Darjeeling is in a small city in West Bengal, India. Darjeeling grew in prominence during the mid 19th century when, because of its climate, the British first established a hill station there after leasing it from the Chogyal of Sikkim and later discovered that the area was particularly well suited for tea plantations.
Because it was a popular hill station during the days of the Raj, a lovely Victorian town was built among the Himalayan foothills, the remnants of which are still visible around the Chowrasta and Darjeeling remains a popular summer and fall resort for the natives of Kolkata today. For tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity, the beautiful views (including the wonderful vista view of Kanchenjunga), a variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains. The town is also a jumping off point for travelers heading to Sikkim.
Getting There
By plane
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, near Siliguri, 96 km from Darjeeling.
By taxi/share jeep
Siliguri is the nearest town. Ample transport is available to Darjeeling from here. The most popular modes of transport are taxi (usually shared by three to four passengers), share jeep (ten passengers).
However a Taxi from Siliguri will not take you out for sight seeing once on the hills/or in the Darjeeling town ship. It is advisable to take a one way taxi from Siliguri into Darjeeling, and book a Taxi within Darjeeling for sight seeing and your journey back to Siliguri. Taxi-fares are standard, and are generally affixed on the rear wind shield of the vehicle.
Share jeeps depart regularly, from several locations around town. They leave when full, and are a cheap, fast and reasonably comfortable way to get to Darjeeling.
By bus
There is a regular bus service from Silguri to Darjeeling. However, they are quite slow due to the steep, twisty climb up to Darjeeling. Share jeeps are almost as cheap, and faster.
By train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is the nearest station on the main inter-city line. Direct trains to NJP run from Delhi (approx 27 hours) several times a day. From there, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known to all as the ‘Toy Train’ completes the journey to Darjeeling. This route is very popular with tourists as it passes through some very picturesque mountain scenery and has been the subject of many romantic articles.
Getting Around
Darjeeling is a small town and the salubrious climate means walks around town are an extremely enjoyable means of getting around. For longer trips, taxis are available in stands near the entrance to the Mall.
See
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
- Himalayan Zoo – Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (shares the premises of HMI)
- Buddhist monasteries
- Japanese Peace pagoda
- The Kanchenjunga – best seen at dawn from Tiger Hills (check out the weather as best you can though, a cloudy day can ruin the effort of getting up at 0300 hrs. Also for traffic jams, can take hours in the morning rush when almost all the taxis here are at the Tiger hills)
- The Darjeeling Rungeet Valley Ropeway
- Deolo Hill, Kalimpong This is a must see for all the nature lovers visiting Darjeeling. The view of tea gardens from a park on the top of this hill will sweep you off your feet. You will find yourself in a garden on the top of the hill. You’ll be surrounded on all sides by tea gardens going thousands of feet deep, and the entire picturesque landscape guarded well on all sides by high rise mountains. Kalimpong is a little warmer than Darjeeling. On your way from Darjeeling to Kalimpong, you will come across many hill points and a picturesque view of river Teesta. You can enjoy rafting on the river, if you have enough number of enthusiasts in the group.
- Mirik – The lake of Mirik is a nice stretch of water where you can enjoy horse riding and boating. You will be chased by a number of horse riders who will offer you an affordable ride on the horse, even if you dont want one. The best way to avoid them quickly is to tell them that you will take a ride after boating and lunch. Some riverside restaurants can offer average quality meals.
- Tiger Hill – Ideal to visit early morning when the first rays of Sun kiss the Mt Kunchenjunga and give it a golden color. To visit the hill, one needs to get up at 3:00 am in the morning. You can taste some excellent tea on your way to the hill, which will provide much needed warmth on cold Darjeeling mornings. When getting into a taxi at 4 AM keep in mind that they are shared taxis and your driver might wait around in vain for others to join your taxi causing you to miss the sunrise! Those travelling alone or as a couple might want to squeeze into an already occupied jeep to insure full viewing pleasure.
Do
Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Apart from sights within the town, there are plenty of trek options along the Himalayan ridges on the Indo-Nepal border near Darjeeling. The most popular one being the Singhalia Ridge Trail. Bookings for guides, porters and accommodation on the trail can be made in Darjeeling or in the nearby town of Manebhanjang, which serves as the trail-head.
