The
dramatic landscape of Darjeeling, located in West Bengal with its
plethora of tourist attractions, experiences the footfalls of various
tourists throughout the year. Because of its enchanting landscape with
verdant hues of the tea plants, its ornamental monasteries and its
historical monuments; this mystical land has been a favorite place of
recluse right from the colonial era. Moreover, with facilities for
various water and adventurous sports, the popularity of this quaint
place as a holidaying destination has been increased manifold. Here are
some of the major tourist attractions which can be included in its
sightseeing tours.Tea Gardens
A place known for its legendary "muscatel" tea all over the world, Darjeeling houses about 70 tea gardens. Visiting a nearby tea factory and witnessing the actual process of how Darjeeling tea is manufactured is a rare privilege. You can even take leisurely strolls around its tea gardens, inhaling the bracing aroma of the tea plants and watching local tea pickers picking tea leaves rhythmically.
Tiger Hill
Located at a distance of 13 km from the town, at a height of 2590 m, watching the sunrise from here is an experience you can never afford to miss. The view that it provides, as the first rays of the sun kisses the snow-clad peaks of the 'Kanchenjunga' and the Western Himalayas, makes it a popular tourist spot. It also offers views of the Mount Everest when the weather remains clear.
Observatory Hill
Locally known as "Makal- Babu- Ko- Thaan", Observatory Hill is the oldest site of the hill station. According to legends and folklore, an ancient Buddhist monastery known as "Dorje Ling" stood at the place that was destroyed in the 19th century by the Nepalis. Now a temple stands at the same spot, and is frequented by the Buddhist as well as the Hindus.
Ghoom
This hillock stands at an altitude of 2,407 m and is located 6 km from the main town. It is famous for harboring the famous Ghoom Gompa. Also known as Yogachoeling Gompa, this is the most famous monastery in Darjeeling and houses a large statue of Maitreya Buddha. The other three "Gompas" in Ghoom are Samdenchoeling, Sakyachoeling and the Phin Sotholing.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Established in 1958, the zoo preserves and conserves some of the most exotic wildlife of the Himalayas. The place forms a major tourist attraction of the place as houses rare species of fauna like the Siberian Tigers, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and varicolored birds. These animals that are bred in pseudo-natural habitats are protected and taken good care of in the place.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and Museums
The HMI located 2 km from the town of Darjeeling was established in 1954 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru after the conquest of the Mount Everest. It offers various courses in mountaineering and acts as a repository of various specimens of Himalayan wildlife and ancient mountaineering equipments in its Mountaineering Museum and Everest Museum.
Batasia Loop
Located 5 km from the town of Darjeeling, this railway loop is the place where the tracks of the toy train spiral around over itself and pass through a tunnel located over a hilltop. As the train crosses this loop, it ascends almost 1000 ft in a matter of minutes. One can also have the most enchanting views of the landscape as the train chug upwards through this point.
Chowrasta
Chowrasta is the hub of commercial activities of the place. Located in the heart of Darjeeling, the Mall Road begins and ends here. The colorful shops strewn around the streets, with the myriad display of souvenirs, tribal ornaments, local handicrafts, brass statues, woolen garments, rosaries and Gorkha daggers, are a source of instant tourist attraction.