Darjeeling
Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a paradise for both backpackers and honeymooners. Known for its natural beauty, the town offers stunning views of lush green landscapes and snow-capped peaks. At Travelojurney Trip, we have a range of Darjeeling tour packages to suit all budgets, from affordable to luxury options. A visit to this "queen of the hills" is enough to make you fall in love with it!
Why Visit Darjeeling?
- Splendid Views and Weather - Ready to explore Darjeeling? The main reason to visit is its amazing views. Surrounded by lush green hills, the town has fantastic weather, especially in autumn, summer, and spring. Many people also visit during the monsoon and winter for the cool vibes. Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise over the hills, especially from Tiger Hill.
- Attractions to Mesmerize You - Darjeeling has many amazing places to visit and things to do. Top attractions include a ride on the Heritage Toy Train, the Cable Car, and visits to the Darjeeling Zoo and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Other must-see spots are the Happy Valley Tea Estate, Rock Garden, Peace Pagoda, Mahakal Temple, Japanese Temple, and, of course, Tiger Hill for a stunning sunrise view.
- Shopping - Darjeeling is a great place for shopping lovers. It’s a shopper’s paradise with a wide range of handcrafted items, woolen clothes, jackets, jewelry, and more. You can also buy pictures of Darjeeling’s beautiful landscapes and tea directly from where it's grown. Popular shopping spots include Mall Road and the Batasia Loop Market.
- Adventure Activities - Along with its beautiful views, Darjeeling is also a paradise for adventure lovers, offering plenty of thrilling activities to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
- Tea Gardens and Local Cuisine - Darjeeling is known for its best tea gardens; you may sample some of the best tea in the world from here. The tour of these tea gardens is a must-activity in Darjeeling.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling, a stunning hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a great place to visit all year round. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, or misty, the town always looks beautiful. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather. Some people love the cold, while others prefer warmth. Knowing the different seasons and their features can help you plan the perfect trip. It’s also important to be aware of any risks and take the right precautions.
Visiting Darjeeling in Spring (March – April)
Darjeeling Temperature – In spring, the temperature ranges between 6°C and 17°C. Darjeeling Weather – Spring in Darjeeling is mostly sunny with occasional strong winds and hailstorms. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it one of the best times to visit. This season also sees the blooming of Rhododendrons and Magnolias.
Visiting Darjeeling in Summer (May – July)
Temperature – In summer, the temperature ranges between 11°C and 19°C.
Weather – The early summer months are pleasant, warmer than spring. It's a great time to enjoy the beauty of the town. However, by June, the monsoon begins, and you may experience hailstorms as one season transitions to another.
Visiting Darjeeling in Monsoon (June – September)
Temperature – During the monsoon, the temperature ranges between 13°C and 19°C.
Weather – Darjeeling experiences heavy rain during the monsoon, with the sky often hidden for up to 10 days in a month. Temperatures can drop, making it chilly, and humidity levels can rise to 90%.
Visiting Darjeeling in winter (December – February)
Temperature – In winter, the temperature ranges between 2°C and 9°C.
Weather – Winter in Darjeeling is cold, but it brings a fresh, crisp air. Early mornings can be very chilly, but the days are usually sunny and warm.
Top Places to visit in Darjeeling
1. Tiger hill
Tiger Hill, located about 11 miles from Darjeeling, is famous for its stunning sunrise views of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga Peak. The changing colors of the sky and valley make it a truly mesmerizing sight.
2. Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop is a spiral track built in 1919, about 5 km from Darjeeling. It offers a great view of the toy train as it loops around a garden. The loop was designed to reduce the steepness of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Ropeway
The ropeway connects Darjeeling town to Singla Bazaar Village on the Ramman River. It’s one of Asia’s longest and oldest ropeways, offering a thrilling 45-minute ride through tea estates, forests, gorges, and rivers. The ropeway runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
4. Peace Pagoda
The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, built in 1992, is a white stupa symbolizing peace and religious tolerance. Located about 2 km west of Darjeeling on Jalapahar Hill, it displays four images of Buddha. The pagoda is open from 4:30 am to 7:00 pm, offering a peaceful place for meditation with beautiful mountain and town views.
5. Singlila National Park
Singalila National Park, located along the Indo-Nepal border, covers around 78.6 square kilometers, making it one of the highest national parks in India. It’s home to diverse forests and wildlife, including red pandas and Himalayan black bears. A popular spot for trekking, the Sandakphu-Phalut trail offers stunning views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
6. Rock Garden
Barbotey Rock Garden, located 10 km from Darjeeling, is an artificial garden made of rocks and boulders. Surrounded by hills and forests, it features beautiful flowers, fountains, waterfalls, and bridges, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
7. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay in 1954, is a top institution for mountaineering and adventure sports. Located on Jawahar Parbat Hill, it also has a museum that showcases the history of climbing in India.
8. Tea Plantations
Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, covering over 17,500 hectares and more than 80 estates. Known as the "Champagne of Teas," Darjeeling tea is famous worldwide for its unique fragrance and taste. Visitors can tour tea estates like Happy Valley, Glenburn, Makaibari, and Castleton with a family Darjeeling package.
