Offbeat places in Darjeeling
Introduction.
Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal. It is also called the queen of hill stations. Darjeeling is one of the safest places in India. Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantation and hill stations and many tourist places. The famous food in Darjeeling is the famous Nepali thali and other foods such as momos, thukpa, ALU dum, etc. Darjeeling is a place that includes the Tibetan market, clothes painting, pendants, etc… Darjeeling is a dream place for the people of West Bengal.
If you have not been there then you must visit these amazing places for sure you will love them. Here are some of the places to cover in Darjeeling details given below:-
1. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Happy Valley Tea Estate is a beautiful place to visit when you’re in Darjeeling. The tea estate is huge and has a beautiful landscape with tea plantations all around. They also offer a tour of their factory to show the tea-making process that ends with tea tasting of some of their products. You can also purchase them from their counters and also buy souvenirs. The tea estate is also open to the public and you can visit the plantation and see how the tea plantation is done. Nice place to visit but don’t take your vehicle for this place else your clutch plate won’t tolerate the steep climb while returning.
There are some points on the way from where the mountain vistas are simply spectacular. Sip some fantastic tea, and you can buy excellent varieties of tea from here. Happy Valley is known to produce some of the finest quality tea in India, which goes by the name ‘Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe’. This gets further categorized into Green tea, White tea, and Black tea. The plantations here are as old as 150 years. There are seasons for different types of tea. Green and a little bit of White Tea are plucked from March to May. June to August is the season for Black Tea.
September to November is again the season for Green and White. While visiting the garden one can see a garden employee plucking tea leaves. There is also a Happy Valley Tea factory where the visitor can experience the whole processing of Tea from plucked fresh tea leaves to pack inboxes. Even they sell proceed tea in different ranges according to the quality of the tea.
Most important if you going to meet the instructor you will know the process of how to drink the tea to get its real taste and you are also going to taste the tea at a high cost which is mostly supplied to foreigners only. It’s all a must-visit here.
2. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
This is the greatest attraction here at Darjeeling. Anyone with even a little fascination and liking for adventure sports or mountains, in general, will love this place. The Institute is well maintained. There is an indoor climbing area where one can try a bit and see how difficult it is to be a mountaineer.
Inside the institute, there is a well-maintained museum that exhibits various tools used by mountaineers. Also, many tools and gadgets used by great mountaineers are exhibited. The tomb of Tenzing Norgay is in this institute. Photography is not allowed inside the museum. Also, various maps and statistics are exhibited here which provide immense knowledge to people who are interested in mountains and mountaineering. Many tools used by earlier mountaineers can be seen here. There is a shop here that sells caps, gloves, and other items at a reasonable price.
Very nice place which provides information and gives us a glimpse of the history of mountaineering. All should try to visit this place at least once. The authorities should be given a big salute for maintaining the place in such an excellent condition. This institute offers basic and advanced mountaineering training throughout the year. It also offers search and rescue training.
This institute includes the best facilities and best faculties for their trainees. Within this institute, a very well decorated museum is located which preserves the history of mountaineering in India. There is a canteen in front of the museum. Must explore these places.
3. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This Zoological garden is awesome. Here you have to purchase a ticket for entering this zoological garden. Per person ticket cost is 20 rupees. If you are traveling to Darjeeling then this will be a must option for you. You will love to visit this place full of greenery with animals. Here you can see Black Panther, Royal Bengal Tiger.
Mountaineering club is also here where you will get a vast experience of a Himalayan expedition. You can find various types of animals and birds. The main attraction of the place is the Royal Bengal Tiger which is at least 3 meters in length counting the tail. If you’re lucky then you’ll surely get a chance to see the majesty of that beast. Also, snow leopards might steal your show while you’re desperately waiting for the tiger. Recently they’ve also introduced reptiles and aquatic creatures. And you might not wanna leave the sight of a sleeping red panda.
A very organized zoo. But the main attraction is the museum. You will be thrilled if you love mountain trekking. The museum will give you goosebumps for sure. Apart from that, the zoo is a very nice spot to hang out with friends and families. If you visit Darjeeling zoo is a must-come spot for you. If you want to explore the whole zoo including the museum it can take nearly 2.30 hours.
4. Yiga Choeling Monastery
Yiga Choeling Monastery or Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of the Yiga Choeling Monastery located at Ghoom at an elevation of 8,000 feet, it is around 8 km from Darjeeling town and is the first-ever Tibetan Buddhist monastery to be built in the Darjeeling region. It was established in the year 1850 CE by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was the head of the monastery until 1905 CE.
