If you are looking for an incredible holiday in the hills, head out to the picturesque town of Darjeeling. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas and known for its awe-inspiring mountain views, rolling tea estates, great food, and captivating architecture, Darjeeling has a unique charm all of its own. Home to the renowned Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this West Bengal gem is also referred to as the "Queen of the Hills." Set among lush tea estates, the city's elevation at 2,050 metres provides a refreshing, cool climate year-round. Darjeeling also serves as a captivating gateway to the Eastern Himalayas and is an ideal vantage point for witnessing India's highest peak, Mount Kangchenjunga.
Here is a list of the top things you can do in Darjeeling.
This renowned restaurant established by a certain Edward Keventer in 1911 has appeared in various books and films set in Darjeeling. As one of the oldest restaurants in town, Keventer's is known for its hearty English breakfast. If you are very hungry, try the meat platter which features sausages, meatloaf, salami, bacon and eggs. Top it up with Keventer's hot chocolate, a classic beverage famously mentioned by the iconic director Satyajit Ray. The restaurant's first-floor open-air deck provides a nice view of the town. Check here for more info.
Address: Shop No. 1, Club Side, Nehru Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
"The most enjoyable day I have spent on earth mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy"—that's how Mark Twain described his journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in 1895.
A ride on this "Toy Train" is at the top of the list of things to do in Darjeeling. Established in 1881, this engineering marvel offers a thrilling journey through picturesque landscapes, winding through loops, turns and zigzags from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999 and is part of the Mountain Railways of India, which consists of three remarkable rail routes in the country which are also recognised as UNESCO World Heritage locations. Said to be Asia's oldest narrow gauge railway, it spans an impressive 88 kilometres. It begins its journey in New Jalpaiguri and gradually ascends to Ghum, situated at an altitude of 2,258 metres, before ultimately arriving in Darjeeling.
Another incredible thing to do in Darjeeling would be to see the sunrise over the mountains. Get up in the pre-dawn hours and head to the Tiger Hill viewpoint to see the sunrise. The peaks of Mt Kangchenjunga are illuminated before the sun, and even Mount Everest is visible. On a clear day, Kurseong is visible to the south. You can also visit the Observatory Hill viewpoint to witness the sweeping vistas of valleys and Mt Kangchenjunga.
Glenary's is a historic bakery and café and is one of the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling. It has been in operation since before India's independence and is renowned for its delicious cakes, breads and pastries. If you're in the mood for a filling meal, you can try their classic dishes such as fish and chips, pork chops with French fries, roast chicken with potato salad, mixed grill, beef burger, and Shepherd's Pie.
Address: Nehru Road, near Clock Tower, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Hire a jeep and embark on a journey into the unspoiled natural paradise of Singalila National Park. This hidden gem, nestled on the border of Darjeeling and Nepal, offers a remarkable opportunity to encounter the endangered red panda amid a diverse array of flora and fauna. Traverse the park's scenic trails to witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the magnificent Kangchenjunga. Don't miss the vibrant rhododendron forests of the area either.
You are in the land of the Champagne of teas so a stay at a tea estate should be among the top things to do in Darjeeling. The Makaibari Tea Estate, located 33km from Darjeeling, is home to the oldest tea factory in the world and is a must-visit. The factory, built entirely of wood, bamboo and cast iron, is set amid a 550-acre tea plantation, with the company also overseeing a forest area twice that size. Additionally, the company operates a homestay program with residents. The profits from this initiative are shared among the participating women in the community. Check out other tea estates here.
The Darjeeling Mall, also known as Chowrasta, is 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. You can take a tea break at Nathmulls of Darjeeling, a cosy tea café, and even pick up some beautifully packaged teas from here.
A prominent landmark of Darjeeling for over 60 years, the Oxford Books & Stationery Co has one of the best collections of books on Himalayan culture and history. Located on Mall Road, it is built along typical hill-style architectural lines with fretwork and a pitched roof. They can even arrange for book deliveries all over the world.
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.