Darjeeling is a popular hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal, well-known for tea. Apart from that, a visit to Darjeeling is a perfect collage of snowy Himalayan ranges, winding walking tracks, valleys, monasteries, momos, and toy trains. Once upon a time, a resort for the British era had the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or Toy Train, which is still functional and one can experience. The town is endowed with a rich cultural history and natural resources, and due to its pleasant climate all year round, it is a popular tourist spot. The place has to offer green-grey hills, serene vegetation, and scenic vistas to cherish forever. The unpolluted beauty of this hill town attracts visitors from across the country to take a break from the bustling city life.
In this blog, let’s plunge into the list of the best tourist attractions in Darjeeling so that one can relish the experience of actually visiting them.
- Singalila National Park
The Singalia National Park is situated in the highest regions of West Bengal. The park is appreciated for its amazing peaks and views of the lesser Himalayas. The park has a large variety of mountainous vegetation, fauna, and birds. The park has endangered species such as the Red Panda, Black Bear, Leopard, Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Serow, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Boar, Pangolin, and Takin. People explore wildlife and trek while visiting Singalia National Park.
How to reach?
One can either take a train from the nearest Railway head, which is Ghoom Railway Station, or the nearest Bus Station from Manebhanjan.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The zoo is situated at an average elevation of 2,134 meters above sea level and is the largest high-altitude zoo in India. It is spread over an area of 67.56 acres. One can explore endangered species in the zoo, such as snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan mountain goats, and Siberian tigers. It is known for its snow leopard breeding program.
How to reach?
At a distance of 3 km from Darjeeling Railway Station, one can find the entrance to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. One can even take Jawahar Road from the mall and keep following the road for 30 minutes and find the zoological park.
- Tiger Hill
The place is best known as a trekking destination, and its peaks offer some of the most marvellous views of Kanchendzonga and the monolithic Mt. Everest. Many natural scenic photographers explore this place, and the sun rises and sets are best viewed from the place. Many family members enjoy picnics and get-togethers at this point.
How to reach?
One can opt for a jeep or foot, which transverses through some of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling.
- Batasia Loop
The place represents the Gorkha war memorial, and one can get a 360-degree view through a spiral railway toy train track. The loop covers and enters tunnels spirally, landscaped parks, and hillocks. It is created at the lower gradient of the ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Visitors even enjoy the local craft market in the nearby area.
How to reach?
Batasia Loop can be visited when the famous ‘Toy Train’ makes its way across a looped track that transverses through some beautiful parks.
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
It is one of the major tourist attractions and covers a massive area of 437 acres. The region has the most tea plantations and tea factory houses in the world. It was established in 1854 by an Englishman and was taken over by an Indian bureaucrat from Hoogly. The place has one of the most breathtaking surroundings in India.
How to reach?
One can take a train from Darjeeling Railway Station, and the spot is 2.5 km away from the station.
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda was built in 1885–1985 by a Japanese Buddhist monk named Nichidatsu Fuji. The structure is all white with a golden colour, a sculpture that covers 23 square meters in width and 28.5 meters in height.
How to reach?
From Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, one can reach the spot at a distance of about 2.5 km or even by car. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is located on the slopes of Jalapahar Hills in Darjeeling.
- Neora Valley National Park
The Neora Valley National Park is one of the richest biological zones in the northeast. The park was established in 1986 and is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. It is famous for housing and nurturing Red pandas in India. Visitors often plan to camp and trek in the area.
How to reach?
One can reach the spot through Kolakham village from Lava by jeep and reach it in around an hour. The alternative route is Samsing, which takes 3.5 hours from New Jalpaiguri through trekking.
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