The Tailor-Made Guide to the 25 Best Tourist Places in Darjeeling
- Barry Pickard
- 4 days ago
- 19 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
Let me paint the scene: It’s just past dawn. There’s a chill in the air, and a distant chant rolls down from a hilltop monastery, mixing with the clink of teacups and the honk of a jeep struggling up the incline. The smell of woodsmoke, momos frying in oil, and the deep, earthy scent of the tea bushes after rain—it all hits you at once. This is Darjeeling. It’s raw, unpredictable, and full of character. And if you’re anything like me—someone who loves to explore independently, off-itinerary, and with eyes wide open—it’s your kind of place.
In this post, I’ll take you through the best places to go in Darjeeling, based entirely on what I saw, tasted, and experienced myself. I’ll share the highlights, the hidden corners, and the honest truth about what’s worth your time—and what isn’t. This post isn’t a generic list pulled from the internet; it’s a personal account packed with real experiences and tailored tips to help you make the most of your time in this uniquely atmospheric corner of India. You’ll also get my Tailor-Made Top Tips for each spot, so you can dodge the tourist traps and travel smarter.
So, stick around, because whether you’re planning your first trip to Darjeeling or returning to dive deeper, this guide is written for travellers like you. And I promise—it’s worth the read.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Darjeeling appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions of Darjeeling, or indeed, a general tour of India.
About Darjeeling
Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in West Bengal, India, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, colonial charm, and world-famous Darjeeling tea. Historically, the region was once part of the Kingdom of Sikkim before being annexed by the Gorkhas of Nepal in the late 18th century. Following the Anglo-Nepalese War, the British acquired Darjeeling in 1835, recognizing its potential as a sanatorium and a strategic outpost. Over time, it evolved into a thriving tea-producing region, with its unique climate and altitude giving rise to the globally celebrated Darjeeling tea.
Today, Darjeeling is a vibrant blend of colonial heritage, Tibetan culture, and modern tourism. The town is dotted with British-era architecture, bustling markets, and serene monasteries. With a population of approximately 118,805 as of the 2011 census, Darjeeling remains a timeless destination that captivates travelers with its charm and history.
Tourist Places in Darjeeling
1. Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly known as the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most iconic railway experiences. Built between 1879 and 1881, this narrow-gauge railway stretches 88 km from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing from 100 m to 2,200 m above sea level using remarkable engineering techniques like zigzags and loops.
The full journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes a bone-juddering 7 hours, however, there is a much shorter tourist journey that runs from Darjeeling to Ghum, India's highest railway station at 2,258 m. This is the trip that I took, with the round trip taking two hours, with a brief stop at the Batasia Loop in Darjeeling for photos, and about half an hour in Ghum, before heading back. The trip can be made on either a steam locomotive, or a diesel one, with the journey on the steam locomotive costing a little more.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
When booking in person at the counter, bring your passport (or have a copy on your phone).
If you choose to ride on the steam locomotive, be prepared for coal dust to come in through any open windows.
When the Toy Train stops at Ghum, take the opportunity to visit the Railway Museum there at the station. Alternatively, walk back down the road to the Samten Choeling Monastery (covered late in this post), and check out this colourful place of worship. It’s an eight or nine-minute walk, so be quick!
2. Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple
The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. It was designed to unite people of all races and creeds in the pursuit of world peace. The pagoda, inaugurated in 1992, stands 28.5 meters (94 feet) tall and features four avatars of Lord Buddha and is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
When walking from the carpark to the pagoda, you will notice the Japanese Temple on your left. It is worth going in and climbing the stairs to view the small shrine. The temple was founded in 1972, also by Nichidatsu Fujii.
3. Himalayan Tibet Museum
The Himalayan Tibet Museum in Darjeeling, India, is a fascinating cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Tibet and the Himalayan region. The museum houses artifacts, artworks, and historical exhibits that provide deep insights into Tibetan history, art, and religion. Unlike other Tibetan museums that focus primarily on religious aspects, this museum emphasizes Tibetan history and culture, making it a unique experience. The Dalai Lama himself has donated several items to the museum, including a Buddha statue, prayer bells, and a diamond sutra text written in golden ink.
Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s, many refugees flooded through the mountain passes, seeking sanctuary in Darjeeling. This strong link between the two regions was very evident to me during my trip and the museum provides an excellent introduction into the rich history and culture of Tibet.
4. Tiger Hill Sunrise
Tiger Hill is over 7 miles from Darjeeling and at an altitude of 8,482 feet (2,590 meters), it offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
The real magic happens when you get to Tiger Hill before dawn (aim for about 4:30 am). The observation deck on the top of the hill attracts large crowds daily, and it is an enchanting experience watching the star-studded night transform as the dawn edges up over the horizon on your right and then illuminating the majestic Kanchenjunga and its range of mountains on your left, which seems to change colours as the light intensifies.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
If you are adventurous or an insomniac, you can walk from Darjeeling to Tiger Hill. However, most spectators will arrive by taxi. Be aware, however, that there is restricted access to Tiger Hill at dawn, so your driver must book entry to the hill at least the day before. So, make sure to secure your driver in advance and ask them to buy an entry ticket.
Darjeeling is famous for its views of Kanchenjunga. However, when I visited in January, the mist and low clouds meant that I never experienced that view. But Tiger Hill is that bit higher (even though the altitude of Darjeeling is an impressive 6,709 feet or 2,045 metres) and pierces up through the cloud, so there is a much better chance to see Kanchenjunga from this vantage point, no matter the weather.
Needless to say, wrap up warm to visit Tiger Hill. I was fine with hat, scarf and mid-weight winter jacket. As a Scotsman, I didn’t find it tool cold. There are a number of ladies serving hot coffee when you get there, and that certainly helps!
5. Dali Monastery
Dali Monastery, also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, is a stunning Buddhist monastery a couple of miles from Darjeeling town on Hill Cart Road. Built in 1971 by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche, it serves as the headquarters of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. As with many buildings in Darjeeling, the monastery is perched on a steep hill, with the main prayer room impressing with its size and colour.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Be aware that the monastery is closed to visitors on Mondays.
There is a nice little café and shop at the monastery, great for a chill out over a coffee and the chance to stock up on incense. There are also clean toilets, which is a welcome change, all be it that they are ‘squat toilets’.
6. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The wider area around Darjeeling, often referred to as Gorkhaland, is famous for its somewhat unique wildlife, with two of its biggest stars being the Snow Leopards and the Red Pandas. Indeed, this zoo has one, if not the, largest captive populations of Snow Leopards, and has had its own successful breeding programme for over twenty years. As for the zoo’s cutest inhabitants, the Red Pandas, they also have their own breeding programme, and it was a delight seeing them climb nimbly along the tree branches.
The zoo boasts a number of other native species, such as the Himalayan Tahr and Himalayan Gorals, as well as tigers and bears from northern India.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The ticket to the zoo is also a joint one with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which is part of the same site.
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7. Bengal Natural History Museum
Located within in the zoo, and for no extra charge, is the Bengal Natural History Museum. The museum houses specimens of over 400 species of birds, 110 species of eggs, 67 species of mammals, 35 species of snakes, and 57 species of fish. It also includes a significant collection of insects, with over 600 butterfly and moth specimens. Enough creepy crawlies to satisfy the keenest entomophile!
8. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), within the grounds of the zoo, is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in the world. It was established on November 4, 1954, by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, to commemorate the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary.
The institute offers a variety of mountaineering courses, but, if you are like me, and just visiting the zoo, the HMI is still worth a visit, since it has a very interesting museum on mountaineering in the Himalayas. The stories described and illustrated in the museum are fascinating, bringing the courage, skill and sheer stubbornness of the climbers who have tamed the world’s highest mountain range. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photographs within the museum, but trust me, you’ll want to visit it.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Pay your respects at the Tenzing Norgay Memorial in front of the museum. A truly remarkable man, who doesn’t get enough credit for making the first successful ascent of Everest possible.
9. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre was established on October 2, 1959, to support Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet following the Dalai Lama's escape. Located on a hillside in Lebong, the centre is known locally as Hermitage and is ten-minute taxi drive from the centre of town.
