeeling tea.
• Explore the picturesque Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, known for their cascading waterfalls and terraced gardens.
• In the evening, stroll along the Mall Road, the main shopping street in Darjeeling, and indulge in some local food and shopping.

Day 4: Excursion to Mirik

• Take a day trip to Mirik, a nearby hill station known for its serene Sumendu Lake and beautiful orchids.
• Enjoy boating on the lake or take a leisurely walk around its perimeter, surrounded by pine trees and gardens.
• Visit the Pashupati Market, situated on the India-Nepal border, where you can shop for clothes, accessories, and local handicrafts.
• Return to Darjeeling in the evening and spend some time exploring the local markets or enjoying a cultural show.

Day 5: Adventure and Nature Exploration

• Embark on an adventurous excursion to the Singalila National Park, known for its biodiversity and stunning views of the Himalayan range. You can opt for a guided trek or a jeep safari.
• Explore the picturesque town of Ghoom and visit the famous Ghoom Monastery, which houses a 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha.
• Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich flora and fauna, and enjoy a peaceful nature walk.

Day 6: Departure

• Bid farewell to the beautiful town of Darjeeling and proceed to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station for your onward journey.

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