Darjeeling, often called the “Queen of the Hills,” is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal, India, nestled in the lower Himalayas. Famous for its tea, toy train, and views of the Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling blends natural beauty, colonial charm, and a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Bengali cultures.
Location: Northern West Bengal, ~6,700 ft (2,042 m) above sea level
Best Time to Visit: March–May and October–December
Known For: Darjeeling tea, mountain views, Buddhist monasteries, and colonial-era architecture
Famous sunrise point with stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga and, on clear days, Mount Everest.
Go early (4–5 AM) for the best view.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Offers scenic rides from Darjeeling to Ghum or Kurseong.
Ride the steam-engine-powered joy train for a nostalgic experience.
Spiral railway track with panoramic views and a war memorial.
Great photo spot with Kanchenjunga in the background.
Built by Japanese monks to promote world peace.
Offers meditation and a calm spiritual atmosphere.
Home to rare Himalayan species like red pandas, snow leopards, and Tibetan wolves.
Also houses the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
One of the oldest tea gardens in the region.
Take a guided tour to learn about tea production and taste fresh Darjeeling tea.
Ghum Monastery: Oldest Tibetan monastery in the area.
Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park: Terraced garden and waterfall area.
Mirik Lake: A peaceful lake town ~2 hours from Darjeeling, great for boating and picnics.
Tinchuley & Lamahatta: Offbeat eco-villages near Darjeeling with homestays and nature walks.
Momos (steamed dumplings)
Thukpa (noodle soup)
Darjeeling tea with biscuits
Tibetan & Nepali dishes like aloo sadeko, gundruk
Local cafés: Keventer’s, Glenary’s, Sonam’s Kitchen, and Revolver
Darjeeling Tea – from local estates or tea shops
Handmade woolens, Tibetan artifacts, silver jewelry
Books and antiques in local markets like Chowrasta and Bhutia Market
By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) – ~70 km away (~3 hours by road)
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station (~72 km)
By Road: Shared jeeps, taxis, and buses available from Siliguri, NJP, or Bagdogra
Carry warm clothes, especially in winter and early mornings.
Roads are winding — if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions.
Book toy train tickets in advance during peak season.