Darjeeling is a beautiful and quaint little hill town on the northern part of West Bengal. This hill station has plenty to offer – from the tea estates to the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and much more. Crowned as the ‘Queen of the Himalayas’, Darjeeling is all about mesmerizing locales, serenading sunrises, the old-world charm and the virgin beauty of the hills.

There’s planet to do in Darjeeling when you plan for a holiday there; walk along the Darjeeling mall road, hike to the nearby trails, and enjoy the scrumptious momos and steaming hot cups of tea. Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata city and take a trip to this picturesque hill station in Eastern parts of India. 

Soak in the nature’s marvel while taking a joyful trip on the classic toy train, much popular with kids and adults alike on a family holiday in Darjeeling. Darjeeling is one of the most scenic tourist spots near Kolkata that is also equally popular as a romantic honeymoon destination in India. since the climate all year round is cool in Darjeeling, you can plan for a holiday anytime of the year. Ensure that you book hotels in Darjeeling ahead of time before the touristy rush sets in.

Darjeeling is the favorite summer gateaway in Bengal. From zoological parks to monasteries, there’s a lot to explore in this hill town. Here is a list of top tourist destinations in Darjeeling:

1. Tiger Hills

If you’re a sucker for sunrise, hit Tiger Hills as the place is immensely popular for its stunning sights of sunrise where you can see the pecks of Kanchenjunga lit beautifully with the virgin sun rays before it lows down to the city. Imagine witnessing the views of snow-kissed mountains sitting amidst the cotton clouds; one of the biggest reasons why tourists from all over the country and world flock to Tiger Hills for breathtaking memorabilia.

Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

Do not miss this: Experience a beautiful sunrise from different locations across Tiger Hills

Opening hours: Dawn till sunset

Entry fee: None

Things to Do: Hiking, Photography

Best Time to Visit: March to September

2. Batasia Loop

If you’re on a family holiday in Darjeeling, make it a point to visit Batasia Loop as it is one of the most picturesque train routes in India. The lush green toy train pathway sports a unique design that has the railway track made in a way which wraps itself through the tunnel. Looking for a perfect spot to enjoy the panoramic view of Darjeeling? Head to Batasia Loop and take in all its unparalleled natural beauty that is sure to linger in your memories for long.

Location: West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102

Must do: See the toy train meandering over the loopy track, a picturesque sight!

Opening hours: Accessible throughout the day

Entry fee: INR 15

Things to Do: Sightseeing

Best Time to Visit: March to September

3. Darjeeling Rock Garden

Just 10 kms away from Darjeeling, Rock Garden serves as a gorgeous picnic spot for kids and families terraced with Chunnu summer fall. Also known as Barbotey Rock Garden by locals, the place is engrossed with stunning hill stream alongside slope that is covered with exquisite flower garden and places to sit at various levels. 

If you’re a nature lover, bookmark this place right away and book hotel in Darjeeling to ensure you don’t miss out on witnessing this phenomenal sight. Rock Garden is also surrounded by lush green tea and flower gardens that offer a perfect spot for visitors to relax and spend some beautiful time after a tiring journey.

Location: Rock Garden Road Bloomfield Tea Garden, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102

Enjoy a picnic in the rocky area, click some memorable photographs adorned in traditional attire. 

Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Entry fee: Free

Things to Do: Hiking, Photography

Best Time to Visit: March to September

4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is recognized as one of the best mountaineering institutes in India. Ambitious mountaineers come to this institute to get training for climbing mountains like Everest. The institute is perched on a picturesque cliff amidst the most scenic backdrop. This institute is a must for all Darjeeling sightseeing tours. 

Location: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Must-do: The amazing viewpoint

Opening hours: 5 am to 9 pm

Entry fee: None

Things To Do: Hiking, Photography

Best Time To Visit: March to September

5. Singalila National Park

Nestled at an altitude of above 7000 feet above the sea level in Singalila range, Singalila National Park, which was earlier a wildlife sanctuary, is a great place to explore for all nature and wildlife lovers. It is the highest national park in West Bengal surrounded by rhododendron forests and greenery. Soak in the spectacular views of Singalila Mountain Range and 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

Things To Do: Hiking, Photography

Best Time To Visit: March to September

6. St. Andrew’s Church

Go back in time with a visit to St. Andrew’s Church constructed during the British era. This architectural marvel is located at a stone’s throw away distance from the Darjeeling Mall road. Check out the gothic style interiors of the St. Andrew’s Church or attend a worship service on Sunday Mornings. 

Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Opening hours: Summer months- March to November: 9:00 am on Sundays

Winter months- December to February: 9:30 am Sundays

Entry fee: None

Things To Do: Prayer

Best Time To Visit: March to September

7. Happy Valley Tea Estate

Make your Darjeeling trip memorable with a visit to the scenic location called Happy Valley Tea Estate. As one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling, this is a must-visit tourist spot in Darjeeling for its natural scenic views and a stunning appearance of Himalayan foothills.  Its elegant beauty is surrounded by acres of tea gardens that leaves the tourists spell bound. Give yourself the gift of open clouds, tantalizing aroma of high-quality tea and an all-time pleasant weather at Happy Valley Tea Estate.

If you are a tea enthusiast, learn the art of tea making and buy some fresh tea direct from the farms. 

 Location: Lebong Cart Rd, Chauk Bazaar, Near, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Must-do: Learn tea-making

Opening hours: 8 am to 4 pm

Entry fee: INR 100 per person for a personalized tour of the tea estate. 

Things To Do: Hiking, Photography

Best Time To Visit: March to September

8. Darjeeling Ropeway

A pro tip – if you want to enjoy panoramic views of Darjeeling, take the ropeway and enjoy a birds-eye view of this beautiful hill town. The Darjeeling Ropeway is the first cable car system in India that was established in the year 1968. Seated in the cable car, soak in the breath-taking views of the snow-kissed mountains, and the gorgeous valley with tea plantation. If you are traveling to Darjeeling during winters, watch the exquisite mountains covered with a sheet of snow and catch the celestial panoramic views as you travel across the magical valley.

Location: Singamari, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104

Must-do: The aerial bird eye view of this hill town

Opening hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm from Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm from Sunday-Monday.

Entry fee: INR 175 for 18+ & INR 90 for children below 18 years. 

Things To Do: Hiking, Photography

Best Time To Visit: March to September

• Llyod’s Botanical Garden

If you are a nature lover, don’t miss out on the famous Lloyd’s Botanical Garden. This garden is spread over 40 acres that house rare species of plants. Check out the species of oak, Arisaema, rhododendron, magnolia, and much more. There is another conservatory with 150 different species of cactus. All flower and orchid lovers head onto Orchidarium which showcases 2,500 orchids.

Location: Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Don’t miss: Exquisite flower species that are indigenous to this area. 

Opening hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Entry fee: INR 20

Things To Do: Photography

Best Time To Visit: March to September

OYO