The holiday season is on its way! Have you planned anything for your trip this season? If you have not, let me introduce you to the most beautiful and naturally blessed place in East India – Darjeeling. 

Due to the wide range of things Darjeeling offers, it attracts every type of traveler. From ropeways to Toy train rides, from temples to monasteries, from valleys to mountains and waterfalls to rivers, Darjeeling is blessed with everything. 

The place is one of those places everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. After gushing about this place, let’s discover what Darjeeling offers. This list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling can help you make the most of your vacation.

Darjeeling’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations

1 – Tinchuley Village 

For those weary of city life and in need of a break from city chaos, take a trip to Tinchuley Village. The village offers so much that we have kept it at the top of our list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. 

It is a small village located at an altitude of 5800 feet, surrounded by the stunning Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges. The town offers you the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic and simple lifestyle of villagers living in the hills, rivers, valleys, and tea gardens. 

Several guest houses and homestays are available in the village for tourists to experience village life upclosely.

Darjeeling is one of the most important tea-producing cities in the country, and this place is loaded with vast, lush green tea gardens where you can see how tea is produced.

Time to explore: open 24 hrs 

Entry fee: Free

Distance from Darjeeling: Approx 25.2 km

Things to do:

• Stay at a home instead of a hotel for a more authentic experience.
• Learn about floriculture and vermiculture, two farming methods developed in the past.
• Going shopping and sightseeing.

2. Tiger Hills

At 8,500 feet above sea level, Tiger Hills offers a stunning view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for those who enjoy trekking or mountain climbing.

If you visit the top of the mountain on a clear day, you’ll see the Teesta, Mahananda, Balason, and Mechi rivers, as well as the stunning city of Kurseong.

The trekkers start their climb early to be able to witness the perfect sunrise over Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. 

Time to explore: No fixed time, but avoid going there after sundown.

Entry fee: Rs 200 per vehicle 

Distance from Darjeeling: 13.5 km

Things to do 

• Trekking and exploring the beauty of the Tiger hills 
• Sunset views
• Photography and vlogging 

3. Himalayan Tibet Museum 

The next place on our list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling is the museum, which is perfect for those who appreciate historical artifacts. Since it is close to the central city of Darjeeling, you can easily reach it. This museum’s structure reflects Tibetan architectural styles and color palettes. 

The museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts and cultural practices, as well as a 3D map of Tibet. If you closely observe the museum’s collections, you will see that it emphasizes Tibetan history.

The Dalai Lama donated several articles, prayer bells, and a Buddha statue to preserve Tibet’s authenticity in its purest form.

Time to explore: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry fee: Rs 50 per head

Distance from Darjeeling: 230 m 

Things to do:

• Learn about Buddha’s life through his paintings.
• Talking to the local priests.

4. Japanese Peace Pagoda 

Peace Pagoda is a serene oasis in Darjeeling! Designed by Japanese Buddhist monks in 1972, this stunning structure symbolizes peace and tranquility. Pagodas symbolize world peace and harmony, reflecting Buddha’s teachings. 

As you step inside, the calm atmosphere will make your worries fade away. This is an ideal location for relaxation due to its breathtaking scenery and relaxing atmosphere. In order to show respect, visitors are requested to remove their shoes. 

Time to explore: 4 am to 7 pm

Entry fee: Free

Distance from Darjeeling: Approx 2.8 km

Things to do 

• Participate in Buddhist prayer ceremonies.
• Explore Buddha’s life through architecture and art.
• Interact with priests and monks there to learn more about the Peace Pagodas.

5. Shri Mahakal Temple, Darjeeling

Mahakal Temple of Darjeeling is one of India’s most celebrated and highly respected Shiva temples. 

Legend says that the three Shiva lingas represent the three mighty Hindu gods- Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. When you look at the temple’s history, you can see both Hindu and Buddhist roots attached to it.

Whenever you visit Darjeeling, make sure to visit the Mahakal temple. It won’t disappoint you.

