Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, also fondly known as the "Queen of hill stations", is nestled in the Himalayas and famous for its tea production and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This hill town was developed in the mid-19th century, when the British set up a sanatorium and a military depot in Darjeeling. Before this, Darjeeling was the ancient Gorkha capital. Later, the Maharaja of Sikkim gifted Darjeeling to the British.

Darjeeling continues to be a popular holiday destination in India, owing to its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Apart from tourism, Darjeeling is also popular for its many British style public schools, which attract students from across India and even neighbouring countries.

Tourist Places in Darjeeling



Darjeeling is a traveller's delight and is frequented by tourists year after year. Apart from the pleasant weather and scenic beauty, there is a lot to see and do in Darjeeling.

Happy Valley Tea Garden



Happy Valley Tea Estate Category : Garden
Situated 1 km away from the town of Darjeeling, the Happy Valley Tea Garden is located on the Lebong Carter Road. The tea estate provides a peaceful and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of tourists in Darjeeling.


The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway



Darjeeling Train Category : Fun & Entertainment
Also known as the "Toy Train", the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway plies between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and is a narrow gauge railway. This railway is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful views of the scenic mountains on its way to Darjeeling.


Tiger Hill



Tiger Hill Category : Nature
Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres, Tiger Hill is located 11 km from Darjeeling and presents a spectacular view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is advised to go to Tiger Hill early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the mountain peaks.


Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park



Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Category : Wild Life
Established in 1958, this zoo is dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, the former governor of West Bengal. Among one of the best zoos in the country, this is one of the only zoos which raises wild wolf in captivity. The zoo is also home to endangered species like the Red Panda, Siberian Tiger and the Snow Leopard.


Dhirdham Temple



Dhirdham Temple Category : Religious
Travel to any part of the Indian Sub-continent and you are in the vicinity of a Shiva Temple. Located just above the Toy Train Railway Station, Dhirdham Temple is one of the most beautiful temples that tourists will ever come across. This colourful temple complex is the home of the most popular Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the town of Darjeeling.


Observatory Hill



Category : Nature
This place has a religious significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Mahakal Temple which stands on this hill, is supposed to be a personification of Lord Shiva. The Bhutia Busty Gompa was earlier located here, before it was relocated to Bhutia Busty. Hence, the Observatory Hill is frequented by both Hindus and Buddhists.

St. Andrew's Church

Category : History & Culture
St. Andrew's is an old Anglican church, built in 1843 and named after the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew. Early worshippers at this church were Scottish soldiers and tea planters. The church was seriously damaged in an earthquake and had to be re-constructed in 1873.

War Memorial

Category : History & Culture
Tourists who are fond of rock climbing should visit this attraction. Tenzing Rock was named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who climbed the Everest first time along with Edmund Hillary in 1953. Opposite to this, there is another rock named Gombu Rock. This rock was named after Nawang Gombu, Norgay's nephew. Nawang Gombu was the first person who climbed the Everest twice, once in 1963 and then in 1965.

Last Updated on : November 8, 2016