The majority of refugees have long since left the centre and integrated into Indian society, but the centre continues to be a hub of Tibetan handicrafts. You can see up close the production of carpets, textiles and the like, and the gift store is well stocked with their creations. The scarf I bought here has since become a treasured and practical souvenir of my time in Darjeeling.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Make sure to check out the photographic exhibitions on show in the buildings opposite the store.
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10. Shrubbery Nightingale Park
Shrubbery Nightingale Park is a beautiful public park located just a ten-minute walk from the Mall, making it a ideal peaceful retreat from the hubbub of the town centre. The park had been the private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tarton’s bungalow, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1934, later being developed into the park that you now see.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
There is a small cafe on site, which is ideal if you haven’t packed a picnic.
Pay a visit to the small temple and waterfall dedicated to Lord Shiva at one end of the park.
11. Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling to get awesome view is the Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway. This cable car starts at Singamari, which is a couple of miles from the town centre and just a short taxi ride and descends down the one and a half miles down to Tukvar.
There isn’t much to see at Tukvar, although there are a couple of hole-in-the-wall teahouses at the terminus point, but the highlight is the journey over the scenic Rangeet Valley, with its lush tea estates.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
A one-way ride takes a leisurely 15 minutes in the 6 berth cable cars.
12. Tenzing Rock HMI
On the way to or from the ropeway, make a quick stop at the Tenzing Rock HMI. This natural rock, named after the legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, serves as a training ground for climbers, with the right face being a good introduction for amateur climbers and tourists (although I declined to try!). Tenzing Norgay himself practiced climbing on this rock and famously demonstrated a climb without safety equipment during a visit by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru!
Opposite Tenzing Rock is Gombu Rock, named after Nawang Gombu, Tenzing's nephew, who was the first person to climb Mount Everest twice.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
There are a number of gift and food stalls at the rock. It was here that I experienced the best momos in Darjeeling, which happened to be filled with squash. Momos are a Darjeeling delicacy, originating from Tibetan cuisine, and you must try them when visiting the area. Momos are typically made with a thin dough wrapper filled with various ingredients such as minced meat (chicken, pork, or beef), vegetables, or a combination of both. They are usually steamed but can be fried or pan-fried for a crispy texture. If you think of Japanese gyoza or Polish pierogi, you’ll have the right idea.
13. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Before visiting, the one thing I knew about Darjeeling was that it was reputed to produce the best tea in the world. A visit, therefore, to one of the Darjeeling tea gardens is almost obligatory when exploring this area, and the easiest plantation to get to from the town centre is Happy Valley. It was quiet when I visited in January, since the leaf picking doesn’t start until the Spring, but I was still able to have a tour of the factory and enjoyed a tea tasting while there.
The Happy Valley Tea Estate is the second oldest in Darjeeling and has been operating since 1854, and you do get a sense of this history when walking through the processing plant. Spanning over 440 acres (177 hectares), the estate sites on an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet (2,100 metres) above sea level.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Tea leaves are typically picked during three main seasons: Spring (First Flush), Summer (Second Flush), and Autumn (Autumn Flush). It is the First Flush that is considered to make the best Darjeeling tea, being lighter, more floral and aromatic. After my tasting, I’d have to agree that the more delicate Darjeeling First Flush tea is the one to go for.
While you are at the Happy Valley, buy their packets of first flush tea, or any other that takes your fancy, since it is cheaper to buy them here than from the Darjeeling tea shops on the Mall.
The winding track that leads to the estate from the main road is particularly bumpy and littered with potholes. If you are going to take a taxi there, try to get one of the 4x4 taxis that are available, as a standard car may struggle to get there!
14. Lloyd Botanical Garden
Situated below on an open slope, covering an area of about 40 acres (16 hectares), the Lloyd Botanical Garden is a beautiful and historic garden near the heart of Darjeeling. Established in 1878, the garden is home to a diverse collection of plants, including several species of bamboo, oak, magnolia, arisaema, cotoneaster, wild geranium, and rhododendron. Visiting in misty January, I didn’t get to experience the garden in full bloom but would definitely be worth a visit during the warmer months.
