tour places near darjeeling

Places to Visit in Darjeeling; 15 Must See Places in Darjeeling Tour

Are you planning for a Darjeeling tour this summer holiday? Do the hills beckon you with their snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys? Are you wondering about the places to visit in Darjeeling that you cannot miss? If you are unsure of where to begin, you have landed on the right page.

In this article, we will take a look at the 15 most interesting places near Darjeeling that you must include in your Darjeeling tour itinerary.

Darjeeling has forever been a favorite summer retreat. Back in the days of the British, Darjeeling was as popular as it is today. The British Viceroys would escape to the picturesque hill station in quest of respite from the intense summer heat. The central point of attraction of Darjeeling tourism is the fact that there is a vibe of colonialism mixed with a typical hilly environment that makes the town unique among other hill stations.

Darjeeling is Beautiful, Darjeeling is Happening

Located at an altitude of 6,710 feet in the Lesser Himalayan ranges, Darjeeling is a tourist’s piece of paradise. The two most prominent parts of tourism in Darjeeling revolve around stunning tea estates and towering monasteries. While the tea estates are a by-product of colonial culture, the monasteries are of Buddhist religious significance.

Yet another prime element of the tourism industry is the irresistible weather of Darjeeling. The weather factor pulls in several tourists each year. It is never too hot in Darjeeling. While summers are mild and pleasant, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. In these two seasons, sightseeing is a wonderful experience. With rhododendron flowers in full bloom and clear blue skies, Darjeeling certainly lives up to its label of the ‘Queen Of Hills’.

Read This to Know Darjeeling Weather and Temperature in Details 

Due to this great weather and visual delight of Kanchenjunga, tourists always kept pouring into the place. To meet tourist demands and also due to its sheer historical significance a lot of Tourist places got developed nearby centering Darjeeling.

Best 15 places to visit in Darjeeling

If a Darjeeling tour is on your mind, then plan your innings in a way so that you can cover all the 15 places that are mentioned below. Trust us when we tell you that you will not be disappointed. The tourist places of interest near Darjeeling can be classified into two broad categories.

• Sight-Seeing Options: Places that you can cover in your Darjeeling Tour while you stay in Darjeeling only.
• Nearby Darjeeling Tourist Places: Tourist Places that should be clubbed with your Darjeeling tour for a night or extended stay

Darjeeling Tour Sightseeing: Places to Visit in and Around Darjeeling

#1. tiger hill.

Watching the sunrise on the horizon from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, will leave a memory with you that will last forever. Along with the beautiful orange hue of the rising sun, you can also witness a panoramic picture of the majestic Kanchenjunga.

Tiger Hill is around 11 Km away from Darjeeling and is at an altitude of 8482 feet above sea level. The surrounding areas are natural forest reserves. An observatory deck is under construction on the hilltop in order to accommodate the innumerable tourists that come visiting in peak seasons.

The viewing time is around 4 in the morning. It is a usual sight to spot mufflers, scarves, woolen caps, monkey caps, heavy jackets and shivering humans thronged together, waiting patiently for the sun to let out its first rays.

As the sun slowly emerges from the horizon, the view is to die for. The mountain ranges are at a riot of colors while the sun paints the canvas. Photographers will be on cloud nine with the kind of pictures that they will be able to capture. The splendid views will more than make up for your early morning struggle with sleep and the chill.

#2. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo

If you are trekking or a mountain climbing enthusiast, this place is just for you. HMI is a lot of things at the same time. It is a museum, home to a boarding school, the Himalayan Zoological Park as well as a shop for souvenirs.

The museum is stacked with mountaineering gears and artifacts needed for expedition purposes. The museum was built as a tribute to two renowned mountain climbers, Tenzing Norway and Sir Edmund Hillary, who had climbed the Everest in 1953. The boarding school caters to students who wish to study mountaineering.

The zoo is popularly known as the Darjeeling Zoo. It occupies around 68 acres of land and is home to several endangered species. If you love wildlife photography, you can capture a Siberian tiger prowling around or a snow leopard napping peacefully. The ever-elusive red panda is also a common sight. You will also spot many species of bright and beautiful birds.

#3. Darjeeling Rock Garden; One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling

Around 10 Km from the main town of Darjeeling, there is a Rock Garden that is constructed around Chunnu Summer Falls. It has several tiers and the whole picture looks absolutely amazing from a distance. The waterfall cascades down the rocky slopes and there are well-manicured gardens and benches at each level.

Your car will take you through these slopes and you can view the entire landscape while going uphill. The road uphill is steep and there are sharp curves and bends ahead.

The Rock Garden was built in the 1980s to attract tourist attention to Darjeeling after the brief lull following political troubles in the hill station.

What will instantly captivate you while going uphill is the way the clouds play hide and seek. One moment, it is cloudy and foggy in front of the car’s windshield and the next moment, the clouds have transported to the tier below the one you are riding on.

The waterfall descends with a soothing rhythm that calms your soul while you go downhill. Bright and beautiful flowers are in full bloom in seasons and the garden is skillfully ornamented with these flowers.

#4. Batasia Loop

Around 5 Km away from Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is a circular railway track around a well-landscaped garden. The garden covers an area of 50,000 sq ft and is dotted with several plants bearing flowers. It is situated at the base of Ghoom station. The Darjeeling toy train runs on this track on a loop and this is how the place got its name. It is indeed a mesmerizing view and a prime tourist location in Darjeeling.

There is a historical fact behind this place. The Batasia loop was specifically built to serve as a gentler slope for the toy train to descend slowly after reaching Ghoom station. Earlier, the descent was 100 feet and was too steep for the toy train to cover comfortably. The Batasia Loop, thus, serves as a means to end

It is a place of tourist interest because of the incredible view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan ranges from the garden. It is also a spectacular sight to see the toy train emerging through billowing clouds and take the gentle curves of the terrain.

If you are looking for only a handful of places to visit in Darjeeling, this has to be on your list.

#5. Darjeeling Ropeway

Among all other tourist places in Darjeeling, the ropeway is the most sought after by adults and children alike. Singamari is the place from where you will have to board the ropeway. The ropeway is also known as Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable because it gives you a fantastic aerial view of the valley running along Little Rangeet river.

The cable car offers stunning views of the lush green tea gardens, rivers in full flow, dense forests and cascading waterfalls all through. The cable car ride lasts for close to 45 minutes. In this short span of time, you will be able to descend from 7000 feet to 800 feet.

You could get off the ropeway and take a tour of some of the tea gardens. You could meet and greet the local women plucking away tea leaves and learn a thing or two about this incredible art.

#6. Ghoom Monastery

The Ghoom Monastery is traditionally known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. It is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet at Ghoom and is around 8 Km away from the town of Darjeeling.

The monastery happens to be the first Tibetan Buddhist Monastery that was built in Darjeeling. It was built in the year 1875. It is a famous pilgrimage place and attracts many tourists in peak seasons. Apart from the external architecture, it is also home to the statue of ‘Maitreya Buddha’ that is almost 15 feet high.

The statue of Buddha inside the monastery was apparently built with the clay that was sourced from Tibet. Two oil lamps continue to burn in front of the statue of Buddha all year long through time immemorial.

#7. Mahakal Temple

The Mahakal Temple is highly sacred and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The hill on top of which this temple is located is known as the ‘Holy Hill’. It is a few minutes away from Chowrasta.

The most interesting part of this temple is the fact that there is a Hindu priest as well as a Buddhist monk at the altar.

This is because this temple is sacred to Hindus as well as to Buddhists. According to a legend, this place was once a Buddhist monastery and hence the amalgamation of two different cultures happens. Shiva Ratri is celebrated with huge pomp and glory. The environment is calm, spiritual and there is unmatched tranquillity around. This temple is situated just above Mall Road and it is a trip of its own class.

This is closeby mall and one of the best  places to visit in Darjeeling

#8. Mall Road | Darjeeling Mall

For the shopaholic in you, Mall Road is the perfect place to be. It is a busy market all day long and even till the late hours in the evening. You will find almost everything that you might want to shop for.

The road is spotted with tourists who are either out to dine at a restaurant or buy local and branded items. Mall road is not specifically a brand destination. It is home to a number of local handicrafts like exquisitely designed carpets, hand-embroidered shawls, Tibetan masks, costume jewelry, etc. You could find uniquely designed woolen items in the shops on Mall Road.

You will also come across bookstores, cafes and small eateries lining the sides of the road.

The only trick that you need to master before buying things from this place is to bargain with all your might. If you can bargain well, you will be able to crack good deals.

Tourist Places To Visit in Darjeeling

These are some special places that are scattered around Darjeeling and demands a night stay to savor them in totality. These places are fast gaining popularity with tourists that loves to stay in secluded beautiful places and likes to avoid city rush.

#9. Sandakphu

Sandakphu is situated at an altitude of 12000 feet and happens to be the highest peak of West Bengal. The best time to visit Sandakphu would be from March-May and from October-December. This is the season when the Rhododendron flowers are in full bloom and paint the peaks in beautiful colors of their own.

Sandakphu is a prime tourist destination because of the spectacular views it offers at the break of dawn. If you are lucky to have clear and visible skies, then you could have a panoramic view of the 4 loftiest peaks of the world.

Both sunrises and sunsets are stunning to see from Sandakphu. There are even two separate viewing points to ensure that you get the best views possible.

While Sandakphu is a famous trekking site and tourists usually trek up to this place, it is also possible to reach this place by driving up to it. However, the road conditions are not ideal to drive up to the place and it will be much more enjoyable if you opt for trekking.

To club Sandakphu with your Darjeeling tour, you got to take 3-4 days extra at hand for Sandakphu and Phalut Summit.

This is surely one of the most loved places to visit in Darjeeling for trekkers.

If you want to know more about Sandakphu please click the below-given link

Sandakphu: Detailed tour guide

Mirik is around 49 Km away from Darjeeling and takes 2.5 hours to reach by a private car, shared jeeps or taxis. It is famous for its large natural lake situated at an altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level. Since the altitude is lower, weather conditions are highly favorable for tourism.

Mirik happens to be a favorite tourist spot among Darjeeling tourist places. This is due to the fact that it is nestled in beautiful surroundings. There are tall and towering pine trees all around and the atmosphere is tranquil at its best.

Mirik Lake is also called Sumendu Lake. A footbridge arches over this lake and is known as the Rainbow Bridge. Mirik Lake is 1.25 Km long. There are Dhupi trees lining its western bank and the eastern bank has a beautiful garden. Mirik Lake is a favorite site for boating. The long stretch of the lake allows you to boat away leisurely and you can also view the snow-capped mountain peaks while boating on the lake.

The weather is always mild and pleasant. The temperature never exceeds 30 degrees C in summers and never goes beyond 2 degrees C in the peak of winters.

Mirik is an awesome place to stay and you must consider clubbing Mirik for 1or 2 nights with your Darjeeling tour plan.

If you are looking for places to stay in Mirik, please go through these given links

Mirik Home Stay

Schooldara Heritage Bungalow

#11. Kalimpong

Kalimpong 1250 meters above sea level. It is approx 50 km away from Darjeeling. Summers pleasant and winters could be really cold. The best time to visit Kalimpong would be during the summer season.

Kalimpong, as a tourist spot, offers the best of both worlds. It is at once quiet and peaceful because of the abundance of churches and monasteries around. There are beautiful nurseries in Kalimpong that have orchid plants of different varieties. These nurseries are worth a visit to see the collection that they have of various kinds of flowers.

Did you know that Kalimpong produces 80% of the country’s gladioli produce?

There are three important monasteries in Kalimpong that deserve special mention. These are the Tongsa Gompa, the Tharpa Choeling Gompa and the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa.

If you are looking for only a handful of places to visit in Darjeeling, this has to be there in your tour plan.

If you are looking for places to stay in Kalimpong, please go through these given links

Windsongs Kalimpong

Dhardo Retreat Kalimpong Hotels and Resort

#12. Kurseong; one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling again

Kurseong is around 31.5 Km away from the town of Darjeeling and it takes an hour and a half to reach Kurseong by car. It is quieter in comparison to other towns and districts located near Darjeeling. It sits at an altitude of 1458 metres above sea level. Kurseong originally means the place of the White Orchid.

Kurseong is famous in history because of the many artistic compositions that have been made here. The famous poet, literary artist and songwriter, Rabindranath Tagore had composed many of his songs and poems in this town.

You can visit the Makaibari tea garden and Eagles Craig. The Eagles Craig is a high cliff which serves as an observatory point from which the beautiful town of Kurseong can be seen. Makaibari Tea Estate is famous for its landscape and the tea it brings to our palettes.

If you are looking for places to stay in Kurseong, please go through these given links

Kurseong Eco Village

Allita Resort – Kurseong

Lava is around 148 Km from Darjeeling and it lies at an altitude of 2350 meters. It is mostly popular for bird watching since many migratory birds come visiting here. It is also an ideal place for nature exploration.

Lava is the beginning point of the Neora Valley National Park. You will notice a significant change in the vegetation as you approach Lava from Kalimpong. The deciduous trees give way to pine trees, fir trees and birches.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Lava, please go through the given link

Lava Tea Estate

#14. Lataguri

Lataguri is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive from Darjeeling. It is at a distance of 110 Km from the township of Darjeeling. It is right outside the Gorumara National Park and nature enthusiasts will absolutely love exploring the various facets of natural flora and fauna in this settlement.

This place is very close to the National Park and is, therefore, a source of thrill and adventure. You can go driving in the wild, spot wildlife, visit forest caves, watch unknown migratory birds and enjoy the calm, serene surroundings.

If you are looking for places to stay in Lataguri, please go through these given links

Retreat Lataguri

Hotel Dreamland Lataguri

Appu Tea Estate

River Retreat Dooars

#15 Rohini; one of the unknown places to visit in Darjeeling

Rohini lies at a distance of 66 Km from Darjeeling. It is closer to Siliguri. Rohini attracts tourist attention because of its stunning natural surroundings and forestlands. The forests of Lama Gomba lure tourists each year and especially the ones who like spotting wildlife and going on jungle tours.

There is a picnic spot, around 15 minutes by car from Rohini and is known as Dudhia. There is a hilltop in Rohini that allows spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Rohini, please go through the given link

Mountain View Retreat – Rohini

So, these will be our 15 choices of tourist places near Darjeeling that you must cover in your Darjeeling tour plan.

We in Nomadic specialize in Darjeeling Tours. We have tied up with the best properties near Darjeeling that you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are a few other articles that you may like reading

Darjeeling weather and temperature: all your questions answered, 8 awesome things to do in darjeeling which you just cannot miss, darjeeling toy train: history, experience and all useful information.

If you are finding these interesting, here  25 such awesome unknown and offbeat Destinations  Near Darjeeling. Do check out. You won’t waste your time.

Check out   Nomadic Weekends   site here.

Click Here to Customize Your Darjeeling Tour with us for Free

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• 26 Scenic Tourist Places In Darjeeling In 2024

23 Mar 2023

One of the most popular hill stations in India – Darjeeling is a perfect collage of snowy and mighty Himalayan ranges, winding walking tracks, valleys, monasteries, momos, tea plantations, and toy trains. Amidst the green-grey hills, the serene vegetation and scenic vistas guarantee a vacation to cherish forever. The untouched beauty of this hill town attracts visitors from across the country to take a break from the bustling city life. So, take a plunge into this list of the best tourist places in Darjeeling that you might not want to miss on your trip.

26 Best Tourist Places In Darjeeling

Let’s check out what fun things can be done in these tourist places in Darjeeling while holidaying in Bengal’s favorite summer getaway. From zoological parks to monasteries, there is a lot to explore in Darjeeling. Here is a list of Darjeeling tourist places you must check out!

