Darjeeling The Heaven on Earth – Cool & Spiritual

If we have led you into believing that Darjeeling is purely a touristy place, that is far from the truth. Thanks to the position of Darjeeling in Himalayan foothills, there are a number of excellent trekking trails you can find around the city; Sandakphu being one of the popular ones. It is a moderate level trek that takes you through some extremely scenic landscapes until you finally reach Sandakphu at 11,929 feet.

This is probably the best trek you can undertake in the region if you are an experienced trekker. Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal, so you can imagine the grand views of the grandest Himalayan mountains you can witness from here. Sandakphu Trek is an ultimate dose of thrill and amusement.

Location: Begins at Manebhanjan, West Bengal

Rimbik is a small town located in the Singalila National Park area in Darjeeling. It is famous for its trekking routes and gradually gaining popularity among unconventional travelers. Singalila National park and Sandakphu are the famous and busiest routes and one of the best treks in the Eastern part of India. Enroute Sandaphu, the trekkers will pass the Singalila National park, which is home to the red panda and one can enjoy nature at its pristine best.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit from Spring to winters between March to November with mild rains.

Highlight: The highlight of this place is sure to be the view of Kanchenjunga ranges. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and Dhirdham temple are the most visited places here.

A great place for the patrons of history and nature, Bengal natural History Museum is one of the most prominent museums you can find in the region. This unique museum is dedicated to the rich wildlife or biodiversity of the region and its history. The museum is divided into two large sections, and features different sub-sections where specimens of a variety of avifauna and fauna that are found in the region.

The museum claims to have specimens of 820 bird species on display here, which is quite impressive for any nature lover taking a tour of the museum.

Location: Darjeeling – Jorethang Road, Darjeeling

Timing: 8 am to 7:30 pm

If you love being outdoors and surround yourself with the freshness and calm of nature, Dooars is the most ideal place for you to visit when you are in Darjeeling. Dooars is a place that defines ‘pristine nature’ with its untainted, lush green landscapes. It is a vast region of floodplains that encompasses tea gardens, hill slopes, undulating meadows, tropical forests, and ethnic villages.

The place is ideal for nature photography, wildlife exploration, and nature stay. The natural beauty of the region and the variety of experiences it has on offer make Dooars one of the most fascinating places to visit in Darjeeling.

Location: The Dooars region politically constitutes the plains of Darjeeling District, the whole of Jalpaiguri district and Alipurduar district and the upper region of Cooch Behar district in West Bengal and the districts of Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Goalpara and Bongaigaon in the state of Assam.

Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park, located in Kalimpong District of West Bengal is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling for indulging in wildlife experience. The wildlife park spreads over a region of 88 sq. km and houses some exotic species of flora, fauna, and avifauna. The extremely charming valleys and hills at the park are soothing to one’s eyes, and call for a unique photography session.

The rich Himalayan biodiversity of Neora Valley National Park attracts wildlife enthusiasts from different parts of the country. The park is also famous for trekking trails that pass through it.

Location: Neora Valley, 81 km from Darjeeling

Timing: 9 am to 4 pm

Entry Fee: No Information

The city’s Mall Market, this is the heart of Darjeeling, both literally and symbolically. Being the main market area, this is the most bustling part of the city frequented by locals and tourists alike. Chowrasta literally translates to four-way. Whether you want to let the sun warm you on a cold morning or you want to catch a crimson sky during sunset, Chowrasta is the place to be.

A number of hotels, restaurants, and shops are available here so you can be assured of spending an eventful evening at Chowrasta. From relishing delicacies to shopping for souvenirs, there are a number of activities to try here.

Location: The Mall, Darjeeling

Timing: 10 am to 9 pm

This is essentially a rehabilitation centre for the Tibetan refugees, but since the place gives an opportunity to indulge in a shopping experience, it has also emerged as a popular site among tourists. This help center was initially established with an objective to make the Tibetan community in Darjeeling self-dependent by offering them opportunity to earn money.

The place now offers a wide range of handicrafts including wooden articles, exquisite shawls, leather jackets, and much more that will tickle your fancy. In fact, these products are exported to 36 countries all over the world. Apart from being a place for shopping, it is also a good place to learn about Tibetan refugees living in India.

Location: Havelock Villa, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling

Timing: 9 am to 4:30 pm