15. Glenary's
All the steep walks around Darjeeling will help you build up a healthy appetite, so a meal at Glenary’s restaurant or a takeaway from their bakery is almost essential. This historic and iconic establishment has been a fixture near on Nehru Road since British colonial days. The three-storied white colonial building houses a bakery and café on the middle floor, the restaurant on the top floor (which also has a lovely outdoor dining area). The ground floor, meanwhile, hosts quite a happening bar and club in the evening.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
You can’t go wrong when ordering from the bakery, with some of the more popular items being the Blueberry Cheesecake, Black Forest Gateaux, and the Chicken Cheese Pie, making it, for me, the best café in Darjeeling. While the restaurant offers Chinese, Continental, and North Indian cuisines, but my favourite has to be the Shepherd’s Pie – the tastiest I have ever tried!
16. The Mall & Chowrasta
Chowrasta, also known as The Mall, is a historic public square and acts as the beating heart of Darjeeling. Once a popular spot for British officials and their families to gather and socialize, Chowrasta, and the roads branching from it, such as Nehru Road, are the place to go for shopping, eating and relaxing.
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17. Shri Mahakal Temple
A ten-minute walk up from Chowrasta will take you to the Shri Mahakal Temple, which was established in 1782 by Lama Dorjey Rinzing on the site of a former Buddhist monastery. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (also known as Mahakal) and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It makes a lovely example of the harmonious coexistence of these two religions.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Don’t wear white socks! Shoes have to be taken off (there are shoe storage shelves available) and the outdoor paths around the temple area can be a little dusty.
Ring one of the bells hanging over the path as you approach the temple. Ringing a bell is believed to awaken the deity, while purifying the environment and demonstrating harmony.
18. Dotchuk Gumba Monastery
A further 15-minute walk from the Shri Mahakal Temple will take you to the hidden gem that is the Dotchuk Gumba Monastery (also known as the Bhutia Busty Monastery). This beautiful little monastery belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas and has had a turbulent history, being almost destroyed by Nepali troops in 1788 and by an earthquake in 1934. Thankfully the building has been restored magnificently and I must admit that it could be my favourite Buddhist monastery / temple that I have visited during my travels around India.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
On arrival, the monastery was locked, but I found the caretaker and asked him to open up, which he duly obliged.
19. Tea Purchases
No trip to Darjeeling is complete without sampling and buying the local tea. A walk-up Nehru Road and around Chowrasta will take you to a number of tea stores, so, if you haven’t already bought tea during a plantation tour, then sort out your tea fix at one of the Nathmull’s or Golden Tips tea shops that proliferate in this area.
20. Keventer's for breakfast
Following my trip to Tiger Hill, I went to Keventer’s for one of its famous breakfasts, and it did not disappoint. Keventer's is a beloved café in Darjeeling, known for its rich history and tasty breakfasts. Established in 1911 by Edward Keventer, a Swedish dairy entrepreneur, it has become a landmark in the town.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Order the pork platter – plenty for two people! You’ll quickly understand why this is one of the best places to eat in Darjeeling.
21. Yiga Choeling Monastery
The Yiga Choeling Monastery is one of the oldest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Darjeeling region, having been established in 1850 by the Mongolian monk and astrologer Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect and is renowned for its 15-foot-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha).
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The Yiga Choeling Monastery is often referred to as Ghum Monastery, but try not to confuse this with the Samten Choling Monastery on Hill Cart Road, which is also referred to as Ghum (Ghoom) Monastery. The Yiga Choeling Monastery is on Ghoom Monastery Road, so make this clear to your driver before starting your journey.
22. Samten Choling Monastery
The Darjeeling area boasts of a number of stunning Buddhist monasteries, and I would encourage you to visit as many as you can. The vibrant colours of the temple interiors and the calm, peaceful atmosphere makes each one a delight to visit. The Samten Choling Monastery, therefore, doesn’t disappoint. The monastery was established in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and boasts a 26-foot statue of Lord Buddha, which was built in honour of the renowned scholar Lama Anagarika Govinda.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The monastery also has a small café that serves tea, coffee, and light snacks.
23. Darjeeling Clock Tower
The most prominent historical landmark in Darjeeling is probably its Clock Tower, which sits on the intersection of Gandhi Road and Ladenla Road. Constructed in 1850, this colonial building with neo-Gothic and neo-Classical architectural styles, is often referred to as Darjeeling’s Big Ben.
