Darjeeling or the Queen of Hills is often the first destination that comes into our mind while planning a mountain holiday. However, this place is not only about the mall road and popular sightseeing attractions as there are many other hidden treasures that one can explore. You can reserve a room at the best hotel in Darjeeling and embark on a memorable voyage to try offbeat things that are beyond the hyped tourist spots.
Offbeat Experiences To Enjoy During Your Darjeeling Holidays
1. Explore the tea gardens
Most people often restrict their Darjeeling trip to 1-2 popular tea gardens. However, you will be amazed to know that there are more than 50 tea gardens in and around Darjeeling which offer the captivating beauty of the surroundings.
This is why it is always recommended that you visit the hidden tea gardens in Darjeeling for an authentic experience. Some such tea gardens that you can consider adding to your itinerary are Puttabong, Shingmari, Badamtam, and Balasun tea estate. In these tea estates, you can learn tea processing and taste some flavourful teas.
2. Arrange a hike to Tiger Hill
It is quite common for tourists to hire a car from Darjeeling town and then take a trip to Tiger Hill for an amazing sunrise. However, if you want to explore more than the normal tourist experiences then you must consider hiking to Tiger Hill.
This is a relatively easy hike for adventure seekers and you can start early in the morning to get unobstructed views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. To reach the top of the hill, you may take around 4 hours but during these hours you will get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surroundings.
3. Trek to Sandakphu
If you’re an adventure junkie then you shouldn’t miss a memorable trek to Sandakphu. This is one of the best trekking trails around Darjeeling which is perfect to enjoy unparalleled views of Lhotse, Mount Everest, and Kanchenjunga together.
This trekking route also passes through small villages, lush forests, and rhododendron gardens so be sure to enjoy some of the most amazing views and sceneries. You must note that this trek can be quite challenging for some but the sense of achievement after reaching the summit is totally worth it.
4. Take a ropeway ride
It can be quite normal for you to be tired of the constant crowds of tourists in Darjeeling town. To escape from this town and get a kaleidoscopic view of the mountains, you can consider taking a ropeway ride in Darjeeling.
The ropeway ride starts from the town and then takes you to Tukvar which is a majestic mountain village in Darjeeling. Witnessing the bustling town from above with a perfect backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges looks totally amazing.
5. Visit Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre
Another offbeat activity that you can do while at one of the best hotels in Darjeeling near Mall Road is visiting the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. This sightseeing attraction plays a major role in preserving the rich heritage and culture of the Tibetans.
While paying a visit to this place, you can get a quick insight into the customs, lifestyle, and traditions of the Tibetans. Herein, you can also communicate with the Tibetan refugees and buy some handmade souvenirs for your loved ones.
6. Witness the wilderness in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
Darjeeling is visited by many tourists who are wildlife enthusiasts. However, many tourists limit their wildlife tours to the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park due to its proximity to the Mall Road. If you want to witness the Himalayan flora and fauna from up close then you must not forget to add Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in your tour itinerary.
This peaceful sanctuary is home to various exotic wildlife species such as leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and other vibrant avifauna species which you can spot while exploring the hiking trails.
7. Enjoy a heritage walk
Staying at the best hotel in Darjeeling also enables you to indulge in a short heritage walk. This is an offbeat and tranquil experience that you can enjoy during your trip.
Herein, you can take a day off from your itinerary and indulge in a leisurely stroll from Mall Road to discover all the heritage properties around Darjeeling. On your way, you will be amazed to witness the breathtaking beauty and architecture of the General Post Office, Raj Bhawan, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
8. Learn about the medicinal plants
Darjeeling is well-known among tourists for its rich biodiversity which also includes the wide range of medicinal plants that can be found here. For a unique travel experience, you can consider delving into the information about the available Himalayan medicinal plants available in the region.
Herein, you can consider visiting the Lloyd Botanical Garden, Himalayan Flower Nursery, and other gardens to learn about the plants. Some of the unique medicinal plants that you will find during your tour are cinchona, jamun, gineri bark, and taxus buccata.
9. Know the history of toy trains from the Himalayan Railway Museum
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site that you can witness in Darjeeling. To learn more about the history and facts about the stunning toy train, you can consider visiting the Himalayan Railway Museum located near the Ghoom station.
This museum is home to various photographs, models, and artifacts about the Himalayan railways that you will be amazed to discover. Herein, you can also take part in some interactive exhibits where you can communicate with the local people to learn some amazing facts about the toy train.
10. Discover the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Another offbeat thing to do in Darjeeling is visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Due to lack of time, tourists often only visit the Zoological Park and miss visiting the mountaineering institute but if you’re an adventure enthusiast then you will love discovering the photographs and artefacts that are stored here.
If you love mountaineering then you may also consider joining a course here that will enable you to learn basic skills to advanced techniques related to mountaineering. Herein, you can also consider visiting the library to collect some amazing books about mountaineering.
11. Plan a day trip to the nearby offbeat locations
Darjeeling is surrounded by various offbeat locations that can offer you untamed natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. During your Darjeeling vacation, you can hire a private car and take a day trip to these hidden locations to spend some tranquil time with your loved ones.
The lush green landscapes, forest trails, colourful flowers, and scenic viewpoints here will surely uplift your holiday. Some of the best offbeat locations that you can consider visiting from the town are Lamahatta, Lepchajagat, Takdah, Tinchuley, and Chatakpur.
12. View the peaks of Kanchenjunga from Lepchajagat
Due to pollution and tourist crowds, it can be quite difficult for you to get a clear view of the Kanchenjunga from the main town of Darjeeling. However, if you’re dreaming of a clear view of the snow-capped ranges then without any delay you must visit Lepchajagat.
Lepchajagat is an offbeat village near Darjeeling that is considered a haven for honeymooners and peace seekers. The pine trees, sunlight peeking through the forest, and scenic views of the mountain create a perfect setting for a relaxing mountainous vacation.
Book a spacious room at the best hotel in Darjeeling with a picturesque view of the mountains to enjoy all the mentioned offbeat activities comfortably. To make your trip hassle-free, you can also consider booking the hotel near the mall road and reserving the rooms in advance with amazing deals and discounts.
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