7 Things you must do in Darjeeling

Nestled in the lap of Eastern Himalayas in the northern tip of West Bengal, Darjeeling is a charming hill station with delightful views. Situated on a height of 2,042 meters above sea level, Darjeeling is popularly referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’. The town was originally developed by the British as a summer holiday destination to get respite from the heat.

Darjeeling is known for its lush green panoramic views with hill slopes covered invast expanses of tea plantations and snow-capped peaks looking over from the horizon. The best rooms in 5 star hotels in Darjeeling usually come with a direct view of the Kanchenjunga. Imagine waking up in your cosy room, to enjoy a warm sip of Darjeeling Tea, and witness the splendid beauty of the wonderful hills!

Here are some of the must-do things for your Darjeeling trip:

1. Gaze at the Kanchenjunga

As soon as you reach Darjeeling, you will get spellbound by the majestic beauty of the Kanchenjunga. The snowy peaks of the third highest mountain in the world are visible from certain parts of this hill station. When booking 5 star hotels in Darjeeling, make sure the room offers a mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga peak. Only condition required – the skies shall be free of clouds!

2. Ride the Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Route, fondly referred to as the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the train makes its way through the twists and turns of the hill slopes, stare out at the gorgeous landscape. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of this picturesque route.

3. Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is a must-visit spot in Darjeeling, known for spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga during sunrise. You can book a rental car or an open jeep to reach Tiger Hill before dawn. Reaching early gives you a better vantage point to watch the sunrise from behind the mountains. If the skies are clear, you might even be lucky enough to see the Everest at a distance.

4. Walk among the tea gardens

Commercial tea cultivation in Darjeeling was first started by the British sometime in the early 1800s. The entire region is home to many sprawling tea estates as well as smaller tea gardens. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tea plantations while breathing in the sweet aroma of tea bushes.

5. Stay at a Tea Estate

While 5-star hotels in Darjeeling promise luxury and comfort, there is a certain charm in staying at a bungalow inside a tea estate. There are numerous tea estates in and around Darjeeling that offer tea tourism for guests. Surrounded by vast green stretches of tea plantations, guests can enjoy lush green views on one side and mesmeric mountain views on the other side. These tea estate resorts are perfect for a quiet and serene vacation in the lap of nature.

6. Visit the Zoo

The Darjeeling Zoo, officially known as the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is the largest high-altitude zoo in India. Catch a glimpse of rare Himalayan species such as snow leopards, red pandas, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan bears.

7. Darjeeling ropeway

The Darjeeling ropeway runs between Darjeeling to Rangeet Valley, ending at the Tukvar tea estate. This 20-minute ride crosses over some beautifully manicured tea gardens and mesmerizing views of the hills. At the end of the journey, passengers can step down to explore the sleepy village, sip some warm tea and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

Darjeeling is all about enjoying the nature and picturesque scenery. Staying at 5-star hotels in Darjeeling will give you the most luxurious and pleasant experience, while a tea estate resort will give you the chance to enjoy the tranquil scenery.