Nestled amidst the magnificent Himalayas, Darjeeling and Shimla are two of India’s most beautiful hill stations. Both destinations offer colonial elegance and stunning natural beauty. However, Darjeeling surpasses Shimla as the true Himalayan magnificence, winning the coveted title of “Queen of the Hills.”
Darjeeling is known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, heritage structures, and rolling hills. And though Shimla boasts colonial architecture and a charming Victorian ambiance, it lacks the natural beauty and bustling terrain of Darjeeling.
Carpe Diem, an online guided tour and experience aggregator, has brought you this article to help you explore tourism in Darjeeling. You will also learn about some of the best things to do in Darjeeling.
Explore Darjeeling Tourism: Meet the Queen of the Hills
Located in West Bengal, Darjeeling is the Eastern Himalayas’ crown jewel. Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian traditions influence the town’s dynamic culture. Darjeeling’s ancient monasteries, temples, and lively markets showcase its ancient culture and tradition.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers stunning scenery and vibrant emerald tea estates. Darjeeling’s delicious cuisine, including 2 1, thukpa, and wood-fired bread, is a must-try.s
Exciting things to do in Darjeeling for a memorable experience
Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination thanks to exciting activities like trekking, paragliding, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Here are the top 10 things to do in Darjeeling that will make a visit to the Queen of the Hills a memorable experience:
1) Toy Train Ride
Darjeeling lets you ride a toy train, your boyhood desire. You can’t miss a ride on the Queen of the Hills’ toy train while visiting Darjeeling. The World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway links local cultures and communities.
Since its founding, the hill station’s toy train has offered spectacular views of the surrounding area, colonial architecture, and mountain peaks. New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling train takes the difficult uphill curves.
2) Sunrise on Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is famed for sunrises and sunsets due to its tranquility. Mountain views and a crisp air greet the sunrise. Many vendors serve coffee and refreshments to tourists who come to see the sunrise. However, most roadside stalls don’t accept internet payments. Tiger Hill is a top Darjeeling attraction because of its sunrise. You might visit other hill station sights after a lovely morning. Visitors to Darjeeling must see it.
3) Mall Road Window Shopping
Shopping centers, street stores, and food booths line Darjeeling’s Mall Road, which is a must-see for people who love window shopping. The promenade starts at Chawrasta Square, with a fountain, stadium seating, and local art. Local tea, ice cream, and gifts for loved ones are available. This Indian hill station’s well-maintained road exhibits its old-world charm and natural beauty. St Andrew’s Church, Mahakal Temple, and Observation Hill are popular attractions. Chawrasta Square may host plays or live acts occasionally. Vitamin D, Darjeeling tea, and gifts for loved ones are also available.
4) Visit Ghoom Monastery
One of Darjeeling’s oldest monasteries, Ghoom (Yiga Choeling), was erected in the 19th century. At 18,000 feet above the town center, the Yellow Hat Sect draws thousands of visitors. The 15-foot Buddha statue and vast Buddhist literature, including Kangyu, Thangkas, and Tibetan art, await visitors. The monastery’s grounds are well-kept and green.
5) Trek Sandakphu Peak
Sandakphu means “height of poison plants” because of its venomous vegetation. Trekking to the 11,900-foot Sandakphu mountain reveals uncommon Himalayan peaks. As part of Singalila National Park, Sandakphu, the highest peak in the mountain range, requires a permit. Complete tour packages can be picked up and dropped off at a convenient place.
6) Thrilling Ropeway Ride
The Darjeeling Ropeway is a renowned tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the mountains, tea gardens, and tall mountain trees. Up to six persons can ride the box-like vehicle on a 7,000-foot ropeway hung at 16 cable cars. We start in Singamari and end in Singla Bazaar. The experience lets guests appreciate the “Queen of Hills.”‘s natural splendor.
7) Raft the Teesta
Head to the Teesta River for one of India’s best river rafting experiences and one of Darjeeling’s top adrenaline activities! The activity includes Grade 1 to 4 rapids, with the latter only authorized to experienced rafters due to its hazard. This is a top Darjeeling adventure.
8) Learn Rock Climbing at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
in Jawahar Parvat, Darjeeling offers month-long to few-day climbing and adventure training for novices to experts. First-time visitors can climb rocks and do other things. Tourists love it because the experience is unrivaled and exhilarating regardless of length.
9) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park—Explore Wildlife
Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, a popular tourist destination. Meet the endangered Himalayan wolf, Red Panda, snow leopard, and more. Tour the Mountain Institute and learn mountaineering tips.
10) Tea Gardens of Darjeeling
Darjeeling is known for its tea, and visiting its tea gardens is essential to your visit to the Queen of the Hills. When visiting Darjeeling, you must visit Puttabong Tea Estate. This estate makes Darjeeling a top tea plantation destination. Puttabong Tea Estate in Darjeeling is a premier tea plantation at 1500-6500 feet. One of the oldest tea gardens in the region, it grows tea with ecological materials. Darjeeling tea is brewed to perfection and divided into flushes, or harvesting seasons, and can be tasted before buying. To taste world-famous Darjeeling tea at Puttabong Tea Estate is thrilling and unforgettable.
Besides Puttabong Tea Estate, other popular Darjeeling tea estates include:
Happy Valley Tea Estate
Chamong Tea Estate
Glenburg Tea Estate
Conclusion
Darjeeling, an iconic hill station in the Himalayas, offers natural beauty, cultural history, and adventure. Shimla, its rival, has a rich colonial legacy, while Darjeeling is known for its raw beauty, unique culture, and interesting experiences. With its stunning toy train rides, tranquil sunrises, and thrilling river rafting, Darjeeling truly is the “Queen of the Hills.”
The Queen of the Hills is charming to explore on your own. But, a tourism industry expert like Carpe Diem is always recommended for a memorable experience. If what you’ve read has piqued your curiosity in exploring Darjeeling tourism, plan a memorable trip with Carpe Diem immediately.
Besides Darjeeling, you can also book unforgettable tours to other Indian destinations with Carpe Diem. Avid travelers can also buy guided trips in advance via Carpe Diem’s new mobile app. To learn about the company’s many offerings visit the Carpe Diem website:
FAQ
1) When is the best time to visit Darjeeling?
During the summer season, the temperature here is usually around 25°C. Summer months are great to explore tourism in Darjeeling.
2) Does Darjeeling have a wildlife safari?
Darjeeling houses many species of both flora and fauna. Having a look at the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian Bison in the Queen of the Hills is one of the unforgettable things to do in Darjeeling.
3) How to get to Darjeeling?
Besides visiting the iconic hill station by road, and train, you can also travel to Darjeeling by air: Darjeeling’s nearest airport is Bagdodara. It links Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. Whatever route you take, one of the best ways to visit Darjeeling is through online guided tour and experience aggregator platform, Carpe Diem.
