Darjeeling – fondly known as The Queen of the hills, is definitely one of the most beautiful and sought after hill stations, not only in West Bengal, but across entire India. Spending a relaxed weekend amidst the mesmerising beauty of the undulating hills would leave you simply overwhelmed at the timeless beauty of Mother Nature and definitely gasping for more….
A brief about Darjeeling and its tea
Situated amidst the mountain ranges - with the gleaming Mt Kanchenjunga soaring over the blue sky, Darjeeling is affectionately tagged as “The Queen of the Hills” and it does provide an ideal gateway to anyone willing to explore the beauty of Mother Nature.
During 19th century British Era, Darjeeling begun developing as a town and Lt. General Lloyd is widely regarded as the “Discoverer of Darjeeling”, around 1828. Being exposed to extensive tea plantation for over decades – the world famous Darjeeling Tea is admired by connoisseurs around the world today.
The UNESCO heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also has oodles of good memories to offer with the decades old Steam Engine puffing out smoke and pulling a couple of compartments along the narrow gauge train line
How to Reach Darjeeling
Darjeeling is now well connected by Air or Train and Road with the nearest Airport being Bagdogra- around 90 kilometres from Darjeeling, and nearest Railway Station being New Jalpaiguri - approximately the same distance
Climate in Darjeeling
The Climate tends to be very pleasant throughout the year, though one needs to carry light warm clothes to avoid sudden surge of cold and rain – starting July onward. The best time to visit Darjeeling would be March to mid-June (summer) & October to December (winter)
Where to Stay
Being one of the best known hill stations in India - Darjeeling has an abundance of hotels and resorts. One can find accommodation to fit the modest Budget as well as the expensive and luxurious Eco Tourism resorts that offer the supreme view of the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga right from your room. I would recommended checking this link for best options on accommodation in Darjeeling
Listed below are the Top places and experience one should not miss during a two day visit to Darjeeling
The view(s) of the majestic Kanchenjunga
Start your day early to witness the majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga – the prime attraction of Darjeeling. The view depends on the time of year chosen for visit and of course – luck!
The Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, with a height of approximately 8,600 m.
Kanchenjunga is also the name of the surrounding section of the Himalayas and means “The Five Treasures of Snow“, due to its five peaks - the treasures symbolise the five repositories of God - Gold, Silver, Gems, Grain, and Holy Books
Take a casual walk around the Rink Mall to get a glimpse of local lifes in Darjeeling. It hosts a few eateries and also a Café Coffee Day for those who like to sip onto a cup of steaming hot coffee spending a lazy afternoon.
Do not miss out on the steaming hot momos and soups!
A nearby walk along the circular Mall road and you will reach St. Andrew’s Church - one the oldest churches and named after the patron saint of Scotland.
Constructed around 1843, under the British control - the church was mainly built for Scottish soldiers and tea planters living in Darjeeling during that era
Walk into Glenary’s Bakery & Café during late afternoons to enjoy piping hot tea or hot chocolate. Push open the huge glass door with wooden frames and be ready to be treated with a world of freshly baked items and awesomely churned chocolates. Glenary’s is known for baking the best cakes in Darjeeling.
Do not forget to pack some chocolates as well …..
Chilling out with a Drink at Joey’s Pub is a definitely one of the best ways of spending a chilly evening at Darjeeling.
This classic British style country pub also acts as a great place to befriend other travellers from across different countries
Start you day with a breakfast spread at Keventer’s. Located on Nehru Road, leading to the Rink Mall – Keventer’s has been serving delicious food for nearly 100 years and now has become a cult of its own.
Must Try Food – The traditional platter which includes roasted Bacon, Chicken and Meat with an array of sausages, salamis, cutlets, meat balls and lollipops... All in ONE PLATTER!!
Do not miss sipping on some delicious hot chocolate and steaming hot coffee with supreme views of the Himalayas from to rooftop.
Post breakfast head straight for The Batasia Loop- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Lying approximately 5 Kilometres from Darjeeling - The Batasia Loop was created by the British for the “Toy Train” to be able to handle the steep descent in this area and is considered to be a rare piece of engineering marvel
Commissioned in 1919 - the track spirals around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop. The loop was built for the toy train to counter a descent of about 1,000-foot
Chunnu Summer Falls
As the Famous quote portrays… the spectacle of a pouring waterfall can be a real indulgence for your eyes.
The encompassing sound of the water gushing and striking rocks lying beneath is music in its cleanest form for your taste. The honeyed smooth water gushing down the slopes of rocks creates a suave impression in your heart that can last for a Lifetime.
Truly - spending a weekend at Darjeeling - The Queen of the hills surely guarantees you of memories that would be cherished for long times!
Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:-
darjeeling queen of hills, darjeeling the queen of hill station, tourist places in darjeeling district, tourist places in and around darjeeling, what are the tourist places in darjeeling