10 Places you shouldn’t miss to visit while your stay in Darjeeling

Darjeeling has plenty to offer like majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, rolling tea gardens, monasteries, churches, temples, parks, museum, zoo etc. Following are 10 must visit places of Darjeeling.

Mall: The Darjeeling Mall, often simply referred to as "The Mall," is a popular and iconic area in the hill station of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It is the main commercial street and a central hub for various activities, including shopping, dining, and socializing. The Darjeeling Mall is located in the heart of Darjeeling town, surrounded by colonial-era architecture and set against the backdrop of the scenic Himalayan mountains. The Mall is known for its vibrant shopping scene, offering a variety of shops and stores selling local handicrafts, traditional artifacts, woolen goods, tea, and souvenirs. Visitors can explore the narrow lanes and browse through the shops for unique items.Visitors can enjoy horse riding at the Mall. Horse owners often provide short rides, allowing tourists to explore the area and take in the scenic beauty.

Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is a famous mountain peak located in the Darjeeling district of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, including the world's third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga. Tiger Hill is most famous for the stunning sunrise views it offers over the Eastern Himalayas. On a clear morning, visitors can witness the first light of the day illuminating the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga and other neighboring peaks. Tiger Hill is accessible by road, and many visitors reach the summit early in the morning to witness the sunrise. It's a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

Ghum: Ghoom is situated at an elevation of about 7,407 feet (2,258 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest altitude towns in India. Due to its high altitude, Ghoom experiences cool temperatures throughout the year. The climate is conducive to the growth of rhododendrons, and the area is known for its colorful rhododendron blooms during the spring season. The Ghoom Railway Station is one of the highest railway stations in India. It is part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and provides a scenic journey through the hills. Ghoom, with its historical monastery, scenic beauty, and connection to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a significant stop for tourists exploring the Darjeeling region. The town offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for sightseeing, trekking, and cultural experiences.

Batasia Loop: The Batasia Loop is a famous railway loop located near Ghoom in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It is a captivating engineering marvel and a popular attraction for tourists visiting the Darjeeling region. One of the main attractions of the Batasia Loop is the breathtaking panoramic view it offers of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, including the iconic Kanchenjunga. The Batasia Loop is not only an engineering feat but also a place of natural beauty and historical significance. It provides a unique experience for travelers and is a must-visit destination for those exploring the scenic landscapes of Darjeeling.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI): The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is an acclaimed mountaineering institute located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Established in 1954, HMI has played a pivotal role in training mountaineers, conducting research, and promoting the adventure sport of mountaineering. HMI is situated in Darjeeling, a picturesque town in the Indian state of West Bengal. The institute is located on Jawahar Parbat, also known as Birch Hill. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute continues to be a beacon for aspiring mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts, offering them a platform to learn, train, and embark on challenging expeditions. It stands as a tribute to the spirit of adventure and exploration, as well as the legacy of Tenzing Norgay and the historic ascent of Mount Everest. 

Zoological Park:  The Darjeeling Himalayan Zoological Park, commonly known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is a renowned zoo located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. The zoo provides visitors with a unique experience to observe and learn about Himalayan wildlife in a picturesque setting. The backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas adds to the charm of the zoo.The Darjeeling Zoological Park is a significant attraction for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to witness and contribute to the conservation efforts of unique Himalayan species. It combines the beauty of the region with a commitment to wildlife preservation and education.

Botanical Garden: The botanical garden in Darjeeling is known as Lloyd’s botanical garden located around 2 kilometers downwards from the Mall. One of Asia’s finest botanical garden can be divided into 3 sections upper, middle and lower. The first section showcases mainly floras from the Eastern Himalayan region that includes rhododendrons. The second section showcases near about 2500 species of orchids, around 150 species of cactus, and Alpine collections along with ferns. The third section consist exotic plants from different parts of the world that includes weeping willows, plums, cherries, silver oak etc. The botanical garden remains open from 6:00am to 5:00pm and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per visitor. However on producing their id card only student can enter against a fee of Rs. 5.

