Why Darjeeling Should Be Your Next Weekend Destination

Nestled at an elevation of 6,700 feet in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a charming hill station in West Bengal, India. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, lush pine forests, and panoramic views of the majestic Mt. Kangchenjunga — the third highest peak in the world — Darjeeling also captivates visitors with its renowned tea gardens and colonial-era architecture and that’s the reason why Darjeeling Should Be Your Next Weekend destination.

• JAPANESE TEMPLE & PEACE PAGODA: Constructed in 1972 by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, the hilltop Japanese temple is a serene location offering stunning views of the mountains and a tea garden. The Peace Pagoda, another creation by Nichidatsu Fujii, was built in 1992 and is situated just 100 meters from the Japanese temple.

• DARJEELING ZOO: This location is among the popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling, where one can observe various endangered Himalayan species such as the Red Panda, Black Panther, and Himalayan Wolf.
• HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE: Located within the Zoo, this spot is a must-visit for those interested in mountain climbing.

• DARJEELING ROPEWAY: The Rangeet Valley Ropeway, also known as the Darjeeling Ropeway, offers a 2.3 km journey that passes over the Rangeet Valley tea gardens.
• TENZING ROCK: This location is situated close to the Ropeway, offering an opportunity to try mountain climbing with expert supervision.

• CHITREY TEA GARDEN: This renowned tea garden is surrounded by numerous stalls selling tea harvested from its own fields.
• HAPPY VALLEY TEA GARDEN: This is one of the largest and most famous tea gardens near the Darjeeling bus stand.

• TIGER HILL: This tourist destination, situated atop Observatory Hills, lies 24 kilometers from the Darjeeling railway station. Renowned as a sunrise viewpoint, it provides a breathtaking view of Mt. Kangchenjunga at dawn.
• BATASIA LOOP: Also known as the Gorkha War Memorial, this loop was initially built to facilitate the toy train’s ascent. It has since been transformed into a landscaped park offering splendid views of the toy trains circling around. At the park’s center stands a war memorial, erected to pay tribute to the Gorkha soldiers who laid down their lives in battle.

• GHUM MONASTERY: Ghum Monastery, established in 1850 by the renowned Mongolian monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. Located approximately 8 kilometers from Darjeeling town, the monastery is home to a striking statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which stands at an impressive height of around 15 feet. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
• DALI MONASTERY: The Druk Thupten Sangag Choeling Monastery, also known as Dali Monastery, was founded in 1971 by the Tibetan Lama Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. It serves as a center for Buddhist teachings, philosophy, culture, and practice.

Two other spots can be done along with these 3 points

ROCK GARDEN & GANGAMAYA PARK: Also known as Chunnu Summer Falls, this natural waterfall is situated 10 km from Darjeeling. The area is beautifully adorned with seating arrangements, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings and the waterfall, making it an excellent spot for photography.