Darjeeling is a small town in the Eastern Himalayas, often called the “Queen of the Hills.” Known for its cool, misty mornings, big tea gardens on the hills, and great views of the snow-covered Kanchenjunga mountain, there are plenty of things to do in Darjeeling.
But getting around here isn’t always easy. The roads are steep and twisty, public transport is limited, the monsoon rains can come suddenly, and sometimes people in rural pockets speak different languages.
That’s exactly why a chauffeur-driven Savaari cab service is your best bet. With a local expert behind the wheel, you can avoid tourist traps, get help with translation, and even have your best travel photos taken!
With your travel logistics sorted, you’re now free to dive headfirst into the top places in Darjeeling. This guide will take you through the top 10 experiences that should be on every traveler’s checklist. Book a Savaari car rental in Darjeeling for a seamless travel experience.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Things to Do in Darjeeling
Darjeeling offers an experience like no other. From sunrise views over snow-capped peaks to rides on heritage toy trains, each activity here adds a little magic to your travel story.
Book a cab service from Kolkata to Darjeeling with Savaari and explore without a worry. Here are the top 10 things to do in Darjeeling as you visit these unforgettable places:
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is one of the highest points near Darjeeling, sitting at about 2,590 meters above sea level and around 11 kilometers from town. It’s famous for its stunning sunrise views over the eastern Himalayas, especially Mount Kanchenjunga—the third-highest mountain in the world.
Most people head out between 3:30 and 4:30 in the morning to grab a good viewing spot before sunrise.
Local tip: Visibility is best from October to December or March to April. Monsoon and winter months can be foggy or cloudy, so plan accordingly.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often called the Toy Train, is one of Darjeeling’s most iconic attractions. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and runs on a narrow-gauge track from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Built in the late 1800s, it’s considered an incredible engineering achievement, especially because it climbs steep hills without using tunnels. Book a Savaari cab service in Darjeeling for a seamless travel experience.
The Joy Ride is the crowd favorite. It’s a short round trip between Darjeeling and Ghum, India’s highest railway station. The ride takes about 2 hours and includes stops at Batasia Loop and the Darjeeling Railway Museum.
Batasia Loop
Around 5 kilometers away from Darjeeling, on the way towards Ghum, Batasia Loop is a nice mix of smart railway work and calm hillside views. The train takes a full circle here while going up, and it’s quite a sight to behold, especially when the Toy Train passes through slowly.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Established in 1958, this zoo sits high up in the hills, covering about 67.5 acres between 2,134 and 2,438 meters above sea level. This is the biggest high-altitude zoo in the country, and it mainly focuses on protecting animals from the Himalayan region.
You’ll find some rare and endangered species here, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan wolves, Tibetan wolves, Siberian tigers, and Himalayan tahr. The zoo is close to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and it usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to see everything.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, or HMI, was started in 1954, not long after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary made their famous climb up Mount Everest. It’s near the Darjeeling zoo and works both as a school for mountaineering and a museum.
Visitors can visit the Tenzing Norgay Memorial, where he is also buried, and check out the Mountaineering Museum. The museum shows old climbing gear used on Everest trips, photos from past expeditions, and important historical items.
Happy Valley Tea Estate
Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling, started way back in 1854. It’s about 3 kilometers from the main town, sitting around 1,900 meters above sea level.
You can join a guided tour around the green tea gardens and the factory, where they show how tea is made—from picking the leaves to processing and packing. This place mainly makes orthodox tea, which is known for its gentle smell and floral flavor.
Tours usually run from 10 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon. It’ll be smart to book early, especially since there are times when it gets busy.
Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling was built with help from Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk who started the Nipponzan Myohoji group. It opened back in 1992 and is one of many Peace Pagodas across the world, meant to share the message of peace and non-violence. Book a cab service from Siliguri to Darjeeling with Savaari.
You’ll find it on Jalapahar Hill, about 2.5 kilometers from Darjeeling town. The white stupa is about 28.5 meters tall and 23 meters wide. It shows four different images of Buddha, including one that shows his last moments (called Mahaparinirvana). Entry is free, and it’s open every day from early morning (4:30 AM) till evening (7 PM).
Chowrasta and Mall Road
Chowrasta means “crossroads of four roads,” and it’s the main square in Darjeeling where both locals and visitors like to hang out. Right in the center of town, Chowrasta is surrounded by old colonial benches, small tea stalls, street food vendors, and shops selling wool clothes, books, and souvenirs.
