Darjeeling

Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills

My Journey to Darjeeling

Darjeeling had always been on my travel wishlist, often called the “Queen of Hills.” Surrounded by rolling tea gardens, misty mountains, and the majestic Kanchenjunga peak in the backdrop, the place offers the perfect mix of peace, culture, and adventure.

I traveled to Darjeeling from Siliguri, which is the main gateway to North Bengal and Sikkim. From Siliguri, I took a shared jeep (a common mode of transport here) that winds up the scenic roads, passing through pine forests and small villages. The journey itself is an experience, with breathtaking views at every turn.

As soon as I reached, the cool air and the vibe of a colonial-era hill station welcomed me. The sound of toy train whistles, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering, and the smell of hot momos in the air—Darjeeling had already stolen my heart.

Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Tiger Hill – The most iconic spot in Darjeeling, famous for its breathtaking sunrise. As the first rays of the sun touch Kanchenjunga’s snow peaks, the mountains glow in golden and pink hues. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Everest in the distance. The journey starts early (around 3–4 AM), but the view is worth every bit of the chilly morning wait.

Batasia Loop & War Memorial – An engineering marvel of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, this spiral loop track allows toy trains to negotiate steep slopes while offering panoramic views of the valley and mountains. At the center stands the War Memorial, honoring the brave Gorkha soldiers. The gardens and viewpoints here make it a favorite stop for photography.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the toy train is not just transport—it’s an experience. The joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghum (the highest railway station in India) pass through tunnels, forests, and tea gardens, giving you a nostalgic old-world charm. The sound of the steam engine and the slow ride through the hills is pure magic.

Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple – A calm and spiritual place built by the Japanese Buddhist community. The white Peace Pagoda is surrounded by pine trees and offers a panoramic view of Darjeeling town and the Himalayas. Attending the prayer chants at the Japanese Temple here fills you with a sense of peace and positivity.

Darjeeling Mall Road (Chowrasta) – The heart of Darjeeling, Mall Road is the place for evening strolls, shopping, and local food. Lined with cozy cafes, bookshops, and curio stores, it’s where locals and tourists mingle. You can sip hot tea while gazing at Kanchenjunga or buy souvenirs like woolens, handicrafts, and tea packets.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo – A must-visit for adventure enthusiasts, this institute was founded in memory of Tenzing Norgay, who first scaled Everest with Edmund Hillary. It showcases mountaineering equipment, stories of expeditions, and training grounds. The nearby zoo is unique, housing rare Himalayan species like the red panda and snow leopard.

Tea Estates (Happy Valley Tea Garden) – Darjeeling is world-famous for its tea, and a visit to a tea estate is a delightful experience. At Happy Valley Tea Garden, you can walk amidst lush plantations, watch the tea-picking process, and learn about tea-making in the factory. Don’t miss sipping a fresh cup of authentic Darjeeling tea while overlooking the rolling green hills.

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Food in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is heaven for food lovers, offering a mix of Tibetan, Nepali, and colonial influences that make every meal memorable.

Momos – These steamed dumplings are the most popular street food in Darjeeling. Served with spicy chutney, they come in both veg and non-veg fillings like cabbage, paneer, chicken, or pork. You’ll find them everywhere—from small stalls near Mall Road to cozy cafés.

Thukpa – A comforting Tibetan-style noodle soup, perfect for Darjeeling’s chilly weather. It’s a hearty bowl filled with noodles, vegetables, meat (optional), and flavourful broth, often spiced with a dash of local chili paste.

Nepali Thali – A wholesome platter with rice, dal, seasonal vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat curry. It gives you a taste of authentic mountain food and is best enjoyed at local eateries run by Nepali families.

Darjeeling Tea – World-famous for its delicate flavour and aroma, Darjeeling tea is a must-try. Whether you sip it at a tea lounge overlooking the mountains or buy fresh leaves from a tea estate, the experience is unforgettable. Each cup truly reflects the essence of the hills.

Bakeries on Mall Road – Darjeeling still carries its colonial charm, and this is reflected in its bakeries. From freshly baked cakes and patties to warm breads and hot coffee, these cozy cafés are the perfect stop after a long day of sightseeing. Sitting with a slice of cake and a steaming cup of tea while watching the bustling Mall Road is an experience in itself.

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Things to Do in Darjeeling

Tea Tasting
Darjeeling is world-renowned for its tea, often called the “Champagne of Teas.” A visit to one of the tea estates, like Happy Valley or Glenburn, gives you a chance to walk through the lush plantations, watch the plucking and processing, and taste different varieties of tea. Each sip has its own character—light, aromatic, and refreshing. It’s not just a drink, but a cultural experience of the hills.

Trekking
The Himalayan ranges around Darjeeling offer some of the most scenic treks in India. Popular trails include Sandakphu (the highest point in West Bengal) and Singalila Ridge, which give you panoramic views of four of the five highest peaks in the world—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. These treks are moderate in difficulty and perfect for adventure lovers seeking breathtaking landscapes.

Shopping
Darjeeling is a shopper’s delight. The Mall Road and Chowrasta area is lined with curio shops, bookstores, and stalls selling Tibetan handicrafts, woolen shawls, hand-knit sweaters, prayer flags, and of course, packaged Darjeeling tea. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for yourself and gifts for loved ones.

Ride the Toy Train
No trip to Darjeeling is complete without riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train moves slowly through quaint villages, misty hills, and tea gardens, giving you the charm of old-world travel. The joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum is especially popular and makes for an unforgettable experience.

Photography
Darjeeling is a paradise for photographers. From the golden sunrise at Tiger Hill and the majestic Kanchenjunga to the rolling tea gardens and vibrant Tibetan culture, every corner is picture-perfect. Street scenes with momos steaming in bamboo baskets, colorful monasteries, and the colonial charm of the town all offer endless photo opportunities.

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Stay Options

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How to reach

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Suggested Itinerary – 4 Days

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Budget (Approx. per person)

Expense Category	Budget (INR)	Mid-Range (INR)	Luxury (INR)
Travel (Siliguri/NJP to Darjeeling, round trip)	500 – 1,000	1,500 – 2,500	3,000 – 5,000
Accommodation (per night)	1,500 – 3,500	5,000 – 8,000	10,000+
Food (per day)	400 – 700	800 – 1,200	1,500+
Sightseeing & Activities (Toy Train, entry tickets, local tours)	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 3,000	4,000+
Shopping & Extras	1,000 – 2,000	2,500 – 4,000	5,000+
Approx. Total for 4 Days	INR 8,000 – 12,000	INR 20,000 – 28,000	INR 50,000+

Darjeeling isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience.
The tea-scented breeze, mountain views, and slow-paced life make you pause and reflect. For me, it was more than a trip—it was a peaceful healing journey in the lap of the Himalayas.