Home to the ever-popular Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also UNESCO World Heritage Site, Darjeeling in West Bengal is often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills.” Situated among tea estates, the city is 2,050m above sea level and has a cool climate year-round. It is one of the entryways to the Eastern Himalayas and a popular spot to view India’s tallest peak, Mount Kangchenjunga.
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from April to June but the months of October to December are equally popular with visitors. The city receives plenty of rainfall during the monsoon season from July to August so it’s probably best not to visit it during this time.
Here’s our three-day Darjeeling itinerary if you’re raring to go.
Embark On A Spiritual Start
Start your first day in Darjeeling with a visit to the Observatory Hill viewpoint to witness the sweeping vistas of valleys and Kangchenjunga.
Afterwards, visit the nearby Mahakal Temple. This sacred temple is auspicious for both Buddhists and Hindus. Built in 1782 by Lama Dorjey Rinzing the temple is dedicated to Shiva. It stands on the remnants of an 18th-century monastery called Dorje-Ling, which was destroyed in the Gorkha invasion of 1815. It has been rumoured that the name ‘Darjeeling’ originates with the demolished monastery.
Visit The Tea Plantations
Next, take a tour of the tea plantations at the Happy Valley Tea Estate. Established in 1854 it is Darjeeling’s second oldest tea estate and is spread over 177 hectares. The guided tour includes a walk through the tea gardens, the tea processing units and tea tasting sessions.
Enjoy A Delicious Meal
Take a break at the wholesome Hot Stimulating Café to relax after a busy morning. Run by a couple, the café offers simple Tibetan, Chinese and Indian fare like chowmein, thukpa, cheeseburgers, aloo paratha and of course a selection of teas, hot chocolate and coffee.
See Darjeeling From A New Vantage Point
Once you’ve had your fill head to the Darjeeling Ropeway. This is a cable car route that offers visitors a chance to take in the panoramic sights of Darjeeling from above. It takes visitors from the northern area of the city to Singla on the Ramman river, and is 2.5km one way.
In case the queues are long, skip the ropeway and head to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, a zoo dedicated to wildlife conservation and the captive breeding of rare species like red pandas and snow leopards.
If zoos are not your style either then head to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute for a session of indoor climbing. It was set up to impart practical mountaineering skills to budding explorers and its museum houses memorabilia from the 1922 and 1924 Mount Everest expeditions.
Evening
Shop Til' You Drop
Head to the Darjeeling Mall, also known as Chowrasta, for a relaxing evening stroll before dinner. It’s a promenade where heritage stores are surrounded by stunning vistas of the Himalayas. It is a delightful place to people-watch and buy local goods and handicrafts.
Wrap up your evening with a meal at the Noryang Tibetan Kitchen or the Kathmandu Kitchen for warm, wholesome dinners.
Morning
Museums and Monasteries
Your second day will be a mix of culture and nature. Start your morning with a tour of the Himalayan Tibet Museum. Housed in a traditional Tibetan building it has a collection of over 10,000 artefacts, including thangkas (religious paintings), sculptures, masks, costumes and everyday objects. The museum also has a library with a collection of books and manuscripts on Tibetan culture and history.
Next, head to the Peace Pagoda 10 minutes away. It was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist order. Its exquisite white exterior is the focal point for people of all backgrounds to come together for a better world. It is located on the grounds of the Japanese Buddhist Temple where you can drop in to its prayer room and participate in a drumming session.
Afternoon
Relax Amidst Nature
Head to the Rock Garden at the Chunnu Summer Falls, an enchanting retreated where sculpted landscapes and cascading waterfalls create a peaceful atmosphere.
The Gangamaya Park is 1.5km from the Rock Garden and is a splendid place to live the rest of the afternoon. Its lush greenery attracts birdwatchers and photographers but it also holds cultural significance after being named for a martyr in the Gorkhaland movement.
Next, take a 30-minute car ride to Batasia Eco Garden. This is a major tourist attraction because of its spectacular views of Kangchenjunga and is a part of the Batasia Loop, a railway track plied by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which takes visitors around the hill station.
Evening
Relish The Classics
This evening should be about stimulating your taste buds. Nawangs Restaurant serves Asian, Tibetan and Nepali cuisine while Glenary’s is a well-known cake shop.
Morning
Witness A Stunning Sunrise In Darjeeling
Your last day in Darjeeling will start in the pre-dawn hours as you head to the Tiger Hill viewpoint to see the sunrise. The peaks of Kangchenjunga are illuminated before the sun and even Mount Everest is visible. On a clear day, Kurseong is visible to the south.
Next, take a two-and-a-half hour drive to Singalila National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is 2,300m above sea level and is well-known for a trekking route that passes through its premises. Its wildflowers bloom during the spring and post-monsoon periods and its extensive rhododendron forests are a magnificent sight.
Afternoon
Where To Eat In Darjeeling
Before proceeding with the rest of the itinerary, take a break to eat. Kunga Restaurant, Sonam’s Kitchen and Keventer’s are well-regarded restaurants cooking hearty meals.
Visit These Attractions In Darjeeling
Once you’re feeling more energised, head to the Yiga Choeling Monastery which was founded in 1850 by the famous Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. A Maitreya Buddha statue resides here.
If it’s still open check out Lloyd Botanical Garden. Their collection of flora includes alpine plants, arum lilies, geraniums, ash, birch and lilac from China and Japan, and cryptomerias, plums, cherries, magnolias, maples, weeping willows and deodars from Africa. There are as many as 150 species of cacti and succulents on display at the greenhouse.
Evening
Take a tea break at Nathmulls of Darjeeling, a cosy tea café. Savour the aroma of the teas and the memories you have made over three packed days in this beautiful hill station. If you have forgotten to buy souvenirs then make a quick dash to Darjeeling Mall and share your travel stories with people you know to entice them to visit the region.
Visitors looking for a luxurious stay in Darjeeling should consider the Mayfair Darjeeling and Ramada by Wyndham. The Omega Residency and Hotel North Star are suitable for those travelling on a budget. If you’re hoping to stay with local residents then the Rambler's Nesting Homestay and Pinewood Homestay are good choices.
Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport and a taxi ride takes three hours to Darjeeling. The New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station is the nearest railhead and takes three hours to reach the city. If you prefer road travel, drive or hire a car from Siliguri or Bagdogra to reach Darjeeling in approximately two to three hours.