• Tiger Hill : Get Mesmerized By The Surreal Beauty
• Batasia Loop : Admire The Panoramic View
• Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park : Meet & Greet The Animals
• Peace Pagoda : Explore & Meditate
• Ghoom Monastery : Please Your Eyes With Vibrant Colors
• Rock Garden : Gape At The Man-Made Beauty
• Himalayan Railway Station : Toot-Toot Through The Peaks
• Nightingale Park : Relax & Stroll Around
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : Get Ready For Some Views
• Singalila National Park : Savor Impressive Nature Sightings
• St. Andrew’s Church : Admire The Architectural Marvel
• Happy Valley Tea Estate : Vast Tea Plantations Await You
• Tinchuley : For A Peaceful Getaway
• Darjeeling Observatory Hill : Explore The Religious Spots
• Bengal Natural History Museum : Explore The Fauna Of Himalayas
• Darjeeling Ropeway : Get An Upper View Of The Magical Place
• Bhutia Busty Monastery : Admire The Place Against Mighty Peaks
• Dali Monastery : Bow Down & Learn About Buddha Teachings
• Lloyd’s Botanical Garden : Treat Your Eyes With Beautiful Views
• Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery : Calm Your Soul
• Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary : Witness The Beauty At Its Best
• Chowrasta : Explore The Place
• Surya Sen Park: A Popular Picnic Spot
• Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point : A Perfect Spot For Nature Lovers
• Kali Temple: Seek Blessings Of Goddess Kaali
• Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: Support A Cause

1. Tiger Hill: Get Mesmerized By The Surreal Beauty

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One of the best tourist places of Darjeeling, Tiger Hills is a complete package for a nature lover. If you can bear the chilling cold, climb up this hill to witness the charismatic first rays of the Sun on Mt Everest. Drive to Tiger Hill before sunset and fix your camera settings and shutter speed for the mesmerising aura. It happens in a blink of an eye.

Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Don’t miss: Experience spectacular sunrise and spot different peaks through a telescope from Tiger Hill view tower Opening hours: Dawn till sunset Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Tumsong Chiabari - The Tea Retreat, Rambler's Nesting Homestay, Vajra Kunj Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Must Read: Best Hill Stations In India

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2. Batasia Loop: Admire The Panoramic View

This elevated area below Ghum has spiral railway tracks through a tunnel over a summit. What adds to the panoramic view is a nicely decorated garden area that offers a perfect retreat. It is the wide expanse of planned greenery that makes Batasia Loop one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in April which every traveler must visit.

Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: See the toy train meandering over the loopy tracks. A picturesque sight! Opening hours: Accessible throughout the day Entry fee: INR 50 Places To Stay: Darjeeling Stay Inn, Atithi Guest House, Sewaro Homestay, Silver Star Boutique Hotel, Batasia Guest House Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

3. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: Meet & Greet The Animals

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is another name among the rich in some of the most exquisite and rare flora and fauna. Located downslope from the Jawahar Road, this zoological park is home to the largest population of snow leopards in India and is one of the best places to go in Darjeeling. So, if you want to witness the intriguing wildlife, plan a visit to this zoo.

Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India Don’t miss: Red pandas, Himalayan bears, clouded leopards, and Tibetan wolves. Do not forget to visit the snow leopard breeding center Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (summers), 8:30 am to 4 pm (winters) Entry fee: INR 110 onwards Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Sanderling Residency & Spa, Ramada, FabExpress Tibet Homes Things To Do: Sightseeing, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In December

4. Peace Pagoda: Explore & Meditate

Peace Pagoda reflects four avatars of Lord Buddha and is located adjacent to Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. It attracts people from all religion and offers spiritual serenity and love to all. Spend half an hour meditating here and you are in for a trance nothing else can guarantee. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling which offers a view worth capturing.

Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: Panoramic birds eye view of Darjeeling including Kanchenjunga from the summit of the Pagoda. Opening hours: 4:30 am to 7 pm Entry fee: Free Places To Stay:  Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Villa Everest, Hotel Palbheu, Rambler's Nesting Homestay, Humro Himalayan Orchid Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

5. Ghoom Monastery: Please Your Eyes With Vibrant Colors

Among the top 10 places to visit in Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. This is among the tourist places in Darjeeling that is located downslope of Ghoom Railway station. This monastery is one of the oldest in the region and reflects the ancient glory of Buddhist culture.

Location: Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Don’t miss: The prayer room, library and study hall. Do not forget to taste the awesome momo and Thukpa just outside the monastery. Opening hours:  9 am to 6 pm Entry fee: Free Places To Stay:  Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Tumsong Chiabari, ZimbaladimSA, Green Tara Residency, Frost Inn Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In Monsoon

6. Rock Garden: Gape At The Man-Made Beauty

Rock Garden of Darjeeling is one of the famous places of Darjeeling. It is a man-made rocky garden enriched with flora, waterfalls and bridges. With plenty of activities to do over a wide expanse, this park is a popular tourist place in Darjeeling. So, if you are visiting Darjeeling with your family, do visit this garden!

Location: Rock Garden Road Bloomfield Tea Garden, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: Picnic in the rocky area, clicking photograph in local attire and pony riding Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm Entry fee: Free Places To Stay:  Atithi Guest House, Darjeeling Stay Inn, Silver Star Boutique Hotel, Batasia Guest House, Irish Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

7. Himalayan Railway Station: Toot-Toot Through The Peaks

Among the other top 10 tourist places in Darjeeling, the toy train starts from New Jalpaiguri and terminates at Darjeeling. This station in the lap of the Himalayas is a picturesque destination. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this railway station has been used for filming several documentaries and movies.

Location: Darjeeling Don’t miss: Scenic greenery, toy trains Opening hours: NA Ticket cost: INR 360 onwards Places To Stay:  Hotel Royal City, Sinclairs Siliguri, Treebo Trend Venkatesh Regency, Stay Darjeeling, Treebo Trip Gupta's Hotel Things To Do: Train ride Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In Summer

8. Nightingale Park: Relax & Stroll Around

Take a stroll in the nIghtingale Park and breathe in the salubrious mountain air while you enjoy scenic mountain views. The park was not open for public until 2011 and was called Shrubbery then. It is a perfect spot to sit in peace amidst nature. There is even a large statue of Lord Shiva and a musical fountain in the center of the park. It is truly one of the places to visit in Darjeeling in 3 days.

Location: Richmond Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don't miss: Scenic mountain views Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM Entry Fee: INR 20 per person Places To Stay:  Jetavana, Khrishna Residency, Smriya Homestay, Nestaway Homestay, Dajling Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

9. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Get Ready For Some Views

One of the purposes, why people visit Darjeeling, is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Ambitious mountaineers and amateurs come to this place to take training and get themselves fit for the mountains as it is recognized as one of the best mountaineering institutes in India. The reason it has also become one of the most significant tourist attractions in Darjeeling is because of its alluring backdrop perched on a mountaintop.

Location: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: The amazing viewpoint Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Sanderling Residency & Spa, Ramada Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: 9 Cottages In Kalimpong

10. Singalila National Park: Savor Impressive Nature Sightings

Considered one of the top tourist destinations in Darjeeling, Singalila National Park is one of the top must visit places in Darjeeling. Located at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level, it is the highest national park in West Bengal sprawling with rhododendron forests and greenery. It offers riveting views of the Singalila Mountain Range and impressive panoramas of the Himalayas from Nepal to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, up to Bhutan.

Location: West Bengal Don’t miss: Witnessing impressive views of the Himalayan range Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm Entry fee: INR 100 Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel & Spa, Ramada, Mount Himalayan Resort, Villa Everest Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

11. St. Andrew’s Church: Admire The Architectural Marvel

If you are looking for a church in Darjeeling, then this is one of the best churches. Built-in the colonial era, it stands as an architectural marvel. It is close to Mall. It holds many memories of the past that you must see! This is one of the famous tourist places in Darjeeling definitely!

Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: The architectural marvel Opening hours: March to November: 9:00 am (on every Sunday) and December to February: 9:30 am (on every Sunday) Entry fee: None Places To Stay: BASHERA, Mohpal Residency, Maya Residency, The Kaizer Valley Hotel, Family Homestay Things To Do: Prayer Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling In July

12. Happy Valley Tea Estate: Vast Tea Plantations Await You

Your Darjeeling sightseeing will be incomplete without visiting one of the tea estates that are the pride of this hill station! This tea estate is one of the oldest in the town and adds to its beauty! Make a visit, understand the process of tea making and buy some tea!

Location: Lebong Cart Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Near, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Understanding the process of tea making Opening hours: 8 am to 4 pm Entry fee: INR 100 per person for a factory tour Places To Stay: Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Crescent Resort, Simma lodge, Three V Lodge, The Elgin Hotel, Nestaway Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

13. Tinchuley

Located at a distance of 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an isolated hamlet that is located in the vicinity of the West-Bengal Sikkim border and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 1 day. Resting at an altitude of 5,550 ft, the place is known for its beautiful surroundings. Surrounded by the tea plantations and the fruit orchards, Tinchuley is a must-visit place in Darjeeling to experience a peaceful getaway. It is also one of the best hill stations in Darjeeling for enjoying brunch and sightseeing. 

Location: In the vicinity of the West-Bengal Sikkim border Don’t miss: The amazing viewpoint Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Tinchuley Ratna Vajra Vatika Resort, Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa, Darjeeling homestay Mangkhim, Saino ADKD Homestay Darjeeling Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Places To Stay In Darjeeling

14. Darjeeling Observatory Hill

The observatory hill is one of the best tourist spots in Darjeeling which is located on the hill above Chowrasta square which is located at a distance of 2 km from the Darjeeling Himalaya railway station. This is one of the must-visit places to visit in Darjeeling where Hindu and Buddhist temples are located all around. Some of the famous temples in the area are the Kanchenjunga temple, Mahakal temple, Tibetian Memorial Shrine.

Location: Naya Basti, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Exploring the religious spot Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Pradhan Niwas, Moonlight Homestay, Light Inn, Little Tibet, Tathagata Rooms Things To Do: Sightseeing Best Time To Visit: March to September

15. Bengal Natural History Museum

Home to a plethora of indigenous flora and fauna, Bengal Natural History Museum is one of the famous places in Darjeeling. It was built as a small building to display a variety of birds and butterflies found in the hills and now one can also find preserved remains of several insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of the rare specimens that can be found here are Tibetan fox, Himalayan Brown Wood owl, Toddy cat, panthers, and many other animals that represent the Eastern Himalayas. It is included in the list of top tourist places in Darjeeling.

Location: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104 Don’t miss: The different variety of fauna of the Himalayas Opening hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm (Closed on Sunday) Entry fee: Combined ticket of INR 60 per person Places To Stay: Nature View Home Stay, Riva Homestay, Aashraya homes, Birch Hill Retreat Things To Do: Souvenir Hunting Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Places Near Darjeeling

16. Darjeeling Ropeway

Who would want to say a no to a panoramic view of Darjeeling that can be contained in one picture? No one, right? So, the next place to see in Darjeeling is the ropeway attraction where you can get a cable ride and get a birds-eye view of the hill town. Would you want to believe the fact that Darjeeling Ropeway is the first cable car system in India that was established in the year 1968? After hopping on this car, you can expect a breath-taking view of the tea plantations and exquisite landscapes covered with a sheet of snow if traveling in the winter season. If you do not want to miss this then make sure to include it in your to-do list this year.

Location: Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104 Don’t miss: The aerial bird eye view of the hill town Opening hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm (Tue-Sat), 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Sun-Mon) Entry fee: INR 175 for adults & INR 90 for children Places To Stay: North Point Homestay, Mady’s view -Aaple Ghar, Falcon Inn, Nature View Home Stay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

17. Bhutia Busty Monastery

The list of tourist places in Darjeeling cannot miss Bhutia Busty Monastery which has risen from its own ashes after an earthquake destroyed it in 1934 CE. It was then restored and revamped by the then king of Sikkim in the traditional Tibetan style. Inside the monastery, you will find an idol of Buddha and images of Dalai Lama, Lakshmiswari, and Tara Devi. Moreover, there are several murals that depict the life of Buddha. Set against the might Kanchenjunga, this monastery is a must-visit place in Darjeeling. It is also one of the best places to stay in Darjeeling if you want to enjoy a Buddhist retreat. 

Location: Bhutia Busty Rd, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling, West Bengal 73410 Don’t miss: In-house library Opening hours: 4:30 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Himalayan Home Stay, Samir’s Homestay, Kumar Kothi Homestay, Saino ADKD Homestay Things To Do: Prayer, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In May

18. Dali Monastery

Also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, Dali Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in the whole of West Bengal which is why it is counted among the best places to see in Darjeeling . The monastery was built in the year 1971 by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama himself in 1993. It is the headquarters and the house of the leader of the Kargyupa sect, Drukchen Rinpoche the XII. More than 210 monks reside in this monastery which is painted in bold red colors and depicts the life of Lord Buddha.

Location: Darjeeling, India Don’t miss: Visiting the monastery during prayers Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: SUNSHRAYA Homestay, Vajra Kunj Homestay, Pahari Soul, Rambler’s Nesting Homestay, Swarna Kamal Homestay Things To Do: Prayer Best Time To Visit: March to September

19. Lloyd’s Botanical Garden

If you are looking for best Darjeeling tourist spot that can please your eyes then you must head to the famous Lloyd’s Botanical Garden which takes over an area of 40 acres to house some of the rare species of plants. Some of these include species of oak, Arisaema, rhododendron, magnolia, and more. Apart from this, there is also a separate conservatory for 150 different species of cactus. A visit to this botanical garden is incomplete without heading to the Orchidarium which showcases 2,500 orchids.

Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Different sections of flowers that preserve special species Opening hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm Entry fee: INR 20 Places To Stay: The Elgin, Wonder Woods Boutique Hotel Things To Do: Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling In July

20. Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery

Another one of the best sightseeing places in Darjeeling is Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Monastery which can be found on the Old Military Road. It also goes by the name Aloobari Monastery and is counted among the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. Under the supervision of Sri Sangay Lama, this monastery was built in 1914 AD. The name of this monastery was chosen so because its construction coincided with the First World War. Mag-Dhog literally translates into ‘warding off the war’ and thus the monastery propagates the idea of world peace.

Location: Alubari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102 Don’t miss: Spend some time in peace Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Vamoose Quaint Wood Cottage, Douna’s Homestay, Bon Dikila Darjeeling, Summit Grace Hotel, Mount Olive Things To Do: Prayer Best Time To Visit: March to September

21. Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

How can a trip to Darjeeling be complete without heading to this beautiful place in Darjeeling which gives both nature and fauna lovers a chance to witness the beauty of nature at its best? Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of around 40 sq. km. You can witness high-altitude animals here which include Himalayan black bear, rhesus monkey, barking deer, Himalayan flying squirrel, and several birds. Senchal Lake is the source of drinking water for the whole hill town and it forms a part of the wildlife sanctuary only. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in february for animal and nature lovers. 

Location: Sittong Khasmahal, West Bengal 734008 Don’t miss: Opt for cycling and explore the place on your own Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm Entry fee: INR 50 per person Places To Stay: The Rope, Goroomgo Stay Broadway Darjeeling, Yonzon Homestay, Allay’s Homestay Things To Do: Hiking, Boating Best Time To Visit: March to September

Suggested Read: Darjeeling In October

22. Chowrasta

Mall Road is one of the best highlights of any hill station, don’t you think?  Darjeeling’s Mall Road is located at the heart of Darjeeling and is 1 kilometer away from the Darjeeling Himalaya Railway Station. It is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for shopping and otherwise. The etymology of the name Chowrasta is that the word ‘Chow’ means four and ‘Rasta’ means roads or way and the Mall is actually located where four roads meet.

Location: N C. Goenka Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: Explore the place on your own. Opening hours: 7 am to 8 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Hotel New Lion Gate, Sumi Yashshree Suites & Spa, Jai Hotels, Classic Guesthouse, Hotel Dolphin Things To Do: Shopping Best Time To Visit: March to September

23. Surya Sen Park

Image Credit: Pixabay

One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling , Surya Sen Park is a well-known recreation hub. It is named after the freedom fighter Surya Sen and has a beautiful fountain, swings, and rides making it a great place for children as well. The picturesque park also attracts photo enthusiasts to click amazing shots of the gorgeous fountains or priceless moments spent with family and friends. Exhibitions are also organized here with the aim to spread awareness regarding alternative energy sources.

