All you need to know about Darjeeling

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Darjeeling, located in the Indian state of West Bengal, is a picturesque hill station renowned for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and colonial charm. This guide will provide you with essential information to plan your trip to Darjeeling, including sightseeing spots, accommodation options, and local cuisine recommendations.

While the beauty of Darjeeling is something you will see once you visit, let us straight away get into the things that you will need to know for a trip to Darjeeling.

How to reach Darjeeling

By Air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is well-connected to major Indian cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling, approximately a 3-hour drive away.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station, well-connected to major cities. From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a toy train ride to Darjeeling, a scenic journey that takes around 7-8 hours.

By Road: Darjeeling is accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Buses, shared cabs and private taxis are available options.

Sightseeing

Tiger Hill: Start your trip with a mesmerizing sunrise view from Tiger Hill, offering panoramic vistas of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo: Visit these attractions located together. The institute showcases mountaineering artifacts, and the zoo houses rare Himalayan fauna like red pandas and snow leopards.

Darjeeling Zoo: Also known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the zoo is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring rare and endangered species such as snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan bears.

Darjeeling Ropeway: Enjoy a thrilling cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the valley, tea gardens, and the town.

Batasia Loop: This engineering marvel of a railway loop offers stunning views of Darjeeling town, the surrounding hills, and the Kanchenjunga range.

Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park: Explore these beautiful gardens adorned with waterfalls, rock formations, and lush greenery.

Japanese Peace Pagoda: Seek tranquility at this Buddhist pagoda, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Experience the tea culture of Darjeeling by taking a guided tour of this renowned tea estate and learn about the tea-making process.

Dali Monastery: Located amidst serene surroundings, Dali Monastery is a tranquil Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, known for its exquisite architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Ghoom Railway Station: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ghoom Railway Station is a significant attraction in Darjeeling, known for its iconic toy train and the opportunity to witness the enchanting sight of the train making its way through the picturesque landscapes of the hill station.

Ghoom Monastery: Situated at the highest point in Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is a revered Buddhist monastery, housing a 15-foot tall statue of Maitreya Buddha and offering captivating views of the surrounding landscapes. 

Places to Stay in Darjeeling

Luxury Hotels:

Glenburn Tea Estate and Boutique Hotel

Mayfair Darjeeling

Elgin Darjeeling

Mid-Range Hotels:

Cedar Inn

Central Heritage Resort and Spa

Hotel Viceroy

Budget Accommodations:

Hotel Sonar Bangla

Hotel Golden Dolma

Hotel Seven Seventeen

Local Cuisine in Darjeeling

Momos: Indulge in delicious steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, or pork. Don't forget to try the accompanying spicy tomato sauce.

Thukpa: Savor this hearty Tibetan noodle soup with mixed vegetables or meat, infused with aromatic spices.

Darjeeling Tea: Visit tea houses and enjoy a cup of the world-famous Darjeeling tea, known for its distinct flavor and aroma.

Aloo Dum: Relish this spicy potato curry, often served with puris (deep-fried Indian bread).

Churpi: Try this traditional hard cheese made from yak's milk, available in various flavors.

 

Additional Tips about Darjeeling

•  Carry warm clothing as the weather can get chilly, especially during the winter months. And if it starts raining, you are in for a very romantic moment but don’t forget, for the people of the plains, that’s gonna hurt too!
• Consider acclimatization time due to the high altitude of Darjeeling.
• Bargain while shopping in local markets for better deals.
• Engage in responsible tourism by respecting the local culture and environment.
• Darjeeling offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences.

This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your Darjeeling trip, ensuring a memorable visit to this enchanting hill station.