Top 25 Places to visit in Darjeeling

Travelers from all over the world have always been drawn to this hidden gem in the Lesser Himalayas. The town is highly recognized for its charming colonial ambiance and for hosting the characteristics of Gorkha culture. This hill station in India is also the starting point for the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, one of the most well-known treks in the Indian Himalayas.

It is also one of only two locations in India from which one can see the entire panorama of the Eastern Himalayan ranges, from Everest to Kanchendzonga. Furthermore, the tranquil surroundings, which are dotted with several tea estates and evergreen forests, offer a hideaway and are perfect for recreational activities. The reason for places to visit in Darjeeling for an unforgettable vacation is its spectacular beauty and pleasant climate.

Top 25 Places to visit in Darjeeling

1). Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

The top trekking artifacts and mountaineering equipment are displayed at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is among the top tourist places to visit in Darjeeling, especially for those who enjoy the mountains. It was constructed in honor of Tenzing Norgay, who scaled Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Sir Edmund Hillary. The Himalayan Climbing Institute also maintains a café, a gift shop, a memorial to Tenzing Norgay, and a boarding school for mountaineering students.

The Darjeeling Zoo, also known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is situated on the grounds of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It covers approximately 68 acres. It is marked as one of the adventurous places to visit in Darjeeling

It is home to threatened species of animals that are habituated to alpine environments, including the snow leopard, red panda, goral (mountain goat), Siberian tiger, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear, Clouded leopard, Black leopard, and a variety of birds. On Birch Hill, which is conveniently close to Darjeeling Mall, are the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo.

2). Batasia Loop

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s Batasia Circle, one of the popular tourist attractions and places to visit in Darjeeling for nature lovers and newlyweds, is renowned for its spiral narrow-gauge railway track where the Toy Train performs a full loop around a beautiful circular garden.

It was constructed in 1919 to lessen the slope’s grade so that the toy train could drop from a height of around 140 feet with ease. It has a 50,000-square-foot footprint and is sprinkled with various floral species. From here, you can see Darjeeling’s whole terrain in its entirety. Additionally, it maintains the Gorkha War Memorial, an eco-garden with information about organic farming in Darjeeling, and numerous dining establishments.

The Batasia Loop lies near Ghoom and is nearby 5 kilometers from Darjeeling town. If you are fortunate, the Khangchendzonga range and the Eastern Himalayas will be visible on a sunny and clear day.

3). Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park

About 10 kilometers from Darjeeling town is The Rock Garden, also known as Barbotey Rock Garden. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling;

the terraced garden is filled with a wide variety of flowering plants that blaze the rocks and cliffs at various levels. The Chunnu Summer Falls is yet another element that distinguishes the park as one of the top tourist destinations and places to visit in Darjeeling.

The Ganga Maya Park, a different nature park with a tiny stream coursing through it, is located 3 kilometers ahead. A lake and gardens studded with several varieties of vibrant flowers are also features of the park. At Ganga Maya Park, visitors can also take in Gorkha folk dance.

The entire environment of Darjeeling, including the tall mountain ranges, the dancing clouds, deep gorges, soothing water streams, lush foliage all around, and charming hills, will steal your breath away. If you love enjoying nature, you must visit Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park.

4). Tenzing and Gombu Rock

Named after Tenzing Norgay (Who was the first person to climb Mt Everest), Tenzing Rock is one of the most beautiful gigantic natural rocks in Darjeeling. Just opposite this is the elegant Gombu Rock which is named after Nawang Gombu, the nephew of Tenzing, who became the director of field training at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute after Tenzing retired in 1976.

Both these rocks are used for rock climbing training. Adventurers from across the globe come here to become mountaineers and rock climbers. Tenzing himself used to practice on the one named after him.

It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Darjeeling for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers.

5). Darjeeling Ropeway

The Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, provides travelers with a rejuvenating vacation by showcasing the natural world in a single view. The first cable car system in India was established in 1968.

