Darjeeling

Queen of the Hills

Darjeeling, a charming hill station nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, is renowned for its tea gardens, colonial charm, and breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Overview

Darjeeling, often called the 'Queen of the Hills', offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and heritage. Located in the Indian state of West Bengal, it stands at an altitude of around 6,700 feet, offering cool weather, lush tea estates, and stunning mountain views.

The town is famous for the world-renowned Darjeeling Tea, the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), and its vibrant mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Bengali cultures. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or peace chaser, Darjeeling promises a refreshing escape from city life.

Things to Do in Darjeeling

Darjeeling offers a delightful mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. From scenic viewpoints to peaceful monasteries and bustling markets, there’s something for everyone.

Momos:Steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat.

Thukpa:Warm noodle soup perfect for the chilly weather.

Darjeeling Tea:World-famous aromatic tea grown on local plantations.

Aloo Dum:Spicy potato curry often paired with Sel Roti.

Nepali Thali:Traditional platter with rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles.

Phambi:Steamed lentil cake — a local Sikkimese delicacy.

Sael Roti:Crispy ring-shaped bread enjoyed during festivals.

Nightlife Highlights

While Darjeeling isn’t known for a wild nightlife, it offers cozy cafés, live music bars, and heritage-style pubs that create a relaxing evening vibe.

Joey’s Pub:Classic British-style pub popular with travelers.

The Buzz:A modern café and bar near Chowrasta with live music nights.

Glenary’s Bar:Part of Glenary’s restaurant, offering old-world charm with good cocktails.

The Park Restaurant Lounge:Fine dining and drinks with a view of the valley.

Keventer’s Rooftop Café:Famous for breakfast, coffee, and mountain views.

Shopping

Shopping in Darjeeling is a pleasant experience with its vibrant local markets filled with handicrafts, woolens, and tea varieties.

Chowrasta & Mall Road:Bustling hub for tea, souvenirs, and local clothes.

Bhutia Market:Great for winter wear and Tibetan crafts.

Nehru Road Market:Shops offering tea, handicrafts, and woolens.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre:Handwoven carpets and handmade crafts by Tibetan artisans.

Habib Mullick & Sons:One of the oldest stores for curios and antiques.

Indian Restaurants

Darjeeling has a variety of restaurants serving authentic Indian and Nepali cuisine, as well as continental and Tibetan dishes.

Glenary’s:Iconic bakery and restaurant with colonial charm.

Kunga Restaurant:Small but famous spot for Tibetan and Indian dishes.

Sonam’s Kitchen:Popular for breakfast and homely Indian food.

Park Restaurant:Serves a mix of North Indian and local cuisine with good ambience.

How to Reach

Darjeeling is well-connected by road and rail, with the nearest airport located in Bagdogra. The scenic journey itself is part of the experience.

Bagdogra Airport (IXB):The nearest airport, about 70 km from Darjeeling. Taxis are available for a 3-hour ride.

From Siliguri:Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by shared jeep or taxi.

From Gangtok:About 4 hours by car through scenic mountain routes.

West Bengal State Buses:Regular services from Siliguri to Darjeeling.

Private Jeeps:Shared jeeps operate frequently from NJP and Siliguri.

Best Time to Visit

Darjeeling has a pleasant climate almost all year round, though the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

winter

Chilly (2–10°C) with occasional fog and a chance of snow in nearby hills.

Enjoy cozy stays, clear mountain views, and peaceful walks.

summer

Cool and comfortable (10–25°C). Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Tea garden tours, trekking, toy train rides, and exploring monasteries.

Darjeeling, a charming hill station nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, is renowned for its tea gardens, colonial charm, and breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga.