Best time to visit : March to June and October to December
Darjeeling, which nestles amidst the Himalayan foothills, has been a popular summer resort since the times of the British rule. Darjeeling has a vibrant cosmopolitan make up where Biharis, Nepalis and the Tibetans have added on to its cultural diversity. The lush green tea plantations and the spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga coupled with pleasant climate round the year make Darjeeling a popular hill station.
Tourists have diverse interests while visiting Darjeeling. Be it shopping for handicrafts, exploring the mystic and ancient trade routes and tourist places, indulging in adventure sports or savouring the unique dishes of Darjeeling, there is something special for everyone here. Darjeeling has a reasonably good night life too that is represented by bars, pubs and night clubs.
Facts
The hill station of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal is set amidst the Himalayan Range at an altitude of over 2050 meters. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the verdant tea plantations around. It is well acclaimed for its thriving tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is featured in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Darjeeling is a popular summer resort and attracts tourists from across the world wide round the year.
Darjeeling is a gourmet’s delight where you can sample a diverse menu including Chinese, Nepali and Tibetan specialties. Tibetan Momo is a local delicacy that should not be missed. Hot thupkas in watery soups is another popular item that every tourist loves to try on. There are many eateries in Darjeeling where you can even try out lesser known local dishes like churpee and wai wai. Dekevas Restaurant is well known for its Tibetan Cuisine, wonton soup, momos, Shabalay, tsampa roasted barley serv
Darjeeling offers a lot of items for your shopping list. From the world renowned Darjeeling tea to the finest masterpieces of Tibetan handicraft to the Pashmina shawls, you can fully satiate your shopping urges here. The antique shops, curio houses and jewellery stores along the Nehru Road leading to Chowrasta are quite popular. Some of the items worth picking up include ancient Tibetan masks, woollen carpets and precious stones, which are not just collector’s items, but also make wonderful gift
Nearby Places:
Singalila National Park: Located in west of Darjeeling, adjacent to Nepalese border, Singalila is a popular trekking destination that draws trekkers from all over the country and abroad.
Monasteries: There are many popular Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling including Sakyachoeling, Aloobari, Samdenchoeling, Sonada Gompas and Thupten Sangachoeling among others.
GhoomRock Garden and Gangamya Park: This is a well set up rock garden with flower beds and fountains, which Is one of the most frequented spots in Darjeeling. It has a large collection of plants.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: It is famous for being the center of the snow leopard breeding programmes in India. You can also see many other rare animals like the Himalayan black bears and Siberian tigers in this zoological park.
Ghoom: Located about 22 km. from Darjeeling is the beautiful tourist spot of Ghoom, which is well known for the Yiga Choeling Monastery of the Yellow Hat Sect. Visitors can see Manuscripts from Tibet and an extensive collection of the images of Buddha here.
The Surya Sen Park: A popular picnic spot for local people and tourists alike, this park is not just a fun and entertainment place but also offers information about alternative energy sources. The park is set amidst beautiful surroundings and is well known for its landscaped gardens and beautiful lawns and fountains.
Morgan House and Crockety Bungalow, Kalimpong: An erstwhile British Bungalow, Morgan House has been converted into a tourist lodge. One of the best preserved British Bungalows in Darjeeling; Morgan house still retains the grandeur of the western architectural style. Dating back to the 18th century, Crockety bungalow built by the British wool traders flaunts exquisite architectural design.
Spring and Autumn: Moderate and pleasant