When the topic is about Darjeeling tourism, Everybody has a thought in mind accompanied by a visual of green hills, snow-capped peaks, and lush green tea gardens, which is why it’s called the Queen of Hills. Darjeeling is nestled in the Himalayas range in West Bengal, among the mountains that make it a famous tourism destination in India.
Darjeeling is not famous for its tourism, even also known for Darjeeling tea in all over the world. From morning to night, Golden Darjeeling tea sips make you relax and double your enjoyment of the Darjeeling trip around the mountains. Darjeeling is the 5th best couple favourite destination in India because of its scenic view, the beauty of green lush, and most importantly point Kangchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the World, visible here.
All of these things attract travellers across the world and make it the best hill station in India. Its snow-capped mountains and lush greenery give you a unique experience. For a nature lover, there are beautiful treks and campsites that give you the best way to close with nature, so it would be the best choice for a nature lover and wildlife photographers.
Essential Guide to Travelling in Darjeeling
Duration idea:- 2 to 3 days
Best Time: –February to March, September to December
Darjeeling Tour Packages
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Here are some additional points about Darjeeling that make Darjeeling tourism popular.
The History of Darjeeling
The name of Darjeeling originates from the Tibetan term Dorje ling or Dorje-glin, which translates to “Land of Dorje”—referring to the vajra, the weapon of the Hindu god Indra, according to the “Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Place Names States”. In the 19th century East India Company began to show interest in Darjeeling. At this time, Darjeeling was home to the Lepcha tribe (Indigenous people of India). After it became part of Sikkim and was given to the British in 1835, when the East India Company ruled in India. The British Officials liked the cool weather and used it for summer retreats and experimenting to growing tea here on the slopes below, which was highly successful.
About the Darjeeling Culture
The people of Darjeeling belong to many different groups like Nepali, Tibetan, and Lepcha, because Darjeeling is geographically close to Sikkim, located near the Tibetan Himalayas range. They live together peacefully and celebrate many colourful festivals such as Losar, Dashain, and Tihar.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy train)
The Toy Train is a fun way to enjoy the beauty of Darjeeling and feel its old-world charm.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also called the Toy Train, is one of the most famous attractions in Darjeeling. The toy train was built in 1881 to carry tea plants and people now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its amazing engineering and beauty. This small train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, covering around 88 kilometres, passing through hills, forests, and tea gardens.
The ride is slow but very beautiful. It goes around the Batasia Loop, where you can see the snow-covered Kanchenjunga Mountains, which are the most famous part of this journey. Many tourists take a short Joy Ride between Darjeeling and Ghoom, which includes a visit to the Toy Train Museum.
Darjeeling Tourism and Its Famous Tea
Darjeeling tourism is not famous for its natural beauty, even though its tea is world-famous. Around 80+ tea gardens sprawling with tea often called the “Champagne of Teas.” The tea gets its special taste from the clean air, rain, and high mountains make Darjeeling tea more special.
You can also visit tea estates like Happy Valley, Glenburn, or Makaibari to learn about how tea is made, gossip with garden workers to know about their lifestyle, with a sip of tea makes your trip unforgettable. Many estates offer tours of the tea garden where you can see how the leaves are picked and enjoy a fresh cup of Darjeeling Tea.
Staying in a tea garden is a peaceful and unique experience for travellers. So, Darjeeling tourism is not only ahead for tourist places but also for tea tourism.
Plants and Animals in Darjeeling
This town sits high in the Himalayan mountains, where the weather stays cool and fresh all year. This makes it a perfect home for many kinds of plants, trees, and animals. You’ll see rhododendrons, orchids, magnolias, and many types of ferns and make Darjeeling a green hill station. The famous Botanical Garden in Darjeeling, known as the Lloyd’s Botanical Garden, is home to rare Himalayan plants and medicinal herbs.
Bird lovers will enjoy spotting colourful birds like sunbirds, cuckoos, eagles, woodpeckers, and Himalayan monals. The Padmaja Naidu Zoo is home to rare animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan wolves. The nearby Singalila National Park is great for trekking and birdwatching.
Nature lovers will enjoy the clean air, green hills, and colourful flowers everywhere.
Food and Restaurants in Darjeeling
When anyone visits any destination, the main things that they keep remembering about are the food what’s the best cuisine they offer? When you visit Darjeeling, you’ll find many small cafes and food stalls serving hot, fresh, and mouthwatering dishes. Darjeeling has a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian food. The most loved dishes are momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and sel roti (sweet bread). Some of the most popular local foods are:
Momos: Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, served with spicy chutney. They are a must-try street food in Darjeeling.
Thukpa: A warm noodle soup made with vegetables or chicken. It’s perfect for the chilly hill weather.
Aloo Dum: Spicy potatoes cooked with local spices, often eaten with puri or bread.
Sel Roti: A traditional Nepali sweet bread, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Gundruk: A fermented leafy green dish served with rice — a traditional Nepali favorite.
Phambi: A light snack made from gram flour, found mostly in local markets.
For a refreshing drink, don’t forget to enjoy a cup of Darjeeling Tea, freshly brewed from the nearby tea gardens. Its unique flavor and aroma make it one of the best teas in the world.
Darjeeling quick itinerary
Day 1: After arriving at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), you will be driven to Darjeeling, which is about 70 km away. On reaching your hotel, complete a quick check-in and take some rest. Later, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), where you can learn about mountaineering history and training. Next, explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNZ Zoo), India’s largest high-altitude zoo (closed on Thursday). In the evening, you can enjoy a cable car ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway (extra charges apply) and sip a refreshing cup of Darjeeling tea. End your day with a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2: Start your day early by visiting Tiger Hill, where you can watch the sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain. On the way back, stop at the famous Ghoom Monastery and see the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track with the Gorkha War Memorial in the center. After breakfast at your hotel, continue with sightseeing. Visit Tenzing Rock and Gompu Rock, popular spots for rock climbing. Explore a Tea Garden to see how Darjeeling tea is made. Then, head to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (closed on Sunday) to understand Tibetan craft and culture. Later, visit the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, peaceful places built for meditation and harmony. Finally, proceed to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station for your return journey, carrying sweet memories of Darjeeling.
Best Time to visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling Images
batasia loopDarjeeling RopewayHimalayan Mountaineering Institute
Darjeeling is famous for its beautiful mountains, tea gardens, and the Toy Train. It is also known for its cool weather and stunning views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
What is special about the Darjeeling Toy Train?
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also called the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs through hills and tea gardens, giving travelers amazing views. It’s one of the best ways to explore Darjeeling’s beauty.
What is the best time to visit Darjeeling?
The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is clear and pleasant — perfect for sightseeing and enjoying mountain views.
Does it snow in Darjeeling?
Yes, Darjeeling gets light snow during the winter months (December to February), especially in nearby higher areas. It’s a great time for visitors who want to see snow in the Himalayas.
What is Darjeeling tea, and why is it famous?
Darjeeling tea is known as the “Champagne of Teas” for its delicate flavor and fragrance. It grows only in the cool hills of Darjeeling and is loved worldwide.
How many days are enough for a Darjeeling trip?
A trip of 3 to 4 days is perfect to explore Darjeeling’s main attractions, tea gardens, and local markets at a relaxed pace.
What kind of food can I try in Darjeeling?
You must try momos, thukpa, aloo dum, sel roti, and a cup of Darjeeling tea. The town also has great cafés and bakeries like Glenary’s and Keventer’s.
Can I see Mount Everest from Darjeeling?
On very clear days, you can sometimes see Mount Everest from Tiger Hill along with Kanchenjunga — it’s a breathtaking sight!
