Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling – Hills, Tea Gardens & Heritage

1. Teesta – Go River Rafting

Live the excitement of river rafting to its maximum by visiting the Teesta River and finding out why is this June activity number one for what to do in Darjeeling. The rapids change in severity throughout the route with both Grades 1 to 4 and most perilous rapids accessible only to skilled, trained individuals due to their potential risks.

Although it promises any kind of excitement and despite it even promises you to feel like the main protagonist of the movie, it is only when you are serious about following the operator’s instructions that you will realize that your adventure will become one of the most pleasurable events in your life. The Teesta River rafting in Darjeeling starts from the 7th Mile and ends up at Labarbote, a distance of about 30-35 minutes.

Location: 7th Mile, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734301

Best Time To Visit: December – June. None of us should raft if we can avoid it during the monsoon season.

Timings: 9 am to 2 pm

2. Sandakphu – Trek The Peak

Accomplishing a trekking trip to Sandakphu should definitely be on top of a list for any adventurist looking to get more excitement out of Darjeeling. A lofty elevation in West Bengal, Sandakphu allows visitors to observe the world’s tallest mountains, with views passing not only through It provides a real masterpiece of an unforgettable adventure that should top every traveler’s list in Darjeeling.

At an altitude that goes as high as 3,636 meters at the top of Sandakphu you can see the high tensity of the Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga Peak. Tailor your visit perfectly, you will witness breathtaking sunsets and stunning sunrises.

Location: Damey Gaon, Mane Bhanjang, Majua, West Bengal 734221 is the point of origin of the Sandakphu trek.

Best Time To Visit: April and May, and October up to early December.

Timings: At a guided trek participants are typically collected at 8am and returned around 6pm.

3. The Toy Train – Take A Joy Ride

Having the Himalayan Toy Train is a must-do activity when you go to Darjeeling. Start your tour from Ghoom stop at Kurseong eat at your favourite eateries on your way and enjoy the stupendous view of the hills through your sightseeing in Darjeeling.

The toy train started in 1881 and covers approximately 90 kilometers of track, and it was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site among some that have steam engines, which are the traditional form. Live a real romantic adventure across stunningly beautiful scenery while riding this train. No visit to Darjeeling would be complete without sitting in this ride alongside your children.

Location: Its is located in Hill Cart Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal.

Best Time To Visit: This particular period of the year, October to December, is perfect as mists clear, and weather takes a warm turn.

Timings: The service operates from 7:40 am to 4.30 pm which designates the last train.

4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Located at Jawahar Parvat, Darjeeling, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute pays strong attention to conducting many training programs in mountaineering and adventure, applicable to people of different experience levels. Participants have the option of committing to a month long-span or to shorter three day programs.

Tourists in search of a weekend trip to Darjeeling or those who would like to try out rock climbing can take advantage of the simple activities offered at HMI without attending a whole program. If you are in a day or a month here, the entire experience is really remarkable and fascinating. Though the basic course ranges at about INR 4000/- monthly, rock climbing along with smaller events can be experienced at minimum 200 INR per person if you manage to secure a ticket and a partner.

Location: Jawahar Parvat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Best Time To Visit: During the months of April and June and September and December the region experiences mild winds and gentle temperature thus it is perfect for a vigorous pursuit like this.

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

5. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Explore Wildlife

Located at the centre of Darjeeling in the remembrance of Padmaja Naidu, visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park will bring the greatest of the activities in town. Founded in 1958; the zoo is popularly known as the Darjeeling Zoo has an expansive area of 67 acres land.

The things to look forward to include some of the most prized residents of the zoo, such as the endangered Himalayan wolf, the Red Panda, snow leopards, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Salamander and the blue sheep. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is one revenge of the zoo grounds and, therefore, is the ideal venue for a trip for rock climbing.

Location: Situated in West Bengal 734101, in Darjeeling on Jorethang road by the Birch Hill Resort and Jawahar Parbat.

Best Time To Visit: The best time to come is between March to June and September to January.