Mall Road starts and ends here, wrapping around Observatory Hill. You don’t need a ticket to enter, and it’s open all day. It’s great if you want easy sightseeing, quick shopping, or just to take some casual photos.
Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
Around 10 km from Darjeeling, you’ll find the Rock Garden, also known as Barbotey Garden, a terraced garden carved into the rocky hillside. It has neat gardens, a mix of natural and man-made waterfalls, and stone benches to rest on.
Not far from there is Ganga Maya Park. It has big lawns, sometimes boating if the season is right, and during busy times, you might see local artists performing. Just keep in mind, the roads to get there are narrow and twisty, so it’s best to use a private cab or a chauffeur-driven car since public transport options are few.
Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple
Observatory Hill is one of the oldest and most important places in Darjeeling, just above Chowrasta. From here, you get a full view of the town, the valleys, and the Himalayan mountains. Long ago, there was the Dorje Ling Monastery on this hill, but it was destroyed during the Gorkha invasions in the 1800s.
Now, the hill has the Mahakal Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You’ll see prayer flags, bells, and even a small cave shrine. What’s special about this place is that both Hindu and Buddhist traditions live together peacefully. To reach the top, you’ll need to walk uphill for about 10 to 15 minutes from Chowrasta. The hill is open every day and there’s no entry fee.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Darjeeling
Here are some essential travel tips you need to be conscious of before making a trip to Darjeeling:
- Weather: Carry layers as it can get cold even in summer, and the monsoon brings sudden rain.
- Packing: Pack a pair of comfy walking shoes. Don’t forget a raincoat or umbrella, just in case.
- Cash: Keep cash handy, as smaller shops and remote areas might not accept cards or UPI.
- Transport: Public transport is limited and unpredictable. A Savaari chauffeur-driven cab will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Wrapping Up
From scenic views and colonial charm to tea trails and toy trains, the best things to do in Darjeeling are endless. Pack smart, and let the monsoon magic sweep you off your feet. Plan a hassle-free journey with Savaari and experience India at its vibrant best. Download the Savaari car rental app now.
FAQs
What are the best places to visit in Darjeeling in 2 days?
With just 2 days in Darjeeling, you can still cover some of the most popular spots. Start your morning with the sunrise at Tiger Hill, then visit the Batasia Loop and take a short ride on the Toy Train. Later, explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
What are the best places to visit near Darjeeling?
Mirik is about 49 km away, known for its peaceful lake, boating facilities, and lovely orange orchards. Kurseong, about 30 km away, offers great views, charming colonial architecture, and peaceful tea gardens. Kalimpong is roughly 50 km away and has old monasteries, colonial-era charm, colourful local markets, and some nice viewpoints.
What are the best things to do in Darjeeling for families?
Kids usually enjoy the Toy Train ride and a visit to the zoo, where they can see red pandas and snow leopards up close in naturalistic enclosures. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, also known as HMI, has interesting exhibits, historic gear, inspiring mountaineering stories, and educational films, especially for older children.
What are the top 10 tourist places in Darjeeling?
Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas, here are some of the top Darjeeling tourist attractions:
- Mirik Lake
- Lloyd Botanical Garden
- Tinchuley Village
- Singalila National Park
- Kalimpong
- Ghoom Monastery (Yiga Choling Monastery)
- Lava and Lolegaon
- Chilapata Forest
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Bengal Natural History Museum
These cover nature, history, culture, and local life.
What is the best time to visit Darjeeling?
The best times to visit Darjeeling are March to May, or from October up until early December. The weather is pleasant, and you’re more likely to get clear views of the mountains. Monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain and occasional roadblocks, while winter (late December to February) can be very cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
Are 2 days enough to explore Darjeeling?
Two days give you just enough time to visit a few key attractions. You’ll need to plan well and avoid long breaks in between stops. Hiring a local cab or chauffeur-driven service can help save time and reduce stress, allowing you to cover more ground and explore the city more comfortably.
Is Darjeeling safe for solo or family travel?
Yes, Darjeeling is generally safe for both solo travelers and families. People are welcoming, and tourist areas are active and well-connected. Just follow basic travel precautions, carry some cash, check the weather, and avoid isolated spots after dark. Hiring a reliable cab service can also make travel smoother and safer.
Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by V Subhadra