Location: Mahakal Pally, Janta Nagar, Siliguri, 734001, West Bengal Don’t miss: Seeing the statue of Surya Sen, gorgeous mountains, clicking amazing snaps Opening hours: 8 am to 8 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Hotel Royal Residency, The Maple Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

24. Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point

Image Credit: Aditya for Wikimedia

Listed among the  things to see in Darjeeling, Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers gorgeous views of the snow-covered mountain peaks. The sunrise point will truly allure you with its stunning landscapes. Besides being a great spot for bird watchers and nature lovers, it also welcomes photographers to capture beautiful pictures, especially during sunrise. It is also one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling during the summer season. 

Location: Lolegaon, Darjeeling, 734314, West Bengal Don’t miss: The gorgeous sunrise Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Delight Norling Retreat, Humri Himalayan Orchid, Pine View Home Stay Things To Do: Hiking, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

25. Kali Temple

Image Credit: Piyal Kundu for Wikimedia

Kali Temple is one of the top places of religious significance in Darjeeling. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year to offer prayers. The temple has beautiful interiors and celebrates many festivals including Navratri with full enthusiasm.

Location: Near River, Darjeeling, West Bengal Don’t miss: The beautiful interior Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Mount Milestone Hotel Things To Do: Participate in prayer Best Time To Visit: All-year-round

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Darjeeling

26. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center

Image Credit: Shahnoor Habib Munmun for Wikimedia

From the production of handicrafts to serving as a rehabilitation center for the Tibetan refugees in Darjeeling, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is one of the most popular cultural attractions in the region. Established on 2 October 1959, the prime artifacts that they make are Tibetan carpets, thanks, and carved items like wall hangings that are perfect for souvenirs. 

Location: Havelock Villa, 119/B, Gandhi Rd, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101 Don’t miss: The behind-the-scene of the crafting process Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm Entry fee: None Places To Stay: Nirvana Hotel Things To Do: Souvinear Hunting, Photography Best Time To Visit: March to September

Best Time To Visit Darjeeling

The best time to visit Darjeeling is between the months of April to June. The weather during these months is very pleasant and not at all hot. However, if you are one of those who love winters and snow, then November to January is the best month to visit Darjeeling.

Further Read:  Places To Visit In Darjeeling In June

Momo, Mall Road, cozy cafes, and numerous tourist attractions, Darjeeling has got all to give you a cherishable vacation. So, let’s write a summer vacation tale in the land of the golden beverage. Let’s do Darjeeling! So, don’t wait anymore and book your trip to Darjeeling with TravelTriangle right away! Visit the best tourist places in Darjeeling and indulge in soulful experiences like never before. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places In Darjeeling

Which are the most beautiful places in Darjeeling?

Singalila National Park, Rock Garden, and Nightingale Park are some of the must-visit places in Darjeeling, the most popular hill stations in India.

When is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

April to June is an ideal time to visit Darjeeling. Some travelers including honeymooners prefer to visit during the winter months from October to December.

What are some of the best things to do for tourists in Darjeeling?

There is a list of things to do in Darjeeling for an exciting vacay: 1. Head to the Teesta river and enjoy rafting 2. Trekking trip to Sandakphu 3. Toy train ride 4. Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park 5. Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill

How many days are sufficient for Darjeeling?

Two to three days are sufficient to have a wonderful vacay in Darjeeling. You can easily cover all the sightseeing places comfortably during the specified duration.

Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling with your family?

The best places to visit in Darjeeling with family are Tiger Hill and Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. Also, the tea plantations in Darjeeling are a must-visit destination.

What is the special attraction at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park?

The special attraction at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is Red pandas, Himalayan bears, and Tibetan wolves, and of course the snow leopard breeding center.

Which are the best places to visit near Darjeeling?

The best tourist places near Darjeeling are Kurseong, Sikkim, and Mirik. These are the most popular weekend getaways that offer an unforgettable trip experience

Which are the most popular temples in Darjeeling?

Darjeeling is an abode of a plethora of temples like Mahakal Temple, Japanese Buddhist Temple, Shiva Mandir, Pranami Mandir, and Shree Mandir.

Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling at night?

Joeys Pub, Gattys Cafe, The Lounge Bar, The Yellow Box, and Mayfair are some of the places to visit in Darjeeling at night.

Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 2 days?

Teesta, Sandakphu, The Toy Train, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Churpi are some of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 2 days.

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1. Day_Trippers (Darjeeling Full Day Tour).

2. 5-Day Private Tour of Gangtok and Darjeeling

3. 4Nights 5Days Sikkim Package

4. Darjeeling Tonglu - Tumling Day Trek

5. Sikkim Darjeeling - North East India 7 Nights 8 Days Tour

6. Singalila Trek from Darjeeling

7. Trip to Tiger Hill Darjeeling

8. Eastern Himalaya (Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok & Kalimpong)

9. Explore North East India - Darjeeling Sikkim Road Trip

10. Darjeeling Sikkim Eco Village Tour

11. Singalila Ridge Trek, Darjeeling

12. Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports

13. A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling

14. Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling

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16. Tea Pluckers' Day

17. Mesmerizing Sikkim & Darjeeling

18. Mirik Lake Day tour From Darjeeling

19. 4-Day Sandakphu Private Trek with Accommodation

20. The Land Mark Tour (Nautical Day Darjeeling To Mirik crusade)

21. Darjeeling Tea Tour

22. Tiger Hill Darjeeling Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience)

23. Day Trip to Singalila (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling)

24. Singalila Ridge Trek from Darjeeling - 6 Days

25. Unexplored Off-beat River Trek near Darjeeling

26. 5-Days Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling

27. Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour

28. Sikkim Goecha-La Trek and Tour

29. Private Morning Excursion Tour To Tiger Hill (3 Points) With Pickup and Drop

30. Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling)

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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway / Toy Train

#2 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a 2 feet narrow-gauge railway based on zig zag and loop line technology that runs between Siliguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the first and still the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway and among the top Darjeeling Tourist Places. Built between 1879 & 1881, the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was designed as an extension of the North Bengal State Railway. Running up to a height of over 7,000 feet, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the oldest and highest railway lines in the world. The Toy Train begins its journey from Siliguri and reaches Darjeeling after covering a distance of 78 km and crossing 13 stations on its way, including Ghoom, the highest station in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage, still operates with the original steam engines and it attracts tourists not only from India .....

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Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

#3 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 3 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a zoo situated in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling, West Bengal. Popularly called as Darjeeling Zoo, it is one of the best zoo parks in India and among the must visit Darjeeling Tourist Places. The zoo was formerly known as Himalayan Zoological Park and was established in 1958 as a joint venture of Government of India and Government of West Bengal. The park was renamed in 1975 when Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, visited the park and dedicated it to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, who was also a poet and daughter of the famous freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu. Situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet, this is the largest high altitude zoo in India. Spread over an area of 67.56 acre, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the only specialized Zoo in the country and is the first recipient of the International award of 'The Earth Heroes 2014'. This zoo park is internationally .....

Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory

#4 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 11 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Tiger Hill is a sunrise viewpoint in Darjeeling. It is the highest point in Darjeeling and among the most picturesque places to visit in Darjeeling. Tiger Hill stands at an altitude of 2,590 m overlooking the spur of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalayas. It is one of the two points in India from where you can capture the entire panorama between Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga on a sunny morning. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga painting it pink, and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour, which is an amazing thing to experience. An observation deck is built on top of the Tiger Hill to cater to hundreds of tourists who visit every day. On a clear day the summit of Tiger Hill commands the view of Kurseong Town to its south-west along with plains of North Bengal and number of major rivers like Teesta, Mahanadi, Balasun and Mechi meanders .....

Batasia Loop

#5 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop is a railway loop in Darjeeling of West Bengal. Situated below the Ghoom station, it is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Darjeeling. Batasia Loop was built in 1919 as an engineering requirement to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. At this point, the track spirals around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop. After Ghoom (the highest railway station), there is a sharp fall as the toy train moves towards Darjeeling. There was no way a narrow gauge toy train could navigate the drastic fall of about 100 feet to the gradient of the slope. So, a large circular area was built for the loop to make the slope gentle. Batasia means airy space. The Loop serves a vital purpose for the toy train but is also an attraction in itself. The loop goes around a garden. The mountain garden is beautified with fresh green grass, seasonal and perennial flowers and shrubs. There .....

Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple

#6 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hill in Darjeeling. It is one of more than 70 pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization and among the most popular attractions in Darjeeling. The foundation stone of the pagoda was laid in 1972 by Nichidatsu Fuji, a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order. Inaugurated in 1992, the pagoda was designed by M. Ohka. Being the tallest structure in Darjeeling with a height of 28.5 meters, it is open to people of all faith and is purposely made to propagate peace and prosperity in the world. Peace Pagoda houses four shining and gold-polished statues of Buddha. Also, the walls of the temple have eight sandstone carvings which depict different stories from the different stages of Gautama Buddha's life. Known for its tranquility, Peace Pagoda offers breathtaking .....

Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple

#7 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Observatory Hill is a hill top located near Chowrasta Square in the dreamy hill town of Darjeeling. It is one of the great places to visit in Darjeeling and among the popular viewpoints in Darjeeling. The hill is encircled at the bottom of the Mall Road. The Observatory Hill is one of the oldest sites of attraction in Darjeeling and also has historical and religious significance. Built in 1765 CE by Lama Dorje-Rinzing, the Bhutia Busty Monastery, the oldest monastery in Darjeeling, was first located on Observatory Hill. The monastery was sacked by a Gorkha invasion in 1815 and it was rebuilt and shifted to its present location at Bhutia Busty in 1879. The hill is famous for its magnificent views of Kanchendzonga and the ancient temple dedicated to Mahakal or Lord Shiva. There is a white chorten or a Tibetan memorial shrine next to the Mahakal Temple, which has the relics of Dorje Lama who was the caretaker of .....

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway

#8 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway is a passenger ropeway located in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. Also known as Darjeeling Ropeway, it is one of Asia's longest Passenger Ropeways and also the first Passenger Ropeway in India. Darjeeling Ropeway was started in 1968 by the Forest Development Corporation of West Bengal. It was initially set up to cater to the tea gardens at the valleys below which did not otherwise have an easy access. Starting with just one cable car, now it was upgraded to 16 cable cars each having a capacity of six persons. It was closed in 2003 after four tourists died when the cable broken causing two cars to fell down the hill. Later it was re-opened with many safety measures in 2012. Darjeeling Ropeway operates between the North Point in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman River. From an elevation of 7000 feet in Darjeeling's North Point, this ropeway descends .....

Bengal Natural History Museum

#9 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 3 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Bengal Natural History Museum is a museum situated in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. Located inside Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park complex, it is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The Bengal Natural History Museum was established in 1903 at the behest of the then Governor General of India Mr. George Nathaniel Curzon. Established as a small museum within the premises of the Lloyd Botanical Garden, it provides visitors with a wonderful view of rich flora and fauna of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. However, due to the growing visitors and increasing collection, the museum was shifted to its current location in the year 1915, and the Bengal Natural History Museum was officially formed in the year 1923. Initially the museum was run by Bengal Natural Museum Society from 1923 to 1976 and later it was handed over to the Forest Department of West Bengal. The Bengal Natural History Museum is a visual .....

Bhutia Busty Monastery

#10 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Bhutia Busty Monastery or Karmaa Dorjee Cheoling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Bhutia Busty area of Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is one of the popular and oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling and among the top places to visit in Darjeeling. This monastery was earlier located in Observatory Hill where the Mahakal Temple stands today. It was originally built there by the Lama Dorje Rinzing in 1761 CE. According to history, the monastery was completely ravaged during Gorkha invasion in 1851 CE and was rebuilt in 1861 CE. But due to many disturbances, it had to be shifted to its present location in the year 1879. However, the monastery in the new location was also destroyed by an earthquake in 1934 CE, after which it was restored and reconstructed by the King of Sikkim. The present structure is stunning and has been built in a traditional Tibetan style with Sikkimese influence. The monastery belongs to .....

Dali Monastery

#11 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Dali Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Dali area of Darjeeling. Also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, it is one of the biggest monasteries in West Bengal and also among the famous places to visit in Darjeeling. Dali Monastery is one of the most prominent monasteries of the Kargyupa sect, built by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche in 1971. The gompa was inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama in 1993, where he gave 3 days of religious teachings. The monastery is known for preserving the age old culture and tradition of the Tibetan monks. It serves as the headquarters and the residence for Drukchen Rinpoche the XII, who is the supreme leader of the Kargyupa sect. Perched on a steep hill, the monastery was built in the traditional Tibetan style. The colors used in the walls are bright and bold which depicts the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. It is home to around 210 monks who came to live here from the Himalayan .....

Lloyd's Botanical Garden

#12 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Lloyd's Botanical Garden or Darjeeling Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling. The garden is among the oldest botanical gardens in Darjeeling and also one of the popular tourist places in Darjeeling. Established in 1878 CE, the garden was named after William Lloyd, who provided the required land for it. The garden was built in reference to the Calcutta Botanical Garden. The basic motive of Lloyd's Botanical Garden is to preserve the native floral species of Darjeeling Himalayan hill region, Sikkim and its neighboring regions. Located at an altitude of almost 1800 meters, the garden has terraced lands, rolling slopes, tall trees and lush green bushes mixed with grass. Sprawling over an area of 40 acres, the Lloyd Botanical Garden preserves some of the most exotic and endangered species of plants. It has several species of bamboo, oak, magnolia, arisaema, cotoneaster, .....

Chowrasta Or Darjeeling Mall

#13 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta is located at the heart of Darjeeling town. It is considered as the hub for all type of activities in Darjeeling and also among the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The word 'Chow' means four and 'Rasta' stands for roads, essentially means that the Mall is where four roads meet. Located on top of Nehru Road, This flat piece of circular land is the major shopping area and center for commercial activities. In olden days, this was the place where the Europeans came for their evening walks. Today, the locals as well as the tourists come here to lounge and relax. In a clear day, one can also have a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga from here. There are benches all along the Mall Road for people to sit and enjoy the views over a cup of Darjeeling tea. Also, there are some of the old and heritage stores lined up and countless vendors selling artifacts, woollens and various figurines .....

#1 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 35 km from Kurseong, 44 km from Darjeeling, 50 km from Siliguri, 100 km from Kalimpong, 130 km from Pelling, 147 km from Gangtok, 517 km from Guwahati and 591 km from Kolkata, Mirik is a small hill town located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of 4,905 feet, Mirik is one of the popular tourist places in West Bengal and among the best places to visit near Darjeeling. Nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district, Mirik is known for its pleasant climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility. The name Mirik comes from two Lepcha words Mir-Yok which means 'place burnt by fire'. The town is dominated by the large Sumendu Lake or Mirik Lake. The southern part of the lake is the tourist town where almost all the hotels are located while the northern part of the lake is more local and in the Northernmost fringe is the crowded Mirik market. Like Darjeeling, Mirik also used to be ..... Distance (From Darjeeling): 44 Kms Trip Duration (From Darjeeling - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Teesta Valley Tea Estate

#14 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 32 km from Darjeeling, and 51 km from Kalimpong, Teesta Valley Tea Estate is a vast tea garden in Rangli Rangliot Tehsil of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. This is one of the popular tea estates in West Bengal and among the top places to experience Darjeeling Tourism. Teesta Valley Tea Estate derives its name from mighty river Teesta. Established in the year 1841, it is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling and one of the gold medal winner for the production of the world's finest tea. Spread over an area of 850 hectare, the tea garden is situated in the cold sunny slopes with a widened stretching of almost 2500 to 6500 feet above from the sea level, with selected China tea bushes highly planted with infinite care. These fertile slopes are blessed by cool mists, bright sunshine and crisp winds of the Kanchenjunga, where the legendary flavor of pure Darjeeling tea was conceived. This beautiful tea garden is capable to amuse the visitors by its .....

