15 Best Things to Do in Darjeeling

December 12, 2024

Embrace the beauty, culture, and flavours of Darjeeling, one of the finest places to visit in North East India. Here, aromatic tea comes together with heritage trains and local customs in the lap of nature. 

one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

As a backpacker's delight and a honeymooner's dream, the topography of Darjeeling is spread in ribbons over a steep mountain ridge, surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations, and towered over by the majestic Khangchendzonga. But the list of Things to Do in Darjeeling goes beyond these attractions. 

The beautiful tea gardens on the slopes of rolling hills, the orchids, pines & rhododendrons, the cute Himalayan toy train negotiating its way through the mountains combined with great sightseeing tours, food, shopping and other exciting activities, there’s so much that this stunning town has to offer.

So take the Darjeeling Tour Packages and embark on a journey like never before. Scroll down below to get a glimpse of what awaits. 

Top 15 Best Things to Do in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the most adored and the Best Hill Stations in India. Apart from the engaging scenery and panoramic vistas, there are also a plethora of activities and Things to Do in Darjeeling. Here is what you can expect: 

1. River Rafting in Teesta River

River Rafting is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Teesta River stands out as one of the Best Places For River Rafting in India due to its moderate current. The activity involves encountering a series of rapids with varying intensities, ranging from Grade 1 to 4, the latter of which is only allowed to seasoned, trained rafters because of the level of danger involved.

It’s surely among the best things to do in Darjeeling, but only under the instruction of the operator. Take part in whitewater rafting on the Teesta River and ebb and flow down the rapids, that take about 30-35 minutes.

  • Entry Fee: INR 4,000 to 6,000 per boat
  • Location: 7th Mile, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734301
  • Best Time To Visit: December – June. Monsoon season should be ideally avoided for rafting if you are taking the Best Tour Packages in India.
  • Timings: 9 am to 2 pm

2. Sandakphu – Trek The Peak

Sandakphu Trek is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

The well-curated North East Tour Packages take you to get a glimpse of the gorgeous Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet), the highest peak in West Bengal. It is located very close to Singalila National Park, providing a spectacular view of four out of the five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. 

You can reach the peak either by car or by trekking. For a memorable experience, take the trek under the guidance of a Darjeeling Travel Guide and climb 51 km up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan to get a mesmerizing view of the area of.

  • Entry Fee: starts from INR 13,500 /Person. + GST (goods and services tax)
  • Location: Damey Gaon, Mane Bhanjang, Majua, West Bengal 734221
  • Best Time To Visit: April – May and October – early December are the ideal time for trekking activities in Darjeeling
  • Timings: On guided treks, pickup and drop off times are generally 8 am and 6 pm.

3. Enjoy a Ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been among the top Things to Do in Darjeeling since its inception. Also referred to as the DHR and lovingly called the 'Darjeeling Toy Train', it is a 2-foot narrow gauge train that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. 

The construction of this railway line took place between 1879 and 1881, and a ride on this train route has been a coveted experience ever since. A trip through the Toy Train has amazing sights with pleasing mountain views covering some of the beautiful Places to Enjoy Snowfall in February in India and passes by quaint villages and dimly lit local shops on the way.

  • Entry Fee: INR 1000 for diesel engine rides and INR 1,600 for steam engine rides.
  • Location: Hill Cart Road, Limbugaon, Darjeeling, West Bengal
  • Best Time To Visit: October to December is the peak time, when the mists have cleared up, and the weather becomes pleasant.
  • Timings: 7.40 am to last train leaving at 4.30 pm

4. Barbotey Garden – Rock Garden in Darjeeling

Rock Garden is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Also known as the rock garden, this is one of the most favourite Darjeeling sightseeing places. The park is a feat of imaginative and visionary work in the planning of open public spaces. Adorned with rock beds, waterfalls, and fountains, this Eden-esque garden is one of the top things to do for nature lovers visiting Darjeeling. 

You’d think you were transported to a Sanskrit epic with a prominent sringara rasa mood when you step into this garden with bumblebees and bright flowers following you everywhere. The place looks right out of a fairy tale with the snow-capped peaks, adding charm to Darjeeling in Winter.

  • Entry Fee: 20 rupees per person. You have to pay 50 rupees to enjoy boating for around 15 minutes.
  • Location:  Barbotey Busty, Rock Garden Rd, Darjeeling, Barbatia Khasmahal, West Bengal 734102
  • Best Time To Visit: March to September
  • Timings: 9 am – 5 pm

5. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Located in the hill station of Darjeeling, the HMI is recognized as one of the best Places to Visit in Darjeeling. Aspiring mountaineers from all over the world come to this institute to hone their skills. Besides being one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has become one of the significant Darjeeling tourist spots due to its picturesque setting in the hill station. 

  • Entry Fee: INR 40 per person + additional charges for the camera.
  • Location: Jawahar Parvat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
  • Best Time To Visit: From April to June and September to December, the weather is nice and breezy, perfect for such a strenuous activity.
  • Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

6. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Explore Wildlife

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

A testament to the indigenous flora and fauna of the region, the Bengal Natural History Museum is among the best places to go on a family trip, and it houses a wide variety of animals. Also known as Darjeeling Zoo, this is the largest high-altitude zoo in India. 

