Travel to Darjeeling Hill Station

Darjeeling, also fondly known as the "Queen of hill stations", is nestled in the Himalayas and is famous for its tea production and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Darjeeling - what bells does it ring - Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, exotic tea flavors, imprints of Victorian Age - all this and more in the land of non-elusive Nirvana.
Travel to Darjeeling Hill Station

Do not forget to pinch yourself if the sight of tea estates from the windows of first class coach belonging to Toy Train looks too good to be true. The playing children with their parents carrying the huge basket meant for collecting delicate tea leaves might catch fancy as the wish of being there in the first place crosses mind. After all, joy is what is much looked for in a hill station as old and as amusing as Darjeeling.

How to Reach Darjeeling
Being a popular tourist destination, Darjeeling is well connected to other parts of the country. Here is how one can reach Darjeeling.

By Train

The nearest Broad gauge railway station to Darjeeling is at New Jalpaiguri. Trains from all over India reach this station. Following is a list of trains which reach this station from major cities of India.

From Delhi : 
  • Sikkim Mahananda Express/15484
  • North East Express/12506
  • New Delhi-Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express/12424
  • New Delhi-New Jalpaiguri SF Express/12524
  • Brahmaputra Mail/14056
  • Poorvottar Sampark Kranti Express/12502
  • More Trains...
From Mumbai : 
  • Mumbai LTT-Guwahati Express/15645
  • Mumbai LTT-Guwahati Weekly Express(Via Bhagalpur)/15647
  • Mumbai LTT - Kamakhya Karmabhoomi Express (UnReserved)/15611
  • More Trains...
From Kolkata : 
  • Kanchanjunga Express/15657
  • Teesta Torsa Express/13141
  • Howrah - New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express/12041
  • Saraighat Express/12345
  • Kamrup Express/15959
  • Uttar Banga Express/13147
  • Kanchan Kanya Express/13149
  • Darjeeling Mail/12343
  • Padatik Express/12377
  • More Trains...
From Chennai : 
  • Chennai-NewJalpaiguri SF Express/22611
  • Chennai Egmore-Dibrugarh Weekly Express/15929
  • Yesvantpur-Dibrugarh Express/15901
  • Bangalore Guwahati SF Express/12509
  • Trivandrum Central - Guwahati Express/12515
  • More Trains...
By Road

Darjeeling has a strong road network and is well connected by regular buses to neighbouring cities like Siliguri, Kurseong, Gangtok and Kalimpong.

By Air

The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is located at a distance of 68 km from Darjeeling. This airport is connected by regular flights to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
Choose any time of the year and that will be engraved on mind forever. Monsoons can be avoided by elderly as winters by individuals of fragile health; otherwise the place is ideal anytime one decides to visit.

Things to Do in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is known for trekking adventures that start from one point and end at other but not without making visitors turned trekkers realize that they are watching exquisiteness of Nature at its best. Some of the well known trekking trails include Singalila Ridge, Darjeeling to Sandakphu, Kalimpong Relli, etc, where Darjeeling might not necessarily be the beginning or ending point. Other adventurers can look for Mountain Biking options present in the area, a pollution-free in addition to being challenging activity to indulge in.

Places to Visit in Darjeeling

The game is on, the platform is set and the tour has been begun. Take the way of divine in the worship places to auspiciously initiate what is about to be a travel indelible from the memory lanes. Followed by what is more than just an inviting tale of Nature catching hold of the minds always on distraction spree, the anticipation is often rewarded by 'more'

Darjeeling is a travellers delight and is frequented by tourists year after year. Apart from the pleasant weather and scenic beauty, there is a lot to see and do in Darjeeling. 

Category : Garden

Happy Valley Tea Garden

Situated 1 km away from the town of Darjeeling, the Happy Valley Tea Garden is located on the Lebong Carter Road and provides a peaceful and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of tourist-y Darjeeling 

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Category : Fun & Entertainment
Also known as the "Toy Train", the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway plies between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and is a narrow gauge railway.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

This railway is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful views of the scenic mountains on its way to Darjeeling.