24. Dhirdham Temple
The Dhirdham Temple is a pagoda-style structure with intricate carvings and vibrant colours, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is tucked away from Hill Cart Road, but if you are visiting the Toy Train, then it is only short walk to check out this temple.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Take note that the interior of the temple is only open from 08:00 to 10:00.
25. Takdah Orchid Centre
If you are looking to explore the area around Darjeeling, one stop that you should consider is the Takdah Orchid Centre, which is about a half-hour car journey from the town. The centre houses a variety of Himalayan orchids and wild orchids, including rare species like Bulbophyllum guttulatum, Coelogyne nitida, and Cymbidium devonianum. It also features a herbal grove with medicinal plants used for Ayurvedic treatments. Even in the mists of January, it was easy to see the beauty of these stunning specimens.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
There are a number of viewpoints over the tea plantations between Takdah and Darjeeling, so keep an eye out for these and have your driver stop for a moment.
Best Season to Visit Darjeeling
Now that you are up to speed on where you should visit, you need to know when to go. The best time to visit Darjeeling depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Generally, April to June is ideal for pleasant weather and clear skies, making it perfect for sightseeing. If you love the winter charm, October to December offers crisp air and stunning views, though it can get quite cold.
Monsoon months (July to August) bring heavy rainfall and roadblocks, so they’re not the best time to visit. However, September is a great alternative, as the greenery is at its peak and the rains have mostly subsided. I visited at the end of January, and although it was cold, it was colder in Scotland where I had come from. It was dry during my stay, but very misty, and other than the view from Tiger Hill of Kanchenjunga, I didn’t get to see the mountains from Darjeeling itself.
How to Get to Darjeeling
The nearest airport for Darjeeling is Badogra International Airport, near Siliguri, West Bengal. Badogra is a medium-sized airport, with good facilities, and I found it quite easy to get around, and it takes around half an hour to get into the centre of Siliguri. From Siliguri, it is possible to get the train up to Darjeeling, but this takes about 7 hours and really is only an option if you are a train enthusiast. There are regular buses that head into the hills, but I would recommend hiring a driver. The drive from Siliguri or Badogra to Darjeeling altakes about two and a half hours, but you also get the opportunity to check out some interesting places on the way. For example, I took the opportunity to visit the attractions around Kurseong on the way to Darjeeling (although make sure to agree any stops with your driver beforehand). I used the excellent services of Vivek at Just To Travels to organise the driver for me – Instagram & email.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—my personal take on the best places to go in Darjeeling, drawn from time spent wandering its chaotic streets, peaceful viewpoints, and everything in between. If you’re planning your own independent adventure to this Himalayan hill station, I hope this guide helps you skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.
Darjeeling isn’t always an easy place to travel. The roads twist and crumble, the clouds roll in fast, and sometimes the power just... disappears. But that’s all part of its charm. It’s a place that rewards patience, curiosity, and a good pair of walking shoes. And if you're the kind of traveller who prefers chai with a view over a resort buffet, then you’re going to love it here.
Best Hotels in Darjeeling
Darjeeling, with its rich colonial history, offers a range of charming heritage hotels that provide a unique blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort. These hotels, often converted from colonial summer houses and villas, exude a timeless charm.
Part of my time in Darjeeling was spent at the Mayfair Hill Resort, consistently regarded as one of the best resorts in Darjeeling. Formally a 19th-century mansion that served as a summer retreat for the royal family of Bihar’s Nazargunj, this luxurious heritage retreat is perched on a hilltop opposite the Governor's House. Known for its captivating views of the Himalayas, this hotel combines colonial charm with modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and adorned with elegant furnishings, and there is a well-equipped spa, a cozy library, and a delightful tea boutique.
I also enjoyed a stay at the Little Tibet Resort and found that this charming boutique hotel perfectly blended traditional Tibetan hospitality with modern amenities.
However, if you are looking for something more rural and close to nature, I can highly recommend staying at The Sampang Retreat in Takdah, where I had a lovely, peaceful two night stay.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on Indian travel and how to visit this magical country, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
If you’ve got any questions, or if there's a corner of Darjeeling you think I missed, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with a fellow traveller.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Darjeeling appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions of Darjeeling, or indeed, a general tour of India.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
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Map of Darjeeling
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