Exploring Mountains, Monasteries and Tea Gardens of Darjeeling

May 12, 2020

By Debasree Chakraborty

An absolute paradise on earth, Darjeeling is one the most sought-after destination of North East India. The beautiful hill station is a mix of splendid mountains of the Himalayas draped in snow, alluring tea gardens, colonial architecture, ancient monasteries, enjoyable ride on the toy train, and other cherished experiences

Courtesy to the magnificent mountain backdrop, Darjeeling has earned a name as the “Queen of the Himalayas”. What more is the hill town is perfect for vacations with family, a romantic honeymoon; a holiday to discover the unexplored North East, or anything you wish, Darjeeling fits all requirements. In fact is Darjeeling and Sikkim tours are the perfect getaway in North East India.

Here’s our checklist of the best of Darjeeling Tours (North India Tour Packages)

Tiger Hill: The sunrise point

The outstanding panoramic view of the Himalayas, especially the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, the Tiger Hill stands at an astonishing height of 2,500 meters. The tourist puller showcases the best view at sunrise. The view of the sun rising over the Kangchenjunga is spectacular and something to cherish throughout the lifetime. The best time for the incredible views from the Tiger Hill is from mid October to mid January.

Ghoom Monastery: Darjeeling’s oldest Tibetan Monastery

A scenic tourist attraction, the Ghoom Monastery is one of the must-visit places of Darjeeling. A holy shrine of Buddhists built in 1875; it is one of the popular monasteries in North East India. Home of a 15-ft high statue of ‘Maitreya Buddha’ the monastery complex has many treasures of the goodness of religious bells, intricately decorated thangkas, drums and more. Walk through the holy shrine and feel the serenity, interact with prayerful monks, and participate in Buddhist rituals.

Japanese Peace Pagoda: A serene farewell

Another pilgrimage site for Buddhists, the Japanese Peace Pagoda was built atop a hill overlooking the mountains in 1970. The white marble shrine is an icon of peace and harmony. According to the Buddhist Lotus Sutra the structure has the four avatars of Lord Buddha. Mystical music of drums, chants of prayers and the serenity imparts all visitors to new heights to divinity.

Happy Valley Tea Garden: Oldest tea estate of Darjeeling

The beautiful tea gardens of Darjeeling are a unique beauty. Darjeeling tea finds mention among the elite collection of a tea connoisseur. Valleys and rolling hills of the town are covered in a layer of budding tea gardens.

Walk amid the lush estates, watch the workers pluck fresh leaves to brew and there are also options to learn the entire process of tea-making. Darjeeling’s Happy Valley Tea Garden is worth exploring. Stretching across 437 acres area, this is the oldest tea estate of Darjeeling and a popular tourist attraction.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: ‘Aim to climb from peak to peak’

The mighty mountains of Himalayas always capture the attention. Be it adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers or a holiday seeker, mountains are always inspiring, The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute allows to capture the mighty heights. Founded in 1954 in the memory of Tenzing Norgay who was the first to climb the Everest, the mountaineering institute helps you aim to climb from peak to peak. The instituer comprise of a tall climbing wall for training purpose, museum, souvenir shop, eatery and an auditorium, which features movies, lectures, and workshops on mountaineering.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR): A joyride with the Toy-train

Inscribed with World Heritage Status by UNESCO, the Darjeeling Toy train is not just an icon of incredible engineering but also a marvelous ride. The train starts from the plains and rises to 2050 meters above sea level. The toy train passes through some of most beautiful views of the mountains, lush jungles, sheer drops and amazing bridges and more. A trip of the Darjeeling Toy Train is one of the best experiences of tours in India and not just the breathtaking North East India.

Batasia Loop: Darjeeling’s spiral railway

Along with the Darjeeling Toy Train, the Batasia Loop is one of the must-visit attractions of the hill station. Spread across an area of 50,000 square feet, the railway track assists the Toy Train to journey around a circular loop that ultimately takes you to the mighty heights of Darjeeling. Besides its beauty, the site is an engineering marvel that makes it possible for the train to get to the heights.

With lush gardens, eateries and incredible vistas of the panorama, Batasia Loop is an amazing site to soak in the pleasures of Darjeeling.

The Mall: A leisure stroll

To truly experience Darjeeling, the Mall Road is the place to not miss out. Located in the heart of the town, the lane is full of markets and the best eateries. Savor the best of Nepali, Tibetan, and other cuisines. Shop for handicrafts, carpets, metal figurines, shawls and other local wares at the many stores on the Mall road.

Darjeeling tours are an experience of a lifetime. To make it all the more special, stay at the best hotels of the hill station. Choose to stay at the Glenburn Tea Estate to experience the bliss of tea gardens. For the colonial feel, there are many other choices. The Elgin Hotel is a 120-year-old residence, reminiscent of the days of the British Raj. Windamere Hotel is one of the three Jewels of the Raj.