Map of Darjeeling (West Bengal), India

🏞️ What to do in Darjeeling (West Bengal)

Darjeeling (West Bengal) offers a range of activities for every traveler, from taking a ride on the historic toy train to trekking through lush tea plantations.

• Best Budget Activity in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Batasia Loop: Visit this picturesque garden to witness the mesmerizing views of the surrounding Himalayan range and catch a glimpse of the Darjeeling War Memorial.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Explore the museum, watch documentaries, and witness mountaineering training sessions at this renowned institute founded by Tenzing Norgay.

• Best Luxury Activity in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Singalila National Park Trek: Embark on a luxurious trekking expedition through the pristine wilderness of Singalila National Park, known for its diverse flora, fauna, and stunning views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga.

🍽️ Where to eat in Darjeeling (West Bengal)

In Darjeeling (West Bengal), you can savor a delightful array of culinary delights, including savory momos, aromatic Tibetan thukpa, and refreshing Darjeeling tea.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Keventer's•INR 100 - 300:

  Continental and Tibetan dishes

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Glenary's Bakery & Cafe•INR 300 - 800:

  Bakery items, Continental fare, and Indian dishes

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  The Elgin•INR 800+:

  Anglo-Indian and Continental cuisine

• Best Budget Bar in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Joey's Pub•INR 100 - 300:

  Darjeeling Tea Cocktail

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Carpe Diem•INR 300 - 800:

  Himalayan Martini

• Best Luxury Bar in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  The Park Hotel•INR 800+:

  Darjeeling Gin & Tonic

🏰 What to see in Darjeeling (West Bengal)

Darjeeling (West Bengal) is home to a treasure trove of captivating landmarks, from ancient monasteries to panoramic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

• Tiger Hill

  Witness a magical sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of the Kangchenjunga range from this famous viewpoint, offering a panoramic spectacle.

• Ghoom Monastery (Yiga Choeling Monaster

  Step into the tranquility of this historic monastery, which houses a majestic statue of Maitreya Buddha and exquisite Tibetan thangkas.

• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

  Explore this unique zoo renowned for its conservation efforts, featuring rare Himalayan fauna like snow leopards, red pandas, and Tibetan wolves.

• Peace Pagoda

  Find serenity at this gleaming white pagoda, a symbol of peace and harmony, offering stunning views of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.

• Batasia Loop and War Memorial

  Marvel at the engineering marvel of Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track, and pay tribute at the War Memorial commemorating the Gorkha soldiers.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Darjeeling (West Bengal)

Darjeeling (West Bengal) is a shopper's paradise, offering a mix of traditional markets, boutique stores, and craft emporiums where you can find unique souvenirs and local treasures.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Nehru Road Market: Explore this bustling market lined with street vendors selling a variety of items like handmade woolens, local handicrafts, and tea leaves at pocket-friendly prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Chowk Bazaar: Wander through this vibrant market known for its Tibetan artifacts, Buddhist paintings, jewelry, and pashmina shawls, offering a blend of quality and affordability.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Darjeeling (West Bengal):

  Oxford Book and Stationery Co.: Indulge in a sophisticated shopping experience at this renowned bookstore stocking a wide range of books, stationery, and unique gifts for book enthusiasts.

🚌 Getting Around Darjeeling (West Bengal)

• Public Transport

  In Darjeeling, public transportation plays a vital role in getting around the city. The most common mode of public transport is the local buses that connect different parts of the city. These buses are affordable with fares starting from as low as INR 10. Additionally, Darjeeling is famous for its toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that offers a unique experience of traveling through the picturesque landscapes. The train operates on a specific schedule, and the fare varies based on the class you choose.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  The main transportation hubs in or close to Darjeeling include the Darjeeling Railway Station, which serves as a crucial point for the toy train routes. It is well-connected to various parts of the city. For buses, the Narbotam Bus Stand is the primary terminal for intra-city and inter-city buses, providing convenient access to different locations. The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 70 km away.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Various car rental services are available in Darjeeling, such as Zoomcar, Ola Rentals, and local agencies. Prices for car rentals usually start from INR 1500 per day. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: For those looking for a more eco-friendly and adventurous way to explore Darjeeling, bicycle rentals are available at places like Darjeeling Cycle Hire. Prices for bicycle rentals typically start from INR 200 per day.