You may take in the breathtaking view of the valley below from the ropeway, which is carpeted with lush green tea gardens, waterfalls, the stunning Kanchenjunga Peaks, dense forest, and several little flowing streams.

It is one of the well-liked tourist places to visit in Darjeeling where visitors can spend some relaxing hours strolling through a tea estate.

6). Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum (DHR Museum), which was opened in Sukna in 2005, is the third DHR museum. One is in Ghoom, while the other is in Kurseoung. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Darjeeling. A good selection of unique photos of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway may be seen there.

It contains priceless collections that will help you learn a lot about Darjeeling’s past. You will see drawings of Tangas, uncommon images of a toy train, an original picture of Kurseong station in the 1880s, Tindharia Railway Station before 1910, the historical record of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and a very uncommon picture of a 100-year-old woman known as the Witch of Ghoom, who used to visit Tindharia Railway Station in the 1890s, among other things.

The Darjeeling Museum is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling if you truly love learning about the past of other regions.

7). Darjeeling Old Cemetery

Darjeeling Old Cemetery may not be considered a tourist destination, but it has been designated a site of “National Importance” and is home to two historical burials as well as several more graves of colonial-era residents. The British colonists who transformed Darjeeling’s deep forests into lovely tea estates, now frequented by nature lovers and others seeking solitude, are buried there. It will allow you to see Darjeeling during its colonial era.

Awe-inspiring views of Darjeeling’s magnificent scenery and tea plantations may be seen in the cemetery’s higher area. The burials from the 1840s can make you feel spooky.

The cemetery once contained more than 100 burials, but today the majority of them have been damaged by the passage of time, making it difficult to estimate the precise number of graves there.

The two main attractions in the area are the graves of Alexander Csoma de Koros and Lieutenant General George W. Aylmer Lloyd. It is one of the most well-liked tourist places to visit in Darjeeling if you want quiet and fantastical views of the region’s scenery.

8). DHR Ghum Museum

The earliest replica of the Toy Train engine of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is preserved in the DHR Ghoom Museum, one of the three museums in the Darjeeling district and situated on the grounds of the Ghoom Railway Station, the highest railway station in the world. The history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train is highlighted. One of the top tourist destinations and places to visit in Darjeeling is the Baby Sivok.

Having been founded in 1881, it is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways’ oldest model train engine. A sizable collection of historic and rare Darjeeling Himalayan Railways relics, photographs, and donations from former DHR workers are also present on the premises. If you want to make your vacation to Darjeeling fascinating, you must include the DHR Ghum Museum in your sightseeing itinerary.

9). Love Road

Love Road is the ideal location to enjoy some romantic time with your significant other. It will enhance the romance in your life. The Love Road circles Birch Hill for three kilometers, providing a quaint and pleasant stroll through the woods. As was previously mentioned, it is a “lovers’ point,” making it one of the top destinations and places to visit in Darjeeling. Here, you can see a variety of gorgeous bird species mating, twittering, and flattering each other, making this a fantastic haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.

The little road’s stunning beauty will make your skin crawl; it is surrounded by serene vistas of nature and stunning steep hills. You can visit this location to view the majestic Lebong Spur and the Kanchenjunga Range.

It is lovely to observe the pine and rhododendron tree’s peaceful shade. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Darjeeling for couples is Love Road, which is a fantastic site to begin your loving relationship.

10). Happy Valley Tea Estate

It is the perfect time to take in the expansive 440-acre tea estate. The tranquil appeal of this heavenly Tea Estate will thoroughly revitalize your soul. Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the most stunning natural tourist destinations and places to visit in Darjeeling if you are seeking a location to sharpen your spirit. It features bushes that are more than 150 years old, which will make you chuckle.

The Happy Valley Tea Estate, the second-oldest tea estate in Darjeeling and founded in 1854, is a must-see on every vacation to that city. It is 2100 meters above sea level where it is located.

You could witness the plucking process if you visit Darjeeling between March and May. About 3 kilometers separate from Darjeeling town from the Happy Valley Tea Estate, I must tell that tea aficionados will enjoy this location because the sweet flavor mingled with the environment.

11). Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, among the oldest nature sanctuaries established in India, is a paradise for those who love wildlife and are only in Darjeeling for a few days or on the weekends. Nearly 11 kilometers separate it from Darjeeling town.

One of the lovely locations inside the sanctuary that draws lots of visitors is Senchal Lake. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for Photographers and nature lovers. Darjeeling gets its drinking water from Senchal Lake. The ideal surroundings of Senchal Lake are ideal for a weekend picnic if you’re seeking a place to spend some enjoyable time with your family and friends.

Numerous species of animals, including the barking deer, wild pig, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel, and many more, may be found in the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Numerous bird and plant species can be found there as well. It has a space of about 40 square kilometers.

The Sanctuary has a gorgeous variety of flora. Oak, Pine, and Birch trees, as well as 350 different kinds of flowering plants, such as Rhododendron and Orchid plantations, Dhupi, Kapasi, Kawla, Hemlock plantations, and more, will inspire you to take stunning pictures of the environment.

12). Shrubbery Nightingale Park

In Darjeeling, the lovely Shrubbery Nightingale Park is among the wonderful places to visit in Darjeeling with your family to unwind from the stress of everyday life. You will be treated to a visual treat by the mesmerizing Kanchenjunga Peaks and Eastern Himalayan Ranges in the background. Due to the numerous Nepali cultural events that take place here every evening during the busiest travel season, this park is a lot of fun.

In 1934, an earthquake entirely wrecked this location; nevertheless, a few years later, renovations had been made. Numerous pebbled walks crisscross the park, which also houses an icon of Lord Shiva. Within the park, the melodic fountain is another top draw.

If you add Nightingale Park to your Darjeeling itinerary, your vacations there will be more enjoyable and intriguing.

13). St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church which comes under one of the most important tourist destinations and places to visit in Darjeeling is notable for its colonial-era architecture. It bears the name of Scotland’s patron saint. It was initially constructed in 1843, but after being severely damaged by a large earthquake, it was later reconstructed in 1873.

The church is home to numerous brass plaques and inlaid marble tablets, including those of Charlotte Countess Canning and Lt. General Lloyd, also known as the discoverer of Darjeeling (Wife of the governor-general).

The church appears dated and poorly kept from the exterior, yet is stunning within. The old Darjeeling cemetery was governed by this church until 1995, which is one of its most intriguing features.

With the assistance of Das Studio, records of every cemetery were photographed and compiled in 1970, but oddly, those documents have since vanished.

14). Dhirdham Temple

One of the most well-liked places of worship for tourists to visit in Darjeeling is the stunning Hindu Temple of Dhirdham, which is built in the Nepali style. The Toy Train Railway Station is right above the shrine.

This stunning temple of Lord Shiva was built in 1936 by Rai Saheb, also known as Purna Bahadur Pradhan, the King of Nepal. It provides devotees with spiritual bliss and everlasting peace.

The white statue of Lord Shiva that depicts the five distinct manifestations of Shiva with his universal third eye is the main draw inside the complex. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu may be seen in the temple’s architecture. The temple complex has a serene atmosphere, and you will undoubtedly notice the priests’ friendly disposition as they shower blessings on worshipers.

15). Aloobari Monastery

Aloobari Monastery, 3 kilometers from Darjeeling, originally comes from that location. During the First World War, Sangay Lama, a religious figure from North-Eastern Nepal, constructed this tranquil Buddhist monastery. In the middle of the chaos of war, this monastery was constructed as a sign of peace. This monastery was given the name Mak Dog, which translates as preventing war.

The striking red and yellow walls and the two lions perched atop the entrance gate are stunning.

The statue of Lord Buddha, Padmasambhava, a prayer hall, and murals illustrating his life narrative may all be seen inside the monastery. There are several Tibetan-populated settlements close to the monastery.

It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling, where you may learn about the native way of life and enjoy their hospitality.

16). Samten Choling Monastery

The Samten Choling Monastery, one of the three monasteries in Ghoom, is about 7 kilometers from Darjeeling town and is home to the Gelugpa school of Buddhism. The exterior of the monastery maintains a white body and a golden top in the traditional Tibetan architectural style. It is constructed with a substantial square-arched gate.

The 26-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha is the main draw. A sizable collection of Buddhist literature and manuscripts is also kept there. It is one of the must places to visit in Darjeeling. There is a tiny cafe on the property where you may get tea, coffee, and small snacks. Additionally, numerous monks from the yellow hat sect live there.

Visitors are urged to distinguish the Samten Choling Monastery from the Yoga Choeling Monastery, the original Ghoom Monastery, which is 1 kilometer away and was constructed in 1850. It preserves a 15-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha and also belongs to the Gelugpa branch of Buddhism.

The Yiga Choeling Monastery is home to statues of the Lord Buddha and yogis, sizable number of Buddha’s texts, bells, and a sizable drum. You will be transported into the euphoric realm by visiting these monasteries.

17). Dali Monastery

You can find a sense of peace and spiritual insight at Dali Monastery, which is 5 miles from Darjeeling. The Kagyupa sect’s Dali Monastery, which was once known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, is another significant Buddhist pilgrimage site and popular tourist destination close to Darjeeling. It was constructed in 1971, under the leadership of Thuksey Rinpoche, in a traditional Tibetan style.

The monastery also keeps enormous, cylindrical drums that are painted in gold. The prayer room’s chants and the humming of long drums painted golden give off lovely ethereal emotions. There are around 200 monks’ homes as well as a coffee shop.

18). Ghoom Monastery

The Ghoom Monastery, the largest monastery in Ghoom, was founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and is a member of the Gelug sect. It is one of the most historic Buddhist pilgrimage sites and one of the best places to visit in the Darjeeling district. About 8 kilometers separate it from Darjeeling town. The Gelugpa Sect owns this monastery.

The monastery is home to numerous Buddhist writings, a 15-foot statue of “Maitreya Buddha,” pictures of Buddha’s pupils, and a prayer hall. The monastery’s oil lamps remain lit throughout the entire year. Avoid conflating Samten Choling Monastery with Ghoom Monastery, which is how the locals refer to it.

19). Bhutia Busty Monastery

The Bhutia Busty Monastery, also known as Karma Dorjee Choling Monastery, is a branch of the Phodang Monastery in Sikkim and belongs to the Nyingma sect. It is one of most well-liked tourist destinations and places to visit in Darjeeling. It was initially constructed on Observatory Hill by Lama Dorje Rinzing in 1761, but during the Gorkha invasion of Darjeeling in 1879, it was moved to its current location.

The “Book of Dead,” one of the major Old Buddhist writings, is housed in the Bhutia Busty Monastery, which is located about two kilometers away from the Mall. Numerous tourists are drawn to the current architectural design, which enlarges the old Buddhist craftsmanship.

20). Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, founded on October 2, 1959, serves as a residence for Tibetan refugees who are ill, old, and needy. 130 Tibetan families are nowadays accommodated in the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, and the majority of them make a living by creating traditional handicrafts such as Buddha idols, different Tibetan sculptures, musical instruments, masks, thangka paintings, and many others.

It is situated in the historical district of Lebong in Darjeeling, where the Thirteenth Dalai Lama spent his exile in India from 1910 to 1912. For travelers who are particularly interested in Indo-Tibetan culture and way of life, it is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

21). Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Temple, one of the main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in Darjeeling, was opened in 1972 and is a remarkable example of traditional Japanese-style architecture. It is a two-story white structure with a spacious prayer room where the top priest offers the prayers while pounding a massive drum (also called Ho-ko) that reverberates to create a solemn atmosphere across the entire temple grounds.

A portrait of the temple’s founder, Fujii Guruji, and a model of Lord Buddha are also on display there.

The Peace Pagoda, a building dedicated to inspiring peace that is next to the Japanese Temple, was created to serve as a focal point for people of all races and religious beliefs and to aid in bringing them together in the pursuit of global peace.