Singalila National Park

#15 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 36 km from Darjeeling, Singalila National Park is a reserved forest area at the Singalila ridge in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude between 7900 feet to 12000 feet, it is the highest National Park in West Bengal and among the popular places to visit in Darjeeling. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1986, and got national park status in 1992. The park derives its name from the Singalila spur, which runs through the park, descending from Mount Kanchenjunga in the north and running south to the northern fringe of the Gangetic Plains. The park makes the border line with Nepal to the west and Sikkim to the North. The two highest peaks of West Bengal, Sandakphu (3630 m) and Phalut (3600 m) are located inside the park and the region had long been used as the trekking route from Maneybhanjang to Sandakphu and Phalut. The park has an area of 78.60 Sq.km with mixed vegetation of Magnolia, Rhododendron, Oak, Pine Hemlock, Silver .....

Shrubbery Nightingale Park

#16 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Shrubbery Nightingale Park is a beautiful public park situated at Richmond Hill area of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal. Lies between Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Chowrasta, it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling. Formerly known as 'The Shrubbery', this park was the private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan's Bungalow and a meeting place for English women during the British Raj. The park was destroyed during a devastating earthquake in the year 1934. It was rebuilt and began to be used as a famous Bollywood movie shooting spot during 1950's and 60's. However, with passing time the park was neglected due to the growing tension in Darjeeling hills. It was opened for the public again in 2011 after re-designing of the park with walkways and sitting benches. The park is said to be in oval shape and is slightly at an elevated level. The park is adorned with pine and many other tall trees. It .....

Sandakphu & Phalut Trek

#17 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 83 km from Darjeeling, Sandakfu or Sandakphu is the highest peak of West Bengal situated on the border of West Bengal of India and Nepal. Sandakphu is one of the wonderful places to experience Darjeeling Tourism and also among the best trekking places in Eastern Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 11,941 feet, Sandakphu is the summit or the highest point in Singalila range. Sandakphu means 'Height of the Poison Plant' derives its name from the poisonous plants that grow near the top. Popularly known as 'Trekkers Wonderland', the Sandakphu trek route goes all along the Singalila range and the border of India and Nepal. Also known as Singalila trek, it is considered as the highest trek in West Bengal. A trek to Sandakphu is actually considered a soft or a light trek in trekker's world. However the altitude, weather conditions and various other factors do require that take adequate preparations, particularly first time trekkers. The Sandakphu trek starts from .....

Old Ghoom Monastery / Yiga Choeling Monastery

#18 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1 km from Ghoom Railway Station and 6 km from Darjeeling, Old Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery situated at Ghoom near the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling. It is one of the oldest and most popular Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region of Darjeeling and also one of the must visit places in Darjeeling. Yiga Choeling Monastery was established in 1850 CE by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was the head of the monastery until 1905 CE. The Monastery belongs to Gelugpa or the Yellow Hat sect. This is the first ever Tibetan Buddhist monastery to be built in the Darjeeling region. During the Chinese occupation of 1959 in Tibet many high ranking monks fled to India and took refuge in this monastery. The monastery is known for its 15 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha or Gyalwa Shampa, which means the Buddha of the future or the Coming Buddha. This statue was created during the tenure of .....

Barbotey Rock Garden

#19 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 6 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Barbotey Rock Garden is a beautiful garden situated at Chunnu Summer Falls in the Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is one of the magnificent places to visit in Darjeeling. Barbotey Rock Garden was constructed by the Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department and was inaugurated by the GNLF supremo, Mr. Subhash Ghising. It is popularly called as Rock Garden as the entire garden area has been created by cutting rocks at different levels and making terraced seating arrangements. It was created to introduce a special attraction for tourists a little outside the town area so that the visitors have an added incentive to come to the hill town. There are sharp hairpin bends on the way and the gradient of the road is very steep. However the view of Darjeeling's landscape and the mountain range from the road is unparalleled. It is a multi-level garden, terraced around a natural fall called Chunnu Summer Falls. The garden offers .....

Happy Valley Tea Estate

#20 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 2.5 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, Happy Valley Tea Estate is a vast tea garden located in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. This is the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling after Steinthal Tea Estate and also one of the popular places to experience Darjeeling Tourism. Spread over an area of 177 hectares, Happy Valley Tea Garden was established by Mr. David Wilson in the year 1854, which was then known as Wilson Tea Estate. In 1903, the estate was taken over by an Indian, Tarapada Banerjee, an aristocrat from Hooghly. Later Banerjee bought the Windsor Tea Estate nearby in 1929 and merged the two estates under the name of Happy Valley Tea Estate. Since 2008, the tea estate has been under the ownership of Sanjay Bansal. Today, over 1500 people worked in the tea estate. Located in the vicinity of Darjeeling town, it is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It also has a museum and has a factory. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 m, Happy Valley .....

Magdhog Yolmowa Monastery

#21 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Magdhog Yolmowa Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located on the Old Military Road in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. Popularly known as Aloobari Monastery, it is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling and also among the must visit Tourist Places in Darjeeling. The monastery was built in 1914 AD under the supervision of Sri Sangay Lama, a highly revered religious head of the Yolmowa - a small ethnic group hailing from north-east of Nepal and who later settled in Darjeeling. The construction of the monastery was coincided with the beginning of the First World War. The name Mag-Dhog means warding off the war and the monastery was dedicated for world peace. The monastery has several idols of Lord Buddha and Padmasambhava. The paintings on the walls are said to be done with the help of herbs and grass - an amazing work of art. Each painting depicts a story or teaching about life. The monastery also preserves .....

Dhirdham Temple

#22 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 100 m from Darjeeling Railway Station, Dhirdham Temple is the most popular Hindu shrine located in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is one of the oldest temples in Darjeeling and among the beautiful Places to visit in Darjeeling. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dhirdham Temple was built by Purna Bahadur Pradhan, the king of Nepal, in 1939. Situated just below the Toy Train Station, the temple was designed by the Gorkhali architect Beg Raj Sakya. Dhirdham Temple appears as a multi-layered pagoda from outside and resembles the Pashupatinath Temple of Katmandu in architecture. The roof of the temple is influenced by Tibetan monasteries. The temple looks phenomenal in its Tibetan Style structure painted in vivid colours like red, yellow and white. It has a white coloured statue of Lord Shiva near the entrance. This idol symbolises Pancha Bakram Trinetram, which is a depiction of five varied facial expressions of Lord Shiva and His supremely powerful third eye. One .....

Senchal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

#23 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 10 km from Darjeeling, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India and among the popular places to experience Darjeeling Tourism. Covers an area of 38.6 Sq. km, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1915 CE and is the south east extension of Singalila National Park. The elevation ranges from 1,500 to 2,600 m. High-altitude animals like barking deer, wild pig, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel, etc. are found in their natural habitats. The sanctuary is also rich in bird life. Senchal wildlife sanctuary is a perfect combination of both man-made and natural jungles. The forest has different kinds of trees and plantation including oak, pines and birch. There are over 350 types of flowering plants in this area including Rhodendrons and Orchids. There are several villages surrounding .....

Neora Valley National Park

#24 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 81 km from Darjeeling, Neora Valley National Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary located in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Eastern India and also one of the prominent places to visit in Darjeeling. Spread over an area of 88 sq. km, Neora Valley National Park was established in 1986 CE. The National Park enjoys the distinction of being situated over one of the oldest Reserve Forests in India. With an elevation of 10,600 feet, Rachela Pass is the highest point of this park, where it forms a boundary with Sikkim in the North and Bhutan in the North East. The forests of Jalpaiguri form its southern boundary connecting it with Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park. The name Neora Valley is given after the river Neora flowing through it and is the main source of water for Kalimpong town. Neora Valley National Park is situated in the foothill of the Himalayas, so it has craggy inaccessible .....

Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

#25 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 97 km from Darjeeling, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas of Jalpaiguri district. Situated close to Gorumara National Park, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in West Bengal and among the popular tourist places near Darjeeling. Covered with an area of 96 Sq.km, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998. The name Chapramari derives from 'Chapra' means a variety of small fish and 'Mari' means abundant. According to history, in 1895, the area was declared as a reserve forest under the Indian Forest Act. Then, the Government of India declared it as a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998. The main attraction of the sanctuary is the elephants that are found here in large numbers. The place is also home to various other animals like Gaur, Wild boar, Leopards, Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Langoor, deer, reptiles etc. Also regarded as a bird watchers paradise as one can spot variety of birds like Peafowl, .....

Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point

#26 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 31 km from Kalimpong, 52 km from Lava and 70 km from Darjeeling, Jhandi Dara is a beautiful viewpoint located at Lolegaon near Kalimpong. Known for its spectacular view of Sunrise, it is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers beautiful vistas of the sun rising behind the snowcapped mountain peaks. Watching the sky lighting up, changing colors from dark blue to fiery orange is memorable from here. Tourists can also enjoy the views of dense green Sal and Pine Trees spread all over the hilltop with the Kanchenjunga as a majestic backdrop. Boasting of lush and mountainous environs, the Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers ample opportunities for capturing really amazing photographs, especially at the time of sunrise. Besides, the viewpoint is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The location of Jhandi Dara Viewpoint is very unique as one can see the Plains of Dooars, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kanchenjunga and .....

St. Andrew's Church

#27 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 1.5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, St. Andrew's Church is an old Anglican Church located at the Mall Road in Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is one of the most beautiful structure in Darjeeling and also one of the popular pilgrimage places to visit in Darjeeling. Named after the patron saint of Scotland St. Andrew, the foundation stone of the church was laid by the British in 1843 CE and was completed in 1844. The church was badly damaged by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt in the year 1873. The early worshippers of this church included many Scottish soldiers and tea planters living in the Darjeeling Hill area. The church is able to accommodate the congregation of about 200 persons. The church was built in Gothic Style of architecture which is one of the signature styles of British architecture. The origin of this architecture is believed to date back to 12th century AD. Some of its characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed .....

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

#28 of 28 Places to Visit in Darjeeling

At a distance of 5 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is a rehabilitation center for the Tibetan refugees in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is one of the prominent landmarks of Darjeeling and also one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. The center was setup by Tibetan refugees on 2nd October 1959 AD. It serves as a residence of several Tibetan refugees who fled from their homeland following the footsteps of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Located on the picturesque hilltop, it is spread over an area of 4 acres of land. A committee was formed with 10 members that were responsible for the development and management of the center. Ms Gaylo Thondup was the first President of the center. Initially, they started raising funds through donations, subscriptions, charity shows and even through exhibition soccer match. Later, they received funds from domestic and international voluntary organizations as well. .....

Most Asked Questions on Darjeeling

Winter and summer the best seasons to visit Darjeeling . This is also time to enjoy its spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Summer is the busiest season in Darjeeling, most of the tourists planning to visit Darjeeling to spend Summer vacation.

Darjeeling usually takes 2-3 days to visit the most important tourist places. Several tourists usually prefer visiting Darjeeling along with Gangtok which requires additional 2 day. Darjeeling can be mixed with near by wonderful destination like Pelling, Namchi, Kalimpong, Lachen and Lachung by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of Darjeeling trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Darjeeling tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 8600 per person for a 3D/2N trip and from INR 11750 per person for 4D/3N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Darjeeling like Darjeeling Himalayan Railway/Toy Train, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple, Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway, Bengal Natural History Museum, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Dali Monastery, Lloyd's Botanical Garden, Darjeeling Mall and Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Darjeeling is famous for tea and buying locally made of tea powder is a great idea. Darjeeling is also well known�for woolen items like shawls, scarves, hats, jackets, etc, and also offers handicrafts and exotic Tibetan items. You can get these items at low prices in Darjeeling if you bargain a bit. Ensure to check the quality.

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Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a serene hill station that has been a refuge for peace seekers, nature lovers and creative souls since the 19th century. A retreat with abundant natural beauty, Darjeeling is where you can experience the joys of simple living while enjoying breathtaking sunsets and the local cuisine. The locals are warm and a friendly face is never too far away. Whether you choose to spend your time in a tea plantation or head out on a journey on the popular toy train – you can expect a memorable trip.

There are numerous places to visit in Darjeeling and you can hope for an action-packed itinerary. If you want to include tourist attractions nearby in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary, you will have to plan your trip keeping in mind your trip duration.

Places to visit in Darjeeling: Natural Beauty

Tiger Hill should be at the top of your places to visit in  Darjeeling itinerary for the panoramic views it offers. The highest point in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is one of the few viewpoints in India from where you can admire uninterrupted views of Mount Everest, Kanchendzonga, Kokhtang and Rathong. Most travellers prefer heading here early in the morning to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. 

Owing to its popularity in places to visit in Darjeeling itineraries, Tiger Hill might not be as quiet as one would hope. If you want to admire the spellbinding sunrise from the summit, you will have to start your day as early as 3 am. Located 13 kilometres from the main city, it takes anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes to reach the summit. 

It’s important to remember that the weather can turn anytime in Darjeeling. You may expect to see clear skies but can be greeted with torrential rainfall at the summit. But when you are in Darjeeling, everything is beautiful – whether it's clear blue skies or lush greenery after rainfall. During peak season, the road to the car park is jam packed and one needs to walk till the summit. We recommend wearing a sturdy pair of walking shoes as well as warm clothes.

Most tour operators charge anywhere between Rs.200 and Rs.2000 depending on whether you book a shared taxi or a private taxi for your journey.

Cost: Including Tiger Hill in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary can cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.3000 depending on the season and the number of people.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Without a journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, your trip to Darjeeling is incomplete. Among the top Darjeeling tourist attractions, the Darjeeling Toy Train is a narrow-gauge train that primarily covers the distance between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. If you are not travelling by train, you can include a two-hour joy ride in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary.

The joy ride begins at Darjeeling and takes one up to and fro Ghoom, which is the highest railway station in India. The total distance covered on this journey is 14 kilometres. The journey includes a stop at one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Darjeeling – the Batasia Loop. On a clear day, you can expect to see views of the snow-covered Kanchenjunga. The train journey also includes a tour of DHR Museum. Located at the Ghoom Railway Station, the DHR Museum should be included in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary if you are a history buff. 

For a more authentic experience, we recommend choosing a ride on the steam engine train. While the tickets are more expensive than the diesel engine train, it’s definitely worth the extra buck. If you want to include this experience in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary, we suggest booking your tickets in advance. During the peak season, tickets sell out fast and you will have to wait endlessly for a journey on this locomotive beauty.

With spellbinding views of rolling tea plantations, idyllic villages and countless lush fields, a journey on this UNESCO World Heritage Site will stay with you for a long time. 

Along with offering travellers an unforgettable experience, the Darjeeling Toy Train is also an engineering marvel for science enthusiasts. The route is one of its kind in the country and the train holds immense value as a heritage transport system.

Cost : Including a journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary will set you back by Rs.1500.

Batasia Loop

Counted among the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is known for its breathtaking views and the extraordinary engineering feat that the loop helped accomplish. This is the point where the famous toy train makes a complete loop and effortlessly descends 140 feet. Without the Batasia Loop, the train journey to Darjeeling wouldn’t be what it is. 

This gorgeous tourist destination in Darjeeling should feature in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary if you want to spend a few hours amidst vibrant gardens and lush greenery. The 50,000 square feet area is dotted with countless seasonal flowers and is also home to the Gorkha War Memorial, numerous cafes and an eco garden. The Batasia Loop is an ideal family tourist spot and you can cover tourist attractions nearby in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary while planning a visit here.

The Batasia Loop was built in 1919 to tackle the sharp drop after Ghoom Railway Station. The large circular area helped tackle this problem and also gave Darjeeling a breathtaking natural haven. The garden is home to numerous viewing points where you can enjoy a sunny day and of course watch the toy train in its glory. 

Located 5 kilometres away from the main city, there are two ways to reach this popular attraction – one is by hiring a taxi and the second is by hopping on the toy train. Most travellers prefer the latter since the joy ride around Darjeeling is one of the most memorable experiences in a places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary.

