Darjeeling – 11 Beautiful Reasons we can’t help but Fall in Love with the Magnificent Hill Resort

Just to give you a start about the place, the Darjeeling hill town is located in northeast India at an altitude of 6,710 feet and is part of the state of West Bengal. The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest major railway junction is New Jalpaiguri (NJP).

It takes about 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from both these places by car. Private taxis (available at NJP and Bagdogra), shared taxis (available at NJP) and buses (available at Siliguri bus stand which is 8kms from NJP) are the main public transport to NJP station or Bagdogra Airport to go to Darjeeling. Alternatively, you can take an attractive toy train ride from NJP or Siliguri, taking a 7-hour lazy trip to Darjeeling for sightseeing in the Himalayas.

Although the area of ​​Darjeeling hill town is small (about 10 sq km), Darjeeling is also a district and is spread over a large area of ​​about 2,100 sq km. The district has sub-continents like Kurseong, Siliguri, etc. as well as the hill resort cities of Mirik. So there are many beautiful places to visit within the hills of Darjeeling.

In the area of ​​Darjeeling city, you can visit many tourist attractions. Many taxis (which are different types of private commercial vehicles – small and big) are available at the stand. They both offer local sightseeing as well as point-to-point transfers. You can also get shared taxis (mainly Jeep type vehicles) at the stand, but they are mostly available for transfers and sometimes for tours. Currently, around 6,00,000 Indian tourists and 30,000 foreign nationals visit Darjeeling annually.

Tiger hill

Located at an altitude of 2590 meters and at a distance of 13 kilometers from Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is most famous for its spectacular sunrise spots from where you can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga when the sun is seen at low altitudes. The spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains sitting amidst the cotton clouds attracts tourists from all over the country to Tiger Hill. Interestingly, it is also the peak of Ghoom, the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The opening time from Darjeeling is 3.30 pm which reaches Tiger Hill by 4.15 pm. The opening time starts at 4.15 am in winter due to the delay in sunrise time. Roads are blocked by convoys of jeeps and cars during peak season. To get to the sunrise, it requires a walk uphill from the parking lot. You can book a car or an Innova for INR 1200 / INR 1800 from a travel agency in a city or pay INR 200 per head.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as DHR, and affectionately called the ‘Darjeeling Toy Train’, is a 2-foot narrow-gauge train that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal, India. The 88 km long railway line was constructed between 1879 and 1881 and riding on this rail route has been an experience so far. A visit to the Darjeeling Toy Train has a delightful view of the mountain and amazing views passing through villages and local shops along the way, which entice children.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway provides important transport links between the Darjeeling hills and various parts of the lower plains and is a piece of sheer engineering invention and vision. How can a small steam engine pull a mini-coach up steep hills crossing almost endless curves and shields? Perhaps this is why the Darjeeling toy train was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 December 1999.

Later, two more railway lines were added, and the site became known as the Hill Railways of India. Riding on such a heritage transport is no doubt relaxing and attractive, but also iconic as this train provides the first and most important mountain transport link in the country.

Darjeeling Ropeway

Darjeeling is famous as one of the most panoramic hill stations across the world, where a myriad of landscapes can be seen ranging from spectacular landscaped mountains to a charming valley filled with magnificent tea bags. For this reason, the Darjeeling ropeway finds itself as a major attraction of Darjeeling, giving its travelers an array of divine panoramic views as they travel across the magical valley.

Established in 1968, the Darjeeling ropeway is the first cable car system in India to cater to tea estates in the valleys where there was no easy access. Today, it serves as an iconic tourist hotspot, attracting scores of tourists throughout the year to experience the beauty of the Darjeeling scenery in the best possible way.

With 16 cable cars, each car accommodates 6 people, as it rotates from the northern point at Sonamari to Singla Bazar, situated on the banks of the picturesque Ramman River, which caters to passengers at a height of 7000 feet. The view of the numerous tea estates of Darjeeling, the waterfall, and the majestic Kanchenjunga makes this experience a must for every tourist in Darjeeling.

The gondola moves at a moderate pace, giving travelers some good opportunities for some great photo opportunities. At the lower end of the journey, the cable car stops for a while, where travelers can explore the beautiful tea plantations, or relax at the small hill café, before heading back to Singamari Base Station.

Batasia Loop

Perhaps one of the most picturesque train routes in all Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is a lush green train route meant to reduce the height of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The unique design of this spectacular attraction allows the track to wrap itself around itself through a mountain tunnel. One of the most enchanting aspects of Batesia Loop is its unmatched natural beauty which is an amazing sight to behold. Located on Hill Cart Road (NH 55), you can enjoy a panoramic view of Darjeeling.

The motive behind making the spectacular route of the Batasia Loop situated in Ghoom, about 5 kilometers from Darjeeling, was to make navigation around the Darjeeling area easier. This mountain originates from among the emerald carpets of vegetation and also sees the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga on one side.

The line of flowers, which makes a journey through the Batias Loop, must be visited after witnessing the fascinating sunrise of Tiger Hill. The sight of the train turning white into the clouds and deep into the lush green beauty of the area is a refreshing and refreshing campaign not to be missed.

Nightingale Park

Situated in the mesmerizing hill station of Darjeeling, Nightingale Park is a public park area frequented by tourists and locals to witness the grand views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. It is an ideal place to relax and recharge amidst the greenery and soothing winds. Sir Park was a private courtyard of the tartan bungalow during the British Raj, this park was formerly called ‘The Shrubari’. Surrounded by a covered archway, the entrance takes you on a pebble path around this oval-shaped park.

Since the nightingale park is in a slightly elevated area, you have to climb a few steps to enter this lush green field. The park was closed for renovation for almost four years and has reopened to the public since 2011. There is a huge statue of Lord Shiva, which also has a musical fountain with great scenery.

