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Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Hidden beneath the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is an “abode of god.” Situated among the serenity of nature, it is a must places to visit in Darjeeling for some intoxicating time in nature’s lap.

Travel Guide About Darjeeling

Darjeeling: Why Even Go There?

Darjeeling is one of the biggest tourist destinations in India. Its natural beauty, perfect climate, and captivating mountain view are a few of the reasons to visit here.

Darjeeling is a part of West Bengal and is located at a height of 2134 meters. It is a proud possession of West Bengal Tourism. The exotic flora, fauna, and chilly weather are a few reasons why it is named the “Queen of the Hills.”

It is a perfect abode for trekkers and mountaineers. The view of the Kanchenjunga is spectacular from here. This spectacular view is what attracts a lot of tourists year-round in Darjeeling.

However, Darjeeling has a lot more to offer tourists. From Darjeeling, you have access to most other hill stations such as Gangtok, Kalimpong, and many more. There are great places to visit in Gangtok, and Darjeeling is your starting point for that.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

1. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute And Darjeeling Zoo

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling is one of the best in the country. It exhibits the mountaineering gears from the early days along with certain artifacts.

The Institute was built here in honor of Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to climb Mt. Everest. They were the first to climb the tallest mountain in the world for the 1st time in 1953.

All the mountaineering gear that the men used is also here in the Institute itself. There are souvenirs and a restaurant here on the premises for the tourists.

Located beside the Institute on the same premises is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Here you can experience the best wildlife Darjeeling has to offer.

Here you will find a number of exotic animals such as the Siberian Tiger, snow leopard, goral, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bear, and red panda.

Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in Summer & 8:30 am to 4:00 pm in Winter.

2. Darjeeling Ropeway

Opened in 1968, known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car; from here, you can have the best view of Darjeeling. This was the first cable car system ever built in India.

From the beautiful Tea Gardens to the majestic peak of the Kanchenjunga and the dense forest beneath it. You will be able to experience everything Darjeeling has to offer at once.

Timings: 10:00am to 4:00pm (Winter and Monsoon), 10:00am to 2:00pm (Summer and Autumn).

3. Happy Valley Tea Estate

Enjoy the lush greenery and the sweet taste of Darjeeling Tea. This is a 150 years old Tea Estate, one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. Although this is only the second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, built in 1854, situated 2100 meters above sea level.

Timings: Tuesday to Saturday- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

4. Senchal Lake And Wildlife Sanctuary

This is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, set up in the year 1915. Situated about 11 kms away from Darjeeling town, it is a must-visit place in Darjeeling.

Senchal Lake, which is situated within the wildlife, has the most beautiful picturesque view. For nature lovers and photographers, this is an ideal place.

Here you will find a number of wildlife such as leopards, rhesus monkeys, and Himalayan black bears. Along with that, here, you will see a wide variety of exotic birds.

5. Shrubbery Nightingale Park

If you are someone who loves flowers and exotic flora, then you must visit Shrubbery Nightingale Park. Here you will find beautiful flowers along with a majestic view of the Kanchenjunga mountain. 

The park was totally destroyed during a massive earthquake in 1934; it was rebuilt to its former glory. It has pebblestone pathways, a musical fountain and benches to sit on. This park is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Blooming Seasons: October and November.

6. Dhirdham Temple

Another gorgeous tourist attraction is the Dhirdham Temple; it is a Hindu temple in Nepalese style. This is located just below the Toy Train station. This temple was built by the King of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Pradhan, in the year 1936. The temple has the idol of Lord Shiva.

The idol is of white color, and Shiva is represented to have various expressions with his third eye. This temple has the architectural design of the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu.

Aarti Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Note That: Inside the temple premises, cameras are not allowed.

7. Darjeeling Mall And Chowrasta

At the heart of Darjeeling town are the Darjeeling Mall and the Chowrasta. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling. It is the best places to hang out for both tourists and localities.

Here you will find the best restaurants, shops, boutiques and cafes. This is a must-visit place in Darjeeling for anyone to visit. During the evening, you will find a lot of entertainment options here.

Few of the best shops around here are Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge, Curio Corner, Habeeb Mullick & Sons and the Jolly Arts & Bhutan Tibetan Art Shop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Visit Now!

Here I have pointed out the 7 best places in Darjeeling to visit, but there are more than 25 places to visit in Darjeeling, and Gangtok should be your next destination of choice.

Darjeeling is a staple tourist destination for every Indian. It is the first place our parents took us to. It has a different emotion on my part.

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh varies according to your preference. The best part about going to this beautiful state is that it looks different in different seasons – so whichever season you choose, you are kinda choosing the right destination!

Scroll down and find out when you can visit Himachal Pradesh and what to expect from each season!

