Darjeeling Travel Guide - Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling known for its charming beauty, tea and breathtaking landscape is one of the famous and most visited hill stations of the country. Be it be the first ray of sun that touches the mountain top or the clean breezy air, Darjeeling undoubtedly offers its visitors a view of paradise. It is also known for its Himalayan tribal life, tea gardens, pine trees and Tibetan monasteries by which one can know more about Tibetan culture.

Darjeeling City

A trip to Darjeeling takes you in the erstwhile memory lanes of the splendid colonial days where one can explore the sights of Victorian London, green surroundings, multi-talented folks, Oriental faces and the lingering aromas of royal era in every bend of the small town.  Main attractions of Darjeeling are as follows:

Ghoom

6 kms from the core town, this hummock is overshadowed by well-known Yiga Choeling Monastery which houses 15 icons of Maitreya Buddha and a number of early palm leaf and manuscripts of paper in Tibetan writing.

Kalimpong

Kalimpong City

The tiara of this beautiful valley, Teesta is extended in a small town Kalimpong. The spectacular beauty of Mac Farlane church, which was once the head office of governor of Bhutan fills the tourists’ heart with warmth and pleasure. Located at a height of 1250 meters, Kalimpong offers a pleasing landscape. Build in 1900 on the inclines of Delo Hill, Dr. Graham’s Homes School started by Dr. John Anderson Graham is one of the chief attractions of this place. An observatory spot at the summit called Durpin Dara provides the complete view of the expansive Himalayan ranges. Kalimpong has various monasteries like Tharpa Coling monastery build by yellow hat sect in 1937 which is located at Tirpai Hill, 2 kms away from it. Other famous monasteries like Thongsha Gompa and Pedong monastery are also present in this place.

Mirik

Mirik Town

Known for its orange orchards and tea gardens, the typical weather of Mirik is fresh and delightful. Presence of blossoming fertile valley enveloped with tea farms, tall oak trees, juicy oranges and small cottages makes this place a rare beauty beyond comparison. The relaxing weather of Mirik makes it a perfect place for those who wish to take a break off from the hectic schedule of city and spend some quality time with family and friends. Boating and fishing facilities are also available.

Dhoom Gompa

Dhoom Gompa of Darjeeling

Dhoom Gompa refers to the Buddhist religion which lies at a distance of 8kms from the hill station. This Gompa is immeasurably renowned for the impressive statue of the Maitreya Buddha. It is still preserved the exotic Buddhist manuscripts.

The Mall

Darjeeling Mall

The mall of Darjeeling is the main backbone of tourism. It is considered as the lifeline of the hill station. It is a commercial street which offers a huge variety of wooden and special hilly products. On the summit of the mall, the city looks like a beautiful picture gallery. From here, one can get bulk collection of knitwear and memento shops belonged with Himalayan artefacts. A fantastic place, Chaurasta is a square shaped leading to the mall road.

Tea Gardens

Beautiful Tea Garden of Darjeeling

Tea plantation has earned widespread popularity for its unique savour and healthy ingredients. A visit to the green carpeted tea gardens of Darjeeling ensures you to cherish with natural beauty and blossoming greenery. The first ray of the sun trapped on tea plants is so eye-catching and impressive. It is indeed a cherished experience that may not be missed at any cost by the visitors. About 3kms from the main town, well-renowned Happy Valley Tea Estate is located which is famous for its distinctive flavour, beautiful serenity and green vistas abounding it. Here, tourists can also experience actual process of the manufacturing of the tea. A sip of tea will definitely takes you in an imaginary life which can be seen only in dreams. It has 86 tea gardens and each boasts of best production with innovative methods.

Toy Trains

Toy Train Darjeeling

A journey by the Toy Train is truly a fascinating experience. The surroundings of this hill station are so much exotic and captivating. One can cherish untamed greenery while travelling by the train, surrounding it. The Toy Train ride is very adventurous approaching to the Himalayas, a glittering region. The landscape can only be depicted as stunning and the visions of the Himalayan peaks awesome. The Darjeeling Toy Train is the most loving journey that makes you trip remarkable amidst the rolling mountains and vast valleys.

Darjeeling is a wonderful hill station and has a number of other fabulous places as well.

Hotels and Guest Houses in Darjeeling

• Snow Lion Home Stay, 21 Gandhi Road, opp. Bethany Primary School, Darjeeling, 0354 2258329
• Bellevue Hotel Darjeeling, the Mall, Nehru Road, Darjeeling, 0354 225 4075
• Main Hotel Bellevue, Chowrasta, the Mall, Darjeeling, 09232187433
• Cedar Inn, Jalphar Road, Post Office Box 102, Hill Cart Rd, Darjeeling
• Sinclairs Darjeeling Hotel, 18 1 Gandhi Road, Darjeeling, 0354 2256431
• Hotel Seven Seventeen, H. D. Lama Road, Dist Darjeeling, Darjeeling, 0354 2255099
• Seven Seas Hotel, Darjeeling, 17, NB Singh Rd, Darjeeling, 09002669491
• Hotel Dolma Hotel in Darjeeling, Cooch Behar Road, Darjeeling, Darjeeling, 09818874945
• Viramma Villa, Jalapahar Road, Near TV Tower, Darjeeling, 0354 2255357
• Mayfair Darjeeling, the Mall Opposite Governor House, IND-734 101 Darjeeling, 0354 2256376