Tiger Hill
Category : Nature
Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters, Tiger Hill is located 11 km from Darjeeling and presents a spectacular view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
Tiger Hill

It is advised to go to Tiger Hill early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the mountain peaks.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Category : Wild Life
Established in 1958, this zoo is dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, the former governor of West Bengal.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Among one of the best zoos in the country, this is one of the only zoo which raises wild wolf in captivity. The zoo is also home to endangered species like the Red Panda, Siberian Tiger and the Snow Leopard.

Dhirdham Temple
Category : Religious
Travel to any part of the Indian Sub-continent, one thing is for sure, you are going to find at least one ancient Shiv Temple every where. Located just above the Toy Train Railway Station, Dhirdham Temple is one of the most beautiful temples I have ever come across. 

Dhirdham Temple

This colorful temple complex is the home of the most popular Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the town of Darjeeling.  

Observatory Hill
Category : Nature
This place has a religious significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Mahakal Temple which stands on this hill, is supposed to be a personification of Lord Shiva.
Observatory Hill

The Bhutia Busty Gompa was earlier located here, before it was relocated. Hence the Observatory Hill is frequented by both Hindus and Buddhists.

St. Andrew's Church
Category : History & Culture
St Andrew's is an old Anglican church, built in 1843 and is named after the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew. Early worshippers at this church were Scottish soldiers and tea planters.
St. Andrew's Church

The church was seriously damaged in an earthquake and had to be re constructed in 1873.

Peace Pagoda
Category : History & Culture

Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist order by the name of Nipponzan Myohoji.
Inner Part of Peace Pagoda

The Pagoda is located on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill and can be reached on foot or by taxi.

Shopping in Darjeeling
There's plenty to keep shoppers happy in Darjeeling. Head to Nehru Road and then to Chowrasta, which are dotted with shops from where you can purchase souvenirs and gift items. Some popular local, handmade items in Darjeeling are the Khukri, which is essentially a curved knife with a decorative handle.
Shopping in Darjeeling

Other traditional items one can pick up in Darjeeling are Tibetan masks, local jewellery items, woolen items, shawls and pashminas. Tirupathi Handloom Emporium is a good place to pick up shawls and jackets at a fixed price. Before leaving don't forget to pick up a few packets of the world famous Darjeeling tea, which can be purchased from a popular store by the name of House of Tea.

Eating out in Darjeeling

People native to Darjeeling enjoy eating rice with beef and lentils. Other popular local dishes are Momos (dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables), Thukpa (a thick soup made with meat and noodles), Gundruk (fermented mustard leaves) and Chang (local beer).  

Offering an eclectic mix of local fare and international cuisines, the restaurants in Darjeeling will surprise you with the variety and taste of the food on offer. Whether it is sampling delicious cakes and sipping tea at a bakery or gorging on pasta, ravioli, lasagne, or even chicken biryani at a multi-cuisine restaurant, Darjeeling's eateries will cater to all your culinary cravings. Here are some of the best restaurants scattered around the hill town, that will give you a taste of Darjeeling's vibrant food culture.

Darjeeling Restaurants
When in Darjeeling don't forget to sample the many delicious local dishes, here are a few restaurants you can enjoy some local as well as other interesting cuisine.

Hasty Tasty

Aptly named, this eatery is always packed with people enjoying a wide variety of snacks and dishes from its extensive menu. Serving Indian, Chinese and continental food at pocket-friendly prices, the vegetarian restaurant is popular for its thalis, dosas, biryanis and spicy north-Indian vegetables complimented by the eatery's famous lassi. 
Hasty Tasty

Located on Nehru Road, the eatery might look chaotic at first since it has a self-service policy. Sip in your favourite Darjeeling tea or order a cup of black coffee while you take in stunning views of the surrounding valley and the bustling town from the eatery's massive windows.

