Darjeeling
Discover Darjeeling
Darjeeling (Nepali: दार्जिलिङ Dārjiliṅ, Bengali: দার্জিলিং Dārjiliṁ) is a hill station in the northern region of West Bengal. It used to be a lovely Victorian town built among the Himalayan foothills, the remnants of which are still visible around the Chowrasta. The main attractions are the cultural diversity of the Tibetan and Nepali populations. The town is also a jumping-off point for travellers heading to Sikkim. Darjeeling, derived from the word Dorje-ling which literally translates to "Land of the Thunderbolt", used to be a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim. It grew in prominence during the mid-19th century when, because of its climate, the British established a hill station there. It is famously known as "The Queen of the Hills".
What to Experience in Darjeeling
Taste of Darjeeling...
Several eateries that dish out North Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, and continental fare dot the area around the Mall. "Momos", steamed Tibetan delicacies, are a staple food offered by almost every eating joint. Everything closes pretty early in the night (The town goes to sleep before 9PM; plan to be at your restaurant no later than 7PM). If you are planning to stay up late, you might keep something extra in stock to eat. Darjeeling has a large number of hotels and lodges. However, on the whole, budget accommodation is of poor value compared to elsewhere in India. Most places target groups coming in from West Bengal; backpacker-oriented accommodation is sparse and you probably won't get touts coming to pick you up at the bus stop so it pays to have a few ideas in advance. There are several forest guesthouses in the Darjeeling area. In order to stay at any of these a special permit from West Bengal Forest Department is required. There has been a surge of tourists visiting Darjeeling in the last few years. Earlier, there was continuous turmoil and political disturbance in the hills. But since the establishment of the new government in 2011, the political stability has been restored and life came back to normal. But extreme suffering and poor state of business, development, jobs and infrastructure has created deep scars, which may take some more time to heal. So a note of caution is given while travelling around the city.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe nearest international airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in Siliguri, 96 km from Darjeeling town. There are flights from Bangkok, Paro and to most major cities in India. Siliguri is the nearest city on the mainline rail network. Ample transport is available to Darjeeling from here, a 3-hour drive on a well-maintained, hilly paved road. The most popular modes of transport are taxi (usually shared by three to four passengers), shared terrain vehicle (ten passengers), ₹150-200 depending on time. Shared terrain vehicles depart regularly from several locations around town. They leave when full, and are a cheap, fast and reasonably comfortable way to reach Darjeeling. After arrival by train at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri, taxis (₹1500-3000) and shared terrain vehicles continue the trip to Darjeeling. There is a booking counter at the taxi stand in front of the railway station. There is a prepaid taxi stand in front of the train station....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Darjeeling is a small town, and the salubrious climate means walks around town are an extremely enjoyable means of getting around. For longer trips, taxis are available in stands near the entrance to the supermarket. A great way to spend a day is to take a share-terrain vehicle to Ghum, visit some monasteries there and walk back via some of the villages. One can also walk to the botanical garden and spend a few pleasant hours appreciating nature, and then there is a rock garden, which is very much at a (slightly longish) walkable distance. One can also walk to the zoo and then to the ropeway at North Point. A walk to the Peace Pagoda and then to Jalapahar is also quite refreshing. Have a leisurely walk on the Mall (rhymes with "pal") and relax for hours in the soothing sun at Chowrasta. Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.
Where to Stay
Darjeeling has a large number of hotels and lodges. However, on the whole, budget accommodation is of poor value compared to elsewhere in India. Most places target groups coming in from West Bengal; backpacker-oriented accommodation is sparse and you probably won't get touts coming to pick you up at the bus stop so it pays to have a few ideas in advance. There are several forest guesthouses in the Darjeeling area. In order to stay at any of these a special permit from West Bengal Forest Department is required. There has been a surge of tourists visiting Darjeeling in the last few years. Earlier, there was continuous turmoil and political disturbance in the hills. But since the establishment of the new government in 2011, the political stability has been restored and life came back to normal. But extreme suffering and poor state of business, development, jobs and infrastructure has created deep scars, which may take some more time to heal.
Money & Budget
Currency Exchange. Riddhi Siddhi Exchange in Darjeeling. 11 Laden La Rd. Up hill from the Foreigner's Registration Office. It may give you better rates for larger amounts. Several eateries that dish out North Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, and continental fare dot the area around the Mall. "Momos", steamed Tibetan delicacies, are a staple food offered by almost every eating joint. Everything closes pretty early in the night (The town goes to sleep before 9PM; plan to be at your restaurant no later than 7PM). If you are planning to stay up late, you might keep something extra in stock to eat. Darjeeling has a large number of hotels and lodges. However, on the whole, budget accommodation is of poor value compared to elsewhere in India.
Language & Talk
Nepali is the main language spoken in Darjeeling. The languages used also include a few tribal dialects such as Lepcha, Limbu, Tamang & Kirati. In addition, the locals also prefer English. They also have almost complete writing/speaking understanding in Hindi. The nearest international airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in Siliguri, 96 km from Darjeeling town. There are flights from Bangkok, Paro and to most major cities in India. Siliguri is the nearest city on the mainline rail network. Ample transport is available to Darjeeling from here, a 3-hour drive on a well-maintained, hilly paved road. The most popular modes of transport are taxi (usually shared by three to four passengers), shared terrain vehicle (ten passengers), ₹150-200 depending on time.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
There has been a surge of tourists visiting Darjeeling in the last few years. Earlier, there was continuous turmoil and political disturbance in the hills. But since the establishment of the new government in 2011, the political stability has been restored and life came back to normal. But extreme suffering and poor state of business, development, jobs and infrastructure has created deep scars, which may take some more time to heal. So a note of caution is given while travelling around the city. Take caution when walking at night, as many feral dogs roam the street once the sun goes down. If approached by an aggressive dog in the street, acting as though you are picking up a rock to throw will usually deter them.
Glimpses of Darjeeling
Houses of clouds
a view of a city with mountains in the background
a train traveling through a lush green countryside
Alluring Views of Mountains
Mount Kanchenjunga, seen from the Tiger hills. Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
green trees on mountain under white clouds and blue sky during daytime
Darjeeling tea garden 🪴
Lapchajagat forest
woman in white long sleeve shirt and purple skirt sitting on green grass field during daytime
Velvety tea garden with small mountain village
Houses of clouds
a view of a city with mountains in the background
a train traveling through a lush green countryside