Darjeeling is also known as “Queen of Hills” because of Mount Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks. Darjeeling is also famous for its Joyful Toy Train and the best months to visit this place are in between March to June. The new Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest railway station. The Bagdogra airport is also nearest airport for Darjeeling.

Let's check out the top 11 destinations you must visit in Darjeeling.

1.    The Darjeeling Zoo and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - HMI

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park also known as Darjeeling Zoo is the largest high altitude zoo in India with an average height of 7000 feet. This zoo is spread across 67.5 acres of land and also you can see animals like red panda, snow leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black bear, Siberian tigers, yaks and many more.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a must visit place in Darjeeling. They conduct Adventure, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses. 

2.    Sunrise at the Tiger Hill

The Darjeeling holiday is incomplete without a visit to Tiger Hill. This place is best known for its trekking routes and panoramic views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together. It is advisable to visit this palace before Sunrise to see the sunlight at the peek of mountains.

3.    Batasia Loop

The Batasia Loop is a railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360degree turn. There is also an Garden at this place. At the center of Batasia Loop is a War Memorial that was built to in the memoriws the Gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling Hills. From the Batasia Loop you can get a panoramic view of Darjeeling.
 
4.    The Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta

The Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta is the centralised place for all types of activities. The word ‘Chow’ means four and ‘Rasta’ stands for road, which means that the Mall is where four roads meet. Four wheelers are not allowed in the Mall area. There are some old stores lined up around for shopping purposes along with a couple of restaurants. One can enjoy a horse ride too.

5.    Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park

The Rock Garden also known as Barbotey Rock Garden is a place one should never miss because the entire garden area has been created by cutting rocks at different levels and making terraced seating arrangements at various levels. There is a wonderful waterfall that comes all the way from the top and over the rocks to down below.

Ganga Maya Park is a new addition to the special attractions. There is a small lake with excellent boating facilities which will make your trip a memorable one.
 

6.    Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

Located on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the Japanese temple is a Buddhist temple which is built in the Japanese style of architecture. Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa which has four statues of Lord Buddha. Both these structures were built in the sign of universal peace and unity. 

7.    Happy Valley Tea Estate  

Darjeeling is also known for its Tea Gardens, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is the second oldest tea estate built in 1854. A guided tour of these gardens helps to understand the process of manufacturing where you can enjoy the various tastes of Tea. You can also click photos wearing the traditional clothes.
 

8.    Mahakal Temple and the Observatory Hill 

The Mahakal Temple with three Shiva Lingas built in the year 1782. At this temple you will not only hear the Hindu priests chanting prayers, you will also find Buddhist monks reading out from their holy scripts.

The Observatory Hill is the best place for photography. There are shaded seating places made out of concrete and it is perfect for bird watching. With a clean climate you can see the entire range of snowy mountains and also the panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga.

9.    Old Ghoom Monastery

Also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, this is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling built in 1850. The key attraction inside is the 15-foot statue of Lord Buddha which is known as The Maitreya Buddha which means Buddha of the future. In front of the statue there are two huge oil lamps that keep burning all through the year. 

10.    Tenzing & Gombu Rocks

The Tenzing rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who was famous for climbing Mount Everest alongwith Edmund Hillary in 1953. Gombu rocks got its name after Nawang Gombu, nephew of Tenzing. He had climbed the Mighty Everest twice, first in 1963 and then again in 1965. These massive rocks are an ideal place for providing training with regards to rock climbing to the students of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

11.    Toy Train

Toy Train the name itself gives us a sense of Joy and happiness. The Darjeeling trip will never be complete without riding in the Toy Train. Where else can you find a small steam engine pulling mini coaches up the steep mountains and making almost impossible curves through the hilly terrain? The diesel engines used these days are faster and more powerful but the original steam engines still operate in some sections and also for Joyrides. You can book the tickets through the IRCTC website.

For more information on group or customized Darjeeling tour packages please visit www.trinityairtravel.com or call us on 1800 266 5588.