PLACES TO VISIT IN DARJEELING

Darjeeling, a town in the West Bengal state of India, in the lap of Himalaya. The temperature of Darjeeling is 25°C from April to June, which is the best time to visit. Darjeeling is famous for its splendid tea gardens, meandering toy train rides, and city’s picturesqueness. This article will take you through the best places to explore in Darjeeling:

   1. DARJEELING ROCK GARDEN

Commonly known as Barbotey Garden, Darjeeling. The rock garden is located at a distance of 10 km from the city. The benches are made out of rocks. The beautiful and mesmerizing mini water streams surround the park. Drive to this place includes rocky hills and greenery shared by sharp hairpins bends. It is the most preferred visiting spot, especially for a nature lover.

TIMINGS : 10:00 am – 4:00 PM

ENTRY FEE: Indians – INR 10;  Foreign tourists – INR 50

   2. TIGER HILL

The best time to visit Tiger hill is just before sunrise. The Sun illuminates the peaks of the mighty Kanchenjunga. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (8848 m) is visible. The distance in a straight line from Tiger Hill to Mount Everest is 107 miles (172 km).

WEATHER- 15°C

TIME REQUIRED- 1-2 Hours

ENTRY FEE- INR 10 per Vehicle.

   3. BATASIA LOOP

Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track located at a distance of around 5km from Darjeeling. As the toy train completes the loop through a large circular area, it descends by 1,000 feet. You can also witness the mighty Kanchanjunga and other Himalayan peaks. This place is one of the most enchanting places of Darjeeling due to its magnificent attractions.

   4. DARJEELING ROPEWAY

Started in 1968 and was the first cable car system of India. The Ropeway was initially used to access the Tea Gardens. But after addition of new cars it became a major tourist attraction in Darjeeling. The Ropeway offers a breath-taking views of valleys, tea gardens, forest, rivers and snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.

TIMINGS : 10:00am –  4:00pm

ENTRY FEE: Adult – INR 200;  Children – INR 100

   5. TEESTA RIVER RAFTING

One of the topmost exciting adventure sport activity to do in Darjeeling is River Rafting in Teesta. It is something that every adventure love should try, when in Darjeeling. The river Teesta has become the best choice because of its green surroundings and it also divides Sikkim and Darjeeling. You should do bargaining as the prices are usually steep for tourists.

TIME REQUIRED: 2- 4 Hours

   6. GHOOM MONASTERY

The Ghoom Monastery is at the grand elevation of 8000 feet as is also called Yiga Choeling. It is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery of Darjeeling. Lama Sherek Gyatso established the Ghoom Monastery in the year 1850. The tourist will find Rare Buddhist manuscripts within premises. Here, the walls are painted with art and depictions of Tibetan Buddhism.

TIMINGS : 9:00am – 6:00pm

ENTRY FEES : No entry fee

   7. The Mall Road/Chowrasta

The Mall or the Chowrasta is the heart of Darjeeling. Just like Shimla’s Mall Road in Himachal Pradesh, this place is also a flat top where tourists can enjoy live shows, shop, eat, ride pony and enjoy the view of beautiful Sunset.

   8. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is recognized AS UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often called as Toy Train because of its size this train take 6h 35 mins. to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri. The train passes through some of the best valleys, tea gardens and lush green forests. For more info regarding train time table click here.