Cost: Including a visit to Batasia Loop in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary will cost you between Rs.200 and Rs.1000 depending on the number of people.

Singalila National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast or are curious about the local wildlife in this beautiful hill station then you must add Singalila National Park to your list of places to visit in Darjeeling. The national park is home to virgin rhododendron forests, alpine valleys and numerous unique species of flora and fauna.  

The national park is a highlight in places to visit in Darjeeling itineraries and offers travellers mesmerising views of the Himalayas. Another reason why the national park stands out is that it’s home to the red panda and Himalayan black bear. In fact, it’s one of the few national parks in the country where you can catch a glimpse of these rare animals. 

The efforts of the government to protect and conserve the national park have gone a long way in ensuring that the park remains one of the most visited tourist places in Darjeeling. 

The best way to explore the national park is on a safari. The most commonly used vehicle in the safari is a jeep. Taking you through vast stretches of lush greenery, thick forests and pink-hued rhododendrons fields, the safari is a rejuvenating experience. Of course, it has its fair share of bumpy stretches and you will have to be careful while tackling tricky stretches. Typically the safari begins at Manebhanjan and takes you through Gorkha villages and some of the highest peaks of West Bengal and Phalut. If it’s a clear day, you may be lucky enough to enjoy uninterrupted views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu. The safari can take anywhere between four and five hours.

Since the safari is a popular activity here, the Land Rover Association has fixed charges which change according to the season. It’s important to be mindful of other vendors who might try to fleece you.

At the same time, if you are a trekking enthusiast, you will have a wonderful time in the national park. A part of the trekking route runs through the national park and takes one through the foothills of Kanchenjunga and the northern fringe of the Gangetic Plains. 

If you are including the park in your places to see in Darjeeling itinerary, then it’s mandatory to take a permit from the forest department. You will not be allowed to enter without a permit and will have to contact the Forest Department for mandatory permissions.

Cost: A tour of Singalila National Park in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.4000 depending on the number of people.

Barbotey Rock Garden

The Rock Garden offers the perfect break from sightseeing sprees. If you want to spend time amidst natural beauty and enjoy the serenity that only gardens can offer, then this spot should be included in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary.

The Rock Garden is also known as Barbotey Rock Garden and is a popular tourist attraction for locals as well. Carry a picnic basket so you can enjoy a quiet picnic along the scenic lake. The route to the rock garden is an attraction in itself since it offers views of tea gardens and lush fields. You can also include a visit to the Chunnu Summer Waterfall in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary. Located a short distance from the Rock Garden, you can enjoy a leisurely picnic here, complete with vibrant greenery and the melodious sound of the waterfall. 

Cost: If you want to include a visit to Darjeeling Rock Garden in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary, you must keep aside between Rs.500 and Rs.1500.

Places to visit in Darjeeling: Religious Sites

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastery is the largest monastery in Darjeeling and was built in 1875. Belonging to the Gelug Sect, the monastery is a major tourist spot which should feature in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary. 

The best time to plan a trip to Ghoom Monastery in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary is in the morning. Exploring the whole area can take an hour or two since you wouldn’t want to miss the gorgeous architecture. The monastery is home to a prayer hall, a 15-feet high statue of the Buddha known as Maitreya Buddha. The statue was created with clay brought from Tibet.

The monastery is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in the region and is a delight for history lovers to explore. By virtue of being the oldest and most beautiful places to visit in Darjeeling, it should be on your itinerary. 

The monastery is located close to Ghoom Railway Station which is the highest railway station in the country. If your schedule allows, you must spend an hour exploring the station and the museum here.

Cost : Including Ghoom Monastery in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.1000.

Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple

Add history and architecture to your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary with the Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda. A large complex in white, the temple is home to a prayer hall, a large beating drum which is essential to all Japanese rituals and a Peace Pagoda.

The pagoda took three years to build and is designed by Dr M Ohka of Japan. The Peace Pagoda promises a relaxing experience since it’s among the hidden gems of Darjeeling. To explore the Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda, you will need to set aside between two and three hours in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary. 

The Peace Pagoda is home to four avatars of Lord Buddha as well as two lions which are placed on either side of the entrance staircase. The walls are adorned with numerous Buddhist carvings that depict Lord Buddha in many positions including standing, meditating and sleeping. Art lovers can admire the artwork which depicts the life of the Buddha on sandstones. There are a few notable depictions on the walls which are from the Buddha’s life and are also mentioned in mythological texts. 

While photography is allowed in the complex, we recommend asking the priests for permission before clicking pictures inside the prayer hall.

Cost : Exploring the Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple will cost you around Rs.500. The amount will depend on the kind of transport you choose.

Places to visit in Darjeeling: Shopping

No trip to the hilly hamlet is complete without including a visit to Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary. Situated in the heart of the city, the local market offers travellers a plethora of shopping options. If you aren’t in the mood to shop, you can sit in one of the comfortable cafes and enjoy Tibetan delicacies. 

The market is home to several shops and boutiques and depending on your budget, you can expect a fulfilling shopping trip. The shops on the street are open to bargaining, however, the boutiques are expensive and you can’t expect too much reduction in price. Some of the notable shops in Darjeeling are Jolly Art and Bhutan Tibet Art Shop, Curio Corner and Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre.   

For those who enjoy shopping and have a long shopping list to get through, there are numerous other markets in town that should be part of your places to visit in  Darjeeling itinerary. You can include a visit to Nehru Road that is dotted with several boutiques and emporiums, Batasia Loop Market that offers numerous street shopping options and Ghoom Monastery Market that offers beautiful Tibetan artefacts that you can take home. From prayer wheels, incense sticks, prayer flags to message scrolls, singing bowls, bags for women and apparel, the colourful market at Ghoom Monastery is a delight to explore. 

Cost: Including a visit to the local markets in your places to visit in Darjeeling itinerary will cost you between Rs.200 and Rs.3500, depending on how much you like what the shops have to offer.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. She is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans. Frequent searches leading to this page:- Shopping Places in darjeeling, Religious Sites in darjeeling, Best places to visit in darjeeling, darjeeling tourist places, darjeeling tourist attractions, tourist destination in darjeeling, famous tourist places in darjeeling, Places to see in darjeeling, tourist spot near darjeeling, sightseeing in darjeeling, darjeeling attractions, natural beauty Places in darjeeling,tourist places around darjeeling, points of interest in darjeeling, places to visit near darjeeling, tourist places near darjeeling, most beautiful place in darjeeling, must see in darjeeling, important places in darjeeling, tourist place darjeeling

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Top 27 Places to visit in Darjeeling, Explore the Beautiful Hills of Darjeeling

Top 10 things to do when traveling to shimla: shimla travel guide, the ultimate paris travel guidelines for first timers | top attractions & things to do.

In the country of colour, chaos and glamour, there is a scenic hill station with the aroma of tea in the air on the foot of the Himalayas. Darjeeling is much more than just a hill station. It is the heaven for mountain climbers, with a beautiful climate for the seekers of natural splendid.

History, UNESCO sites and a mix of different religions all on the foot of the world’s largest mountain range is one of the sought-after destinations that attracts over 45,0000 tourists per year. Here is my Top 27 Places to visit in & from Darjeeling : a travel guide to India for the first timer.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Places to visit in & from Darjeeling

1. soak in the beauty of tiger hill.

To start, this is probably the one on every Darjeeling visitor’s list. Situated 11km away from Darjeeling, it offers a clear view of sunrise on the Kanchenjunga. The heavenly feeling of feeling the sun rays on your face in the chilly morning with the snow-covered range of mountains standing with pride in your sight is simply enthralling.

You can rent cars or taxis to reach. But, if you are booking a self- driving zoom car , you have to get a permit. If you go to tiger hill on peak season, taxi drivers will insist you reach the summit by 4:15 AM to avoid a long queue of people.

Entry Fee: INR-60 per person

Timing: Sunrise (4:15-4:45 depending on the season)

2 . Viewpoints for The Sleeping Buddha

Kanchenjunga often referred to as the sleeping Buddha is best observed from Tiger Hill . From the uppermost tier of Tiger Hill, you get a clear view of sunrise which will mesmerize you.

Kanchenjunga can be seen from all over Darjeeling including all of its four peaks: the Kanchenjunga central, Kanchenjunga west, Kanchenjunga main, Kanchenjunga south. The best views of both the Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest is visible clearly in the Sandakphu to Phalut trek.

3. Exploring the Amazing Animals of Darjeeling Zoo

The Darjeeling Zoo , named after Padmaja Naidu, is a unique attraction being an excellent location for alpine animals. It specializes in rescuing and breeding snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan wolves.

You will find different species of snakes in this Zoological Park as well. Did you know that this is also the centre for India’s Red Panda program that has been successfully keeping this threatened species alive? The park has a naturally good spot as a high-altitude habitat for animals on an elevation of 7000ft.

Entry Fee: The park will charge you 20 INR as an entry fee.

Timings: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Main attractions: Red Panda, Goral, Tahr, Black Leopard, Snow Leopard, Markhor, Blue Sheep

4. Unlock the Wonders at The Rock Garden

The ride to Darjeeling Rock Garden will captivate your senses and will be carved into your memory for a long time. The Rock Garden has located 10 km from the main Hill Cart Road on Bloomfield Road and is also named Barbotey Park.

The road consists of sharp turns and hairpin bends as the road goes down from the elevated surface. The rock garden is named so because of its natural roads made of rock, and there is Chunnu Summer Falls to add to that beauty. You will find yourself in a treat as you get 3km further down in the Ganga Maiya Valley.

Entry Fee: Separately, each park will charge INR 60 per person

Timings:  10:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Ganga Maya Park) 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Rock Garden)

Main Attractions: Chunnu waterfall, traditional dance by the tribals during peak season, the rock covered roads

5. Ganga Maiya Park Darjeeling

Ganga Maiya Park is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling which is a new addition to the already scenic valley. It is three kilometres further down below the Rock Garden. The main points of attracts in the park in the beautiful waterfall, its crystal-clear water and the panoramic view attract a lot of tourists.

The Ganga Maiya Park is mostly dedicated to creating a space for the locals to showcase the traditional dances and entertain the visitors. It is open to tourists from 10 AM to 4 PM. It will take you around 45 minutes to an hour to roam around this park and the peak time for visiting is 12 PM to 2 PM.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: 10 INR for Indians and 50 INR for foreigners

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a legacy of its own. It was one of the first and elegant mountaineering institutes established in 1954 after Tenzing Norgay’s ascent to Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary.

It is funded by India’s state and central government and is one of the best places to learn mountaineering. Along with the Zoological Park, it is located in the western part of Birch Hill. Swiss-style architecture, a museum filled with mountaineering artefacts, small souvenir shops, and tea parlours will make you feel enchanted.

Entry Fee:  INR 60

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Main Attractions: Museum with mountaineering artefacts

7. Discover the Unique and Exciting Shopping Experience at Darjeeling Mall

The chowrasta of the main Darjeeling will give you a glance at the lifestyle of the locals. It’s an open area used by the English for the promenade. The four streets, Dr Zakir Hussain Road, Nehru Road, Mall Road east and west, meet up here.

You can find a market of small local shops on Nehru market, old and heritage shops in the mall area for antique and modern unique items.

Main attractions: Eating places like Keventar’s, Dekevas, shopping centres, century-old antique shops, local street markets

8. Observatory hill:

Observatory hill is the endpoint for your walk in the Chowrasta Mall. Observatory Hill is known for snow-clad mountains and as a viewpoint for Kanchenjunga on clear days. Previously, Bhutia Busti Monastery is located in this place. The path to the main viewpoint or summit starts at the eastern mall road.

Colourful prayer flags and chiming bells will welcome you along the way. Co-existence of Hindu priests and Buddhist lamas is a sight to praise. There is a Mahakal Temple (temple of the Hindu god Shiva) at the end of the summit. The panoramic view at the end and the beautiful road makes this spot perfect for viewing Kanchenjunga and evening walks.

Timing: 7 A.M to 7 PM.

No entry fees

9. Dali Monastery:

Drukpa Kagyupa Monastery is at an altitude of 7000ft. Between Darjeeling and Ghoom. It’s a must-visit place in Darjeeling. Visit the Dali Gompa built by  Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche in 1971. More than 200 Tibetan Buddhists of the Drukchen sect stay at Dali Gompa.

At the entrance of the Prayer Hall, you will see a giant Buddha statue. The chanting of monks and the use of Tibetan drums with the chanting will make you feel tranquillity and peace. Dali Monastery is definitely one of the places to visit in Darjeeling on the way to Batasia loop.

Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM

10. Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop

On the track of the toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom, the train stops at these two places. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit the Monastery; the Buddist Monastery, the colourful bunting banners beside the road reflecting the red and orange rays of sunshine will mesmerize you beyond your imagination.

Along the train track on the way back, you can visit the wonder of mechanical engineering meeting the natural splendour. Batasia means a beautified garden that surrounds airy space and the loop just below the Ghoom Station. This location’s beauty will transport you to a peaceful place.

Ghoom Monastery timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Charges: INR 60 for carrying cameras, otherwise free entry

11. Darjeeling Ropeway:

Darjeeling Cable car is India’s first cable car service. It was started its journey in 1968; currently, the cable car runs from Singamari to Tukvar. The starting station Singamari with an altitude of 7,000ft.

It is 3kms away from Darjeeling Chowkbazar. The whole ropeway course is further spread than Tukvar, and the last station is Sigla Bazar, with an altitude of 800ft.

Cable Car fare: INR 190 per adult and 100 for child

Main attractions: Visiting the scenic view of the Himalayas from a birds view at an elevated altitude.

12. Mirik Lake:

The Sumendu Lake at Mirik, Darjeeling or Mirik Lake, has crystal blue Coloured water.  If there is a clear sky and the sun is out, you can see the Kanchenjunga from here. The breezy lakeside in the hill station is a prominent place for taking walks.

The lake itself is 16.19 ha or 1.25 km long. And the maximum depth of the water is 7.92m. There is a beautiful arched white footbridge 24.38 m long and is a perfect place to do photoshoots. There are no entry fees for this, but the horse rides are charged.

1 3. Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling

Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is one of the Peace Pagodas built to serve as a focal point for people of all races and creeds in their quest for world peace. It is in the Indian state of West Bengal, in the town of Darjeeling.

It, like the majority of the other Peace Pagodas, was built under the supervision of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Nipponzan-Myhji Buddhist Order.

Address: 27H5+2HQ, West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Entrance: Free

14. Singalila National Park:

Located along the Singalila ridge, Singalila National Park is home to endangered red pandas and one of the most beautiful Himalayan forests. The trek route to Sandakphu runs within Singalila National Park and the park is well known for it.

Singalila National Park is also home to mammals and birds like the black panther, leopard, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, and blood pheasant. The place is a paradise for bird watching having more than 300 species of birds.

15. Nightingale Shrubbery:

The private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow was redesigned after the 1934’s earthquake and made public as Nightingale Shrubbery. The public spot for visiting snow clas mountains along the beautiful walkway is a memorable place to visit in Darjeeling.

The crisscrossed paths of the park look lovely at the outset, and you can also see the range of Himalayas as snow covers the park in Winter. It’s a great place to enjoy snow battle for kids in the winter.

Timing:  9AM to 5 PM

16. Happy Valley Tea Estate:

The Happy Valley tea estate is very close to the mall road, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot. Going on a trip to Darjeeling and not visiting a tea estate is not imaginable. Happy Valley is one of the biggest tea gardens and also showcases the whole process of use of equipment and retailing.

The retail outlet also gives you the option to purchase a variety of tea leaves. It’s a must-visit place in Darjeeling which will help you experience sensory and olfactory experiences.

Timing: Open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Fee for Factory Visit: INR 150 per person

Things to Do in Darjeeling:

There are plenty of amazing and adventurous things to do in Darjeeling. The area is very close to Sandakphu, the Teesta River, and home to old architectural places, natural adventurous roads offering a lot of activities to the tourists.

