Darjeeling

Cradled on the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of West Bengal, the town of Darjeeling is one of the most sought-after tourist spots known for its stunning views and tea plantations. One of the summer capitals of India under the British Raj, Darjeeling is a famous getaway for a romantic honeymoon or for a fun vacation. Boasting acres of tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at a height of 2050 meters above sea level and has a cool climate year-round.

Darjeeling was originally a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim, and it was annexed by the British in 1835. It became a popular hill station during the British Raj, and many of the buildings and structures in the town reflect the colonial architecture of that era. After India gained independence in 1947, Darjeeling became a part of the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, which produce some of the finest teas in the world. The tea industry is an important source of income for the local people, and visitors can take tours of the tea estates to learn about the tea-making process and taste the different varieties of tea.

The town has several tourist attractions, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The railway, which was built in the late 19th century, is known for its narrow-gauge tracks and steam locomotives, and it offers a scenic journey through the mountains. Darjeeling is a picturesque town that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences.

• Tiger Hill : Located at an altitude of 2,590 meters, Tiger Hill offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga Mountains. It is also one of the highest points in Darjeeling and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway : Also known as the "Toy Train", this railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique experience of traveling through the hills of Darjeeling. The train runs between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri and passes through beautiful landscapes, including tea gardens and forests.
• Ghoom Monastery : Built-in 1875, Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Darjeeling. It is famous for its 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha and is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Batasia Loop : Located on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a popular spot for photography and has a war memorial dedicated to the Gorkha soldiers who died in World War I and II.
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : Founded in 1954, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a premier mountaineering institute in India. It offers training courses in mountaineering and has a museum that displays the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas.
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park : Spread over an area of 67.56 acres, this zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan black bears. It is also the only zoo in India that breeds the endangered snow leopard in captivity.
• Happy Valley Tea Estate : Established in 1854, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling. It offers guided tours of the tea garden and has a tea factory where visitors can learn about the process of tea production.
• Japanese Peace Pagoda : Located on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hills, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist temple that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It was built in 1972 to promote world peace and harmony.
• Darjeeling Mall : Also known as Chowrasta, the Darjeeling Mall is a pedestrian-only street that is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a popular spot for tourists to relax and enjoy the views of the mountains.
• Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park : Located about 10 km from Darjeeling, the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park are two popular tourist attractions that offer a scenic view of the Teesta River and the surrounding hills. The Rock Garden is a man-made waterfall and garden, while the Ganga Maya Park has a variety of flowers and a suspension bridge.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," is a narrow-gauge railway that runs between Siliguri and Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India. It was built by the British in the late 19th century and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The Toy Train covers 88 kilometers (55 miles) and takes about 8 hours to complete the journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The train passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas, including tea plantations, forests, and mountain valleys, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The train operates daily, and tourists can choose from several classes of travel, including first-class, second-class, and the popular "joy ride" for short trips. The train is powered by a steam engine, which adds to its nostalgic charm. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year. The train journey is an experience and is a must-try for anyone visiting Darjeeling. The railway is not just a mode of transport, but it is also an iconic symbol of the town's rich cultural heritage and history.

• Momos : These are steamed dumplings made with a variety of fillings, such as vegetables, chicken, or pork. They are usually served with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Thukpa : This is a noodle soup made with vegetables, meat, or seafood. It is a popular street food in Darjeeling, especially during the winter months.
• Churpi : This is a type of hard cheese made from cow or yak milk. It is often served as a snack or used as a cooking ingredient.
• Sel Roti : This is a sweet and crispy rice flour bread that is fried in oil. It is often eaten during festivals or special occasions.
• Aloo Dum : This is a spicy potato curry that is usually served with puri or paratha bread.
• Darjeeling Tea : While not technically a food, Darjeeling tea is world-famous and a must-try when visiting the region. It is a black tea with a unique floral and fruity flavor and is often served with milk and sugar.
• Kwati : Kwati is a mixed soup made with 9 varieties of boiled sprouted beans. It is cooked with some spices and herbs and made into a thick broth which is delicious and nutritious as well.
• Gundruk : It is prepared with fermented green leafy vegetables like mustard leaves and spinach and mixed with spices to form a side dish.
• Aloo Tama : It is another spicy and tangy dish made from boiled potatoes and fermented bamboo shoots which are cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and other spices to form a delicious concoction.
• Phambi : It is a famous street food where boiled beans are mashed and turned into a liquid powdery form which is then made into a steamed cake and cut into small pieces. Later it is fried and served with red chilly sauce.

• Keventers : This restaurant is known for its breakfast options, including omelets, pancakes, and waffles, as well as its milkshakes and hot chocolate.
• Glenary's Bakery & Cafe : This is a popular bakery that offers a wide range of baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee. They also have a restaurant upstairs that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
• Sonam's Kitchen : This cozy café is known for its homemade vegetarian and vegan dishes, including momos, thukpa, and pizzas. They also serve a variety of fresh juices and smoothies.
• The Park : This restaurant at the Elgin Darjeeling Hotel offers fine dining with a focus on local cuisine. They have a beautiful outdoor seating area with views of the surrounding mountains.
• Nathmull's Tea Room : This tearoom is in the heart of Darjeeling and offers a variety of teas from the region, as well as snacks and light meals. They also sell tea and tea-related products.
• Revolver : This restaurant has a unique Beatles-themed decor and serves a variety of Indian and Continental dishes. They also have a bar with a wide selection of drinks.

