Aside from sipping a cup of tea, there are many fun things to do in Darjeeling. It is also famous for its cuisine – a fusion of Bengali, Tibetan, and Nepalese tastes. Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station that gives peace and serenity to others. Darjeeling tour package helps people to explore.
The iconic Chowrasta Square houses several lively markets, where you can shop for woolen clothing and eye-catching antiques. It is also a popular spot for watching the mesmerizing sunrise.
1. Tea Gardens
Darjeeling tour packages are incomplete without visiting tea gardens. Visiting a tea plantation is one of the most popular things to do in Darjeeling. The relaxed hilltop city is synonymous with tea and there are many homestays that offer the experience.
The Lloyd Botanical Gardens are another highlight. The grounds contain impressive rhododendrons first planted in 1878 and wisterias along with an arboretum with a wide variety of trees, plants and cacti.
Tiger Hill is a must-visit for sunrise enthusiasts and the views from here are spectacular. However, be aware that clouds can obstruct your view so the best time to go is winter.
The Himalayan Zoo is also located in the park and contains a nice collection of mountain animals including rose ring parakeets, Himalayan black bears,s and yaks. You can even take a toy train ride through the park which is included in the ticket.
2. Peace Pagoda
While a visit to the tea gardens is one of the most popular things to do in Darjeeling, there are other attractions that make it a relaxing and serene hilltop getaway. Moreover, it’s home to some stunning monasteries that offer a glimpse into the non-secular world.
The Peace Pagoda is one such spot that attracts visitors from across the country. It is a glistening structure that offers adorable views of the valley from its location in Walapane.
Besides this, the area is known for its handmade products such as Tibetan masks, Thangkas, khukris (curved Gorkha knives with decorative handles) and other curios. The Nightingale Park, Himalayan Zoological Park and Sandakphu Peak are also top attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is another must-see.
3. Tiger Hill
Darjeeling is one of the most breathtaking hilltop towns in India, famous for its heavenly teas, majestic views of Kanchenjunga (the third highest peak in the world), and the toy train running through the lush green Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there is a lot more to explore in this serene hilltop hamlet.
The highlight of any Darjeeling tour is the sunrise experience at Tiger Hill which is known internationally for its awe-inspiring views. Located at an altitude of over 2600 m, the place is a magnet for nature lovers and photographers who love to capture the mesmerizing Himalayan peaks with their cameras. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest.
4. Batasia Loop
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions. The place is where the mighty Himalayan Railway track makes a curved loop in the middle of a magnificent garden.
The garden is dotted with well-manicured flowers which adds to the beauty of this mesmerizing spot. At the center is a War Memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.
Tourists visit Batasia Loop to witness a spectacular panoramic view of Darjeeling town and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. They also take a stroll in the garden. Watching the train tearing through the white sky and deeper into the lush greenery is an enthralling experience. Moreover, the experience of taking a toy train joy ride from Darjeeling and returning to Ghum is not to be missed.
5. Natural History Museum
One of the best things to do in Darjeeling is visit the Bengal Natural History Museum located near Chowrasta. The museum displays a fascinating plethora of birds, reptiles, and insects. The museum was initially set up as a zoological garden and later converted into a museum.
Besides being known for tea, this relaxed hilltop town has much more to offer. You can enjoy pink gin and tonics in hotels dripping with colonial charm, explore a tea factory, go for a hike at Tiger Hill, watch the Himalayan sunrise or simply soak in the serene surroundings.
You can also shop for souvenirs & handicrafts at the Mall Road and try classic Tibetan food like Thukpa (noodle soup) and momos. The Darjeeling market is another popular place to shop for clothing & footwear at reasonable prices
For more read: https://cleverblogger.in/2024/09/07/a-journey-to-remember-kheerganga-trek/