It was opened in 1992 and contains four of Lord Buddha’s avatars.

You can see the entire Darjeeling region, including the Kanchenjunga range, from the top of the pagoda. The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda are among the top ten tourist attractions in Darjeeling that you must visit while there.

22). Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta

The Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta, which is situated in the center of Darjeeling town, is one of the top attractions in Darjeeling that no visitor can afford to miss when visiting. It is known for being one of the well-liked tourist hangout places to visit in Darjeeling and is a gathering place for tourists from all over the world.

In addition to housing several quaint stores, cafés, and restaurants, this location is merely your personal preference if you’d want to experience nature at its finest.

The mall has shops selling traditional clothing, handicrafts, carpets, rugs, paintings, semi-precious jewelry, and metal goods on one side and a densely forested pine forest and mountain peaks on the other.

Habeeb Mullick & Son, Curio Corner, Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Golden Tips, Life & Leaf, Jolly Arts, and Bhutan Tibet Art Shop are a few of the area’s well-known stores, eateries, and eateries.

The two main attractions in Chowrasta are the Hawa Ghar and the enormous statue of the Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya in the golden hue. Another destination for shoppers nearby Chowrasta is the Bhutia Market.

23). Tiger Hill

The highest point in the area, Tiger Hill, is among Darjeeling’s most popular tourist destinations. It is 2,590 meters above sea level and has a view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range’s spur. On a clear morning, Tiger Hill is one of just two locations in India from where you can photograph the entire scene between Mount Everest and Khangchendzonga, as well as other peaks like the Kabru, Rathong, and Kokhtang.

The other location, Phalut, which is only accessible by foot and is located at a height of about 3,600 meters, offers views of a comparable landscape. Starting in Manebhanjan, the Phalut trekking trail from Darjeeling passes through Tonglu, Giribas, Kalapokhri, and Sandakphu.

24). Bengal Natural History Museum

Originally established in 1915, with the sole purpose of exhibiting local butterflies and birds. Two main parts of the Bengal Natural History Museum now house a vast array of various specimens, including birds with nests and eggs, reptiles and fish, mammals, insects, and more.

The purpose of the taxidermy unit, which was constructed at the time of the company’s founding, is to mount animal skins so that they appear lifelike when on exhibit.

While one section features specimens like Himalayan Brown Wood Owls, Northern Spotted Owls, Northern Brown Fish Owls, Pheasants, Fly Catchers, and Woodpeckers, along with 800 more bird species, 35 species of snakes, 57 species of fish, and 608 species of butterflies and moths, the other section is home to animals like Tibetan Fox, Tibetan Lynx, Elephant, Toddy Cat, Heads of Wild Buffaloes Hung from the Walls, Panthers,

Displays of insects and reptiles can be found in other, less significant sections of the museum. For a magnificent insight into bird and animal life, it is one of the best locations to visit in Darjeeling with family.

25). Observatory Hill

The Observatory Hill, which is close to Chowrasta or The Mall, is one of the well-liked tourist places to visit in Darjeeling from which you can get incredible views of the snow-covered summits, including Kanchendzonga and its sister peaks. It takes around 10–15 minutes of uphill walking from the Mall. The Mahakal Temple which is located atop the hill and is devoted to Lord Shiva also houses three gold-plated images of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.

It is an integral Hindu pilgrimage place in Darjeeling, which was constructed following the Gorkha invasion of the 19th century.

The Darjeeling Monastery once occupied this position before being moved in 1861 to its current location, about 2 kilometers away from the Mall. Around Observatory Hill, there are various Hindu priests and Buddhist Monks as well as the Sai Baba and Hanuman temples.

Conclusion

Visiting a heavenly place like Darjeeling can never be disappointing. it is always one the best places to visit in the summer and summer holidays. Darjeeling holds very significant tourist importance in Indian Tourism.

If you are planning for a very exciting and budget travel with your family Darjeeling can be your go-to-go option.