Gatty’s Cafe

With its brick walls, dim lighting and large menu board, this multi-cuisine cafe combines spunk and warmth. Its extensive menu includes pastas, ravioli, lasagne and French fries that can be clubbed with a wide range coffees and desserts. 
Gatty’s Cafe

Watch a movie with your friends in the cafe's lounge, and if you're lucky, you might witness a karaoke or a live-music gig too. Frequented by travellers from across the globe, Gatty's is located on Zakir Hussain Road, near Sonam's Kitchen. The cafe also offers bikes on rent for visitors who want to explore the hill town and its nearby getaways.

Sonam’s Kitchen

A short walk uphill from the Chowrasta leads you to a tiny eatery called Sonam's Kitchen. Only serving breakfast and dinner, the kitchen is closed in the afternoon hours. Serving English breakfast for 13 years, the restaurant will keep you coming back for its French toast, pancakes and the extensive morning spread. 
Sonam’s Kitchen

Other specialities include hash brown potatoes, fried eggs with roasted tomatoes and the special ginger lemon tea. The owners here go beyond just bringing your food to your table and also assist you with your treks and hiking plans.

Kunga Restaurant

Share your travel stories with other travellers while you enjoy the delectable Tibetan fare at the Kunga restaurant in Darjeeling. Take a walk on the Mall Road towards Goodricke Tea Shop and you will find Kunga Restaurant located right beside Dekeling hotel on Gandhi Road. With its large food portions and affordable prices, the restaurant is packed with diners at all times of the day. 
Kunga Restaurant

Once here, do not step out without trying popular dishes such as fried sausages, wanton soup, and of course, momos. The 16-year-old eatery is open from early morning till late in the night, and is also a popular pick for its pocket-friendly breakfast spread.

Glenary’s

Popular for its baked items, tea and cakes, Glenary's is arguably the most iconic bakery in town. Take in majestic views of the mountains while you settle in your chair and sip your coffee or gorge on cakes and pastries. 
Glenary’s

One of the oldest eateries in Darjeeling, it also has a restaurant on its mezzanine floor that serves a wide range of scrumptious dishes including continental sizzlers, beef steaks, pork patties, chocolate eggs and tandoori snacks. If you're visiting in winter, do not miss out on the rum balls here. A cosy ambience and wooden flooring only enhance the experience.

Hotels in Darjeeling

Every visitor feels special once landing on a place like this, surrounded by sheer opulence of Nature and to make it better there are accommodations suiting to all types of budgets projected by groups / individuals on a holiday trip to Darjeeling. The deluxe ones are elaborate in their services as well as appearances, where as the budget hotels will do everything to appeal individuals who are trying to make the optimally utilize every penny in their pockets.  

Budget Hotels

  • Central Heritage
    Address : Robertson Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2258721/ 22/ 23
    Fax No. : 0354-2258720
    Website : www.centralhotels.in
    Rooms in Hotel : 46
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 10500
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 7500
  • Hotel Shambhu
    Address : 73, Gandhi Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2253297
    Email ID : hotelshambhu@yahoo.co.in
    Type : Budget
    Rooms in Hotel : 18
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 1200
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1000
  • The Elgin
    Address : 18, H D Lama Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2257226, 2257227
    Fax No. : 0354-2254267
    Website : www.elginhotels.com
    Rooms in Hotel : 25
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 9500
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 7500
  • Windamere Hotel
    Address : Observatory Hill
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2254041/ 42
    Fax No. : 0354-2254043/ 2254211
    Email ID : reservations@windamerehotel.net
    Website : www.windamerehotel.com
    Rooms in Hotel : 40
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 14000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 7500