Tea garden

Be it black, green, or puffy, tea is synonymous with Darjeeling as a view of the majestic Kanchanganga. With over 80 tea gardens in Darjeeling, spread over the slopes of the valleys of this tourist trap, a visit to at least one tea garden is important to the agenda of the tourists. If the scent of the well-stained bushes was not enough to attract the attention of passers-by, these also provide services such as lush green wonderland homestays and guided tours, along with some travelers having the chance to engage in some plucking Provide.

With tea cultivation around Darjeeling for nearly 200 years, the Darjeeling tea brand is a worldwide repute, a special experience for those visiting the region. Famous among all these, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is the only garden that allows tourists to see the subtle nuances of tea production and processing with their tea factory guided tour.

Tea cultivation on 17,500 hectares of land is one of the major activities of this picturesque hill station. Some of the famous tea estates of Darjeeling include Happy Valley Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Makabiri Tea Estate, Gomti Tea Estate, and Chamong Tea Estate. Soak in the beautiful expanses offered with a beautiful backdrop along the magnificent Himalayas, and don’t forget to taste the varieties of tea here, as you engage in the rare experience of tea tourism.

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Situated on the slope of the Jalpahad hills in Darjeeling, the Shanti Pagoda or Japanese Shanti Pagoda is one of the Shanti Pagodas, which is designed to establish unity, harmony, and goodwill among people belonging to different sects of society. Famous for its tranquility, it offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks including the Kanchenjunga peak, making it an ideal place for peace and nature lovers.

The Peace Pagoda was built under the guidance of Nikidatsu Fuji, a Buddhist monk from Japan. The foundation stone was laid on 3 November 1972 and inaugurated on 1 November 1992. M. Designed by Oka, construction took 36 months to complete. The pagoda has four incarnations of Buddha including Maitreya Buddha and was designed to bring together people of different castes in search of peace.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park Darjeeling housing a wide variety of animals. Also known as the Darjeeling Zoo, it is a paradise for all kinds of animals and a great center of attraction for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. The zoo is internationally known for its breeding and conservation programs and includes an off-display breeding center for snow leopards and red pandas.

Apart from these rare species, the zoo is also rich in an Asian black bear, deer, leopard, blue and yellow Macaw, Eastern Pangolin, Partridge, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Wolf, Lady Amherst, Leopard Cat, Macaw, Red Jungle Fowl. , Red Panda, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar Deer, Tempinak’s Tragopan, Yak, and many more.

The attraction was established in 1958 and was named after former West Bengal Governor Padmaja Naidu, who was also the daughter of Sarojini Naidu. Witha n has an average elevation of 7000 feet, it is the largest high altitude zoo in India. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions and has successful captive breeding programs for snow leopards, critically endangered Himalayan wolves, and red pandas.

The zoo serves as the central hub for the Central Zoo Authority of India’s Red Panda Program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Due to its tireless efforts to reopen these endangered species, the Darjeeling Zoo has been awarded the prestigious honor of “The Earth Heroes” in 2014 from over 300 zoos worldwide.

Rock Garden

Rock Garden is an excellent picnic spot, naturally known as Chunnu Summer-Fall, which is located 10 km from Darjeeling. It is also known as Barbotte Rock Garden, surrounded by beautiful mountain streams and covered with attractive flower gardens and seating arrangements on various levels. It is considered to be one of the most preferred tourist destinations for nature lovers traveling to Darjeeling.

Apart from the place, the route to Darjeeling Rock Garden also offers a delightful view, where one has to go through a natural journey filled with rocky hills and greenery, which is shared by sharp hairpins and highly steep roads. The unprecedented sight of the rock garden reached Chunnu amidst the soothing sound of summer-fall amidst the clouds. The tourist attraction is surrounded by tea gardens and flower gardens, which are terraced with a peaceful lake at the top, where visitors can spend a beautiful time and relax after a long and tiring journey.

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu Peak (11,941 ft) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the Nepal border, is located very close to Singalila National Park.

Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four of the five highest peaks in the world. Probably the best view is of Mount Kanchenjunga. You can reach the peak by car or trekking. Starting from Manibanjan, this hill is a beautiful route 51 km long. Sandakadu is also known as “mountain of poisonous plants” due to the abundance of Himalayan cobra lilies here. Since it is a difficult trek, it is recommended to do it only after ensuring your complete fitness.

The journey to the summit passes through many different terrains, ranging from challenging valleys, lush green plains to rhododendrons, magnolia, primaries, and dotted lands with vibrant wildflowers. With around 600 varieties of orchids alone, the place is a paradise for nature lovers.

Tinchuley

About 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet located close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border. With an elevation of 5550 feet, the name of the place derives from the words ‘tin’ and ‘Chula’, which translates as ‘three ovens’, as the trio of hills that make up the hill station resemble clay ovens… Surprisingly, the geographical diversity of the village is not depleted: the Teesta and Ranjit rivers are also close to it. All this contributes to the abundant natural beauty of Tinchuley.

Darjeeling is famous for fresh fruit orchards such as Tinchuley, moreover, a quieter and more obscure place – there is an atmosphere of serenity that is otherwise lacking from its Baspai counterparts. In Tinchuley, one can go rock climbing, trekking, sightseeing, all against a beautiful green mountain that feels like an out of film set. With an economy that started to flourish through the participation of the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) in modernizing the agriculture of the place and turning its production into floriculture, vermiculture, and organic products, Tinchuley is an ideal tourist destination. It started growing in popularity.

Tinchuley is a dream for those looking for something spiritual out of their journey. Its magnificent mountaineering and serene farming astonished the land. So if you are really looking for something about that nature, then you know where to be!

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