Darjeeling, West Bengal – Complete Travel Guide to Tea Gardens, Toy Train & Himalayan Views
📍 Where is Darjeeling Located?
Darjeeling is a scenic hill town in West Bengal, located in the Eastern Himalayas near the India–Nepal border. It sits at an altitude of about 2,045 meters, offering cool weather and stunning mountain views.
🌟 Why is Darjeeling Famous?
- World-famous Darjeeling tea
- Views of Mount Kanchenjunga
- UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
- Colonial charm and monasteries
- Peaceful hill-station vibe
🚆 How to Reach Darjeeling
✈️ By Air
- Bagdogra Airport (70 km)
- From airport: taxi or shared cab (2.5–3 hours)
🚆 By Train
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station
- Then taxi or toy train to Darjeeling
🚞 Toy Train Experience
- Runs from NJP to Darjeeling
- Slow but scenic journey through hills and tea gardens
🗺️ Top Places to Visit in Darjeeling
1. Tiger Hill
Famous for sunrise views over Kanchenjunga. On clear days, Mount Everest is also visible.
2. Batasia Loop
A spiral railway track with gardens and mountain views. Great for photography.
3. Darjeeling Tea Gardens
Visit tea estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate to see tea processing.
4. Peace Pagoda
A serene Buddhist monument promoting peace and meditation.
5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo
Learn about mountaineering history and see rare Himalayan animals.
🏨 Where to Stay in Darjeeling
- Luxury: Mayfair Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel
- Mid-range: Summit Hotels, Cedar Inn
- Budget: Homestays near Mall Road
🚕 Local Transport
- Shared jeeps
- Local taxis
- Walking is common in central areas
🗣️ Local Language
- Nepali (Gorkhali)
- Hindi and English widely spoken
🍽️ What to Eat in Darjeeling
- Momos
- Thukpa
- Chowmein
- Darjeeling tea
📆 Best Time to Visit
- March to May – pleasant spring
- October to December – clear mountain views
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Weather conditions, routes, prices, and services may change. Readers should verify details before traveling. The website and author are not legally responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience.