‘The Queen of Hills’, the Britishers had given this title to Darjeeling as they fell in love with the magnificent hill station. Once only the elite officers of British-ruled India would spend a holiday in the tea gardens and cottages of Darjeeling. Now, travellers from around the world flock to enjoy this quaint sojourn.
Nestled by the Himalayan ranges, Darjeeling entices travellers for its quaint ambiance and spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the 3rd highest in the world. Your Darjeeling trip is not complete until you see the golden glow of sunrise on the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hills. It’s overwhelming!
If you are a fan of trekking, go for a hike to Phalut or the summit of Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal. Known for the best panoramic views of the enthralling Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, Sandakphu is a fairly easy trek often taken by beginners.
Experience a rush of adrenaline with adventure sports and activities in Darjeeling. The rapid waters of Teesta and Rangeet rivers are ideal for white water rafting and kayaking. For an exhilarating bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape, go paragliding at Jalpahar. A popular centre for mountaineering, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling offers rock climbing and mountain biking activities. And if you still need some more action, hop on a hot-air balloon and enjoy the view from above the clouds.
The misty hill station will steal your heart with its lush green tea gardens. There are 87 tea estates in Darjeeling. And guess what? The most unique thing about these estates is the fact that each of them produces teas with a distinct aroma and taste. This little hill station is the prime exporter of premium tea in the world. So, next time someone offers you a cup of Darjeeling Tea, you’d know where the delicious leaf has come from. The taste of the tea is as rare and amazing as the place of its origin.
The forlorn era of British rule and its influence is prominent in the architecture and heritage of Darjeeling. Started in 1879, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, famously known as the Toy Train, is a heritage rail service that connects Siliguri (entrepôt to North-East India) and the pride of Darjeeling. Taking travellers up the green mountain side, offers stunning views of the pine and oak forest. Announced as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1999, the Darjeeling Toy Train is the most unique experience in Darjeeling.
Excited to go to Darjeeling? Feel free to contact us for a private Darjeeling tour designed according to your taste.