Saurav’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt. Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling meaning "The land of the Thunderbolt" but also called the "Queen of the Hills", provides a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature.
Drukpa Kagyud Monastery belonging to the Kagyupa Order of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dali Monastery at Dali - en route between Ghoom and Darjeeling at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level. The Dali Gompa is perched atop a hillock between Darjeeling Railway Station and Ghoom Railway Station of Darjeeling City. Dali Gompa was Built by Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche in 1971.
This Monastery is the largest in the area - in terms of headcount of resident Monks. 210 Tibetan Buddhists of the Drukchen sect stay at the Dali Gompa. This Gompa also had the good fortune of having his Highness Dalai Lama spend three days in 1993 at the Gompa teaching about the various facets of Tibetan Buddhism and Culture.
The Prayers at dawn and at dusk are worth participating in which are held in the Gompa Main Hall. The Dali Monastery is a big building coloured in red yellow and white with many windows and an impressive and colourful arched entrance and a sloping driveway with beautiful and colourful paintings on the walls of the driveway.
The inner walls of the building have been painted with the depictions of Lord Buddha's life and journey. The Dali Monastery building just stands out in Darjeeling cityscape with its typical Tibetan Architecture and colours.
The Monastery also houses a vast collection of books on Buddhism and Philosophy in its Library. The most popular part of this Monastery which draws huge crowds is the Hall of big, cylindrical 6 ft high golden Tibetan Prayer Wheels which the Monks keep turning while offering their Prayers.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Dali Monastery
Drukpa Kagyud Monastery belonging to the Kagyupa Order of Tibetan Buddhism is the Dali Monastery at Dali - en route between Ghoom and Darjeeling at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level. The Dali Gompa is perched atop a hillock between Darjeeling Railway Station and Ghoom Railway Station of Darjeeling City. Dali Gompa was Built by Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche in 1971.
This Monastery is the largest in the area - in terms of headcount of resident Monks. 210 Tibetan Buddhists of the Drukchen sect stay at the Dali Gompa. This Gompa also had the good fortune of having his Highness Dalai Lama spend three days in 1993 at the Gompa teaching about the various facets of Tibetan Buddhism and Culture.
The Prayers at dawn and at dusk are worth participating in which are held in the Gompa Main Hall. The Dali Monastery is a big building coloured in red yellow and white with many windows and an impressive and colourful arched entrance and a sloping driveway with beautiful and colourful paintings on the walls of the driveway.
The inner walls of the building have been painted with the depictions of Lord Buddha's life and journey. The Dali Monastery building just stands out in Darjeeling cityscape with its typical Tibetan Architecture and colours.
The Monastery also houses a vast collection of books on Buddhism and Philosophy in its Library. The most popular part of this Monastery which draws huge crowds is the Hall of big, cylindrical 6 ft high golden Tibetan Prayer Wheels which the Monks keep turning while offering their Prayers.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The pagoda is the highest free structure in the town. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Japanese Buddhist Temple
The Japanese Peace Pagoda was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The pagoda is the highest free structure in the town. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
It is popularly known as toy train. It is one of the main attractions and best hill railway in India . The track on which the train runs is only 600 millimeters wide which was made in 1881. Narrow Gauge trains are used in India to travel to hill stations. UNESCO has declared the DHR as a World Heritage Site. The toy train approximately takes 8 hrs to reach. As per Guiness Railway Book referred to this train journey as one of the most spectacular in the world. The engineering excellence of the train route and during journey the valleys, lush green forests and tea gardens and other thing are visible while traveling to Darjeeling from Siliguri. The omnipresence of mighty Kanchenjunga Peak is felt everywhere in this hill station.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
It is popularly known as toy train. It is one of the main attractions and best hill railway in India . The track on which the train runs is only 600 millimeters wide which was made in 1881. Narrow Gauge trains are used in India to travel to hill stations. UNESCO has declared the DHR as a World Heritage Site. The toy train approximately takes 8 hrs to reach. As per Guiness Railway Book referred to this train journey as one of the most spectacular in the world. The engineering excellence of the train route and during journey the valleys, lush green forests and tea gardens and other thing are visible while traveling to Darjeeling from Siliguri. The omnipresence of mighty Kanchenjunga Peak is felt everywhere in this hill station.
Walking through a tea garden on the gentle hill slopes of Darjeeling and seeing the tea processing is always a special experience. And a great way to experience this is by visiting the Happy Valley Tea Estate which is located about 3 kms (1.8 miles) away from Chowk Bazaar area.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Happy Valley Tea Estate
Walking through a tea garden on the gentle hill slopes of Darjeeling and seeing the tea processing is always a special experience. And a great way to experience this is by visiting the Happy Valley Tea Estate which is located about 3 kms (1.8 miles) away from Chowk Bazaar area.
The Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town is a large railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. It was basically built to make it possible for the Toy Train to cut its deep ascend. Strategically located the Batasia Loop offers a panoramic view of the Kanchanjunga Range.A War Memorial constructed in the memory of the brave hearts of Darjeeling who laid down their lives in the different wars since the independence of the nation adds to its attraction. There is also a well furbished market where visitors can buy locally made purses, bags and other decorative items.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Batasia Loop
The Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town is a large railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. It was basically built to make it possible for the Toy Train to cut its deep ascend. Strategically located the Batasia Loop offers a panoramic view of the Kanchanjunga Range.A War Memorial constructed in the memory of the brave hearts of Darjeeling who laid down their lives in the different wars since the independence of the nation adds to its attraction. There is also a well furbished market where visitors can buy locally made purses, bags and other decorative items.
Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 14 kilometers from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the "Kanchanjunga" and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. The hesitant rays of the early morning sun paint these peaks in brilliant gold.
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Tiger Hill Observation Deck
Senchal RoadSituated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 14 kilometers from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the "Kanchanjunga" and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. The hesitant rays of the early morning sun paint these peaks in brilliant gold.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Minstry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.
HMI(Himalayan Mountaineering Institute)
Lebong Cart RoadThe Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Minstry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.
Established on the 14th of August, 1958, the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21st November, 1975. Considered as one of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the Tibetan wolf (looks like a direwolf) in captivity. Breeding programmes for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the siberian tiger are also carried out at PNHZP. The zoo is open on all days except on Thursdays and other national holidays.
Zoological Park Darjeeling
Bhanu Sarani Lebong Cart RdEstablished on the 14th of August, 1958, the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21st November, 1975. Considered as one of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the Tibetan wolf (looks like a direwolf) in captivity. Breeding programmes for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the siberian tiger are also carried out at PNHZP. The zoo is open on all days except on Thursdays and other national holidays.
Also known to the locals as the "Holy Hill", it is just a few minutes walk from the Chowrasta and is situated on the highest ridge of the town. The Mahakal temple atop the hill is a revered place for the locals and visitors will be surprised to find a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk sharing a common altar.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Mahakal Mandir (Temple)
Also known to the locals as the "Holy Hill", it is just a few minutes walk from the Chowrasta and is situated on the highest ridge of the town. The Mahakal temple atop the hill is a revered place for the locals and visitors will be surprised to find a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk sharing a common altar.
It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmes performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple, and provisions for live-interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is in the evenings. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor.
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Shrubbery Nightingale Park
It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmes performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple, and provisions for live-interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is in the evenings. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor.
It is the oldest Botanical Garden named as Lloyd Botanical Garden with varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium(Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and a couple of hours to spare, is a must.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Lloyd Botanical Garden
It is the oldest Botanical Garden named as Lloyd Botanical Garden with varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium(Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and a couple of hours to spare, is a must.
Pashupati Market entrance is at the India-Nepal border. The main market is about 1 km walk from the border. You can visit this market on your way to Mirik.
Note that only Indians and Nepalese are allowed to cross over the border area here. Foreign nationals are not allowed to access this border. You are required to carry Photo ID in case you want to cross over the border and visit the shops. The market is full of imported electronic gadgets, jackets, perfumes & cosmetics, accessories and clothes.
Pashupati market
Pashupati Market entrance is at the India-Nepal border. The main market is about 1 km walk from the border. You can visit this market on your way to Mirik.
Note that only Indians and Nepalese are allowed to cross over the border area here. Foreign nationals are not allowed to access this border. You are required to carry Photo ID in case you want to cross over the border and visit the shops. The market is full of imported electronic gadgets, jackets, perfumes & cosmetics, accessories and clothes.
Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road.
The Mall
Lebong Cart RoadChowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road.
Food scene
Glenary's— Bakery, Resturant & Pub
Nehru RoadKeventer's
Nehru RoadJoey's Pub
Doctor SM Das RoadBlind Date Fancy Market Darjeeling
Adventure Tourism
Himalayan Adventure-
Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the border of Nepal, it is located very close to Singalila National Park.
Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four out of five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. You can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan. Sandakphu is also known as the "mountain of poisonous plants" because of the abundance of Himalayan Cobra Lilies here. Since this is an arduous trek, it is advisable to undertake it only after ensuring your complete fitness.The trek to the summit is quite exhilarating passing through several distinct terrains, from challenging valleys to the lush green of the lands dotted with rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas and vibrant wild flowers. The place is a paradise for nature lover with about 600 varieties of orchids alone.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Sandakphu
Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the border of Nepal, it is located very close to Singalila National Park.
Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four out of five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. You can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan. Sandakphu is also known as the "mountain of poisonous plants" because of the abundance of Himalayan Cobra Lilies here. Since this is an arduous trek, it is advisable to undertake it only after ensuring your complete fitness.The trek to the summit is quite exhilarating passing through several distinct terrains, from challenging valleys to the lush green of the lands dotted with rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas and vibrant wild flowers. The place is a paradise for nature lover with about 600 varieties of orchids alone.
Tenzing and Gombu rocks are situated on Lebong Cart Road and face opposite to each other. The huge Tenzing rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who was famous for climbing the Mount Everest accompanied by Edmund Hillary in the year 1953. Gombu Rock has got its name after Nawang Gombu. He was Tenzing’s nephew and he had climbed the Everest twice and became the first person to do so. He climbed Everest first in the year 1963 and then in the year 1965.
These massive rocks provide an ideal place for providing training with regards to rock climbing to the students of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training institute in Darjeeling. At the Tensing rock a rock climbing competition is organized every year by the Indian Army. In the year 2010 a record was set when an army climber climbed the Tenzing rock in 35 seconds.
If you are an experienced climber, you can climb up to a height of 500 meters here. As you reach the top of the rock, splendid scenery teeming with raw nature welcomes you. Besides, beginners also practice rock-climbing here.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Tenzing Rock
Lebong Cart RoadTenzing and Gombu rocks are situated on Lebong Cart Road and face opposite to each other. The huge Tenzing rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who was famous for climbing the Mount Everest accompanied by Edmund Hillary in the year 1953. Gombu Rock has got its name after Nawang Gombu. He was Tenzing’s nephew and he had climbed the Everest twice and became the first person to do so. He climbed Everest first in the year 1963 and then in the year 1965.
These massive rocks provide an ideal place for providing training with regards to rock climbing to the students of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training institute in Darjeeling. At the Tensing rock a rock climbing competition is organized every year by the Indian Army. In the year 2010 a record was set when an army climber climbed the Tenzing rock in 35 seconds.
If you are an experienced climber, you can climb up to a height of 500 meters here. As you reach the top of the rock, splendid scenery teeming with raw nature welcomes you. Besides, beginners also practice rock-climbing here.
In January 2017, Darjeeling became the only place in the country to have an exclusive Mountain Biking Park. And this dedicated cycling park stretches for 20kms through the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary which has its main gate at Jorebungalow (near Ghum).
The trail through the Cycle Park finally ends at the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) Guesthouse which is located inside the park in a place known as Chatakpur .
Chatakpur Road
Chatakpur RoadIn January 2017, Darjeeling became the only place in the country to have an exclusive Mountain Biking Park. And this dedicated cycling park stretches for 20kms through the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary which has its main gate at Jorebungalow (near Ghum).
The trail through the Cycle Park finally ends at the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) Guesthouse which is located inside the park in a place known as Chatakpur .
Soar through the clear blue skies while you paraglide over the scenic beauty of the north eastern tea gardens of Darjeeling.
The take-off point of the flight is Dello Hills in Kalimpong, one of the best view points in Darjeeling which offers prime views of majestic towering mountains.
The flying trip ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the wind conditions. During the flight, you will be rewarded by the awesome views of the Darjeeling peaks and its wildlife.
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and it is suggested to fly in fine weather which commences from April to June and again in October.
Paragliding Take off point
Soar through the clear blue skies while you paraglide over the scenic beauty of the north eastern tea gardens of Darjeeling.
The take-off point of the flight is Dello Hills in Kalimpong, one of the best view points in Darjeeling which offers prime views of majestic towering mountains.
The flying trip ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the wind conditions. During the flight, you will be rewarded by the awesome views of the Darjeeling peaks and its wildlife.
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and it is suggested to fly in fine weather which commences from April to June and again in October.
The park is spread over 159.89 km². The forest in Neora Valley has such luxurious growth that even sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground. Much of the park is still inaccessible, making it an adventurous place for the nature lovers/trekkers who can take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain in the Kalimpong hills. Virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop form a picturesque landscape.
Neora Valley National Park
The park is spread over 159.89 km². The forest in Neora Valley has such luxurious growth that even sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground. Much of the park is still inaccessible, making it an adventurous place for the nature lovers/trekkers who can take the challenge to explore the still-unknown terrain in the Kalimpong hills. Virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop form a picturesque landscape.
Neighborhoods
Mirik Subdivision - is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 metres with its own special charms – 49 km. From Darjeeling . Long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest with thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km. zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake – a sleek foot bridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.
Mirik
Mirik Subdivision - is West Bengal’s one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 metres with its own special charms – 49 km. From Darjeeling . Long lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest with thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km. zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake – a sleek foot bridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.
Kalimpong
Gangtok