Darjeeling or the Queen of the Hills is one of the most popular hill resorts in India which is loved by tourists for its vast tea legacy, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate. The varied sightseeing attractions, rolling hills, and UNESCO-recognized Darjeeling Himalayan Railways are some of the other factors about Darjeeling that attract tourists throughout the globe. If you also want to beat the summer heat waves and want to relax in a tranquil ambiance then plan your trip and book a room at one of the best hotels in Darjeeling.
Darjeeling has a rich history from the colonial era and this is why this place is surrounded by various heritage properties and bungalows with a pictorial view of the snow-capped mountain ranges. If you want to experience the age-old charm of this place then it is highly recommended to plan your stay at one of the best heritage properties near the mall road. This will help you get easy access to the major sightseeing attractions while enabling you to stay in the heart of the town.
Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss During Your Darjeeling Vacation
1. Tiger Hill
If you’re visiting Darjeeling to get a crystal-clear view of the mountains then your first choice should be Tiger Hill. This observatory viewpoint is located at an altitude of 2950m which is just 13km away from the centre of the town. This place is mainly famous among tourists because of its magical sunrise that illuminates the snow-capped ranges of Kanchenjunga with the first rays of sunlight.
You can hire a car from your hotel and reach this viewpoint early in the morning to capture this amazing phenomenon. Don’t forget to bring your cameras with you so that you can take some amazing pictures of the mountains while sitting amidst the cotton-like clouds.
2. Batasia Loop
While exploring the picturesque landscapes of Darjeeling, don’t forget to pay a visit to the scenic Batasia Loop. This is one of the most scenic train pathways across the town where you can see the toy train making a complete loop around the vibrant eco garden.
Batasia Loop located in Ghoom is truly an architectural marvel whose main aim is to ensure a safe navigation of the train through the rugged terrains of Darjeeling. You should be sure about the fact that during your expedition here you will be surrounded by vibrant flowers, a clear view of Kanchenjunga, and small shops selling beautiful souvenirs.
3. Darjeeling Rock Garden
Darjeeling or Barbotey Rock Garden is one of the favourite picnic spots in Darjeeling where you can spend some tranquil time amidst natural surroundings. This place is popular for Chunnu Summer Fall, captivating sitting arrangements, and colourful flower gardens.
The delightful sight and natural beauty that you can get here will surely satisfy the soul of every nature lover. As said by people, the journey is more pivotal than the destination. This phrase is proved by this rock garden since on your journey to this location, you will be amazed to come across steep roads and hairpin turns which are perfect for adventure seekers.
4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
If you’re a wildlife lover then you must extend your Darjeeling trip to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. This diverse zoo is a haven for a wide variety of endangered and rare species such as the leopard cat, eastern pangolin, barking deer, royal Bengal tiger, and many more. There is also an off-display breeding center inside this zoo for stopping red pandas and snow leopards from becoming extinct.
If you’re staying in a heritage hotel in Darjeeling near Mall Road then this zoological park can be reached within 10 minutes through walking. After taking a car to the zoo, you can also consider visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute situated adjacent to the park.
5. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Another sightseeing attraction in Darjeeling whose main aim is to establish goodwill, unity, and harmony is the Japanese Peace Pagoda. This architectural gem located in the Jalapahar Hills is mainly visited by tourists for the stunning views of snow-cladded mountains and tranquil ambiance. You must know that the peace pagoda was made by Nichidatsu Fujii who was a monk from Japan.
While exploring the serene premises of this spiritual site, you can see the idol of Maitreyi Buddha and the other avatars of Lord Buddha that can soothe your soul with the required serenity. Don’t forget to reach the top of this Pagoda, to enjoy a view of the pine trees and the Japanese temple amidst those.
6. Chowrasta
One of the main focal points of the town is Chowrasta which basically means convergence of four roads. This location in Darjeeling is a bustling and colorful public square where tourists love to spend some quality time while cherishing the pictorial mountain views. You should know that this place is dotted with various scenic eateries, shops, and boutiques that enable you to taste the local cuisine and buy some beautiful souvenirs.
Apart from buying the handicraft and woollen items, you can also simply relax on the benches scattered here to feel the cool mountain breeze. If you’re lucky then you can also observe some cultural performances here.
7. Mahakal Temple
A popular Hindu shrine that you must add to your sightseeing trip is the Mahakal Temple. This is an ancient temple dating back to the 18th century where tourists gather to offer prayers and attain spiritual solace. Along with the stunning architecture and spiritual charm, this temple is also located in a beautiful setting with a perfect backdrop of majestic Himalayas.
Some of the major attractions of this tourist site are the colourful flags fluttering all around, intricate carvings, and the beautifully decorated temple complex. On your way towards the temple, you can also find some beautiful viewpoints with a view of sprawling valleys.
8. Ghoom Monastery
While staying at one of the best hotels in Darjeeling, you can also plan a day trip to Ghoom which is just 5km away from the main town. The main attraction of this place is the vibrant Ghoom Monastery which is also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery.
Starting from the big statue of Maitreyi Buddha and interior walls depicting Tibetan art to a vast collection of invaluable manuscripts, there are many special things about this monastery. There are also two other stunning monasteries in this area which you can visit if you have time on your hands. On your way back to Darjeeling, don’t forget to cherish the beauty of the Ghoom Station covered with a blanket of fog.
9. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Darjeeling is renowned for producing aromatic, premium tea types. You might plan a peaceful stroll around Happy Valley Tea Estate's verdant paradise while on your vacation here. This tea farm is a favourite destination among tourists because of the lovely scent of fresh tea, the sound of tea leaves rustling, and the stunning hills in the background.
It is best to avoid visiting this location from November to February as this tea estate is closed during that time. The tea estate is open Tuesday through Saturday for tourists.
10. Shrubbery Nightingale Park
Shrubbery Nightingale Park is the best tourist destination in Darjeeling for couples and nature lovers. For tourists looking to spend some peaceful time together while taking in the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan mountains, this well-kept park with abundant greenery is an ideal choice.
Everyone is welcome to visit this park, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and requires a Rs. 20 entrance fee. In order to see the mountains clearly, it is recommended that you visit this captivating park in the winter. It's the ideal place to go in the evening because of the light displays and cultural activities.
Don’t wait anymore and book a room at one of the best hotels in Darjeeling to delve into the authentic charm of these sightseeing attractions. Plan your trip here in this autumn season to make the most of your trip with clear skies, serene ambiance, and pleasant weather.
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