Darjeeling

The name Darjeeling comes from two Tibetan words- 'Dorje', which means thunderbolt and 'ling' which means a place or land. This incredible hill town is bestowed with a diverse and distinct culture. Perched at a magical height of 6,700 feet, Darjeeling is undoubtedly one of the most sought after tourist destinations in West Bengal. It is widely recognized for its tea plantations, dramatic views of snow-capped mountain peaks and the very iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Culture of Darjeeling

The culture of Darjeeling is completely different than any other culture of India. A historical Nepali weapon called ‘Khukri’ reflects the pride and honor of the people as ‘Bir Gorkhali’. Darjeeling has a very good connection with music too, they celebrate Diwali by singing and dancing in Deusi and Bhaileni. ‘Sarangi’ is one of the most famous musical instruments in Darjeeling. The ethnic and unique Nepali culture of Darjeeling has always been the highlight for the tourist at Darjeeling and the different Nepali tribes of this region have their own customs and traditions.

Cuisine of Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a diverse hill town and so is reflected in their cuisine. The staple food in here is rice, noodles and potatoes. Momos and Thukpa are a popular snack which has originated from the Tibetan cuisine. Some of the must try delicacies of Darjeeling are.

Momos
Thukpa
Alu Dum
Dalle
Sael roti
Shaphalay
Gundruk

Best time to visit Darjeeling

The ideal time to visit Darjeeling is during the summer months i.e. from April to June. Some travellers prefer visiting Darjeeling during the winter months. Though snowfall is rarely seen in Darjeeling, yet you can enjoy winters in this hill town in full swing.

People of Darjeeling

Darjeeling has been the home for Nepali tribes since the British took over this beautiful hilly region in 1835. The Lepchas are known as the oldest inhabitants of Darjeeling and now along with them, many other people have settled in Darjeeling following their own religion.

Rai
Limbu
Chhetri
Brahmin
Lepcha
Sherpa
Pradhan
Subba
Yolmo

Places to Visit Darjeeling

Tiger Hill

Sitting at an altitude of 2590 meters, Tiger Hill is one of the major tourist attractions in the tea rich town of Darjeeling. This place is known for its incredible sunrise views and is visited by tourists from far & wide. Make sure to leave early if you want to witness the sunrise of Tiger Hill, as the roads tend to get blocked during the peak season.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Fondly known as the Toy train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts tourists not only from India but all around the world. A journey in this Toy train provides one with eye pleasing mountain views on the way.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Known to be one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a noteworthy tourist attraction in Darjeeling. This institute is built in a picturesque setting, thus offering with spectacular views of the Himalayas. Aspiring mountaineers from all across the globe visit this institute to work on their skills.

Ghoom Monastery

Placed at an elevation of 8,000 feet, the Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. The key attraction is its 15 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha and was brought all the way from Tibet. This monastery is set against an amazing backdrop and provides with spectacular scenic views.

Batasia Loop

A railway loop in Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is yet another significant attraction in Darjeeling. This is where the iconic Toy Train takes a complete 360 degree turn and thus offers with breathtaking views of the entire hill town of Darjeeling. Besides being a tourist hotspot, the loop is said to serve a crucial purpose.

Happy Valley Tea Estate

A must-visit attraction for tourists in Darjeeling, Happy Valley Tea Estate is the second oldest tea estate in the hill town. When visiting this tea estate, make sure to take a guided tour through the factory for a better understanding of the tea making process. You can also purchase some tea products from the shops in the estate.

Nightingale Park

The Nightingale Park is a public park IN Darjeeling visited by the tourists and locals to enjoy some breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. It was earlier called 'The Shrubbery', back during the British reign.

Darjeeling Rock Garden

Also known as Barbotey Rock Garden is one of the most visited tourist destinations for nature lovers travelling to Darjeeling. Located 10 km away from the hill town it is surrounded by emerald green tea gardens and flower gardens.

Observatory Hill

One of the most preferred tourist attractions in Darjeeling, Observatory Hill is situated just above the Mall Road. It is mainly visited by adventure enthusiasts who want to enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains.

Darjeeling Peace Pagoda

Situated on the slopes of Jalapahar hills, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is famous for its peaceful ambiance. It offers with breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks including the Kanchenjunga peak making it an ideal destination for peace and nature lovers alike.