Nestled at a height of 7000 ft, Darjeeling is known as ‘queen of the hills’ and is one of the most popular hill destinations in eastern India.  Gifted to the East India Company in 1835 by the king of Sikkim, it became a popular retreat for the Britishers who wanted to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. It is famous for its tea which is considered to be among the finest black tea in the world as well as the Darjeeling Himalayan railways which is a world heritage site.

Duration of stay: A minimum of three day stay is recommended.

·         Tiger Hill: Situated at a height of 8482 ft, the hill has a vantage view point and is famous for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. The world’s highest peak i.e. Mount Everest is also visible from this spot.  It is a sight to behold especially in the early mornings when the sun rays float over the peaks of these mountains.

 ·         Himalayan Zoological Park: It is a wild life park and home to the Siberian tiger, deer panda, Llama, Himalayan black deer and birds. It is located adjacent to the famous Himalayan mountaineering institute (HMI). 

·         Darjeeling Himalayan Railways: In the year 1878, a railway line had been set up from Kolkata to Siliguri which lies along the base of the Himalayas. From there, the travellers were taken up the hill by means of Tonga (Horse pulled cart). But ascent through Tonga was difficult for the travellers and was a very slow mode of transit and these lead to the creation of the steam train line from Siliguri to Darjeeling. It is still functional and is a very recreational mode of transportation that winds its way across foggy mountains and is an experience t o remember. It is now a declared world heritage site. 

·         Ghoom: Located at 2 Kms from Darjeeling, it is the highest railway station in the world.  

·         Ghoom Monastery: It was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and is famous for the ‘Future coming Buddha’ Known as Maitreye Buddha. This ancient monastery is said to have been blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. The monastery also has  some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.  

·         Botanical garden/Lloyd botanical garden: It is the oldest Botanical Garden with different varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is situated on an open slope covering an area of 40 acres.

How to reach:

• Air: Badogra - 80 kms
• Rail: NJP 60 Kms.
• Road: Siliguri – 5 Kms