Darjeeling is one of the most relaxing vacation destinations in the country. With the countless places to visit in Darjeeling, planning your itinerary can get overwhelming. It is located near West Bengal, with lush tea plantations, Tibetan monasteries, and colonial-era architecture. Tourists can also enjoy the local traditions, natural beauty, and, most famously, tea. In this article, we have compiled a list of places to see in Darjeeling if you plan to visit the area.
What are the best places to explore in Darjeeling?
1. Kurseong
Kurseong is one of the best Darjeeling sightseeing places just outside the district. Renowned for its tea estates, Kurseong lets tourists roam around countless tea plantations and interact with locals to better understand the tea-making process. Visitors can also hike several trekking trails in and around the area. Kurseong has many forests, waterfalls, and scenery that make it the perfect getaway from city life.
2. Singalila National Park
Singalila National Park is also amongst the top Darjeeling tourist places. It is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers, with its highest point reaching 7000 feet above sea level.
Tourists can view a range of flora and fauna, such as the very famous (and endangered) Red Panda. There are also oak, bamboo, and rhododendron forests, hundreds of rare orchid species, and Indo-Burman and Himalayan bird species. Visitors can also enjoy bike riding, mountain climbing, camping, wildlife safaris, river rafting, and paragliding.
3. Nightingale Shrubbery
One of the most peaceful places to go in Darjeeling is the Nightingale Shrubbery Park. Located in the Mall region, visitors can view snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges on one side and pine trees on the other.
It was rebuilt in 1934 and opened to the public. It has redesigned walkways, seating arrangements, and boundary walls. The benches are shaded, allowing visitors to rest outside in the sun. There is also an amphitheater in the park’s centre where people can enjoy cultural programs.
4. Bhutia Busty Monastery
Also known as the Karma Dorjee Chyoling monastery, this Buddhist monastery belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas. Tourists can easily visit this tranquil monastery; however, photography is strictly prohibited.
Indoors, there is a beautiful main prayer room with glass cases, a statue of the Buddha, and photos of the Dalai Lama. There is also a new installation of Tara Devi. The walls are covered in detailed murals depicting the Buddha’s life, painted using natural ground stones.
5. St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s Church displays the name of Lt. Gen. George W. Aylmer Lloyd, credited with discovering Darjeeling. It is a must-see destination if you are looking for places to roam in Darjeeling. It has marble and brass plaques engraved with the district’s oldest and most prominent names.
Inside the church is also a display of Countess Charlotte Canning, the wife of India’s first Viceroy, the Earl of Canning. St. Andrew’s Church is an architectural beauty. Located along Mall Road, it has remnants of British architecture, such as its clock tower.
6. Dhirdham Temple
Dhirdham Temple is a Hindu temple, heavily inspired by Buddhist and Tibetan architecture. The building has a stunning shrine structure created by the Gorkha architect Beg Raj Sakya. The temple itself has a coloured and intricately carved roof.
It houses Lord Shiva’s idol, which depicts his five expressions and his third eye. This is also known amongst followers as the “Pancha Bakram Tri Netram. Worshippers can also appreciate scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys behind the temple.
7. The Old Cemetary
Tourists often overlook this location when planning their itinerary. While a cemetery may seem like an odd choice for tourism, it is an excellent place to learn more about Darjeeling’s rich history and heritage. The Kolkata Chapter of the Archeological Survey of India has deemed the cemetery a place of “National Importance.” Located at the lower end of town, it is the final resting place for many of Darjeeling’s prominent personalities who made the city what it is today.
In some areas, the gravestones and engravings have become hazy. However, these structures are centuries old. The Old Cemetery overlooks tea estates and the Darjeeling town. On some days, tourists can also see Kanchenjunga.
8. Pony Road
Pony Road, also known as Chowrasta, is an ideal destination for an activity-filled vacation. This sunny spot is located amongst snowy mountains and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. The highlight of Chowrasta is the pony rides, which are exciting for children and adults.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely horse ride around the area, taking in stunning views of natural beauty, lush tea plantations, and the Observatory Hill. The activity is generally safe, as the horse owners accompany riders. Pony Road is an excellent tourist spot for those with children in particular.
Wrapping up
Darjeeling, known as the “Queen of the Hills,” has some of the most beautiful natural parks, gardens, flora, and fauna. Its British-era architecture and newer cafes and restaurants make it the ideal destination for vacationers.
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FAQs
The Nightingale Shrubbery Park, St. Andrew's Church, the Old Cemetery, Dhirdham Temple, and Pony Road are five famous places in Darjeeling.
Darjeeling is known for its vast tea estates, stunning natural beauty, toy train, culture and heritage, and cuisine. It also has many Buddhist monasteries.
Some popular foods of Darjeeling include thukpa, dum aloo, pork curry, chhaang, and Darjeeling tea. Sel roti and Nepali thalis are also well-known.
Between April and June is considered the best time to visit Darjeeling due to the pleasant climate and clear skies. It is also the best time to see Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling.
06 January 2025
5 mins read
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