Nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas, the charming town of Darjeeling is renowned for its pristine surroundings and natural magnificence. The town is perched at an elevation of 2,045 metres above sea level, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hill station shares an international boundary with Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and China in the North. Darjeeling experiences about 3,100 mm of precipitation on average each year due to its temperate subtropical highland climate. Darjeeling experiences approximately 80% of annual rainfall during monsoon season, which primarily occurs between the month of June and September.
Darjeeling's rich cultural tapestry is what makes it so charming. A friendly atmosphere is created by the harmonious coexistence of Bhutias, Tibetans, Gorkhas, and other ethnic groups. The residents of this town are well-known for their gracious welcome and true spirit which can be witnessed from hotels to luxury resorts. Darjeeling, a heritage-rich city is home to colourful handicrafts, traditional dances, and historical places. The creative preferences of the people are clearly influenced by Buddhism. The majority of the population is Gorkha, and they work mostly in agriculture, although Music and dance celebrations are the common tradition for the people of the town. Steeped with unforgettable culture and rich history, the city is also popular for the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and for the distinctive tea ceremonies in the area that make the city stand out from the rest.
Relish Food
Darjeeling is known for offering some of the best food dishes and cuisines that are different in taste and texture. Try out steaming Momos or freshly baked cookies while sipping a cup of Darjeeling Tea.
Trek to Sandakhphu
Sandakhphu is the highest point of Darjeeling and summiting it is a popular dream of every adventure seeker. There are numerous groups and institutes that offer you to indulge in a trekking adventure in Sandakhphu.
River rafting
Tourists can also indulge in a river rafting activity gliding across the high tides of the Rangeet River while witnessing the mesmerizing valleys of Darjeeling during your journey.
Experience Ropeway
Darjeeling ropeway allows you to glide from one valley to another using a cable car. The 20-40 minutes of journey will offer you to take the birds-eye view of the Darjeeling city along with glimpses of the Himalayas.
Attend festivals
Festivals are one of the most beautiful times to visit Darjeeling. An atmosphere filled with dancing people, musical events, and colourful religious flags offers a sense of positivity.
Explore religious sites
The city of Darjeeling is home to numerous religious sites such as monasteries, temples and many more. You can embark on a journey to explore these historic sites along with learning about the culture and legendary tales of the city.
Darjeeling is an amazing tourist destination known for its breathtaking scenery, comfortable weather, and amazing attractions. However, food is a segment that attracts tourist over anything else. The cuisine of Darjeeling is heavily inspired by combination of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisine. In Darjeeling, there are a lot of well-known eateries and street food vendors that provide mouthwatering dishes with a fusion of both Indian and foreign cuisine. The city offers a wide range of foods that will tempt your taste buds, regardless of whether you're a foodie or just want to try something new. Here are the lists of some of the popular dishes in Darjeeling that you should not miss while you're there.
Darjeeling is home to numerous tribes and communities that live together happily. The town is home to a substantial Lepcha and Tibetan population in addition to the Gorkhas. The majority religion of the Gorkhas is Hinduism while the other two religions are Christian and Buddhist, respectively. Tourist can see the diverse celebrations of festivals from various religions and sects which elevate the overall atmosphere of the city. Following is the list of popular festivals that are celebrated all over the town.
Air : The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri where you can easily rent a taxi or ride in a shared cab from the airport.
Train : The city is popular for the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which operates through the nearest railway station New Jalpaiguri (NJP) located at a distance of 72 km.
Road : Buses and private taxis are two ways to get from Siliguri to Darjeeling. The journey usually takes three to four hours and offers breathtaking landscapes and scenic views along the way.