The Monastery belongs to Gelugpa or the Yellow Hat sect. This is the first-ever Tibetan Buddhist monastery to be built in the Darjeeling region. During the Chinese occupation of 1959 in Tibet, many high-ranking monks fled to India and took refuge in this monastery. Sightseeing in India doesn’t get much better than what you’ll discover in Darjeeling. The hill station in West Bengal is beloved for its lush green tea plantations, awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks, and serene Buddhist monasteries. This is the perfect place to arrange a mountain trek or mountain biking adventure.
One of the most popular things to do in Darjeeling is taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Powered by an antique steam locomotive, the 140-year-old “Toy Train” takes tourists on two-hour fun rides from Darjeeling to Ghum-a a journey that’s regularly counted as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. A must-visit for those who are looking for a solitude time from the mundane life.
5. Batasia Loop
One of the nicest sightseeing places in Darjeeling. Batasia Loop is dedicated to Gurkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom … You can witness an amazing 360° view of Darjeeling from this place. This is a very beautiful place. On the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri, the famous Toy Train journey passes through the Batasia Loop and the War Memorial.
You need a ticket to enter here. It is a very famous and picturesque loop on the Darjeeling Himalayan railway between Ghum and Darjeeling railway station. In the center of the Batasia Loop, a monument of martyred soldiers( war memorial)is built which is surrounded by a garden and railway track to view toy trains driven by steam engines on the Batasia loop creating memories for a lifetime. Being a railway enthusiast. War memorial is located in the center of the Batasia loop garden in Darjeeling. It is created to honor and remember the Gurkha soldiers of Darjeeling who laid their lives for the Motherland in various operations after Independence.
The garden is surrounded by Mount Kanchenjunga and you would witness the most picturesque views and sheer beauty of snow-capped peaks here. This is one of the major tourist spots in Darjeeling.
6. Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
This is a wonderful Japanese temple located at a 10 minutes driving distance from the Darjeeling town center. The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two-storied white building was built in a traditional Japanese style in the year 1972.
It is a beautiful place full of tall trees and mountains surrounding it. Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha. From the top of the Pagoda, you get a panoramic view of the Darjeeling landscape including the Kanchenjunga range. Physically challenged people will find it difficult to enter the Pagoda as it has only staircases. Peace Pagoda as the name says this place gives you ample peace. This Pagoda has stages of Buddha’s life excavated on different sides of the Pagoda.
It is serene and peaceful. Although the terrain is a bit steep and a bit difficult to enter for the elderly and physically challenged. A very beautiful place and a must-visit while at Darjeeling. It is currently open even though most of the monasteries are closed to the public in and around Sikkim and West Bengal.
7. Darjeeling Ranjeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
It is one of Asia’s longest Passenger Ropeways. It was initially set up to cater to the tea gardens at the valleys below which did not otherwise have easy access. Starting with just one cable car, now it was upgraded to 16 cable cars each having a capacity of six persons. It was closed in 2003 after four tourists died when the cable broke causing two cars to fall down the hill.
Later it was re-opened with many safety measures in 2012. From an elevation of 7000 feet in Darjeeling’s North Point, this ropeway descends to 800 feet at Singla. Stopping at Tukver, Barnesbeg, and Singla tea estates, it is an 8 km long ride that takes 45 minutes to reach Singla Bazar. The Darjeeling Ropeway is a ropeway in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The ropeway is a tourist destination in the town. It consists of sixteen cars and plies between the “North Point ” in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman river.
The journey on the ropeway offers views of the hills and the valleys around Darjeeling. You will forget all fear when you will see down. They take you over the tea gardens, with a view of the majestic Kanchenjunga all the while, to a panoramic viewpoint where you can spend some time, take pictures, and have some snacks. One of the most beautiful views of the dense pine jungle & Rangeet tea garden. It will be a memorable journey.
8. Observatory Hill View point
Observatory Hill is a hill near Chowrasta square, or The Mall as it is popularly known, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Views of snow-clad peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga, are visible from Observatory Hill. The Bhutia Busty monastery was originally located here.
Now the hill has the temple of Mahakal. Two important arteries of the town, Nehru Road and Bhanubhakta Sarani, meet at Chowrasta. Another school of thought suggests that the presence of the megalithic core to have been a place of worship of the Rings, representing a sacred location of the classic Long Chok type. The term ‘Dotsug’ was thus a literal translation of ‘Long Chok’.Empty Darjeeling Town, away from the scary heat of the plains and the virus too for God’s sake. Blessed by God Truly. Love Darjeeling as it always sets the mood right whenever you feel down and low after a stroll or a ride along the town outskirts like the Jalapahar area.
An amazing viewpoint of Darjeeling is situated close to Chowrasta (Mall). This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains including Mount Kanchenjunga. You can spot Lebong from here. The place is also a jogger’s paradise! You could find locals exercising, stretching their bodies in the morning. Unfortunately, many other areas have been covered by horrible concrete buildings, without any respect for what is the only reason why people visit Darjeeling: the mountain view. Invasive is the looking 5-star hotel gigantic palace of the local administration, which alone covers and hides most of the panorama.