Buy
- Tea. Darjeeling is famous the world over for its teas, which are very aromatic and have a delicate taste. Shops selling teas (usually owned by local tea gardens), dot the area in and around the Mall. Nathmulls is especially known for their tea and also ship worldwide. Stop by to smell the numerous varieties they have to offer.
- Curio items pertaining to Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, such as thangkas, miniature monasteries and garments made from yak wool.
- Books, Oxford Bookshop, Chowrashtra. Excellent selection of titles.
- Posters and picture postcards, Das photo, the Mall. Excellent selection of posters and cards depicting scenes of the Himalayas.
Eat
‘Momos’ – a steamed delicacy are a staple food offered by almost every eating joint. Several eateries which dish out North Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, and continental fare dot the area around the Mall.
- Glenary’s Bakery and Cafe. A good place for pastries, the ubiquitous Darjeeling cuppa, sizzerlers and North Indian fare. Offers nice views of the Kanchendzonga on clear days.
- Hot Stimulating Cafe. On the way to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, on Hooker Road, is this lovely little cozy place. The Momos here are awesome! They even offer a Momo-cooking course! The guy who owns it can double up as your local guide, trekking along with you to some adventurous outings from Darjeeling.
- Kunga. An excellent Tibetan place, situated just above the clocktower. It serves superb tibetan food, including hearty tibetan soups (the Thentuk is recommended). It is, however, tiny, so is often full.
One major problem is everything closes pretty early in the night (8 PM). So do keep something in stock to eat, if you are planning to stay up late.
E
thankx for a good pic thats beautiful
very good informative. expect more .thanking you
very good
Very good pictures
oh…its really beautiful place. I will try to go there..as soon as i will have time…Thanks for pictures.
nice pictures
very beautiful place… really wana go dere….!!!
Its look really nice Darjeeling is a very nice place to visit
Very nice, goood
It’s a very very nice & very good pictures………………..I like this place!
So beautiful 🙂
beautiful and awesom pictures
.
Very Good information…. 🙂
It will be better if you can also include on something to avoid too, as this will be helpful for the enthusiasts to make a Safe and Happy Trip ….
Keep the good job up…
🙂
Best Wishes,
Divy
The Derjeeling is very nice,
Now in Haldia , (West Bengal)
Very nice place
Thanking you
Thanks. Gorgous pictures. Hopefully one day might visit.
Gower
i want to visit darjeeling in next year. it is my favourite place in west bengal. thanq for the details.the pics r nice. expecting some more
Very good. But you should have mentioned fares and prices of some of the things – approximately.
That a beautiful picture i like very much
Wowww ..! Its Heaven On Earth..! So beautiful….
cool and nice
Its Real beauty in earth should every visit this place.
Marzan
wonderful!!!!
its very chilled for me
It had snow last time I visited in early 90s, where’s it? Gone due to global warming?
thankx for a good pic thats beautiful yogeshgowda
IT IS LOOKS LIKE HEAVEN AND VERY BEAUTIFUL
A very wonderful place for any body’s vist. I am longing for a visit and yet could not go to his beautiful place.
Congrtulations for the photoraphs and descriptions of the place.
Can we expect some more valuble collection? Keep it up!
Thanks.
Visit to Tiger Hills for sun rising view. Authorities cheat you by collecting Rs.40/- as entry fee for the place. And most of the time you will not be able to see sun rise due to clouds and mist. When you are not sure of viewing the event you are defrauded by authorities by collecting the money.
a woderful info on darjweeling
I visited this week
saifee
It is very nice. I want to visit next year.
it Marvels Pictures i think it’s god Gift…………..i like
so beautiful i like it
YES, IT’S A REAL BEAUTIFUL,MARVALOUS,PEACEFUL AND DIFFERENT LOOK LIKE A PLACE SINCE BRITISH RULE AND I MUST VISIT IT IN FUTURE.
PLEASE, SAVE THE BEAUTY OF THE NATURE,ENJOY IT BUT DON’T SPOIL
So beautiful………..i like it
beautttttttttttiful and lovely pics i wish to go there nd my wishes 4 those who went there
Its really very beautiful pics,i wish to go there,,,,,,
Wonderful pictures and article.
its nice to this kind of pictures
u did a great job
it was wonderful
thanks a lot bye take care
really superb
very nice place 2 spend holidays
it is very nice and enjoyable for all of you pls visit that place
Its a beautiful place and I will travel by toy train.
