Darjeeling

Darjeeling is in the middle of the tea plantations, deep in the mountains of North-east India. At the foot of the imposing Himalayas which can be seen from every spot in the small city.

Tea Plantations

Darjeeling is obviously known for its tea, which was being grown first by the British in the 19th century. You can find the famous Darjeeling tea in shops all around the world. In this region you will have the opportunity to visit various tea plantations like the Happy Valley Tea Estate and watch the entire process. You will have the chance to taste this characteristic tea and spoil your taste buds with corresponding delicacies in the city itself by visiting several bakeries and tea houses.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

But there are more reasons to visit Darjeeling, like the Himalayan Railway which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This railway runs from the more southern Siliguri to Darjeeling and has locomotives. These “toy trains” are a popular way to travel to Darjeeling. The total route is 86 kilometres long and covers a difference in high of approximately 2000 meters. You can also choose to only travel the last bit by train, by traveling from the town of Ghum for example.

Sunset over the Himalayas

An absolute must during your stay in Darjeeling: to see the sun rise over the Himalayas. In the early morning you will be transported by jeep to Tiger Hill, about 11 kilometres out of town. Here you will look for a beautiful place to see the sun rise over a horizon of approximately 250 kilometres of mountains. Also the snow covered Mount Everest (8848 meters) and the little lower Lhotse and Makalu mountain tops can be admired from here. A breath-taking experience.

Himalayan Zoo & Mountaineering Institute

Admire exotic animal species which only live in the Himalayas at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Tibetan wolves, snow leopards, red pandas and Himalaya bears; here you will find animals which you can not see in many other zoo’s. Right next to this you will find the Mountaineering Institute, with a museum and a lot of things worth knowing about several expeditions traveling from Darjeeling into the mountains.

Also the city itself is worth wandering through for several hours. Small mountainous streets, squares and many viewpoints over the mountains will deliver a scenic environment.

Walk around the New Mahakal Market, visit the small shops full of handmade Nepalese and Tibetan souvenirs and at night go out for some delicious food at one of the many restaurants. There will be plenty of choice.