The epicenter of Darjeeling is a holy place dedicated to the Mahakala or Lord Shiva. The Mahakala mandir is unique because both Hindu and Buddhist priests share the holy seat at the site. Darjeeling also gets its name from the original resident of the observatory hill, one Dorjee -probably the caretaker lama appointed by the Sikkimese king. Darjeeling was the name. Ling indicates a place. The peak and the range are visible from other places as well, but the view is never quite the same. Either parts of the range are hidden or you are looking at it from an angle or up at it from below. Such a dream place must visit.
9. Shrubbery Nightingale park
On the way to the zoo on river hill road this beautiful park should make you feel happy. Situated on the top it gives a nice almost 360° view. The park is plastic and smoke-free, the park is very clean and well maintained. It opens from 9 am till 5 pm. In the center, there is a ground-level cemented stage-like area surrounded by flowers and trees.
Lots of sitting places with covered wooden benches and flower trees in between. You will hear the song from various birds that will soothe your ear. There is no entry free. On one side of the park, there is a Temple of Lord Siva and a huge sculpture of Lord Siva on the top of the Mandir will attract you. There is a greenhouse also with lots of flower plants but it closes at 4 pm,1 hour before the park closes time. Overall it’s a very calm, quiet, clean and beautiful nature park with lots of flowers, trees, green surrounding all around with birds singing will enthrall your experience.
Colorful flowers, lush greenery, Himalayan mountain range, snow-clad peaks, Shiva temple, restaurant & cool mountain breeze, this spectacular park in Darjeeling is your ultimate destination if you are looking to find everything beautiful, under one roof. It’s situated at a walking distance from the Darjeeling Mall, within proximity from the Zoological Garden. There is a huge open circular stage in the middle of the park where the cultural functions take place in the evenings. For VIPs, there is a special glass-covered lounge that overlooks the stage.
The lounge is known as the Bullet Proof Dias. Subash Ghising, the erstwhile chairman of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council created this special lounge which is covered with bulletproof glass. Go and visit once you will love it.
10. Rock Garden Darjeeling
Rock Garden is one of the best tourist attractions in Darjeeling. Beautiful clean place. The fountain is so beautiful. You will spot a lovely waterfall which is called Chunnu WaterFalls..beautiful scenic view..you can explore this place over an hour or sitting and enjoy the natural view. There are beautiful flower gardens. Must visit this beautiful place with family and friends and watch the beauty of this area.
Rock Garden is a beautiful garden situated at Chunnu Summer Falls in the Darjeeling town of West Bengal. It is popularly called Rock Garden as the entire garden area has been created by cutting rocks at different levels and making terraced seating arrangements. This is an amusement park which has been created in the waterfalls adjacent. During the peak season, this Park normally gets flooded by visitors. The park is surrounded by many small and large rocks in which you can climb with the help of stairs.
The view from the top of the rocks cannot be expressed with some words. If you think of visiting Darjeeling, include this place in your tour package. But maintaining some distance from the crowds an enthusiast might get a good chance to notice numbers of Birds, especially those who like to get engaged in search of foods near rocky streams, and butterflies.
It was created to introduce a special attraction for tourists a little outside the town area so that the visitors have an added incentive to come to the hill town. average. Some shops and cafes are around where u can get tea, coffee, and avg quality food. Since it is very high altitude, not all varieties of food will be available. But it’s the best place to visit. Especially the roads. There are sharp hairpin bends on the way and the gradient of the road is very steep. It is a multi-level garden, terraced around a natural fall called Chunnu Summer Falls.
There are pretty small bridges constructed over the stream from where one can see the crystal clear water flowing over the rocky bed and a small lake where one can enjoy boating. A perfect place for honeymoon couples for a photoshoot. Small shops are also here for fooding purposes. A must-visit place while visiting Darjeeling. No entry fees.
Best time to visit in Darjeeling
During summer months from April to June are the ideal time to travel to Darjeeling, some travelers including couples also prefer to visit the beautiful town during the winter months from October to December.
Where to stay
You can stay at homestays, lodges, and hotels in Darjeeling. Also, you can enjoy the winters. The visiting hours are 24×7. But to visit the offbeat places the timing is 8:00 am to 6:00 pm till the day.
Conclusion
Lastly, I would like to conclude the article by saying that Darjeeling is the safest place and suitable for all people. If you don’t visit these places you will miss a huge chance to see exciting things. So just get ready and explore these Queen of hill stations. You will get to have some delicious food and can explore many unique clothes etc. So hurry up, get ready, and rock on to Darjeeling.