17. River Rafting in Teesta:

River Rafting is one of the most fun activities to enjoy with friends. Teesta has various rapids, pumping your adrenaline and there are experiences for grade 1 to grade 4 offering one of the best river rafting experiences in India. River rafting in.

Experience 4-5 rapids along the 7km of the rafting stretch. Along with offering thrill to adrenaline junkies the risk level is a little high. Grade 4 is only for trained rafters and previous ones are enjoyable with a rafter on board.

18. Sandakphu Trek:

Sandakphu trek is a moderately difficult trek to climb 12,000ft but the external weather can make it challenging. Sandakphu is considered a mesmerizing wonderland for trekkers. The trek enthusiasts, explorers and hikers will find this trek easy-going while beginners may take a little time to acclimatize to the change.

 Offers the best panoramic view of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. Sandakphu trek is life-changing and should be experienced once in a lifetime. Make a checklist of trek poles, warm clothing, and medications prior to the trek. Also, don’t forget to exercise regularly to have a fit body for the trek.

Best time to Trek:  April to May, October to November

19. Mountaineering at HMI:

The mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling offers courses learn mountaineering basic courses, advanced courses and adventure courses. Anybody can enrol for the basic course where all basics of rock, snow and ice climbing are taught.

There is short 3 to 5-day special courses offered for tourists as well. There are final treks to complete the curses. Both the basic and advanced courses are of 28 days. If you want to escape to the mountains while learning something fruitful, try enrolling on the courses at HMI.

Time of the Courses: March, April, May, September

20. Exploring Dooars Tea Garden:

One of the things never to miss in Darjeeling is taking a tour of the Dooars tea garden . You have to rent a car from Darjeeling and move south towards Latagiri, Jalpaiguri to see the sprawling beauty of the tea gardens. Buy some Darjeeling tea as a souvenir and smell the aroma as you drive down green blossoming tea gardens.

21. Buy Woolens at Bhutia Market:

Walk down to Chowk Bazar, Nehru Road where you will visit a lot of stores for woollen goods . Bhutia markets are temporary stalls set up next to Nathmull. Go on a shopping spree to find sweaters, gloves, woollen caps, and jackets at reasonable and high-quality wool. In the Bhutia market, you can also find other goods like seasonal tea leves, Churpi and small souvenir shops.

22. Relish Thupka & Momos:

Mountain and momos are a combination of love.Thupka and momos these two dishes from Tibetan descent are a must-try for Darjeeling goers. Momos are an Indian variation of dumplings made from chicken, or beef or pork and vegetables.

Some of the best places to try momos in Darjeeling are Kunga Restaurant, Nepali Everest Momo, Dekevas, and Hasty-Tasty. Thupka is a noodle dish with a warm broth of meat and vegetables and will warm your soul.

Places to visit near Darjeeling:

West Bengal’s district of Darjeeling has hidden gems near its places because of the hill ranges, natural abundance and rustic beauty. If you are planning a visit near Darjeeling, you should visit these places. Here are the top 5 places that you can merge into your tour package near Darjeeling.

23. Nathula Pass:

Nathula Pass is a pleasantly surprising alluring passway, Nathula Pass is one of the surreal experiences someone can have. Drive through Nathula Pass to go to Gangtok. Gangtok, the capital of Sikim. is a beautiful place for mountain lovers.

The best time to visit Nathula pass is from March to October. It takes around 6 hours to drive through the pass. You will need a permit to travel through Nathula Pass, offering a prismatic view of the Himalayan mountains through Nathula Pass. If you plan a Darjeeling-Gangtok trip together keep aside 6 to 7 days for the trip alone

Top Attractions : Staircase to Indo-china border, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, Mandakini Waterfalls

Distance from Darjeeling: 150Km

24. Kalimpong:

Kalimpong, 51.3 km east of Darjeeling is a hill station known for Buddhist monasteries, Durpin Dara hills, and Tibetan handicrafts. Book a cab from Darjeeling and the trip will take you two and half hours more or less. Extend your stay one or two days if you want to visit Kalimpong.

Kalimpong is situated on the ridge that connects two hills of Durpin Dara. The Deolo hill, Zhang Dhok Polari Monasteryand Teesta river are must-visit while you stay in Kalimpong. There are also temples of Hanuman and Lord Radha Krishna in Kalimpong.

Top Attractions: Durpin Dara hills & monastery, Deolo hill, Pine View Nursery

Distance from Darjeeling: 51km

25. Karseong:

Karseong will definitely take your breath away if you want a short duration of extension to your Darjeeling to stay. Just 30 km south of Darjeeling town, Karseong is often referred to as the land of white orchids. Temples, gompas, museums and apart from Nurseries the view is also worth the visit.

The most famous attractions in Karseong are Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, Tea Gardens, Ambosia Shiv Mandir, Eagle’s Crag and forest museum. You can easily have a trip to Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Karseong if you have a week in your hand.

Top Attractions: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, Eagle’s Crag, Castleton Tea estate

Distance from Darjeeling:30km

26. Lataguri:

Lataguri is located on the outskirts of the Gourmara National Park. Enjoy your stay in Lataguri with natural wildlife safaris, and a murti river visit and enjoy an amazing time in the forest. Lataguri is 114km from Darjeeling through Peshak road and you can cover the distance within three and a half hours by car.

Go for safari visits in observatory and morning jeep safaris to explore nature in West Bengal at its best. The most Highlighting attractions in Lataguri are Gorumara National Park, Medhla tower, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and Jayanti Mahakal Caves.

Top Attractions: Gorumara safari, Chapramari Sanctuary

27. South Sikkim:

A Sikkim tour with Gangtok and Darjeeling takes you around 6 to 7 days. South Sikkim is surrounded by majestic mountains and forests and the enchanting beauty of Sikkim will surely mesmerize you. South Sikkim has places of Buddhist worshipers, ropeways, and tea gardens. Places to visit in South Sikkim are Namchi, Ravangla, Borong, Char Dham, Tendong Hill, Tami tea garden etc.

Top Attractions: Namchi, Tami Tea Garden, Buddha Park

Distance from Darjeeling (to Namchi): 45km

Things To Do Before Going to Darjeeling

If you are coming to Darjeeling from outside India, please check if you need a visa. Most foreign tourists except citizens of Maldives require Indian visas.

Almost 113 countries can apply for Indian visas online from the official website also Have you arranged travel insurance for your trip to India? Protect yourself against the unexpected by reading  How to Buy t he Best Travel Insurance: A beginners’ guide  or requesting a quote from  Safetywing .

Planning An Itinerary:

Especially if you are planning on visiting Darjeeling, creating an efficient itinerary is very important to visit and enjoy most places in and out of Darjeeling.

Here is a useful 5-day itinerary if you are visiting the beautiful hill station from Kolkata.

Day1: Sightseeing in the Chowrasta and Darjeeling Mal

Take the train to NJP from Kolkata and sightseeing in the Darjeeling mal, Mahakal Temple and the market in the Chowrasta Mall.

Day 2: TIger Hill, Batasia Loop, 7-point Sightseeing

Visit sunrise at Tiger hill early in the morning and then take the toy train ride to Ghoom monastery and Batasia Loop. For the rest of the day, you can visit the 7-point attraction that is famous in most of the. It will make sure the visit of HMI and Zoological Park, the Happy Valley tea estate, the Racecourse.

Day 3: Trip to Mirik

Take a trip to Mirik, visit Mirik Lake, ride boats and sightseeing in the beautiful scenic crystal-clear lake.

Day 4: Rock Garden & Ganga Maiya Park

Take the Darjeeling Joy ride if you wish and take a trip to Darjeeling Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya Park thereafter.

Day5: Trip to Kalimpong and Sightseeing

The Number of Days & Best Time to Visit Darjeeling:

Anywhere between 3 to 7 days is good enough to visit popular sites and experience scenic beauty. For those who want to experience snow, the summer months of April to June or the dry winter months of October to December are the finest times to visit Darjeeling.

Budget Planning Darjeeling trip:

While planning a Darjeeling trip, you have to remember the accommodation, transport, food costs, and additional costs for sightseeing and shopping. Accommodation in the main town of Darjeeling costs you around INR-1000 per night per person, at its lowest.

Considering you stay at least five days; you will have to keep a budget around INR-5500 to INR- 6000. Some of the nearby attractions are walkable. You can walk around mal road, Chowrasta, and the markets.

For going to tourist attractions such as tiger hill, Darjeeling Zoo, Rock Garden, Ghoom Monastery, and Mirik Lake you will need to rent a car. Public transport services are not that trustable. Renting a car will cost around INR-10 per km. You can put aside INR-5000 to 6000 INR for transport including train tickets.

For food Indian restaurants, small places, and other bakeries and Tibetan restaurants are available. The food cost will be around INR-2000 at least for each person. So, the minimum cost adds up to 12000 to 15000 INR per person. If you include more nearby tourist attractions like Kalimpong and Kurseong it may go up a bit. But this is the rough estimate.

Tips to remember before travelling to Darjeeling:

Before travelling to Darjeeling, there is this whole situation of planning the perfect holiday. And, if you are solo travelling or planner for your group, here are few things you might consider.

• Researching hotel ratings: According to your stay duration and budget choose hotels with sufficient number of impressions and good review.
• Carry Cash: While being away carrying a little extra cash than initially planned is a no-brainer yet this is for foreigners. Remind to carry indian currency because ther you may not get an exchange agency.
• Respect Local Ethics: There might be some traditions that you are not used to or local ethics unseen before. Try to go local and enjoy the process.
• Carry medicine kit : For most people it takes a bit of time to acclimatize in the mountains. Carry basic medicine for vomiting, motion sickness, indigestion, cuts and other medicines your intake.

Accommodation In Darjeeling:

In the main Darjeeling town, you will find plenty of accommodation options, from cheap hotels to luxury resorts. There are hotels, staycation resorts, Airbnb, which you can book in advance. Here are some recommended places to stay according to your budget.

Some recommended medium-budget hotels are Pradhan Cottage, and Hotel Tower View. And few luxury heritage hotels in Darjeeling are Elgin Hotels, Darjeeling, Sterling Darjeeling, and Omega Residency.

Budget hotels:

Pradhan Cottage

Hotel Tower View

Omega Residency

Luxury hotels:

Elgin Hotels and resorts

Sterling Darjeeling

Hotel Himalayan Retreat

Kolkata To Darjeeling Travel Routes:

1. kolkata to bagdogra:.

The best route to get to Darjeeling is travelling through domestic flights. You will get cheap flights as low as INR 1681 if you book in advance. The Bagdogra Airport is in Siliguri, which means you have to get to the Central Bus Terminal of Siliguri to catch buses for Darjeeling or rent private cars.

Every day, you will find trains running from either Howrah, Kolkata or Sealdah Station to New Jalpaiguri Station. Padatik Express, New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Special, Howrah GHY Special, KOAA HDB special trains are available throughout the week. Still, only Saraighat SF special is available every day of the week from Howrah station.

The train fare is around 2000 to 3000 INR. For example, the Satabdi Special costs you about 2200 INR, including taxes.

After you land at Kolkata airport, you can book an Uber cab through the online app or find taxis that cost you around 300INR to the Howrah Station. And, after arriving in NJP, you have to rent a car or get public buses from Siliguri Central Bus Terminal to reach Darjeeling. The rented cars cost around 2000 INR.

Best Eateries and Halal Foods to Try in Darjeeling

Darjeeling will offer you a mix of Tibetan, Nepalese, international and Bengali Cuisine. Some must-try halal foods at Darjeeling are:

• Momos (chicken, vegetarian)
• Chicken Thukpa, Wai wai
• Nepali Thali
• Dalle or hot chilli pickles
• Shaphale, Tibetan bread with meat stuffing
• Churpee (local cheese) with niguru
• Darjeeling Tea
• Some snacks like momo, dalle, churpee are widely available in small stalls and established restaurants. Here are the few recommended and renowned restaurants if you want to try :
• Keventar’s for English breakfast, baked items and Darjeeling tea at
• Dekevas for Tibetan specialities like momos, shaphale, thupka
• Penang Restuarant for Nepali thali

If you plan to go to Darjeeling, this guide will help you with all the information to chalk out the best plan.

Here is some recommendation for heritage restaurants in Darjeeling:

Glenary’s:

Being a name of its own since the British colonial time, Glenary’s is an institution of its own. Wood furniture, British architectural ambience makes its a spectacular spot for snacks, drinks and bakeries. The bakery serves delicious english breakfast, and other great snacks like pizza, sandwiches etc. The great interior with a wide array of alcoholic drinks makes it a great place to hang out and enjoy the nightlife in Darjeeling India.

Kunga Restaurant:

Kunga serves quality and quantity at a good price and is known for the amazing Tibetan and Nepalese food it has in Darjeeling. Kunga restaurant is a traditional heritage place serving tasty momos, thupka, noodles, thenthuk. These are the recommended food to must-try in Kunga. Though you may have to wait in the queue during pick-hours the foods are well worth it.

Keventer’s:

Keventar is a signature culinary destination in Darjeeling serving English breakfast, baked goods, meat platters, hot chocolate and tasty non-veg platters. The place is a must-try for breakfast, brunch and early evening snacking especially the non-veg platter with sausages, salamis, and poached eggs, with big portions for two people. They also have a rooftop set up. Sip a cup of hot tea or chocolate with an English breakfast at Keventer’s.

These were just three of the iconic hotels of Darjeeling. They are quite infamous for the legacy they have created. But other than these you can find a lot of Indian restaurants, quaint hotels, restaurants, and bars like Shangri-La, and Patio. Some honourable mentions are Lunar restaurant, Park restaurants, and Lazeez affair. Also, there are plenty of street food stalls near mall road for you to try out.

Frequently Asked questions ( FAQ’s)

How to book darjeeling toy train ride.

Darjeeling toy train joyrides can be book from the Indian railway website , or you can go there a little early in the morning to secure them to ride later in the day. The Darjeeling heritage toy train ride is the best travel option for Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop.

How to Tour Darjeeling in Three Days?

On day one, you can start by going to the Darjeeling Zoo and the mountaineering Institute. From there, you can visit the Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya Valley in the afternoon and roam around the mall in the evening.

How much does the Darjeeling trip cost?

Darjeeling trip generally costs around INR 12000 to 15000 just for Darjeeling per head. If you add other places to visit near Darjeeling Gangtok, Sikkim the cost may go up to 28,000 to 30,000 INR for 5 days. Darjeeling trip is generally cheaper if you visit in the off seasons like November. For travel agencies in India, the cost may be a little higher and there are a lot of packages offered by local companies which you can check out for a rough estimate.

Which is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the summer months as the temperature is in a comfortable range of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. April to June are the best months for visiting Darjeeling for tourism and trekking as well. November is off-season but trekkers do go at that time to experience great trekking.

What is famous in Darjeeling for shopping?

Near mall road and Jaharlal Nehru road Darjeeling is famous for shops having various local goods and souvenirs to carry back home. Darjeeling tea and woolen goods are two of the best items to carry back home. Exotic tibetan items, handcarfted items and keychains are some of the best famous items in Darjeeling to go shopping for.

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Your article on Darjeeling is a gem! I loved how you captured the essence of this charming destination with vivid descriptions and practical tips. It’s evident that you have a deep appreciation for Darjeeling, and your passion shines through your writing. Keep up the great work!

Your post about Darjeeling on The Simple Travel was fantastic! I loved how you highlighted the unique aspects of the region, such as the tea plantations and the stunning views from Tiger Hill. Your personal anecdotes and experiences added a really nice touch to the post and made me feel like I was right there with you.

I appreciate the practical tips you provided, such as the best time to visit and the various transportation options available. Your post has definitely inspired me to plan a trip to Darjeeling in the near future.

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Places to Visit in Darjeeling

• West Bengal
• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Here are some of the best places to visit in darjeeling:.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Top Experiences To Do in Tiger Hill

Batasia Loop

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Sandakphu Trek

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Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

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Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

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Peace pagoda.

