Darjeeling is adorned with tea bushes carpeting the valley, alpine forest, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also renowned for sightseeing spots, temples & monasteries, panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, exotic plant species, the Batasia loop, and many other factors. Visit this glorious hill station and soak in the euphoric aura the place.
By Air : Travelling to Bhutan on flight is expensive yet fastest way to reach the country. Paro International Airport is the nearest airport to Bhutan; you can travel from any part of the country.
By Road : If you are traveling on a private car, you will require permit to enter the country. You can also travel on a bus to reach Phuntsholing, a Bhutanese town near Jaigoan.
By Train : Hasimara station is the nearest to Jaigaon, a town nearest to Bhutan and also the cheapest mode to reach the country. Make sure to book in advance to reserve your seat.
Darjeeling is beautiful in every season owing to its pleasant weather. Here is a monthly break-up for you:
Winter : November marks the beginning of winter in Darjeeling and extends until February. The average temperature remains 2°C to 9°C during winter.
Summer : April marks the onset of summer in Darjeeling and lasts until June, with an average temperature of 13°C to 19 °C.
Monsoon : The duration between July to September constitutes the monsoon season in Darjeeling. The temperature remains 11°C to 19°C during this time.
Img Credit : JyotiPN on Wikimedia Darjeeling ropeway is a significant tourist spot renowned for offering visitors a picturesque view of the mighty valley. It is India’s first cable car system which covers a distance of 5km. You must reach the ticket counter early, as it requires much time to get one. You can sit and enjoy the gorgeous view after reaching the Tukvar station and board the next cable car while returning to the central station.
Img Credit : Bernard Gagnon on wikimedia The Yiga Choeling Monastery, which is believed to be the first Tibetan Monastery of Darjeeling, is located at a distance of 8km away from the main town. The shrine is a top pilgrimage spot alluring plenty of visitors each year. The statue of Maitreya Buddha is also located in this monastery. The clay that was used to build the statue was brought from Tibet.
Img Credit : Sujay25 on wikimedia This busy marketplace is a perfect location for shopaholics. The local market here is flooded with handicrafts, jewelry, Tibetan masks, costumes, etc. The surrounding area is dotted with restaurants, street food stalls, cafes, and bookstores. Although it is not a brand destination, it offers a lot of choices among visitors to buy some items at a good deal. While visiting mall road, you can also sit on the benches at Chowrasta and spend some leisurely time.
Img Credit : solarshakti on wikimedia The highest peak of West Bengal, Sandakphu, is also one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Darjeeling. The region is famous for sightseeing spots and trekking trails and can be visited, especially from March to May and October to December. During this season, the place is covered with Rhododendron flowers in full bloom. On a clear day, you can witness four lofty mountain peaks. Apart from these captivating sceneries, you can enjoy the magnificent view of sunrise and sunset from this place.
Img Credit : Nibeditajha on wikimedia The high-altitude Park is located at Singalila Ridge and is a reserved forest area. The ridge is dotted with bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forest. The National Park is also a part of the trekking route to Sandakphu and Phalut. The Park houses over 600 orchid varieties; you can watch them in full bloom, if you visit the place during October and November. You can also witness the ornamental primula flowers carpeting the lower forest areas.
Img Credit : N J on google Listing The beautiful park is located in a Richmond Hill area in Darjeeling. The park is a few distance away from the main town. It was once a private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow, once devastated by earthquake. At present there are several benches for its visitors where you can sit and enjoy the sight of the hills and valleys. The park is dotted with tall pines, and you can also witness the picturesque view of the mighty Kanchenjunga from here. The huge circular stage stands in the middle of the park, where cultural programs are organized during the festive season.
