Things To Do In Darjeeling

Darjeeling, a tiny hill station in West Bengal, is a melting pot of culture, language, heritage, and traditions. It is known for the Lloyds Botanical Garden, and the Happy Valley Tea Estate – where tourists are allowed to witness how the famous Darjeeling tea is processed. It is also a land that is blessed with a magnificent view of the Himalayas. So for those of you heading to Darjeeling, here are the top 5 things to do in the beautiful hill town.

The Toy Train, or to use its official name the ‘Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’ is the star attraction of this region, and naturally it is one of the most coveted experience here. It is truly amazing how the little train chugs its way through villages, snowy hills, and makes smooth turns when you expect it to struggle or come to a grinding halt. At the ‘Batasia Loop’, the train tracks encircle a War Memorial for soldiers who sacrificed their lives, built in the middle of an elegantly pruned garden. From this location, you can see the breathtaking town of Darjeeling and the distant snow caps of Kanchenjunga. 

Riding the most tempestuous waves successfully gives a different kind of boost, that only fellow thrill-seekers understand. White water rafting is for those with the daredevil gene. So make the most of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers in Darjeeling. The frothing water and picturesque countryside is usually enough to get the attention of the adventurous soul.  

Regular climbers will swear by Tiger Hills, as the reward for reaching the top is the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see. People often reach the top as early as 4.30 a.m. and wait for the Sun’s gracious unveiling across the horizon, to see the snow clad peaks of Kanchenjunga blush as the amber rays of the sunlight fall on them. This is one of those things people should do to genuinely appreciate the virtue of patience. 

It is best to combine this trip with the Tiger Hills trek, as they’re very close. This sanctuary is the oldest one in Darjeeling. A special authorization from the Rangers’ Office, a guide and a camera are all you need to explore these dense forests as you get ready to spot a flying squirrel, a leopard or perhaps a gang of wild dogs.

A little outside the town of Darjeeling, there are 2 locations that every local will rave about, not too far from each other. First is the Rock Garden, a popular picnic spot with multi-leveled platforms, built over a natural fall. The second is Ganga Maya Park, which has a gentle brook that flows over boulders and is a spot of much serenity. Tourists are often seen sitting on these boulders to dip their feet in the cool waters. There are plenty of shops around both these haunts for hearty snacking. However, it is advisable to have proper plans for transportation.