The addiction to exploring the scenic tourist places in Darjeeling is inescapable. While this beautiful hill station has some popular tourist spots to attract visitors all year round, there are some offbeat scenic places too, you must include on your bucket list. Here are our top 10 picks.
Tiger hill
Kick start your day 1 in Darjeeling with the heavenly view of the rising sun peeking behind the snow-white Kanchenjunga. This majestic morning show is a must-watch from Tiger Hill, that offers a spectacular view of the morning sun crystal clear. For best experience, hit the spot early to book your comfort space at the Tiger Hill observatory desk.
Tea Estates
The sprawling tea estates in this hill station are a major tourist attraction. Darjeeling has some century-old tea estates like the Glenburn tea estate, Makaibari tea estate, Goomtee tea estate, and Happy valley tea estate to name a few. You will need an entire day to explore these magnificent tea estates and discover the true essence of Darjeeling from plucking to packing.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Love exploring wildlife? Don’t miss hitting the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling. You can reach there by car, which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Darjeeling. This protected forest is a haven for the elephants, royal Bengal tigers, Himalayan black bears, leopards, rare mountain goats, porcupines, and much more including 300 species of birds.
Batasia loop
Taking a spiral joyride in the toy train at the Batasia loop is itself a fascinating experience. No other place in Darjeeling can offer you a 360-degree view of the town than this place from where you can see the snow-clad Eastern Himalayan range and the Kanchenjunga range. Batasia loop is beautifully decked up with beautiful gardens of perennial and seasonal flowers.
Ghoom
Ghoom is the highest hill station in India where you can visit other popular tourist spots such as the Ghoom monastery and the war memorial. This mesmerizing hill station is a must-visit to explore the adventurous and breathtaking Himalayan railways.
Tinchuley Village
This small mountain village in Darjeeling can add a gush of fresh air to your entire Darjeeling trip. Do visit this scenic and calm village to enjoy the real taste of fresh oranges direct from the orchards. This small village also hosts the Tinchuley monastery, six tea gardens, and some magnificent viewpoints.
Lamahatta
This peaceful small village is the home to some local tribes like the sherpas, Tamangs, Bhutiyas, and Dukpas. You can book your comfortable stay in any of the family-owned homestays and tents.
Mahakaal Temple
If you need some spiritual solace in between, visit the Mahakaal temple located behind the Chowrasta. You can reach this holy place by walking 15 minutes uphill. The temple represents the perfect amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist culture, where Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar manifested themselves in the Linga form. This is a perfect place to reinvent your inner self amidst tranquillity.
Passenger Ropeway
Add some thrill to your trip by riding the Rangeet valley passenger ropeway. Started by the Forest department in 1968, this ropeway doubles your Darjeeling trip fun by offering aerial views of the scenic nature below while dwelling between the clouds.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
Nestled on the slopes of Jalpahar hills, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is the tallest Buddhist stupa echoing the spirit of peace and harmony among mankind. The Peace Pagoda houses four avatars of Lord Buddha.
All set to visit the scenic tourist places in Darjeeling? Book your comfort base at Anutri Hill Resort, the safest and coziest resort to feel at home in this beautiful hill town.