Time to explore: 6 am to 7 pm 

Entry fee: Free

Distance from Darjeeling: 750m

Things to do: 

• Take part in spiritual activities such as Pooja and darshan in the temple.
• A nature walk on Observatory Hill.
• Explore Bhutiya Busti, where the original monastery was located.

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

In our lives, we have all heard stories about the bravery and valour of mountaineers and their adventures. 

Two well-known mountaineers, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, wanted to create interest in climbing among younger generations. So, in 1953, they founded the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. 

Several courses on mountaineering techniques are available at the institute. Inside the campus, there is a Tenzing memorial, a museum that is open to the public.

Hence, if you are into trekking or want to learn more about mountaineers, add the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to your list of things to do in Darjeeling.

Time to explore: 9 am to 5 pm

Entry fee: free

Distance from Darjeeling: 2.9 km

Things to do 

• Exploring the museum that displays artifacts from the 1953 Everest expedition
• Discover the library’s collection of 2800 books on mountaineering, travel, and other topics.
• You can also practice mountain climbing on Tenzing Rock

7. Passenger Ropeway

Are you an adventurer? Then you have to visit this tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Founded in 1968 with a single car, this ropeway is approximately 2100 meters above sea level.

It is a 45-minute adventure ropeway ride that begins near the north point and ends near Singla, on the banks of the Ramman river. 

The ropeway will take you through dense forests, mountain ridges, flowing rivers, green valleys, and tea gardens. Do not forget to wear a high-quality jacket because it can be chilly up there!

Time to explore: 10 am to 4 pm

Ticket Price: Rs 200 ( for a round trip)

Distance from Darjeeling: 3 km

Things to do 

• Enjoy the natural beauty of Darjeeling from a height of 7000 feet.
• Click photos from the top.

8. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train Ride)

Trains are fun, but toy trains are even more enjoyable. The toy train ride is one of the must-do things in Darjeeling. If you visit here with kids, you must ride the train. I am sure they will enjoy it.

The train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, covering 88 km. As you ride the train, you will see stunning landscapes, valleys, mountains, and caves along the way, which will make your trip memorable. 

Time to explore: 7 am to 4:20 pm

Entry fee: Rs 452 – 1420 per person

Distance from Darjeeling: 38 km

Things to do 

• Exploring the beauty of the eastern Himalayas.
• Interacting with officials and local people to learn about the history of the toy train.

9. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

If you want to explore various flora and fauna, you will enjoy your trip to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. 

You can find snow leopards and red pandas in their natural habitats, along with a well-maintained veterinary unit for their maintenance. 

Besides these animals, you can also see Himalayan goral, blue sheep, red Jungle fowl, Himalayan monal, and exotic pheasants in the Zoological Park. The experience of watching all these animals in their natural habitat would be ethereal.

Those who are wildlife lovers should include Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park on their list of Darjeeling must-see attractions.

Time to explore: 8:30 am to 4 pm 

Entry fee: Rs 110 per person 

Distance from Darjeeling: 2.7 km

Things to do 

• Learn about the exotic species of the red panda and the snow leopard
• Capture wildlife with your camera lenses.

10. Dali Monastery 

Lastly, we have the Dali Monastery on our list of places to visit in Darjeeling. It was built in 1971 by Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche. 

A lot of information about Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and tradition can be learned in the entire complex. The monastery’s library contains many books on Buddhism and philosophy.

Therefore, if you want to learn about Buddhism, the Dali Monastery is a must-visit attraction in Darjeeling.

Time to explore: 7 am to 5 pm 

Entry fee: Free

Distance from Darjeeling : 3 km

Things to do 

• Explore the Tibetan library.
• Learn about Tibetan cultural traditions and Buddhist practices.
• Sitting and meditating in the meditation room 

Conclusion

Now you know what Darjeeling can offer its travelers. Darjeeling has many other amazing places besides the ones I mentioned.  If you would like more information about the tourist attractions, you can contact SuperbWorldTrip.com. Additionally, you’ll find great deals on vacation packages, hotels, and flights.

Some places listed above, which are near the Kanchenjunga ranges, so you should bring warm jackets, scarves, and boots. Be sure to take as many photos as possible because the place is beautiful. Pack your bags and grab your Darjeeling tickets.