Darjeeling
Once a summer resort for the British Raj, Darjeeling is still one of India’s most popular hill stations. It is surrounded by tea plantations that produce prized light coloured, floral smelling tea – around 25% of India’s total tea output comes from Darjeeling. In addition, it’s blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak. Some of Darjeeling’s most popular attractions include the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train”, monasteries, temples, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around, and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets.
We recommend staying at the boutique Glenburn Tea Estate for an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
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This UNESCO World Heritage Site transports locals and tourists around the lower areas of the Eastern Himalayas. A ride on the trains offers spectacular views of rolling hills and lush green tea gardens.
Darjeeling Mall
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Darjeeling Zoo
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Located in the same premises, the Mountaineering Institute is a well-stocked museum established in honour of Tenzing Norgay after he and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Everest in 1953. The adjacent zoo houses animals of high altitude, mostly from the upper Himalayas. You can see some rare animals here like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and Tibetan Wolf.
Monasteries
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Darjeeling area has a number of interesting monasteries which can be visited. One of the most important is Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Darjeeling area created in 1850. There is a huge statue of Maitreya or Future Buddha that was created with clay brought from Tibet. The surrounding view is breath-taking.
Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park
St. Andrew’s Church
Tea Estates
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Visit one of the local tea estates to gain an understanding of the tea process from the plucking of two leaves and a bud, to the drying, grading and packaging. You’ll also be able to taste a range of teas.
Temples
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Mahakal Hindu temple on Observatory Hill is believed to have self-manifested itself in the 1700s. Dhirdham Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple of Lord Shiva located close to the Darjeeling railway station. There is also a nice two storied Japanese temple a short distance from the town centre.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
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A rehabilitation centre for Tibetan refugees who fled with the Dalai Lama. You can see Tibetan men and women making exquisite hand crafted items like woollen carpets, shawls, carved wooden crafts and leather items. Some of the products are available to purchase.
Tiger Hill
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Located at the highest point in Darjeeling area, Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day you can even see Mount Everest from here.Hotels
Discover the wonderful variety of places to stay in India; including some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, intimate boutique hotels bursting with local character, charming homestays where you’ll have a chance to interact with local families, converted forts & palaces, fabulous lodges and heritage havelis.
Tours
Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout India. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.
