Darjeeling is a charming hill station located in West Bengal. According to history the initial part of the 18th century this hill station was under the control of the King of Sikkim which was then later captured by the Gorkhas and then the British. The rolling mountains with the magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga Mountain range and its pleasant climate are what makes Darjeeling a top tourist destination. This hill station is also famous for its tea plantations. So if you are in love with nature and pleasant climatic conditions than Darjeeling is the perfect destination for you.
Read More: WHAT MAKES THE DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY SO UNIQUE?
How to reach Darjeeling?
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Darjeeling Map
By train:
The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is the New Jalpaiguri railway station. There also exists a toy train service from Siliguri.
By road:
How to reach Darjeeling from Kalimpong: The shortest route to reach Darjeeling from Kalimpong is via Rishi Rd as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
How to reach Darjeeling from Gangtok: The shortest route to reach Darjeeling from Gangtok is via Rishi Rd and NH10 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By flight:
The closest airport is the Bagdora airport near Siliguri. This airport also receives flights from major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
Climate and the best time to visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling, on the whole, enjoys a moderate climate. The temperatures during the summers rarely crossing 25 degrees. During the winters the temperatures vary between 5 degrees minimum to 7 degrees maximum and is perfect for romance and honeymooners. Due to the roadblocks caused during monsoons travel is not advisable. The ideal time to visit Darjeeling being September to June.
Places To Visit Around Darjeeling
Tiger Hill: Located at a high altitude, the view of the sun rising from the Kanchenjunga mountain range is a sight to be cherished for a lifetime. You can also be lucky enough to catch the sight of Mount Everest if the sky is clear.
Senchal Lake: It is a very scenic spot, close to the Tiger Hill that serves as a perfect picnic spot.
Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car: The ride on the ropeway from Darjeeling to Singla Bazaar, situated at the bottom of the valley is a fantastic journey through the clouds with plenty of vistas down.
Ghoom Monastery: Ghoom Monastery was constructed in 1875 by Lama SherabGyatso and houses the statue of ‘Future Coming Buddha’ called Maitreye Buddha. It has some rare Buddhist handwritten manuscripts.
Lloyd Botanical Garden: Abode to a variety of flora, this botanical garden is situated beneath the Eden Sanatorium. One does not need to pay for entry to the garden.
Chowrasta and Mall: This is an ideal place for socializing, dotted with plenty of shops and restaurants. The Brabourne Park that features a musical fountain is close by.
Other places of interest include plenty of other attractions at places such asSiliguri, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Bagdogra, Mirik, and New Jalpaiguri which are in close proximity to Darjeeling.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Darjeeling:
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Darjeeling on Google Maps.
Also Read: CUISINE AND RESTAURANT – DARJEELING HILLS