9. River Rafting in teesta
For an exciting experience in Darjeeling, try Teesta River Rafting. The river has rapids from level 1 to 4, giving you an adrenaline rush while offering stunning views of mountains, valleys, and villages. Rafting starts from Teesta Bazaar, about 30 km from Darjeeling, and is available from October to April, costing around 1,000 rupees per person.
10. Sandakphu Trekking
For an adventurous challenge, the Sandakphu Trek is a must. At 3,636 meters, it is the highest point in West Bengal and offers stunning views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek, which is moderate to hard, takes 5-6 days and starts from Manebhanjan, about 26 km from Darjeeling.
11. Himalayan Zoological Park
The zoo, located on Jawahar Parbat hill, was founded in 1958 and is named after Sarojini Naidu's daughter. It covers 67.56 hectares and is home to endangered Himalayan animals. The zoo is well-known for its breeding programs for red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan salamanders, making it a respected conservation center.
Top Activities / things to do in Darjeeling
1. Teesta – Go River Rafting
The Teesta River is one of the best places for river rafting in India, especially in Darjeeling during June. The river has rapids ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4, with the more intense rapids being for experienced rafters due to their danger. It’s an exciting adventure, but make sure to follow the operator’s instructions for safety. The rafting trip starts at the 7th Mile point and ends at Labarbote, lasting about 30-35 minutes.
2. Sandakphu – Trek The Peak
If you want more adventure in Darjeeling, a trek to Sandakphu is a must. Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal, offering stunning views of some of the world’s tallest peaks. From the top, you can see not just Darjeeling, but also parts of Sikkim, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Darjeeling.
3. The Toy Train – Take A Joy Ride
Riding the Himalayan Toy Train is a must-do in Darjeeling. You can start from Ghoom and stop at Kurseong to enjoy delicious food and take in the stunning views of the hills. The train has been running since 1881, covering a 90 km track. A UNESCO Heritage Site, some of the trains still use traditional steam engines. This charming ride is perfect for a family adventure and offers a unique, fun experience for everyone.
4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Learn Rock Climbing
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling offers mountaineering and adventure courses for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Courses can last from a few days to a month. For tourists who don’t want a full course, HMI also offers rock climbing and other basic activities for a small fee of INR 200. The experience is exciting and memorable, whether you choose a short or long course.
5. Darjeeling Ropeway – A Bird’s-eye View
Darjeeling is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. From above, you can see its stunning scenery—vast tea gardens, hilly forests, snow-capped mountains, and monasteries shining like little lights. You can even spot Mt. Everest in the distance, making it a breathtaking view from any angle.
6. Barbotey Garden – A Rocky Garden
Also known as the Rock Garden, this is one of the most loved places in Darjeeling. The park is beautifully designed with rock beds, waterfalls, and fountains, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. It feels like stepping into a magical world, with buzzing bees and colorful flowers all around you.
7. Tiger Hill – Watch The Sunrise
A trip to Darjeeling isn’t complete without watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill. The way the sunlight lights up the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga and Everest is truly stunning. On clear days, you can also see mountains in Tibet and rivers like Teesta, Mechi, and Mahananda winding their way to the Bay of Bengal.
Best Shopping Places
Collecting souvenirs is a fun hobby for some, and for shopaholics, it’s the main goal of the trip! Whether you enjoy souvenirs or love shopping, Darjeeling should be on your list. This beautiful city in West Bengal is known for its peaceful hills, friendly locals, historic spots, cozy cafes, and vibrant markets. There are plenty of shopping places in Darjeeling, and visiting the best ones will save you both time and money.
Bhutia Market
The New Mahakal Market, also known as Bhutia Market, is famous for its woolen products like shawls, caps, and sweaters. The hand-knitted items here are of great quality and reasonably priced. If you’re visiting a hill station, getting a woolen shawl is a must, and you’ll find the best ones at this market.
Nehru Road Market
If you’re looking for street shopping in Darjeeling, Nehru Road is the perfect place. It’s a great spot for shopping and exploring the local streets. You can find souvenirs, leather bags, unique handicrafts, books, paintings, and more. Recently, a Handicrafts Emporium has been added by the government, where you can buy beautiful paintings and other handcrafted items for your home.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, founded in 1959, is a great place to shop in Darjeeling. It trains Tibetan artisans in different crafts, and you can buy their creations here. Items available include Tibetan carpets, wooden decor, unique footwear, paintings, and carved wooden items.
The Rink Mall
If you enjoy shopping at malls, Darjeeling has the perfect spot for you. The Rink Mall is one of the most popular malls in the area, featuring air-conditioned spaces and a range of branded showrooms. You can shop for clothes, relax at a spa, and then visit Nathmull’s Tea Room to enjoy some aromatic tea. The mall also has stores offering beautiful handicrafts.
Teesta Market
Teesta Market, located near the Teesta River, is a great spot for shopping, especially if you love paintings. You can find handicrafts, silverware, copper items, lanterns, and the famous Thangka paintings.
