The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Bengal Natural History Museum are located in the same premises. The institute was established to preserve the history of mountaineering and trained mountaineers. The museum showcases various animals, birds, and their habitats.
Tiger Hill is famous for the stunning sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the Himalayas. Batasia Loop is a railway loop where the Toy Train takes a complete 360-degree turn. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the balcony of the War Memorial located here.
Happy Valley Tea Estate is the most famous tea plantation in Darjeeling. Visitors can explore the tea gardens and the tea processing factory. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is home to endangered animals and birds, including the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Himalayan Tahr.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes visitors on a 2-hour joyride through the mountains. Mall Road is the main market in Darjeeling, famous for its handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional clothing.
Ghum Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Darjeeling. It houses a 15-foot statue of Lord Buddha and ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Kali Mandir is a famous Hindu temple known for its religious significance and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Rock Garden is an excellent picnic spot with terraced gardens, waterfalls, and seating areas. Visitors can take a dip in the natural rock pools here. Ganga Maya Park is located nearby and offers beautiful views of the mountains and valley.
Japanese Peace Pagoda is a white-colored stupa with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. It is a symbol of peace and harmony. Ava Art Gallery is an art center known for its traditional Himalayan art, including Thangkas and sculptures.
Senchal Lake is a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery and is ideal for a peaceful picnic. Visitors can also take a boat ride in the lake. Depart from Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.
Local transport is easily available in Darjeeling, including taxis, shared jeeps, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is advisable to book a private vehicle for longer distances, and it costs approximately INR 2,000 per day. Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport, and it is 68 km (2 hours) away from Darjeeling.
If you have more time, you can visit nearby places like Mirik, Kalimpong, and Siliguri. If you have less time, you can skip Senchal Lake and Ava Art Gallery. Make sure to carry warm clothes as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is located in Siliguri, approximately 68 km away from Darjeeling. It is well-connected to major Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati. The airport code is IXB.