2 Star Hotels

  • Hotel Apsara
    Address : 6, Laden-la Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2252242, 2252983, 2256285, 2254486, 943415372
    Type : 2 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 34
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 2000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1000
  • Hotel Broadway
    Address : 4, Cooch Behar Road, Adjacent to Darjeeling Telephone Exchange
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 9733022208, 0354-2253248, 2256270
    Email ID : broadwayhotel@gmail.com
    Website : www.broadwaydarjeeling.com
    Type : 2 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 20
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 5000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1500
  • Hotel Garuda
    Address : 64, Laden La Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2254563, 2257412, 2257580
    Email ID : garudadj@sancharnet.in
    Type : 2 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 26
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 3000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1500
  • Hotel Lunar
    Address : 51, Gandhi Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2259154/ 55
    Type : 2 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 10
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 3500
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 2500
  • Hotel Mohit
    Address : H.D. Lama Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2254723/ 2254818/ 2255327
    Fax No. : 0354-2254351
    Email ID : hotelmohit@sify.com
    Website : www.hotelmohit.com
    Type : 2 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 27
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 5200
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1500
  • Pineridge Hotel
    Address : The Mall
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2254074/ 2253909
    Fax No. : 0354-2253912
    Email ID : pineridgehotel@yahoo.com
    Type : 2 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 40
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 2000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1000

3 Star Hotels

  • Darjeeling Gymkhana Resort
    Address : The Mall Road, Chowrasta
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2252328, 2252329, 9775929814
    Email ID : reservations@darjeelinggymkhanaresort.in
    Website : www.sunflower-hotels.com
    Type : 3 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 12
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 8000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 3500
  • Hotel Seven Seventeen
    Address : H.D. Lama Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2255099, 2252017, 2254717
    Fax No. : 0354-2252017
    Email ID : manager@hotel717.com
    Website : www.hotel717.com
    Type : 3 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 44
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 5000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1500
  • Hotel Sinclairs Darjeeling
    Address : 18/1, Gandhi Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2256431, 2256432, 2256948
    Fax No. : 0354-2254355
    Email ID : darjeeling@sinclairshotels.com
    Website : www.sinclairshotels.com
    Type : 3 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 44
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 8700
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 4000
  • Hotel Sonar Bangla Darjeeling
    Address : 1/1, Robertson Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2258369, 9232496020
    Email ID : sales@hotelsonarbangla.com
    Website : www.hotelsonarbangla.com
    Type : 3 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 44
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 4500
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 1800
  • Hotel Sunflower
    Address : The Mall
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2253358, 9832061545
    Email ID : sunflowerdarjeeling@yahoo.co.in
    Website : www.sunflowergroupofhotels.com
    Type : 3 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 15
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 5000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 3000
  • R J Resort
    Address : The Mall, Opposite Governor House
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2258411/ 2259411/ 2254411
    Fax No. : 0354-2258111
    Email ID : rjresort@gmail.com
    Website : www.rjresorts.com
    Type : 3 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 35
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 8000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 7000

4 Star Hotels

  • Hotel Viceroy
    Address : 17, Gandhi Road
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2256165, 9007166165
    Fax No. : 0354-2259556
    Email ID : reservation@viceroyhoteldrj.com
    Website : www.viceroyhoteldrj.com
    Type : 4 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 40
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 10000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 7000

5 Star Hotels

  • Cedar Inn
    Address : Dr. Zakhir Hussain Road, Below St. Pauls School
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2254446
    Fax No. : 0354-2256764
    Email ID : cedarinn@satyam.net.in
    Website : www.cedarinndarjeeling.com
    Type : 5 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 29
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 15000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 7000
  • Mayfair Darjeeling
    Address : The Mall, Opposite Governor House
    City : Darjeeling
    State : West Bengal
    Pin Code : 734101
    Phone No. : 0354-2256376
    Fax No. : 0354-2252674
    Email ID : reservations_darjeeling@mayfairhotels.com
    Website : www.mayfairhotels.com
    Type : 5 Star
    Rooms in Hotel : 44
    Maximum Room Rate : INR 18000
    Minimum Room Rate : INR 10000

Tourist Map of Darjeeling


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