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Ghum Monastery

Rock Garden Darjeeling

A serene masterpiece nestled amidst hills. Crafted with rocks, waterfalls, and flowers, offering tranquility, breathtaking views, and a harmonious blend of nature and artistry.

Nightingale Park

Singalila National Park

Best of Manali

St. Andrew’S Church

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Happy Valley Tea Estate

Observatory Hill

Best of Sikkim

Bengal Natural History Museum

A great place for the patrons of history and nature, Bengal natural History Museum is one of the most prominent museums you can find in the region. This unique museum is dedicated to the rich wildlife or biodiversity of the region and its history. The museum is divided into two large sections, and features different sub-sections where specimens of a variety of avifauna and fauna that are found in the region. The museum claims to have specimens of 820 bird species on display here, which is quite impressive for any nature lover taking a tour of the museum. Location: Darjeeling – Jorethang Road, Darjeeling Timing: 8 am to 7:30 pm

Mahakal Mandir

Tenzing Rock

Best of Gangtok

If you love being outdoors and surround yourself with the freshness and calm of nature, Dooars is the most ideal place for you to visit when you are in Darjeeling. Dooars is a place that defines ‘pristine nature’ with its untainted, lush green landscapes. It is a vast region of floodplains that encompasses tea gardens, hill slopes, undulating meadows, tropical forests, and ethnic villages. The place is ideal for nature photography, wildlife exploration, and nature stay. The natural beauty of the region and the variety of experiences it has on offer make Dooars one of the most fascinating places to visit in Darjeeling.

Bhutia Busty Monastery

Dali Monastery

Best of Shillong

Neora Valley National Park

The city’s Mall Market, this is the heart of Darjeeling, both literally and symbolically. Being the main market area, this is the most bustling part of the city frequented by locals and tourists alike. Chowrasta literally translates to four-way. Whether you want to let the sun warm you on a cold morning or you want to catch a crimson sky during sunset, Chowrasta is the place to be. A number of hotels, restaurants, and shops are available here so you can be assured of spending an eventful evening at Chowrasta. From relishing delicacies to shopping for souvenirs, there are a number of activities to try here. Location: The Mall, Darjeeling Timing: 10 am to 9 pm

Best of Bhutan

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest and well-known Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, which is the largest monastery in Ghoom. The monastery was constructed in 1850 by Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, the famous monk and the Mongolian astrologer. 

Top Experiences To Do in Ghoom Monastery

Tibetan refugee center.

Explore the heartwarming tale of resilience at the Tibetan Refugee Center! Nestled in a serene corner of Darjeeling, this centre stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Tibetan people. Witness traditional handicrafts and vibrant cultural displays that showcase their heritage. Embrace the warmth of Tibetan hospitality and support their community through your visit. Delve into a meaningful journey of compassion and understanding as you learn about their struggles, triumphs, and the preservation of their rich traditions. The Tibetan Refugee Center invites you to be a part of their inspiring story. Visit now and leave with a heart full of admiration.

Top Experiences To Do in Tibetan Refugee Center

Kalimpong science centre.

Kalimpong Science Centre, also known as Kalimpong Science City, is close to Deolo Hill in Kalimpong, West Bengal. It is a centre that provides valuable information about science and technology. 

Best of Pelling

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center

This is essentially a rehabilitation centre for the Tibetan refugees, but since the place gives an opportunity to indulge in a shopping experience, it has also emerged as a popular site among tourists. This help center was initially established with an objective to make the Tibetan community in Darjeeling self-dependent by offering them opportunity to earn money. The place now offers a wide range of handicrafts including wooden articles, exquisite shawls, leather jackets, and much more that will tickle your fancy. In fact, these products are exported to 36 countries all over the world. Apart from being a place for shopping, it is also a good place to learn about Tibetan refugees living in India. Location: Havelock Villa, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling Timing: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Kala Pokhri Lake

Kala Pokhri Lake, tucked away in the hills of Darjeeling, is a lovely spot for nature lovers and adventurers. This beautiful lake sits high up at around 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), giving you amazing views of the Himalayan peaks, including the famous Kanchenjunga.

The lake's clear waters reflect the sky's colors, making for stunning sights, especially during sunrise and sunset. Surrounded by forests full of rhododendrons and pine trees, it's a great place to spot birds and other wildlife.

Gairibas, Darjeeling

Gairibas, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal, exudes an ethereal charm that beckons travelers seeking solace in nature's embrace. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), this quaint hamlet offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best of Arunachal Pradesh

Gopaldhara Tea Estate

Gopal Dhara Tea Estate, nestled in the verdant hills of Darjeeling, is a haven for tea enthusiasts seeking the finest brews. Established in the late 19th century, this historic estate spans acres of lush tea gardens, where meticulously cultivated tea bushes thrive in the region's unique microclimate. Renowned for producing some of the world's most exquisite Darjeeling tea, Gopal Dhara embodies the essence of craftsmanship and tradition. Visitors can explore the estate, witness the tea-making process firsthand, and indulge in aromatic tastings amid breathtaking scenery. Gopal Dhara Tea Estate stands as a testament to Darjeeling's legacy of premium tea production.

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Which are the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 2 days?

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3 nights and 4 days are perfect to enjoy the mountainside beauty of Darjeeling along with its Toy Train, viewpoints, national parks, and the mall road. In this time, you can also explore a range of North-Eastern cuisines and shop for beautiful local artworks.

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• 14 Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling That Should Be On Your Bucket List

14 Offbeat Places near Darjeeling that Should Be on Your Bucket List

Travelling is a passion for some people and recreational activity for others. But in both cases, the urge to unwind amid lush greenery, majestic mountains, and serene waterfalls is generally observed. Darjeeling has been a popular tourist destination in West Bengal for quite a long time. You can find splendid resorts in Darjeeling and fun-filled activities to do; this hill station has something for everyone. But there are some offbeat places near Darjeeling that are slowly gaining popularity among tourists from all corners of the globe. The magic of tea gardens, orange orchards, paddy fields, and crystal-clear lakes has made these places the perfect holiday destinations. Mentioned below are 14 offbeat places near Darjeeling that should be on your bucket list: -

1. Tiger Hill

  While searching for offbeat places near Darjeeling that would simply take your breath away, Tiger Hill is one place that should be on your bucket list. Merely 13 km from Darjeeling, this hilltop is known for its mesmerizing morning views. Waking up early to visit this offbeat destination near Darjeeling would be worth your time and effort because of the breathtaking sight of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga! You can book a taxi from your hotel or hire a private car and drive yourself to Tiger Hill easily.

2. Batasia Loop

One of the most popular things to do in Darjeeling is to take a ride on the toy train, officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). You will find that the best Darjeeling holiday package s will have itineraries dedicating half a day to DHR. But did you know that there is another hidden treasure close by? Batasia Loop is literally a railway loop that wraps itself around a hilltop tunnel near Ghoom station in West Bengal. Just 4 km from DHR, this offbeat location near Darjeeling provides you with one of the coolest railway experiences.

3. Kurseong

If Darjeeling’s hill-station charm wasn’t enough, Kurseong is there to satiate your inner mountaineer. A wonderland of its own kind, this is an off-beat hill station, hardly 30 km of distance from Darjeeling with so many places to see that you will surely need to add a day or two to your itinerary. Expect waterfalls, temples, Buddhist gompas, tea gardens, and what have you! Kurseong is fondly also called the “Land of White Orchids” as it is laden with these flowers like a newlywed bride.

Situated in the Kurseong district, Sittong is one of the prettiest nests of East Himalayan villages that you can lay your eyes on. There are so many orange orchards in and around Sittong that the air has a refreshing aroma from them all year round! Easy to reach by road, Sittong is one of the most appealing places near Darjeeling that should be part of your offbeat vacation plans.

5. Lamahatta

People who are longing for solitude in their lives will find a lot of it in Lamahatta. This is such a peaceful village that you can free your mind from all its troubles. Since Lamahatta is located quite near Darjeeling , it is one of the most famous off-beat tourist places. In the last decade, the Lamahatta Eco Park has also caught the eye of avid travellers for its natural trails, bamboo gazebos, and pine trees. It is recommended to Lamhatta during the winter season when you can see flowers blooming all around this village.

6. Lepchajagat

There are all kinds of tourists in the world and that is just how it is. While some prefer happening places with a lot of people around them, others prefer to spend some quality time in the lap of nature without any disturbances. Lepchajagat caters best to those who wish to be on their own surrounded by the most breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga. As far as offbeat destinations in and around Darjeeling are concerned, Lepchajagat is as offbeat as it can get. This is because it has not been explored by a large number of tourists yet. Only 14 km from Darjeeling, this one’s a no-brainer for true mountain explorers.

7. Tinchuley

Tinchuley is one of those places near Darjeeling that define the term offbeat in the best possible way. Away from the limelight of hill stations in West Bengal and Sikkim, Tinchuley is a gem that lies 32 km from the main city of Darjeeling. You can miss it so make you take some help from the locals. A walk in the tea gardens and orchards can make you truly appreciate the beauty of our country.

8. Chota and Bara Mangwa

From the endless orange orchards in Chota Mangwa to the paddy fields in Bara Mangwa, paradise is only 25 km away from Darjeeling! That’s right. Chota and Bara Mangwa are two offbeat places to visit in the pursuit of witnessing natural beauty at its finest. These villages are only 25 minutes apart from one another so you can easily them on the same day. Hiking, rock climbing, and bird-watching are just some of the activities that you can do in Chota and Bara Mangwa.

9. Chatakpur

The people of North Bengal are known for their seriousness towards nature conversation and it best reflects in their eco-friendly villages. Chatakpur is another example in this part of the country where you will not find any product that can harm the environment. While other offbeat places in Darjeeling do not require special permission, this one requires a permit. So, make sure you get one in advance so that enjoying a day in an eco-friendly cottage can be possible for you!

We all know the impact of the colonial era on art and architecture in Bengal. Some remnants are still standing tall in hidden towns and villages; Takdah is one such tourist destination near Darjeeling where you can stay in a British-era bungalow! Besides this, you can walk around tea gardens, visit the Takdah Orchid Centre, and pay your respects to Takdah Monastery to understand its culture and heritage.

11. Rishyap

Kalimpong is a hill station very close to Darjeeling in West Bengal. Besides its own tourist attractions, there are several offbeat places in Kalimpong that are near Darjeeling, so tourists from both hill stations can visit them easily. Cradling in the valleys of Kalimpong is a village called Rishyap where you can take a detour and unwind. Rishyap does not boast about its beauty but gives travellers time to fall in love with its simplicity. Friendly Sherpas offer their homes to tourists at the most affordable prices and ensure that they get to cherish Rishyap as much as possible.

Newly-married couples, solo travellers, and families who want to vacation in an offbeat location nearly 30 km from Darjeeling can give Mirik a chance. This is a hill town set along a lake where the East Himalayas present a pleasant environment majority part of the year. A lot of tourists enjoy boating in Mirik along with exploring orange orchards and tea gardens.

While exploring the Singalila National Park near Darjeeling, you can take an offbeat route to Rimbik which is one of the most popular trekking destinations in North Bengal. This tiny village is full of surprises when it comes to finding unique trails, flora and fauna. Since it is 56 km from Darjeeling, it is advised to book a private taxi from your hotel or hire a self-drive car for a day.

Yuksom is the base camp for trekkers from all over the world planning to climb Mount Kanchenjunga. So, you can imagine the multi-cultural atmosphere of this village, especially during the trekking season. It takes around 3 hours to reach Yuksom from Darjeeling, thus, it is recommended to spend the night at a homestay and then head back. The delectable local food is another reason why you need to spend some time here!

With the magical world of the orange village and paddy-field towns awaiting your presence, how are you still able to procrastinate? Book your holiday package to Darjeeling and explore some of the best offbeat places in and around it!

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• West Bengal

10 Beautiful Offbeat destinations near Darjeeling – North Bengal Tour

• May 1, 2024

The city of Darjeeling , also known as the “ Queen of Hills ” is a very popular place for the people of West Bengal as well as tourists from all over India. This city is ideal for a trip in the lap of the Himalayan mountains.

There are a lot of tourist attractions near Darjeeling .

But due to its popularity, the city remains overly crowded especially from October to March.

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For people like me who try to avoid crowded places, but still want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains, there are a lot of offbeat destinations near Darjeeling where you can spend time with your friends, family, and loved ones.

These places help you connect with nature up close.

In this article, I have summarized some of the beautiful offbeat destinations you can visit near Darjeeling.

Lepchajagat

• Lava – Lolegaon

Chota and Bara Mangwa

Now let’s see each one of them in detail…

Takdah is a small village near Darjeeling and is considered a perfect offbeat destination in West Bengal .

If you want to stay away from the overly crowded hill stations like Darjeeling and want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful stay in the mountains, that too in British colonial-era Bungalows made in the 1900s, then this place is perfect for you.

The places is sometimes covered in clouds, which gives these place a dreamy look.

There are also a lot of places that you can visit in Takdah, like the Takdah Monastery and the Takdah Orchid Center . Apart from that, there are also some famous tea estates in Takdah like the Rongli Rongliot Tea Estate and the Teesta Valley Tea Estate .

Tinchuley or Tinchule is a small mountainous village located at a distance of about 32 kilometers from Darjeeling. It is just a few kilometers away from Takdah.

The name Tinchuley came from “Tin” meaning three and “Chuley” meaning “ovens”. The place is given such a name due to the three hilltops that surround this place. From far, these hilltops looked like ovens or chullas.

The World Wide Federation (WWF) is actively working with the locals here in Tinchuley to turn the village into a model organic village .

Tinchuley is a perfect place for nature lovers. There are a lot of homestays in Tinchuley that give an incredible view of the Himalayan Mountain range.

The snow-capped mountains of the Kanchanjunga can also be seen from Tinchuley Gumbadara Viewpoint .

Lamahatta is a small village located at a distance of about 23 kilometers from the city of Darjeeling. Its view of nature and dense forest of Pine and Dhupi trees makes it an incredible offbeat destination near Darjeeling.

The Lamahatta Ecotourism park is the most famous spot in Lamahatta and is also one of the beautiful tourist attractions near Takdah. This place is also located close to Tinchuley and Takdah .

With the help from the state government and the forest protection teams, the locals have converted this place into a beautiful eco-tourism spot. As a result, quite a few homestays have also come up here where you can stay and enjoy the beauty of nature from up close.

Lepchajagat is another offbeat destination, 19 km away from Darjeeling. You can reach there from Darjeeling via Ghoom .

The place has recently gained popularity among tourists for the excellent homestay facilities along with the rates, satisfying weather, and the view of Kanchenjunga .

The prime attraction here is the sunrise. You can also view the lamp-lit town of Darjeeling during the nighttime.

Rishyap is a small village in the valleys of Kalimpong district of West Bengal.

The word “Ri” stands for the mountain peaks and the word “shyap” stands for tall old-aged trees in the Tibetian language.

The valleys of Rishyap are more or less 2590 meters high. The valleys of Rishyap have small gurgling small streams and uneven green hills.

The majestic views of the Mountain ranges bind the people from all regions and all religions of the country. The village is 105 km from New Jalpaiguri.

The sherpas have built small homestays for peaceful accommodation for the guests. The prices are cheaper compared to any hotel. The cloudy weather there is perfect for the trek. Rishyap is no less than a perfect paradise in Bengal.

Lava and Lolegaon

Lava Lolegaon is one of the best hilly places to visit in North Bengal.

To reach the wonderful place you need to reach New Jalpaiguri either by train or car. Then you can take a taxi to reach Lava Lolegaon.

If you visit Lava Lolegaon, you should not miss out on the Jhandi Dhara viewpoint to observe the spiritual view of the sunrise among the wave of clouds. Not only that many tourists love to spend their entire day watching the sunlit peaks of Himalyas.

The best time to visit this place is from the Month of May to October . You can also experience the freshness of the green while canopy walking which is a 180 m long wooden bridge.

Lava is approximately 24 km away from Lolegaon. You can take a cab which will have charges of rs 1500. You can visit popular places like Neora valley national park in the Gorumara wildlife division .

