Monastery & temples
Find serenity in the mountains at Darjeeling’s monasteries and temples. Marvel at the distinct architecture of these places of worship across the north-east. Some of the must-visit religious abodes are Dhirdham Temple, Bhutia Busti Monastery, Dali Monastery, Peace Pagoda, Japanese Temple, Mahakal Temple, Yiga Choeling Monastery and Ghoom Monastery.
Tea destination:
One of the iconic things to do in Darjeeling – harvest tea leaves and drink tea at every opportunity you get. Tea is a big deal at this hill station. There are 3 activities that pique the interest of tourists:
1. Join the locals to pluck the right tea leaves
2. Sample a variety of top-quality tea products
3. Don’t miss high tea at a heritage hotel
Kanchenjunga view point
See the spectacular peaks of the third highest mountain in
the world – Kanchenjunga. The best time to visit is on a clear day and early
morning. As the sun rises from the east, the splendour magnifies 10 folds.
Colonial
buildings:
Stroll down Ladenla Road to witness British engineering and
then stop by Raj-era cafes and bars. The colonial past of Darjeeling is
reflected in it buildings and eateries. The architecture is truly inspired by 20th
century British tastes.
Ghum
Railway Station
Get onboard the steam engine train at this UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Meander through the town, tea gardens and misty hills of
Darjeeling. Ghum Railway Station is also the highest railway station in India.
Highest Zoo
in India:
Visit the highest zoo in India - Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
Zoological Park & Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is at an elevation
of 7,000 feet, therefore, the zoo breeds animals that have adapted to the
mountainous conditions. Don’t miss the snow leopard and red panda.
Food across borders
In Darjeeling, here’s your chance to indulge in Nepalise and
Tibetian delicacies. As for local dishes, feast on momo, thukpa, sael roti,
gundruk, niguru and many more heart-warming foods. Relax with a beverage that sherpas call Tongba – a millet beer that
is iconic to north east, especially Darjeeling.
Adventurous
in the hills:
This Himalayan paradise is popular for mountain hike that
reveals heavenly views, biking trails that takes you through daring terrains.
The rock climbing takes you to new heights and tandem paragliding that takes
you over tea-laden valleys.
Craft and culture
Darjeeling’s handicraft makes for perfect gifts and curios.
The craft and culture is steeped in traditions of Tibetian, Gorkha and Lepcha
cultures. Shop for intrinsic wood cravings, bamboo works, metal artefacts,
captivating paintings, skillfully woven carpets, jewellery and woollen clothes.
Tiger Hill:
Lastly, a trip to Darjeeling is incomplete without a visit to
the Tiger Hill. The best time to scale the mountain is at sunrise or sunset.
The sky is covered in gold and transcends you to heaven. Tiger Hill is a great
place to see the world famous Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga.
Best time
to visit: April to June (summer months) & October to December
(winter months)
Nearest
airport: Bagdogra International Airport
Nearest
railway station: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, but Siliguri
and New Jalpaiguri railway stations are your gateways.
Darjeeling is famous for the six T’s -Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy
Train, Tiger Hill and Trekkers’ paradise. Reach out to Riya Travel for flights,
hotel and packages to this evergreen hill station. Cover all the Ts and more
with family or friends.