Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is one of the oldest and most revered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. Located at an elevation of 7,500 feet, it offers serene views of the surrounding mountains. Established in 1850, the monastery houses a magnificent 15-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha (Future Buddha) and ancient Tibetan manuscripts. Visitors are enchanted by its peaceful ambiance, colorful prayer flags, and traditional Buddhist artwork. A visit to Ghoom Monastery provides a spiritual and cultural experience, making it a must-see destination in Darjeeling
Spectacular sunrise views over Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest (on clear days).. The view of the sun rising and illuminating the snow-capped peaks is breathtaking. Best visited early morning (around 4:00 AM).
Batasia Loop is a scenic spiral railway track, located 5 km from Darjeeling, renowned for its engineering marvel and picturesque beauty. It offers panoramic views of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga range and the surrounding valleys. The loop was built to ease the steep ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. A beautifully landscaped garden surrounds the track, featuring vibrant flowers and a War Memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers. Visitors often enjoy the toy train passing through the loop, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an iconic attraction offering a unique journey through the scenic beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. Operating since 1881, this narrow-gauge railway runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, passing lush tea gardens, quaint villages, and breathtaking landscapes. The most popular ride is the joyride between Darjeeling and Ghum, India’s highest railway station, featuring the famous Batasia Loop. With its vintage steam engines and unforgettable views, the Toy Train is a must-experience for history lovers and adventure seekers
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, located in Darjeeling, is India’s highest-altitude zoo, renowned for its focus on conserving endangered Himalayan species. Spread across 67.56 acres, it is home to red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan black bears, and many other exotic animals adapted to high altitudes. Established in 1958, the zoo actively participates in global breeding programs for endangered species. Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it offers visitors a chance to explore diverse wildlife while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families.
The name Darjeeling comes from the Tibetan words, Dorje means lightning and Ling means place or land i.e. the land of the thunderbolt. The history of Darjeeling district is linked to that of the Sikkim, East India Company, Nepal and Bhutan. Darjeeling District is the northernmost district of the state of West Bengal in eastern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. The district is also known as the Queen of the Hills. Darjeeling district has more than 250 tea Estate. Darjeeling is the district headquarters and Kalimpong, Kurseong and Siliguri are three other major towns in the district and also are the subdivisional headquarters of the district. Mirik, another town of the district, has been developed as a lake resort. This is the land of the flavoured tea revered by connoisseurs across the globe. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Century old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with the fast disappearing Land Rovers. Geographically, the district can be divided into two broad divisions, the hills and the plains. There are three hill subdivisions of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong. The foothills of Darjeeling Himalayas, which comes under the Siliguri subdivision is known as the Terai. The district is bounded on the north by Sikkim, on the south by the state of Bihar, on the east by Jalpaiguri district and on the west by Nepal. Darjeeling district has a length from north to south of nearly 30 kilometers and a breadth from east to west of 26 kilometers. Darjeeling district is home to Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park, which was set up in 1986 as a wildlife sanctuary and converted to a national park in 1992. Darjeeling district also has three wildlife sanctuaries: Jorepokhri, Mahananda, and Senchal. The major languages spoken in Darjeeling district are Nepali, English, Bengali and Hindi. Other languages spoken are Lepcha, Tibetan, Sunuwar, Limbu, Rai languages, Yakkha, Tamang, Denzongke, Rajbonshi and Bijori (a Munda language) Darjeeling town conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendor. Land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas, amidst undulating tea gardens, mesmerizing scenic beauty and great location. Jewel in the crown of the Eastern Himalayas and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges including Mount Everest, Mount Kanchendzonga and the spectacular Himalayan range. Famous for tea gardens, breathtaking valleys and scenery. Places of Interest Darjeeling Himalayan Heritage Siliguri Lava / Lolaygaon / Risyap Pedong / Reshikhola Ramdhura / Iccheygaon / Mongsong Fagu / Samthar / Charkhol Mirik / Pashupati Naxalbari / Khayerpani Lamahatta / Peshok Takdah / Tinchuley Kurseong / Dilaram Palmazua / Dhotrey / Ramam Sittong Sukhiapokhori / Chamong Chatakpur Bamanpokhari Mongpong Sandakphu / Falut Communication / Connectivity Airways – Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is approximately 100 kilometers from Darjeeling. Bagdogra airport is served by regular Indian Airlines, Spice Jet, Go Air, Druk Air, Indian Airlines and Jet Airways. There are daily flights from Chennai., Bangalore, Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, etc. The airport is well connected by roadways and railways. It also serves for Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & the Indian state of Sikkim and Bihar Guest. Taxi as well as Private vehicles for nearby tourist spots are available from the airport. It is also having flight to & fro to Bangkok & Paro. It is advisable to book vehicle earlier through net or contact as during season & festival the supply reduces. Railways – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is approximately 100 kilometers away and is the nearest major railway station. Darjeeling has a narrow gauge Junction with the heritage train plying from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) to Darjeeling on daily basis. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station has all the three gauges i.e. Narrow, Meter and Broad. There are regular train services to all the major railway station like Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Jaipur, Agra, etc. Taxi as well as Private vehicles for nearby tourist spots are available from the airport. Roadways – Situated in the extreme end of National Highway number 55, State highway 12, National Highway 31 criss cross the district. Branches off from National Highway number 31 and at a distance of 90 kilometers from Siliguri is Darjeeling town and Kurseong is 50 Mirik is 55 and Kalimpong is 90 kilometers. It is a little over a 170 kilometers from Phuentsholling (Bhutan Border Town), 35 Kilometers is Kakarvitta (Nepal Border Town), Banglabandha (Border town of Bangladesh) is nearly 10 kilometers from Siliguri. Manasarovar is also accessible from Siliguri via Sikkim border to China. Darjeeling district is well conected by road. Places of Interest : DARJEELING TOWN, MIRIK ( Sumendu Lake & Pashupati ) KALIMPONG LAMAHATTA & PESHOK KURSEONG SANDAKPHU & PHALUT Tinchuley/Takdah/Mangpoo LAVA, LOLEYGAON & RISHYAP RESHI,PEDONG & SILLERYGAON
