Darjeeling, the “Queen of Hills”, is a popular tourist destination located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of 6,700 feet, Darjeeling is known for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. A Darjeeling tour is a perfect getaway for those looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Getting to Darjeeling:
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Darjeeling. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 60 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or shared cab to reach Darjeeling.
Places to visit in Darjeeling:
- Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling and is famous for its spectacular sunrise view. Tourists can see the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga range, which is one of the highest mountain ranges in the world.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train ride from Darjeeling to Ghum is a must-try experience as it passes through scenic tea gardens and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Batasia Loop: Batasia Loop is a railway loop situated on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The loop offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range and is a popular spot for tourists to take pictures.
- Tea gardens: Darjeeling is famous for its tea gardens, and a visit to one of these gardens is a must on your Darjeeling tour. The tea gardens are spread across vast acres of land and offer a beautiful sight of the lush green tea leaves.
- Ghum Monastery: The Ghum Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling and is home to a 15-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery offers a peaceful atmosphere and is a perfect spot to meditate and rejuvenate.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is home to many endangered species such as the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Wolf. The park is also home to the famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Things to do in Darjeeling:
- Trekking: Darjeeling offers some of the best trekking trails in India. The Sandakphu trek is a popular trek that offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range.
- Rock Climbing: The Tenzing Rock in Darjeeling is a popular spot for rock climbing. The rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, the first person to climb Mount Everest.
- Shopping: Darjeeling is famous for its tea, woolen clothes, and handicrafts. Tourists can shop for these items at the local markets in Darjeeling.
- Food: Darjeeling is known for its momos, thukpa, and traditional Tibetan food. Tourists can try these dishes at the local restaurants and food stalls in Darjeeling.
Conclusion:
A Darjeeling tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. From watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill to sipping tea at a tea garden, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Darjeeling. A visit to Darjeeling is a must for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the charm of a hill station.
Offbeat Darjeeling
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