Top 10 Things to Do in Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills

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Darjeeling is one of the quaint hill stations in the heart of West Bengal. It encompasses picturesque mountains, lush green tea plantations, tall pine trees and small hill houses. It has some of the most beautiful sights, delicious Himalayan cuisine and gorgeous shopping streets to give you an enchanting holiday with your loved ones. Ideal for a solo, leisure, honeymoon or family trip, Darjeeling has countless things to do for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions in Darjeeling that you should include in your Darjeeling tour package.

Sunrise at Tiger Hill

There is something peaceful about sunrises and sunsets in the mountains. That’s why one of the best things to do in Darjeeling is to watch the sun rise over the horizon and drench the sky in its golden beauty. With the backdrop of the mountains and the cool morning breeze, you can witness the wonderful stroke of God’s colors at this iconic location. Waking up early in the morning is definitely beneficial.

However, the place is crowded with tourists in the morning as people flock here to witness the famous sunrise at Tiger Hill. You can also have your morning coffee and some snacks here, as many stalls sell these items here. Be sure to carry some cash, as most of these roadside stalls do not have online payment options. The reason why watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill tops the list of best things to do in Darjeeling is because it sets the tone for the rest of the day. You can explore other attractions in this hill station once you start your morning on a beautiful note.

Toy Train Journey

Darjeeling is a destination where you can live out your childhood dream of riding a toy train. Isn’t it interesting to take a ride on the most amazing toy train in Darjeeling, an insatiable part of the hill station since its inception, to see the amazing surroundings, colonial architecture and sky-high mountain peaks?

You can see Kanchenjunga Peak, the third-highest mountain in the world, from the toy train. It is a great thing to do during your trip, especially if you are with your kids and family. The toy train covers the distance between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and is engineered to run on challenging curves in hilly terrain. It is quite interesting to know that Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a listed World Heritage Site. Because it connects different local cultures and communities.

Stroll around the Mall Road

Every hill station has a mall road which is a hub of shopping centres, roadside shops and food stalls. Darjeeling is no exception. If you are planning to visit Darjeeling then a tour around Mall Road is a must. Here you can see countless tourists visiting the area, buying gifts, eating local food and having a good time. Hands-down, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Darjeeling.

The walkway starts from Chavarasta Square, which is decorated with magnificent flowing fountains, stadium-style seating and various local artistic objects. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some occasional plays or live performances at Chawarsta Chowk. Here, you can sit on one of the side benches to soak up some vitamin D from the sun’s rays, enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea, have an ice cream or buy gifts for your loved ones back home. As you drive through the well-maintained streets of Mall Road, you will witness the old-world charm and natural beauty of this ancient hill station in India. St Andrews Church, Mahakal Temple and Observation Hill are some of the famous places that you must cover on your way to Mall Road.

Visit Ghoom Monastery

Next on the list of top things to do in Darjeeling is a visit to Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choiling. It is known as one of the oldest monasteries in the area. It was built in the 19th century. It is located at an altitude of 18,000 feet and belongs to the Yellow Hat sect. The monastery is at a comfortable distance from the city centre. Thousands of tourists visit this monastery every year to see the huge statue of Buddha (15 feet tall). Here you can see an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, including the 108-volume Kangyu, beautiful Thangkas and Tibetan art. The monastery premises are very well maintained and surrounded by greenery.

Trek the Peak: Sandakphu

If there is an adventurous side in you, then trekking to Sandakphu peak is one of the best choices that you can make. It is located at an altitude of 11,900 ft, where trek lovers visit to get a glimpse of rare peaks in the Himalayas. It’s fascinating to know that the name Dandakphu means “height of poison plants,” as this area is covered with poisonous plants. The Sandakphu peak also prides itself on being the highest point of the Singalila mountain range.

It is important to note that visitors need an entry permit to trek in Sandakphu, as it comes under Singalila National Park. Other than this, you can also opt for complete tour packages for pick-up and drop-off from a suitable location.

The Thrilling Ropeway Ride

What can be more exciting than a mountain ropeway ride? Darjeeling Ropeway is very famous among tourists as it allows them to see the panoramic landscape, Darjeeling tea gardens and surrounding tall mountain trees. The small box-like vehicle glides on a sturdy ropeway, which is suspended at a height of 7,000 feet. Six members can sit in one cable car. There are total 16 cable cars. The starting point of the ropeway is Singmari and the end point is Singala Bazar. If you plan to travel by cable car on your next trip, you will have plenty of time to see the natural beauty of the “Queen of the Hill”.

Darjeeling Tea Garden: Puttabong Tea Estate

You cannot miss the Puttabong Tea Estate, which is known as one of the best places for tea plantations in Darjeeling. It is one of the oldest tea gardens in Darjeeling, at an altitude of 1500 to 6500 feet. One of the most interesting things to know about Puttabong Tea Estate is that sustainable products are used to grow the tea on this estate. Here, you can buy tea grown in different seasons. You can taste different types of tea before buying it. Tasting the world famous Darjeeling tea at his home is definitely an exciting experience. Here, Darjeeling tea is brewed to perfection and divided into flushes (teas from different harvest seasons are known as “flushes”).

There are many other attractions as well as offbeat places near Darjeeling. However, there are some top things mentioned above that you should not miss at any cost. Darjeeling is a place where people visit for a rejuvenating experience. The hill station has something to offer everyone and serves as a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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