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Located in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is known for its tea industry and the picturesque grey and white mountains with a misty climate. It is located amidst the lower Himalayans, also known as the Mahabharata Range. Darjeeling was developed by the British in the mid-19th century and soon became popular for its vast tea estates, that produces some of the best tea in the country. The other specialties of this town are the monastery, momos, toy train, valleys, and winding walking tracks. The most highlighted places in Darjeeling are listed below.
1. Tiger hill
One of the most highlighted spots in Darjeeling is the Tiger Hill that offers travelers the most majestic view of the Kanchenjunga and the great Mt. Everest. The time when the sun rises and sets it is the best time to witness the enchanting rays of the sun on Mount Everest and the Kanchenjunga. Interestingly it is also the summit of Ghoom, which is the highest railway station in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO world heritage site.
2. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways
An 88kilometer long railway line that took place between 1879 and 1881 is now a world heritage site labeled by UNSECO. It provides significant transport links between various parts of the Darjeeling hills and lower pains. The best part of this journey is the toy train which has been used in several movies and, the amazing sight with soothing mountain views and passes by villages and small shops on the way. The train runs between New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, beating the unfeasible curves and gradients.
3. Batasia Loop
It is a lush green toy train pathway where the track is wrapped around through a hilltop tunnel, where the toy train takes a 360-degree turn and allows the traveler to experience the panoramic view of the Darjeeling in it verdict glory. It is 5kilometers from Darjeeling Town and just below Ghoom. The other tourist-attracting things are the manicured gardens, streams and falls and the wonderful view of the Darjeeling.
4. Rock garden
An exquisite spot with a natural fall called as Chunnu summer falls, 10kilometers from Darjeeling town. It is surrounded by beautiful hill streams along with a slope covered with fascinating flower gardens and sitting arrangements at various levels. It is the best place for a picnic with falls, a range of fauna and hills.
5. Singalila National Park
Located at an altitude of 7000feet above sea level, it is the highest national park and sanctuary in West Bengal. It encompasses a beautiful land of virgin rhododendron forest, alpine valley and some rare species of animals and orchids. It is also the home of the rare Red panda and Himalayan Black Bear. Singalila National park also offers the majestic panoramic view of the Himalayas from Nepal to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh up to Bhutan.
6. Darjeeling Mall
The Chowrasta is in the center of the town in Darjeeling. It is a public square where four roads meet. Tourists like to lounge and bake in the sun while sitting and enjoying the wonderful views of the mountain ranges. On one side of the road is a line of pine trees and on the other side are the shops where almost everything is available. There are benches to sit and relax for the tourists.
7. Darjeeling Ropeway
It is the prime attraction of Darjeeling where the passenger experiences an array of divine panoramic views as they travel across the valley. It is India’s first cable car system that is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger cable car. It offers the travelers a mind-blowing view of the valley below with lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls and snow peaks.
8. The Peace Pagoda
This place is a symbol of peace and tranquility, located in the Jalpahar Hills. This is an ancient Japanese temple where the tourists join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace within themselves with humming and chants. Four avatars of Buddha are situated near the peace pagoda.
9. Happy valley tea estate
Darjeeling tour is incomplete without visiting this Valley. This Tea Estate is one of the oldest in the town and adds to its beauty. It is 3 kilometers from the town and has some 100 years old tea bushes which are a treat to the eyes. During season one can also see local Nepali women’s plucking tea.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
It is a pilgrimage destination for the climbing enthusiasts of the world. It has a well-stocked museum with mountaineering displays and many expedition artifacts, with a boarding school for mountaineering students, restaurants, souvenir shops and many more.