The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as "The Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers breathtaking views of the scenic locales. Take a ride through the hillside, passing by small villages and tea plantations to witness the charm of Darjeeling from up close. The ride lasts two hours, ending at Ghum, the highest railway station in India.
Tiger Hill is one of the most scenic spots in Darjeeling, where you can experience the beautiful sunrise with the mighty Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. Get up early in the morning to reach the viewpoint before dawn and witness the beautiful Machhapuchhre mountain with the sunrise rays gradually illuminating it.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay, an Everest Summiteer, is a great place to get an insight into mountaineering and exploration. Adjacent to the institute is the Darjeeling Zoo that houses rare Himalayan species like red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and Himalayan black bears.
Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea estates in Darjeeling and is famous for its exquisite tea gardens. Take a tour of the plantation, experiencing the process of tea-making, from plucking to processing, and finally tasting the different varieties of tea. You can also buy tea from the souvenir shop to take home as a memory of your tour.
If you have more time, you can also visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, and Batasia Loop. For more adventurous activities, you can try trekking at Sandakphu, river rafting in Teesta, and paragliding in Kalimpong. If you have less time, you can combine the visits to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo and visit the Darjeeling Mall Road in the evening to explore the local cuisine and shopping.