Nice pics…….i will definitely visit all the places stated abov.
Good Work ……..keep it up!
VERY GOOD INFORMATION WITH EXCELLENT NATURE VEIW
I’ve visited Darjeeling so many times but it never make me tired.
Thanks for the remembrance.
waooooooooooooooooooo
would that I were there for a long holiday
ok, thank for awasome pictures
Its very good information for our knowledge improvement.
OoooooooooooooHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Lovely
Dharti pe Jnnat
excellent. seen Darjeeling , enjoyed Darjeeling.
Thanks
Gopal Singh
very good, feel to fly there no w now now now
darjeeling is a very very nice place for enjoyment.
wow its so wonder ful, its true that Dhati pe jnnat but jnnat is in india,ya
thanks
bye see u soon
beautyful place and u can say jannat in earth.
Thanks for giving me this information ,nature is always good but this place i touch my heart,because of beautifulness.
very nice
I love Darjeeling, it is a beautiful place to leave.
I want to visit this year
thanks priya for u r information.i will go darjeeling for visit.i like it thanks.
sabin karki
Thanks for the info…awesome pics…
Wowww ..! Its Heaven On Earth..! So beautiful….
Very nice pictures…inspiring history….love to read more of this type…
its wonderful & freshy pictures
thanks yaar
The description of Darjeeling is good and importantly the research on the mode of transprt available to reach Darjeeling is very appreciative
very good pictures
it rememrbers me the days when i visited darjeeling in 1989.Dr.sanjeev Mehta
good
Awesome Darjeeling………..! INCREDIBLE INDIA ……….!!!
Thank u.
Penina
Hi
Many thanks for your nature pics thats is verey verey good
Very nice pictures.realy good
thanks priya for u r information.i will go darjeeling . it very nice
Very beautiful pictures. Awesome!! thank u. Lily
Very Very good nice pixs
I love Nature
Very Very good nice pixs
realy its very very very good i thanks to god to give so beautiful place that in india its realy a swarg
Incredible & Amazing. Let the todays kids know the beauty of our Dear Country and visit them prior to visiting Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia etc. The todays rich kids do not know what is in their own house and want to explore the neighbors house.
It’s reaaly good Knowledgable Really good details are given
tankx for good pictures yaar
Dear Sir:
Very nice pictures. Excellent site.
I would like to get the Darjeeling Zoo e-mail address thru my e-mail.
Regds
Amit
so nice site
its very nice place i hope to go there i cann’t imagine
aussum pics and mind blowin scenary…………………….cool.!!!!
TANKX FOR SHOWING VERY GOOD PICTURE
It seems nowhereelse is the beauty of nature so prodigallylavished as this.
its a dream to me always. It has never become old to me thanks priya
Its really superb to see those cool pixs. thanx for all ur valuable especially about ‘Toy train’
The Indian History Guide : The Difference Exprience with us- we are writing to travellers who are travelling to india or nepal
Its reallysuperb…
Mind blowing…
Should visit…
Darjeeling is paradise, cool, quiet, serene and peaceful.
It’s so nice… Glad to see this……………. Thanks a lot…
very good pictures
‘very ossam place’
its the best place on earth for me…………
except 4 the roads .darjeeling is lovely
ITS A HEAVEN FOR ME N I M GLAD TO BORN AT THAT PLACE………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very good pics. Lovely & breathtaking sceneries.
Good information of most essentials at one go.
Very good pics. Good information of most essentials at one go.
obviously darjeeling is very very beautiful place in world.it is the part of paradise.you are lucky priya that you get an opportunity to describe about darjeeling.thank you.
Very soon i will go to Darjeeling.
It’s really nice place.
i want to know about accommodation, fares etc.
wow!!!!!!!!!!good verry??????????verry ????thankx for beauty ful in smart park
Awesome pics and awesome place Darjeeling!!
its a amazing website for to know the wonders of all area
it`s really awesome i luv my hometown it iz breath takin place
I went there in 1972.
I hope it is just as lovely now as it was then.
Hi its beautiful as this is my hometown
The information about Darjeeling is very good,and friendly.The photos are quite nice. I very much like to alight that ‘Toy Train’ and see Darjeeling and taste those wonderful teas! My mouth is already watering!Thanks!I like it!
really nice pictures,well captured….