Perfectly set in the foothills of Himalayas, Darjeeling is a best for backpackers and a dreamland for honeymooners, a delightful place for family vacations. We are just about to start off with the best seasons that you can visit in Darjeeling with your loved ones.
Also known as India’s best hill station, Darjeeling is one of the sought-after destinations where you can meet the serenity with calmness. Darjeeling is known for its best places and people come here for a perfect time with their loved ones.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
October-March
Most of the time, the monsoon season ends in the last dates of September and from October, the season of winters began. You can surely visit here at this point of time as there is not much coolness here. The temperature usually remains in between 10 degree Celsius to 0 degree Celsius.
April-June
These months of the year are relatively warmer than the other months of the year in Darjeeling. But the weather in these months is also pleasant and the temperature in between 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius.
July-September
In July and September, the tourists usually do not prefer going here as it is the rainy season in Darjeeling and it is said that one should avoid at these months because of the natural calamity.
Top Places to See in Darjeeling
There are several Places to visit in Darjeeling that you can enjoy watching and can also head here without a shadow of a doubt.
Ghoom Monastery
One of the best and oldest monasteries in Darjeeling, Ghoom Monastery houses a towering 15 feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. It also comprises of some old Buddhist manuscripts.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
One of the best zoo in the region, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is one such place where you can surely take your children and make them witness the different kinds of animals like Pandas, Monkeys, Birds, Lion, Tiger and what not. The whole zoological park is spread in large acres of land of about 67 acres of the land.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
The building is nestled on Jalapahar Hill at a height of over 29 meters, the Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is also well-popular known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. It is mainly the Buddhist Temple and a lot of people come here to witness the serenity.
Things to do in Darjeeling with Your Loved Ones
Sun-Rise from Tiger Hill
Well, before the sun-rise, you make sure that you must make your way to the Tiger Hill in the Darjeeling as it is one of the best points to head with your loved ones. You will see some spectacular views from a height of 2,600 meters and would also see the beautiful views of the majestic Mount Kangchenjunga Peak.
Ride on Himalayan Railway
Take a fairy-tale ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is also known as ‘Toy Train’ that covers around 78 km stretch with 13 stations between Darjeeling and Siliguri. The railway is also coming under the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The toy train will take you through the scenic route of some breath-taking views.
Try Out the Ropeway
Trying out ropeway is one of the best things to do in Darjeeling. You will witness the great Himalayan views straight from the mountains. The ropeway will take you to the scenic route where you can see the beautiful panoramic views.
Tea Factory Tour
When in the Tea country, you must visit the tea factory as it one of the best Things to do in Darjeeling. Often known as the ‘Champagne of teas’, the Darjeeling tea is one of the best things that you must taste. There are a lot of tea estates like Makabari, Happy Valley and Glenburn along with others where you can pluck the tea and see the whole process of making tea.
Related Article – 10 Best Tea Estate Resorts in Darjeeling
Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
At this institute, you can easily learn and take a rock-climbing session from the professional trainers. Founded by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, who climbed Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, the institute also comprises an Everest Museum here where you will see a lot of historical facts and artifacts on display.
What to Eat in Darjeeling?
Other great thing that you can do in Darjeeling is that, you can surely get here and try out different local and authentic dishes.
Momos
Momos is one of the best options in food that you must try as you would get the authentic and real momos from here since this is its origin place. Generally, they are also known as Dumplings made of flour and serve with red spicy chutney.
Thukpa
You can also try out the next cuisine that is Thukpa which is a popular Tibetan dish made of wholesome of hot noodle soup served with eggs, meat and vegetables.
Dalle
If you like tasting fancy and spicy food then you can always enhance your taste buds by eating Dalle in Darjeeling. It is very tasty and authentic dishes of the place. A pickle made with red chilies tempered with mustard oil, salt and spices. This is also served with momos to make the taste more authentic.
How to Get There
Via Flight
One of the nearest airports is Bagdogra in Darjeeling which is around 95 km away from the latter destination. You can easily hire a taxi or a cab from the airport.
Via Road
There are a lot of private tour operators whose buses runs on a daily basis from Delhi and other major parts of the country. You can also hire a private cab or taxi.
Via Train
The closest railway station to Darjeeling is the New Jalpaiguri which is about 88 km away. You can also travel through the toy train in Darjeeling.
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What to Pack for Darjeeling Trip?
- An umbrella and raincoat for the monsoons.
- Full sleeved cotton tops and a lightweight jacket for the summer.
- Woollens, thermals and a heavyweight jacket for the winter.
- Motion sickness medicine if you tend to get car sick on winding roads.