• Joey's Pub : This is a popular bar and pub located near Chowrasta Square in Darjeeling. It offers a range of drinks and live music in the evening.
• Buzz Bar : This is a small bar located near the Darjeeling Railway Station. It offers a range of drinks and snacks in the evening.
• Keventer's Rooftop Bar : This is a small bar located on the rooftop of Keventer's restaurant near Chowrasta Square. It offers a range of drinks and snacks in the evening with a view of the mountains.

• Chowk Bazaar : This is a busy market located in the heart of Darjeeling. It offers a wide range of goods, including clothing, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. It is a great place to shop for traditional Himalayan handicrafts, such as woolen shawls and carpets.
• Bhutia Market : This market is located near Chowk Bazaar and is known for its woolen clothing, including sweaters, scarves, and socks. It is also a great place to shop for traditional Bhutia handicrafts, such as thangkas (Buddhist paintings), masks, and wooden carvings.
• Batasia Loop Market : This market is located near the Batasia Loop, a popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling. It offers a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. It is a great place to shop for tea, as several tea shops are located here.
• Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre : This center is located on the outskirts of Darjeeling and is run by Tibetan refugees. It offers a variety of handicrafts, including carpets, shawls, and bags, as well as Tibetan-style clothing and jewelry. The center also has a small museum that showcases the history of the Tibetan refugee community in Darjeeling.
• Nehru Road Market : This market is in the heart of Darjeeling and is known for its street food, clothing, and handicrafts. It is a great place to shop for traditional Darjeeling tea, as well as local spices and herbs. You can also find a variety of souvenirs, such as prayer flags, Buddhist statues, and paintings. The market is particularly lively in the evenings when street food vendors set up their stalls and offer a range of local snacks and delicacies.

• Himalayan Tibet Museum : This museum is located near Chowrasta Square and showcases the history and culture of the Tibetan community in Darjeeling and the Himalayan region. It houses a collection of artifacts, paintings, photographs, and handicrafts that reflect the unique Tibetan culture and traditions.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum : This museum is located near the Darjeeling railway station and showcases the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train." It has a collection of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia that tell the story of this iconic railway line.
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park : This park is located near the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and is home to a wide range of Himalayan wildlife, including snow leopards, red pandas, and Tibetan wolves. The park also has a museum that showcases the flora and fauna of the region.
• The Old Ghoom Monastery Museum : This museum is in the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. It houses a collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts, paintings, and artifacts that reflect the history and culture of the monastery.
• The Nehru Road Art Gallery : This art gallery is located near the Nehru Road Market and showcases the works of local artists. It has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts that reflect the unique culture and traditions of Darjeeling.

• Rink Mall
• The Yellow Box
• Chandulal’s
• Biswa Bangla Store
• Himalaya Gears, Darjeeling
• Off Road Gear
• Cosmos Mall

• Darjeeling Carnival : This is a week-long cultural festival that is held every year in May. The festival features live music, dance performances, food stalls, and a street parade. It is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.
• Darjeeling Tea and Tourism Festival : This festival is held every year in November and celebrates the town's famous tea culture. The festival features tea tastings, cultural performances, and a variety of tea-related events.
• Buddha Jayanti : This festival is held every year in May and celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. The festival is marked by prayer ceremonies, meditation sessions, and cultural programs.
• Durga Puja : This is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated every year in October. The festival is marked by prayer ceremonies, cultural performances, and the decoration of colorful idols of the goddess Durga.
• Christmas and New Year Celebrations : Darjeeling is known for its colonial heritage, and the town celebrates Christmas and New Year with great enthusiasm. The town is decorated with lights and decorations, and there are several cultural events and performances during this time.

• Central Heritage Resort and Spa : Starting from INR 3,500 per night.
• Mayfair Darjeeling : Starting from INR 9,000 per night.
• Hotel Sonar Bangla Darjeeling : Starting from INR 2,500 per night.
• Hotel Seven Seventeen : Starting from INR 2,500 per night.
• Cedar Inn : Starting from INR 5,000 per night.
• The Elgin Darjeeling : Starting from INR 7,500 per night.
• Little Tibet Resort : Starting from INR 3,500 per night.
• Hotel Shangri-La Regency : Starting from INR 2,500 per night.
• Hotel Viceroy Darjeeling : Starting from INR 3,500 per night.
• Sinclairs Darjeeling : Starting from INR 5,000 per night.

The best time to visit Darjeeling is from October to December and from March to May. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The winter months can be a bit cold and uncomfortable to explore the town and the monsoons bring heavy rains which may hinder your travel plans.