Journey To The Dev Bhoomi: Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh!

The land of Dev Bhoomi is best known for its picturesque landscapes, godly mountains, lots of comfort food, and every other ingredient that you need for some much-needed peace! Dotted with beautiful hill stations, tourists from all around the world visit Himachal every year, and there’s no reason why you should not!

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh would be between February to June, during Summer and Spring. You could also consider visiting this beautiful state during winter between October and February to experience snowfall. As every season unfolds, Himachal Pradesh changes colors, be it spring or winter, or even Summer.

It honestly depends upon how you want to see this colorful land – are you looking for the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh for honeymoon, or are you looking for the perfect time you can travel to Himachal solo? Check out the tables below for a more comprehensive understanding of the Himachali seasons.

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh also depends on when you want to go – do you want to hit the Dev Bhoomi during the peak season time? Or do you want to travel when it’s off-season in Himachal?

1. Peak Season: March – June
2. Shoulder Season: November – February
3. Low Season: July – September

Exploring Himachal In Summer (March To June):

• Temperature: 22 – 37 °C
• Weather: Neither too cold nor too hot
• Months: March – June

Summer in Himachal Pradesh is a soothing affair – the cold won’t bother you by sending shivers across your spine. Instead, it’s one of those times of the year when you can enjoy the cold while sipping on a hot cup of traditional Himachali tea by the hills. You know that feeling when the air conditioner is running, and you snuggle under the blanket? That is exactly how summer nights at Himachal feel!

Are you looking for answers to questions such as ‘Himachal Pradesh best time to visit?’ – you can always opt for Summer considering you hate the excessive cold and want to spend a comfy time while traveling!

The weather is great, but you know this season is also known for its own share of celebrations and festivities. Locals celebrate the Doongri Fair, also known as the Hadimba Devi Fair – the purpose? To celebrate the beginning of Summer! These local festivities are characterized by vibrant colors, blooming flowers, and lots of entertainment.

Another great event that celebrates Summer in Himachal is the Summer Festival, which is held at The Ridge in Shimla every year. A 10-day event, the Summer Festival is known for handicraft exhibitions, fun sports activities, and folk dance performances – pet lovers, can even enjoy a dog show!

Exploring Himachal In Monsoon (July To September):

• Temperature: 15 – 25 °C
• Weather: Monsoon with incessant rain
• Months: July – September

Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh is all about petrichor with this rain-clad hamlet looking like a ‘breath of fresh air.’  The ‘freshly bathed streets’ and the smell of rain will greet you – think about the misty hills and quaint cafés, all patiently waiting for your arrival. Enjoy the magic of monsoon at Himachal and get lost in the beauty of the hamlet.

While the earthy scent and lush landscapes will be enough to stunt your senses, a series of events will prevent the dampening of your spirits. The town of Chamba, for instance, celebrates the Minjar Festival in the months of July and August – the festivities are held for seven days and are mostly marked by grand processions.

Locals visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple to offer both money and sweets as a prayer for a good harvest. The rains are beautiful, and they end up breathing life into the lush greenery that Himachal has to offer. If your best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is monsoon, then you must check out Kasol – spend hours by the side of the massive Parvati river, as the rain keeps creating a rippling effect on the water surface.

Exploring Himachal In Winter (December To February):

• Temperature: 0 – 15 °C
• Weather: Snowy heaven
• Months: December – February

Himachal Pradesh is a snow-lovers paradise in winter. If you want to experience the magical aura of snowfall in Himachal, then the best time to visit in Himachal Pradesh is this time! From indulgent snowball fights with your friends or family to walk through white streets while playing fun winter sports, winter in Himachal is a gift to all travelers out there – snowclad mountains, frozen lakes, crystalline ponds, and the landscape you will remember forever.

The breathtaking beauty of Khajjar Lake is something you can’t miss out on during this time. Moreover, places like Manali and Shimla celebrate the onset of winter with the Winter Carnival – the ski slopes of Solang Valley and the winter sports activities of Rohtang Range are popular tourist attractions during this season.

If you want to travel to Himachal during the winter, it’s a crazy decision considering the beauty during this time. You can also pay a visit to the Winter Queen contest a sort of beauty contest held in Manali.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh mentioned below.

The Mountains Are Calling… And Himachal Is Waiting!

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh can vary depending on which season you prefer. Another factor that can influence your decision is whether you want to visit Himachal when everyone else is visiting or you prefer a smaller crowd. Himachal Pradesh is a huge state in terms of tourism because there’s so much to see, explore, and enjoy!

The best time to visit Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh will vary from the best time to visit another hill station in the same state. All you need to do is pick a time when you can see more, explore more, and naturally enjoy more. In the meantime, don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on the same in the comments below.