Surrounded by infinite slopes of bright green tea plantations and set against a backdrop of jagged white Himalayan peaks, Darjeeling offers some of India’s most idyllic scenery. Hop between numerous t...More
There are plenty of hotels in Darjeeling to choose from. From expensive hotels offering the ultimate in hospitality, to mid-level stays with great facilities, and budget accommodation for those on a shoe-string—our exhaustive list of options has something for everyone. You can spend some big bucks and find a place offering everything from a private Jacuzzi to in-house restaurants; decide on something more modest where you’ll be comfortable and well catered to; or go basic with a hotel that offers all the basic amenities without any fuss or frills. Regardless of your preference and the size of your wallet, you’ll have no difficulty finding a place that works for you.
Although there aren’t many restaurants in Darjeeling, there are a few places you can go to have a good meal. Warm your tummy and your soul by eating the hot and flavourful fare offered at these quaint eateries—from freshly baked cakes and local fare to hot Tibetan preparations and even some home-style Italian cooking—they might not match the standard of food in the cities, but you’ll definitely leave happy, satisfied and extremely well fed.
You’ll find numerous eateries scattered around this charming hill town, offering an eclectic mix of local fare and international cuisines. Here are some eateries that’ll give you a taste of Darjeeling’s vibrant food culture.
You’ll never run short of places to visit in Darjeeling. Surrounded by verdant green tea plantations, this hill town offers many alluring experiences to all kinds of travelers. Gaze at picturesque sunrise and the Kanchenjunga peak from Tiger Hill, explore eastern architecture at the Japanese Pagoda, appreciate the murals displayed in the Yiga Choling Gompa or simply observe the numerous species of birds, insects and reptiles at the Bengal Natural History Museum. Add to that, spotting red pandas and snow leopards at the Himalayan Zoological Park, taking a charming ride of the Darjeeling Toy Train, or sipping a cup of hot tea in one of the plantations—Darjeeling has it all.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a culture vulture—there are plenty of things to do in Darjeeling during your visit. From undulating tea estates framed by the Himalayas in the background, to enchanting Buddhist fortifications, bustling market places and walking trails—this charming hill station can be the perfect getaway. Take a ride aboard the charming little toy train, trek up to Tiger Hill just in time to catch the sunrise, amble along the Mall in search of precious little trinkets and enjoy freshly baked goodies at the local cafes; a few days in Darjeeling will leave you rejuvenated, relaxed and completely at completely at ease.
I stood at the historic Darjeeling railway station looking at a board announcing the ‘joy rides’—their times and costs. The choice was between the steam engine and the diesel engine, the former costs almost double. I walked up to the ticket counter to buy my ticket and was transported back to the old days of Indian Railways. I was handed over a form where I had to fill in all possible details and then a hand-written ticket was handed over to me.
Darjeeling is the majestic eastern Himalayan hill town where numerous visitors go every year to spend some quality time. It is a far-cry from your daily life, and the Kanchenjunga stands in all its glory. Travellers mostly come from the plains of West Bengal, and are at awe of the coldness and beauty of this place. Shopping in Darjeeling is definitely something they don’t miss out on when they are here. Darjeeling markets have the element to surprise travellers, because it has everything that you wish for when it comes to shopping. Darjeeling markets have branded as well as local produce, and they are sold at a low price.
After you are done exploring the picturesque town of Darjeeling and want to deviate a little off the beaten track, there are plenty of places around which are even more beautiful and less-crowded. Here is a list of five such places you can plan short trips to, while you’re visiting the queen of the hills.
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