The Best 9 Things To Do in Darjeeling in 2024

West Bengal, India’s Darjeeling is a stunningly gorgeous hill station tucked away in the shadow of the majestic Eastern Himalayas. It is understandable why Darjeeling is frequently referred to as the “Queen of Hills,” with its verdant green tea estates, stunning scenery, and towering mountains. Every traveller can find the ideal balance of tranquility and excitement among the sites to see in Things To Do in Darjeeling, which range from historic monasteries to tumbling waterfalls, exhilarating excursions to peaceful sanctuaries.

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Things to do in Darjeeling 

Here are the things to explore in Things To Do in Darjeeling: 

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Toy Trains go through some of the world’s most picturesque mountain regions on small gauge rails. Since December 1999, it has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the route, there are amazing views of the surrounding villages, tea plantations, mountains, valleys, and woods. The toy train track, which is regarded as an engineering marvel, features many loops and zigzags that enable the train to navigate hills. Along the journey, there are also a lot of little stations.

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2. Tiger Hills 

Tiger Hill, a peak rising to a height of 2,590 meters (8,500 feet), is situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, near Darjeeling. It offers a broad perspective of both Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. At lower altitudes, Kanchenjunga (8,598 meters [28,209 feet]) is lit before the sun. Mount Everest (8,848 meters, or 29,029 feet), Makalu (8,481 meters, or 27,825 feet), and Lhotse (8,516 meters, or 27,940 feet) are just visible from Tiger Hill. Given that Kanchenjunga is a few miles closer to Mount Everest, it appears to be taller than the latter. Tiger Hill and Everest are 107 miles (172 km) apart in a straight line.

3. Happy Valley Tea Estate

In the Indian state of West Bengal, the Darjeeling area is home to Happy Valley Tea Estate, a tea garden. It is the second-oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, having been founded in 1854. Over 1500 people are employed by it, which occupies 177 hectares (440 acres) and is located 3 kilometers (1.9 km) north of Darjeeling at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level.

4. Batasia Loop

In the Darjeeling area of West Bengal, India, a spiral railway known as the Batasia Loop was built to lessen the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s ascending gradient. The track now curves back on itself, passing through a tunnel and crossing a hilltop. 1919 saw its commissioning. Below Ghum, it is 5 kilometers (3 mi) from Darjeeling. In addition, there is a memorial honoring the Indian Army’s Gorkha troops who gave their lives following Indian independence in 1947.

5. Rock Garden 

Recently added tourist destinations in the Himalayan town of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India, are the Rock Garden (also called Barbotey Rock Garden) at Chunnu Summer Falls and Ganga Maya Park. Part of Lloyd’s Botanical Garden, Sir John Anderson Rock Garden is another rock garden in Darjeeling.

6. Mahakal Temple

Situated in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, the Mahakal Temple, also known as the Mahakal Mandir, is a revered Hindu temple devoted to Shiva, the third of the Hindu triad. Constructed by Lama Dorjey Rinzing in 1765, the Buddhist Monastery known as “Dorje-Ling” was replaced by the famous Mahakal Temple. Before then, the location is thought to have been a sacred place for the Lepcha people of Australia. Later, both Lepchas and Bhutias worshiped at the site of a monastery that was built there.

7. Mirik Lake

In the Indian state of West Bengal, Mirik is a tiny town and a Notified Area of the Things To Do in Darjeeling district. It serves as the Mirik subdivision’s headquarters. The Lepcha term Mir-Yok, which means “place burned by fire,” is whence the name Mirik originates. People from the nearby villages and tea estates flocked to Mirik Bazar, the region’s economic hub, to trade and purchase needs. The current lake region was once a wetland covered in a thick layer of sweet flag (Acorus calamus, also known as bojho locally). In the current garden area, there used to be a playground where the British officers played polo.

8. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Darjeeling Zoo, also known as Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is the ideal place to enjoy a brief tête-à-tête with unusual and fascinating creatures, most of which are from the Himalayas. A close-up look at alpine creatures like snow leopards, Siberian tigers, red pandas, Tibetan wolves, and yaks is to be expected. This zoo is also home to rare birds such the blue gold macaw, kalij pheasant, and Himalayan monal pheasant. Since its founding in 1958, the zoo has welcomed about 5 lakh visitors annually. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is well-known for its numerous breeding and the conservation initiatives, primarily about the Tibetan wolves, snow leopards, and the red pandas.

9. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

Moments from Darjeeling’s downtown, the Japanese Temple is known for its tranquility and positive vibes. This temple was constructed in the traditional Japanese style in 1972. It features a large prayer room where anyone can sit and feel the presence of divinity. The staircase is made of wood. The peaceful atmosphere is further enhanced by the chief priest’s melodic drumming. Constructed in the same year, the Peace Pagoda is located near the temple and features the four incarnations of Lord Buddha. The Peace Pagoda is decorated with exquisitely carved statues and other artwork that depicts the life of Buddha. It is nearly hard to miss the vibes of equality, serenity, and contentment as you walk around the pagoda.

Summing it up

Things To Do in Darjeeling should be at the top of your list if you’re yearning for some fresh air, breathtaking scenery, a little adventure, and a lovely spot to relax. And you may enjoy some of the world’s best tea while doing all of this. This historic hill station will satisfy your desire to explore new places. Go ahead and discover these must-see locations in Darjeeling for a unique travel experience.

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