You will surely love these places if you are a nature lover.

Mirik, often called Gateway of Darjeeling calls for the outstanding side scenes of the lush green hills. Around Mirik there is Mirik lake, Mirik garden, Tea estate and Orange garden.

Many tourists visit Mirik Lake to have a joyful experience of boating which charges Rs 200 per 30 minutes. The divine beauty of the trip of the Mirik lake, pine trees and the city attracts folks. Mirik Garden is also well organized and themed garden and there is no entry fee for it.

There are many hotels in Mirik which offers bengali Thali. There are also many homestays in Mirik where you can spend a day or two.

Gopal Dhara tea estate near Mirik is one of the finest exporters of Darjeeling tea commercially. Pashupatinagar Market is one of the best spots for shopping lovers. There are more places like Simana Viewpoint and Orange orchards.

64 km away from New Jalpaiguri, there is an environment-friendly small village known as Chatakpur. Situated on the elevated hillocks with a height of 7400 ft.

To reach there you need to grant a permit from the authority officials there. Among the dense forests, the narrow roads pave the way to Chatakpur.

The balconies of the homestays there provide you with a spectacular view of the cloud-covered mountains and the snow-covered peaks of the Kanchenjunga. The village is surrounded by a rim of serenity. Wildflowers add to the beauty of nature. Tickles Leaf Warbler and Siberian Stonechat are some of the indigenous species of birds found there which are perfect clicks for photography lovers.

The watchtower in Chatakpur provides a spectacular view of the outskirts of the village and the Kanchenjunga peaks. Kalipakhri a holy pond in Chatakpur is worshipped by the local Lepchas there.

Sitong is a small hilly destination near Kurseong situated 4000 ft above sea level.

The rays of the sun find their way through tall pine and eucalyptus forests here. The place is the core house of cultivation of mangoes. The waterfalls with clear white water cutting the way through the rocks looks serene.

There are multiple small wooden houses along the terraces of the hill. There are many homestays where the staffs greets everyone warmly and also serves the best food.

The faint sounds of Grasshoppers announce the arrival of the night. The dazzling wildflowers are alluring. There is also Namthang Lake which is also visited by many tourists.

Bara Mangwa and Chota Mangwa both are offbeat destinations near Darjeeling. Chota Mangwa is located 4 km away from Bara Mangwa.

The sun shines bright and the fields bloom which looks marvelous. The ripe golden paddy field during the month of November. There are many farmhouses and gardens in Bara Mangwa.

In Chota Mangwa there were many Orange Gardens. The best place of accommodation there is the Chota Mangwa eco-tourism Complex which serves quality food and rooms.

The weather is cool and the birds are chirping makes the place pretty romantic. There is a Chota Mangwa monastery where a spirtitual environment prevails all over.

These are some of the offbeat destinations in Darjeeling that you can visit in North Bengal. All these places are located in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal.

Visit these places to experience the beautiful and serene ambiance in the lap of the Himalayas and feel the beauty of nature from up close.

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Enticing Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling for a Rejuvenating Weekend Trip

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Here is the list of 13 enticing offbeat places near darjeeling for a rejuvenating weekend trip, 1. sandakphu trek, darjeeling.

Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the border of Nepal, it is located very close to Singalila National Park. Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four out of five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. You can reach the peak either by car or trekking.

Distance from Darjeeling: 82 km

2. Tinchuley, Darjeeling

At a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet situated close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border. With an altitude of 5550 ft, the name of the place derives from the words ‘tin’ and ‘chula’, which translates as ‘three ovens’ because the trio of hills constituting the hill station resembles mud ovens. Amazingly, the geographical diversity of the village is not exhausted by this: the rivers Teesta and Ranjeet also intersect quite close to it. All of this contributes to Tinchuley’s abundant natural beauty.

Distance from Darjeeling: 27 km

3. Kurseong, West Bengal - The Land of White Orchids

Known For : Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum Ambotia Shiva Mandir Tea Gardens in Kurseong

Also known as the 'Land of White Orchids', Kurseong is a hill station located close to Darjeeling famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides. Perched on the Siliguri-Darjeeling highway, Kurseong is a quiet hill station. Kurseong enjoys milder and pleasant weather most times of the year. During the monsoon season the rain-gods are more than generous as the town receives non-stop rains for days.

Distance from Darjeeling: 30 km

Best Time: April to May, August to October

9 Kurseong Attractions

4. Yuksom, West-sikkim

Yuksom is a beautiful place located in the Western region of Sikkim and the village is well known for its natural beauty. Situated near the Kanchenjunga National Park, the village of Yuksom is in the heart of mountains covered with lush green vegetation. The village provides access to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. Yuksom is, hence, also an attractive tourist hotspot and the base camp for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. There are several interesting tourist attractions that you can see here and the local cuisine of the place are a must try.

Distance from Darjeeling: 86 km

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Best sikkim tour package with darjeeling, best selling kalimpong gangtok darjeeling premium tour package, 5. mirik, west bengal - the valley of the sun.

Known For : Mirik Lake Pashupati Nagar Orange Orchards

Located on the banks of a huge lake, the hill town of Mirik adds to North Bengal's bounty. Amidst the Himalayan Valley, Mirik has more to offer than just beautiful mountains and lakes. From boating experiences for your romantic getaway to temples for the faithful to orchids and gardens for the nature's child, West Bengal tourism is incomplete without Mirik.

Distance from Darjeeling: 59 km

Best Time: March to July

9 Mirik Attractions

6. Dooars, West Bengal - India's gateway to Bhutan.

Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Starting from river Teesta in the East to river Sankoshi in the west, Dooars is a local name given to the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan. The name 'Dooars' has emerged from 'door' as Dooars is the gateway to Bhutan. Dooars comprises of several towns and districts in this region including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri, etc. Somewhere in the middle of all this is Dooars. The gateway you wouldn't want to cross heartlessly.

Distance from Darjeeling: 140 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Dooars Attractions

7. Lolegaon, West Bengal - Nature's Cabin

Known For : Rishyap Canopy Walk lo Lolegaon Viewpoint

Located about 120 Kms from Siliguri , Lava and Lolegaon are merely 25 kms apart. These two pristine villages offer beautiful snow-capped mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries, among other enthralling sights. If you want to experience nature as nature intended, this is your perfect getaway. The diverse territory of West Bengal has countless places to offer, from the commotion of the metros to the tranquillity of the sleepy towns. Two other unique, yet equally beautiful places are the villages of Lolegaon and Lava.

Distance from Darjeeling: 78 km

Best Time: October to June

10 Lolegaon Attractions

8. Purulia, West Bengal

Known For : Baranti Reservoir or Murardi Lake Ajodhya Rakab Forest

Purulia is slowly becoming a popular tourist spot amongst national tourists, the township is well connected with the rest of the country and gifts a breakaway from the monotonous routines of the day to day city lives. The serenity in the air gets onto you and in a mere moment, you are relieved from your stress. Its not the air which is magical, it is the majestic landscape which does it for you. Hills, lush greenery, clear water, fresh air, warm hospitality. You will like it.

Distance from Darjeeling: 594 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Purulia Attractions

9. Lamahatta Eco Park, Darjeeling

Lamahatta is a scenic village in West Bengal, 23km from Darjeeling. To showcase the magnificent views of peaks & rivers and the dhupi & pine forests here, the Lamahatta Eco Park was created in 2012. Lamahatta means Monk's Hermitage and so, this place promises an environment that feels as tranquil as a monk - a measure of balance between nature & man. At an altitude of 5,700 ft., this eco-park has a lot to offer.

Distance from Darjeeling: 20 km

10. Lepchajagat, Darjeeling

Lepchajagat is a small village around 19km from Darjeeling. At a height of 6,956 ft, this vilage is considered a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners. Amidst dense forests of pines, oaks and rhododendrons, this village gives you tranquility. Viewing the Kanchenjunga peaks from here is a serene experience. It is now part of a reserved forest area.

Distance from Darjeeling: 13 km

11. Rishikhola, West-bengal

Rishikhola or Reshi Khola is a riverside camp site that lies between Kalimpong, West Bengal and the Sikkim border. The main Kalimpong town is 36km from here. River Reshi meanders through this picturesque spot where the Himalayan Bulbul and White Capped Water Redstart are often spotted. It is also a starting point for many famous treks. You can spot blooming rhododendrons here in the summer.

Distance from Darjeeling: 69 km

12. Ramdhura, West-bengal

Ramdhura is a small village around 15km from Kalimpong, West Bengal. A scenic getaway, one can see the Kanchenjunga peaks, the Teesta River, pine foresrs and Cinconha plantations here. There is also a large variety of birds and butterflies that engulf this mesmerising town. Known for its tranquility, people often come here to stay in a local home-stay to enjoy nature at its best. It is also ideal for short trekking or mountaineering trips.

Distance from Darjeeling: 63 km

13. Sukhiapokhri

Sukhiapokhri or Sukhis Pokhari is a small, hilly town in West Bengal near Nepal's eastern border. It is around 18km away from Darjeeling. At 7,198ft., it is a nice getaway during spring where one can see blooming rhododendrons. The region is also filled with slopes of silver fir, hemlock and magnolia. It has recently become famous because of the neighbouring Gurashey Forest Resort which promises mesmerising views of the Kanchenjunga range.

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9 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Darjeeling

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Bejeweled by snow-capped mountains, green landscapes, gushing waterfall, eye-catching sunrise viewpoint, cascading river stream, rich flora & fauna, Darjeeling – ‘Queen of the Hills’ is an enduring hill station in the state of West Bengal located at the foothills of Himalayas.

Amidst the green-grey hills, the serene vegetation and scenic vistas guarantee a trip to cherish forever.

The untouched beauty of this hill town attracts travelers from across the world to take a break from the bustling city life.

Darjeeling has everything in its stock. However, there are many places situated around Darjeeling, which are quite unknown to many nature lovers.

So, take a plunge into this list of the serene offbeat places in Darjeeling that you might not want to miss on your trip.

Here are the 9 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Darjeeling:

1. Tiger Hill

At an altitude of 2590 meters and 13 km away from Darjeeling, Tiger Hill offers a magnificent view of the mountains.

Tiger Hill is eminently known for its splendid sights of the early morning sunrise where you can witness a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together.

The place has earned worldwide fame for the breathtaking view of the sunrise over the “Kanchenjunga” and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, can also be viewed from here.

The first shot of sunlight at dawn shading upon the twin peaks painting the snow-clad mountains in pale orange is something you just can’t miss. It is perhaps the most splendid experience you can have, while in Darjeeling.

The wonderful view of snow-capped mountains sitting among cotton clouds draws in travelers to Tiger Hill from throughout the world that you would not like to miss at any cost.

2. Tinchuley

Located at a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet situated close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border.

Tinchuley attracts off-beat nature lovers and it is the latest secret eco-friendly travel destination in Darjeeling.

This eco-friendly destination with tea Gardens, Orange Orchard, and majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga makes it the most promising eco-village and one of the key destinations in village tourism in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

Tinchuley lies on the laps of nature and has a variety of sightseeing to offer where you can take a walk through the jungle trail or can dip your feet into the cool Teesta water.

If you are a bird lover you could sit in the jungle and listen to the soft chirping of birds. Not only the Mt. Kanchenjunga but also the Teesta running amidst the forest is a great view for photography lovers.

Tinchuley is the dream destination for those who are looking for something spiritual out of their travel. Its gorgeous mountainscape and serene cultivated lands attest to that.

So if you’re seeking something of exactly that nature, then you know where to be!

Check Out 8 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Kalimpong

3. Sandakphu Peak

Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal, near the Indo-Nepal border.

Sandakphu epitomizes the wild elemental grandeur of the snows. Nature here is at its pristine best, and the vista at the top is worth all the hardship endured on the way.

The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga where you can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan.

Aptly called the Paradise of Trekkers, the peak is a vantage point from where you can see four of the world’s five highest peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse – in a continuous snow-clad arc.

Sandakphu is not only the most popular trek in West Bengal but it is also one of the best treks in Eastern India. So, don’t miss trekking to this amazing peak because this place is a paradise for nature lovers.

4. Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is a small village around 19 km from Darjeeling. At an altitude of 6959 ft., this serene hamlet is free of tourists and is considered a haven for nature lovers.

As nature is full-blown here, so roaming in nature with the company of wild forest, numerous birds, a sea of mountains, and silver glazing Kanchenjunga can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Amidst dense forests of pines, oaks, and rhododendrons, this village gives you tranquility. Viewing the Kanchenjunga peaks from here is a serene experience. It is now part of a reserved forest area.

Lepchajagat is an ideal place for nature lovers to stay in an offbeat place with a blend of nature and peace.

Check Out 26 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Sikkim

5. Batasia Loop

Located at a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop is a railway loop in Darjeeling of West Bengal that is situated below the Ghoom station which is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Darjeeling.

The unique design of this magnificent attraction allows the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop tunnel.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Batasia Loop is its unmatched natural beauty which is a wonderful sight to behold. It is one of the best places to get a bird’s eye view of Darjeeling’s landscape.

You will be amazed to see the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. The mighty Kanchenjunga can also be seen from here. The loop is around a beautiful flowering garden which adds to the charm of the place.

The view of the train tearing past the white of the clouds and deeper into the green beauty of the terrain is a refreshing and enchanting journey that should not be missed while you’re in Darjeeling.

6. Rimbik Village

Situated around 56 Km from Darjeeling town,  Rimbik  is a small town located in the Singalila National Park area in Darjeeling.

The small town is a tourist hub for trekkers traveling to the Singalila National Park area including Sandakphu. In the recent past, there has been some interest from offbeat travelers who want to explore the region beyond traditional travel destinations.

But there are not too many tourist attractions that you may be able to see in this small hill hamlet. However, this small hill hamlet is a paradise for the trekkers.

If you’re an adventure affectionate then Rimbik is a perfect place for you to be.

Check Out 18 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Assam

7. Tenzing Rock

Tenzing Rock is a popular tourist place and is one of the only natural rock climbing sites in Darjeeling.

This gigantic rock is named after the mountaineer Tenzing Norgay who climbed Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953 and it has his name inscribed on it.

This place is a paradise for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. You will find a board on top of the rock that reads “HMI Rock Climbing Training Area”.

Tenzing Rock comprises two sides from where the trekking can be done among which the left side of the rock is for the training of the rock climbers while the right side is testing for the rock climbing skills.

So, as you climb, you can have a look at the beautiful surroundings with lush greenery and fresh air which will leave you with a unique feeling of happiness.

8. Observatory Hill 

Located around 2 km from the Darjeeling Himalaya railway station, just above the Mall Road in the picturesque hill town of Darjeeling, Observatory Hill is a rising hill situated above Chowrasta Square.

Marked by several shrines, a flurry of colorful prayer flags, and ringing notes from numerous devotional bells, Observatory Hill in Darjeeling’s most ancient and sacred site.

It offers a panoramic view of the mountains along with the presence of various Hindu and Buddhist temples including Kanchenjunga Temple, Mahakal temple, and Tibetian Memorial Shrine.

If you’re an adventure seeker who wants to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the mountains after trekking along with people having religious beliefs then Observatory Hill of Darjeeling is a must-visit place for you.

9. Chatakpur

Situated at an altitude of about 7,800 feet, Chatakpur is one of the highest villages in the Darjeeling district that is located within the Senchal forest area.

This pristine village is bounded by the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range in the North and the river gorge Relly Khola in the south.

This village is a paradise for nature lovers as one can get a spectacular view of the imposing mountain range of Kanchenjunga and at the same time experience the overwhelming lush green forest.

If you’re tired of the busy schedules of city life, worried about the rising pollution and congestion, annoyed about the routines and deadlines then Chatakpur is surely your own heaven.

It husks all the ingredients of picture-perfect scenery, adventures for the nature lover or who thrive to enjoy simple living.

In short, Chatakpur is not a place for sightseeing. It is a place to enjoy nature and the view of a beautiful mountain range.

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