Ropeway: Ropeway or the cable car is an exciting way to bespectacled the breathtaking views of rolling tea gardens, valleys and the Himalayan mountain range. This ropeway service is also known as Rangeet Valley Cable car Service. The cable car station is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from the mall. You can either walk down to the place or else can visit as a part of your Darjeeling sightseeing package by car. It is operational 7 days a week from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Entry fee for adults is Rs.200 per person and Rs. 100 for a child.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help center: This place was established in 1959 and located on a hill top at a distance of around 4 kilometers from the mall at place known as Hill Side also known as Naya Basti. If you wish to trek you can do that but taking a car is more convenient option. It comes under Darjeeling sightseeing package also. Here you can witness artisans are creating all sort of staffs like knitting, painting, wood carving, carpentry, tailoring etc. Carpet, jackets, woolens, carved wooden items, small idols of Lord Buddha, paintings are some of the famous products of this self help center. They export their products to more than 30 countries around the world. You can purchase item from their showroom located at the premises of the self help centre. You can visit this place from Monday to Saturday between 9:00am to 4:30pm.

Rock garden: The Barbotey Rock Garden is located at a distance of around 9 kilometers downwards from the mall. On the way towards rock garden it is a feast for eyes with mesmerizing beauties of Darjeeling Himalayas. This place is being created by cutting rocks in various shapes thus the name is Rock Garden. The waterfall at the rock garden is another spectacular view. You can enjoy nature from a very close proximity in this place. Do not forget to visit the Ganga Maya Park that is located further 3 kilometers downwards. This attraction is newly added. Both this place remains open throughout the week from 10:00am to 04:00pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indian nationals and Rs. 50 for foreigners.

Happy Valley Tea Estate:  Walking Through a tea garden on the gentle hill slopes of Darjeeling and seeing the tea processing is always a special experience. A great way to experience this is by visiting the Happy Valley Tea Estate which is located about 3 Km away from chowk Bazar area. There are Sono Points on the way from where the mountain vistas are simply spectacular. It is one of the Major tourist attactions for its beautiful Carpeted greenery which may sweep scenery lovers off their feet as they may get a bird's eye view from the Hill Cart road. It also has a museum and has a factory which is the highest in the world.

Chota and Bara Mangwa: Bara Mangwa and Chota Mangwa – the two remarkable villages of Darjeeling obtain a lot of tourists from the many corners of the nation. The unforgettable view of Kanchenjunga and River Teesta from Chota Mangwa makes it a place for travellers and photographers. The giant hills seem to be painted one after another and the golden summit of Kanchenjunga with clouds on both the sides and sunrays gives it a golden colour, the view never fails to mesmerize you. You can stay in the same place and watch the splendour of nature for hours.Even the most skilled artists will fail to sketch such magnificent scenery with Kanchenjunga on its backdrop.A mountain slope situated on top of the Darjeeling Hills along the west of the Kalimpong Hills offers a remarkable view of the convergence of the famous Rangeet and Teesta Rivers. Being located on hilltop and Kalimpong hills on its opposite side, Bara Mangwa has become a destination for nature lovers and photographers.The heavenly view of the systematically placed hills surrounded with blue sky from Bara Mangwa makes it a place where heaven exists.

Ghum Monastery: Ghoom Monastery is also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery.It stands right next door to Sterling Darjeeling, at the quiet end of the Old Monastery Road. Home to the massive 15-feet statue of Maitreya, Ghoom Monastery is amongst the oldest monastries in Darjeeling. A 15-foot high statue of Maitreyi Buddha is seen in the central hall, made entirely of clay brought from Tibet. This statue was installed during the tenure of the second head of the monastery Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche. In front of the Maitreya Buddha statue hang two huge oil lamps which keep burning throughout the year. The walls of the monastery are elaborately painted with depictions and art of Tibetan Buddhism, with different images of bodhisattvas. These beautiful paintings are placed in a symmetrical manner, facilitating the ease of understanding the basics of Buddhist philosophy to visitors of the monastery.

Sandakphu:  Sadakphu peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four out of five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. You can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan.Sandakphu is also known as the "mountain of poisonous plants" because of the abundance of Himalayan Cobra Lilies here. Since this is an arduous trek, it is advisable to undertake it only after ensuring your complete fitness.The trek to the summit is quite exhilarating passing through several distinct terrains, from challenging valleys to the lush green of the lands dotted with rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas and vibrant wild flowers. The place is a paradise for nature lover with about 600 varieties of orchids alone.

Points to remember: As a responsible tour guide and operator here are few tips from our side to help while you visit Darjeeling.

1. Darjeeling is a plastic free zone please abides by the law.
2. Most of the public places around Darjeeling are smoking free too (especially the mall area).
3. All the above mentioned timings and charges are subject to change.
4. Feel free to contact us to design a tailor made tour package for Darjeeling and other places around North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan.

Saha Tourism is always there to make your travel experience beautiful.