Darjeeling is a charming hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. Famous for its tea production and breathtaking views of the Himalayan massif, Darjeeling is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: To reach Darjeeling, fly to the nearby city of Bagdogra and take a bus from there. Alternatively, you can take the train to New Jalpaiguri and from there travel on the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train.
• Getting Around: Once you reach the city, the easiest way to get to the sights is to share a cab.
• When to Visit: April and May are the best months to visit. However, avoid the rainy months between June and October, as there is a risk of landslides.
• How Long to Visit: Darjeeling is ideal for a short but eventful trip to the mountains. Stay between 2 and 5 days.
• More: Check out our trips about Da Nang and Jim Corbett National Park for more!

Highlights:

Tiger Hill:

This viewpoint offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. It's especially popular for sunrise viewing, but crowds quickly gather here, so be sure to get there early. Even before the first sunlight illuminates the mountain peaks, the low light pollution makes for incredible stargazing.

Tea Gardens:

Darjeeling is world famous for the high quality tea grown here. The hillside tea gardens are an important part of Darjeeling's heritage, and a visit to these gardens is a must for any traveler. Take a guided tour of the tea gardens and learn about the different stages of tea production.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

Also known as the "Toy Train," this colorful 19th-century steam railroad winds through the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas. A ride on the train will take you past India's highest railroad station and some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

Located at an incredible altitude of over 2000 meters, this zoo is home to alpine wildlife such as snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears and Tibetan wolves.