Timings: 8:30 am – 4 pm

6. Darjeeling Ropeway – A Bird’s-eye View

Darjeeling would be an understatement when described as one of the world’s most gorgeous cities. This beautiful perspective can be appreciated equally from any direction, and especially from above. From a height, you are provided with the overall view of the Queen of the Hills. When viewed from a bird’s eye view, the vista consists of sprawling tea gardens, mountain forests, shining snow peaks, Mt. Everest which is towering in the distance and monasteries who appear as small stars in the night sky.

Making an adventurous event of Hopping aboard the Darjeeling Ropeway cable car is a best experience that one can share with family and friends in Darjeeling. Having a maximum of six people, the cable car will enable you to enjoy this picturesque Rangeet river with your loved ones as you look at it from below, as it winds its way around it. Darjeeling and Gangtok are among the best places to go for a romantic honeymoon.

Location: Singamari Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best Time To Visit: The best times of year to visit are March to June and September to January.

Timings: 8:30 am – 4 pm

7. Barbotey Garden – A Rocky Garden

What many refer to as the rock garden is mentioned quite often as one of the most highly rated areas of Darjeeling. This park is an example of creative practice in development of public open spaces. Such an Eden-like garden, with its rock beds, waterfalls and fountains, is a leading attraction for nature lovers in Darjeeling. Walking in this garden is like walking into a sanskrit epic with the feel of sringara rasa all over with bumble bees and fresh flowers everywhere. For heart concerns, or troubles with your joints, it is advisable to avoid the steeper parts of the garden and take it easier in this area. The garden really flourishes and becomes brighter during the monsoon period. After August, a visit to Darjeeling will bring wonderful experiences.

Situated: Barbotey Busty, Rock Garden Rd, Darjeeling, Barbatia Khasmahal, West Bengal 734102

Best Time To Visit: March to September

Timings: 9 am – 5 pm

8. Bengal Natural History Museum 

This anthropological zoo is housed at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and it contains the relics of many flora and fauna which are from Darjeeling and environs. Interpretation of bird, mammal and reptile is enriched by the establishment of the Natural History Museum in 1923 for this purpose. Currently, there were stored at the museum the specimens from 371 species of birds (including 110 species of bird eggs), 250 mammal species, 46 species of reptiles and fish, many species of butterflies, moths, dragon flies, and beetles. Don’t forget to examine this section if you do love to watch the preserved remains of unique animals here while you are in Darjeeling.

Location: Those who love wildlife will find it of interest at the Padmaja Naidu, Himalayan Zoological Park present at the address Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104.

Best Time To Visit: March to June as well as September to January.

Timings: 8 am – 4:30 pm (Thursdays closed)

9. Tinchuley – A Peaceful Getaway

Tamil Nadu reflects the spirit of both hill station scene and small-town existence. Meet Tinchuley, your dream destination! Dotted with vast tea estates and abundant fruit orchards, this town is located at the confluence of West Bengal and Sikkim. Don’t forget your camera because this place is gorgeous, and full of potential for unbelievable shots, which might even compete with the biggest filmmakers. Sample some local fruit in the orchards, and the real stuff will leave you with no doubts that city versions don’t even hold a candle to them. Its name is Tinchuley, derived from the three hills around the meeting place, with ‘Tin’ being ‘three and ‘Chula’ meaning oven’. Going to Tinchuley is a relaxing and inspirational visit, when you are in Darjeeling.

Location: In the vicinity of the point at which West Bengal and Sikkim meet up.

Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to January.

Timings: Daylight hours

10. Tiger Hill – Watch The Sunrise

A sunrise at tiger Hill is part and parcel of the Darjeeling tour. When the sun breaks through and the light plays across the brilliant snowfields of Kanchenjunga and Everest and the scene throws up a wonderful range of glorious colours, the panorama really does blow you away. A clear sky provides you fabulous views of the mountains in Tibet along with the Teesta, Mechi and Mahananda river that water this region before flowing to the Bay of Bengal.

Hiking at this fantastic viewpoint is one of the activities that should be done in Darjeeling and Gangtok. You have a great adventure and fun to be taken here without any reason to feel disappointed.

Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734123

Best Time To Visit: Latest updates are needed from October to December and March to April<<

Timings: While it is open 24 hours a day we suggest that you visit it during the daylight hours (6am–6pm).

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