The charming hill station Darjeeling stands in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas is called the "Queen of the Hills." A beautiful place which is known for its breath taking views, lush tea gardens and serene atmosphere, it is the perfect choice for the nature lovers, adventure freaks and culture seekers. Whether it is panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga or the busy markets, Darjeeling is sure to charm you. If you are planning to visit, you must explore the best tourist places in Darjeeling that will make your trip memorable.

If you want to make your trip more exciting, then you should add Gangtok in your itinerary. A Darjeeling tour is a good option to cover both the hill stations in one go, with its scenic beauty and peaceful vibe. Darjeeling – Gangtok travel package, whichever you go for, you will be spell bound by the combination of these two enchanting destinations.

Here are the Best Tourist Places to Visit in Darjeeling

1. Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is the best place for sunrise in Darjeeling with a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga and other snowcapped peaks. For early risers, the mountain gets an orange glow from the sun. If you’re a photographer, don’t forget to pack the camera if you have no intention of writing about Bellagio because this place is perfect for capturing the beauty of the landscape.

2. Batasia Loop

The Batasia Loop is a great feat of engineering and from there one can get a panoramic view of Darjeeling’s picturesque hills. It is famous for its toy train which runs along the sinuous tracks through the lush greenery. A beautifully landscaped garden at the top is a great place to spend a leisurely walk. The War Memorial here honours the Gorkha soldiers who lost their lives in the World War I.

3. Peace Pagoda

The Jalapahar Hill has the Peace Pagoda which is a peaceful spot that provides breathtaking views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountains. Four large statues of Buddha in the pagodas depict different stages of his life and mean peace and tranquility. This is a very serene place, where you can have your meditation, reflection or some relaxation. It is an experience of peace in the midst of nature that is so calm and scenic that it’s hard to forget.

4. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

The Toy train between Darjeeling Himalayan railways, also known as UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charmed ride through the mountainous terrain. Lush tea gardens, small villages and an amazing views stroll through the train journey, which just takes you there. This is an iconic historic toy train ride, and the mist lifting in the morning shows the majestic hills and valleys of Darjeeling.

5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a place of adventure and mountaineering for the enthusiasts. The institute is situated near the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and has the history of mountaineering expeditions, including the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. A museum of climbing gear and artifacts relating to the mountaineering heritage of the region is also housed in HMI. Anyone interested in the world of high altitude adventures must visit it.

6. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

Some of the rarest wildlife species in the Himalayas are resident at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. It is located in the heart of Darjeeling; it is known for its conservation efforts, especially for endangered species, such as red panda and snow leopard. These animals are ideal habitat for the park’s cool climate and natural surroundings. It also has a research centre for wildlife conservation and protection of endangered species.

7. Malls and Markets

Mall Road and Chowrasta markets in Darjeeling are the best places to enjoy the local culture and get souvenirs. Stores selling woolen clothes, Tibetan handicrafts, and wooden artifacts are the stores lining these bustling streets. Local tea vendors will also be there to offer a refreshing cup of Darjeeling tea. The evenings are when the markets come alive and it is an exciting place to stroll and get a taste of the vibrant atmosphere.

8. Mirik Lake

Mirik Lake, situated around 49 km from Darjeeling, is a peaceful and scenic place with tea gardens and hills around. There are boating and beautiful walking paths and the lake is perfect for a relaxing day trip. It is a popular place for both the locals and tourists due to the cool, serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. The lake is a must visit location due to boating on the lake that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Conclusion

One of India’s favorite hill stations is Darjeeling with its beautiful landscapes, historic sites as well as serene atmosphere. Every spot of this beautiful town has its own uniqueness of experience for the travelers whether it is from the glorious sunrise view at Tiger hill or simple boating story at Mirik Lake. Darjeeling doesn’t leave anyone from being behind as it has something for everyone whether one is an adventure seeker or someone looking to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Whether you have an enrolled Darjeeling trip or whether you simply have been planning one, if you have, then you should consider visiting Gangtok while you are here so that your trip for Darjeeling is one to remember. A  Darjeeling – Gangtok tour package from India enables you to enjoy the scenic beauty and culture of both the places in one go. Choose from the best vacation options and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss the chance to experience an incredible getaway!