Destination Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a hill station with vast expanses of tea estates and Tibetan influence in their craft, culture and cuisine. Famous for its beautiful tea-plantations and the quality of Darjeeling tea, Darjeeling is a delight for all kind of tourists. The toy train, established back in 1881 still runs in this part and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches dot this little beautiful town. Filled with people from Tibet, Nepal, nearby Indian states and the Gorkhas, Darjeeling is brimming with cultural diversity. The third highest peak of the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga peak is clearly visible from here and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car which happens to be the longest Asian cable car. Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around, and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The most famous attraction in Darjeeling, the <strong>Darjeeling Himalayan Railway</strong>(DHR) is also known as the ‘Toy Train’. It is a narrow gauge rail that is 2ft in width and runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and was built in the years between 1879 and 1881. In 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making DHR, the Second railway in the world to have such an honor after Semmering Railway, Austria.

Tiger Hill

One of the best tourist places in Darjeeling, Tiger Hills is a complete package for a nature lover. If you can bear the chilling cold, climb up this hill to witness the charismatic first rays of the Sun on Mt Everest. Drive to Tiger Hill before sunset and fix your camera settings and shutter speed for the mesmerising aura. It happens with a blink of an eye.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is another name among the rich in some of the most exquisite and rare flora and fauna. Located downslope from the Jawahar Road, this zoological park is home of largest population of snow leopards in India.

Ghoom Monastery

Also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, this popular destination among the tourist places in Darjeeling is located downslope of Ghoom Railway station. This monastery is one of the oldest of the region and reflects the ancient glory of Buddhist culture.

Singalila National Park

Situated in Darjeeling district, Singalila National Park is a delight for nature and wildlife lovers. Located at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level, it is the highest national park in West Bengal sprawling with rhododendron forests and greenery. It offers riveting views of Singalila Mountain Range and impressive panoramas of the Himalayas fromNepal to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, up to Bhutan.