As one of the top Darjeeling things to see, get a glimpse of the breeding animals, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda. The zoo serves as the central hub for the Central Zoo Authority of India's Red Panda program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

  • Entry Fee: INR 110 for adults and INR 180 for foreign visitors. Children under six can enter for free.
  • Location: Darjeeling – Jorethang Road, Near Birch Hill Resort, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
  • Best Time To Visit: March – June and September – January
  • Timings: 8:30 am – 4 pm

7. Enjoy a Bird's Eye View from the Darjeeling Ropeway

Darjeeling Ropeway is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

It is no hyperbole to say that Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, with a plethora of Things to Do in Darjeeling. You can experience this beauty from all perspectives, including an aerial POV. 

When you take a ropeway ride and look at the City from above, you get the bigger picture of the Queen of the Hills, sporting vast sweeping vistas of tea gardens, hilly forests, and more.

  • Entry Fee:  INR 200 per head for adults and Rs 100 per head for children (3 to 8 years)
  • Location: Singamari Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal
  • Best Time To Visit: March – June and September – January
  • Timings: 8:30 am – 4 pm

8. Admire the Relics at the Bengal Natural History Museum

Bengal Natural History Museum is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Located inside the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, this anthropological zoo has become one of the most frequently visited Places to visit in January in India. It showcases the preserved remains of the diverse range of flora and fauna that have inhabited the City and the surrounding areas of Darjeeling. 

Established in 1923, the main aim was to help students & scholars research the avian, mammal, and reptile kingdoms. The array of preserved fauna remains has made it one of the best things to do in Darjeeling for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Entry Fee: INR 20.
  • Location: Padmaja Naidu, Himalayan Zoological Park, Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734104
  • Best Time To Visit: March – June and September – January
  • Timings: 8 am – 4:30 pm (Thursdays closed)

9. Witness a Mesmerizing Sunrise at Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Darjeeling can be included in the list of the finest Honeymoon Destinations In India In Low Budget, and a major attraction that you might not visit on your sweet escapade is Tiger Hill. Lying at an altitude of 2590 meters and a distance of 13 kilometres away from Darjeeling, Tiger Hill provides splendid sights of sunrise from where you can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga illuminate before the sun is seen at lower elevations. So, be sure to include it in your Darjeeling things to do.

  • Entry Fee: The ticket for the ground level is Rs 20, 1st floor is Rs 30, and the top floor with seating and a better view is Rs 40
  • Location: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling, West Bengal, 734123
  • Best Time To Visit: October – December and March – April
  • Timings: Open all hours, but the recommended time to visit is 6 am to 6 pm

10. Take a Walk at Happy Valley Tea Estate

Take a Walk at Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Be it black, green, or oolong, tea is as synonymous with Darjeeling as a view of the majestic Kanchenjunga. With over 80 tea plantations in Darjeeling, a visit to at least one tea garden is crucial things to Do in Darjeeling. 

If the fragrance of the well-manicured shrubs wasn't enough to draw the attention of passers-by, these lush green estates also offer services like homestays and guided tours. Take part in such activities and make beautiful memories of you are looking for things to do in Darjeeling with friends. 

  • Entry Fee: between INR 100 to INR 200
  • Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
  • Timings: 9?am–4:30?pm
  • Best Time To Visit: between March and May

11. Singalila Jungle Lodge – Lodge Amidst A Forest

Singalila Jungle Lodge is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Singalila Jungle Lodge offers an ethereal escape into the heart of nature, making it one of the most unique things to do in Darjeeling. Nestled amidst lush forests and plantations, this charming lodge provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in tranquillity. 

Wake up to the soothing sounds of birdsong and flowing streams that create a serene ambience, perfect for unwinding. With breathtaking views of the Singalila National Park, the lodge offers a truly unforgettable experience and can surely be considered one of the finest Things to Do in Darjeeling.

  • Entry Fee: variable 
  • Location: Palmajua, P.O Bansbotay, Rimbick, West Bengal 734201
  • Best Time To Visit: Visit in winter to spend some cosy time in the snowy season.
  • Timings: 9 am – 9 pm

12. Khambuhang Nature Holiday Camp – Enjoy Cottage Camping

Enjoy Cottage Camping is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Khambuhang Nature Holiday Camp offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, perfect for those seeking Places to Celebrate New Year in India. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. Unwind in cosy cottages, embark on thrilling treks, and savour the delicious local cuisine. 

If you are looking for things to do in Darjeeling at night, explore nearby attractions, stargaze from your private balcony, or simply relax by the bonfire. With a range of activities catering to all interests, Khambuhang promises an unforgettable experience. 

  • Entry Fee: variable 
  • Location: Paren – Todey Rd, Paren Godak Khasmahal, West Bengal 734319
  • Best Time To Visit: Spring season (March – April)
  • Timings: 8 am – 8 pm

13. Ghum Monastery – A Serene Religious Place

View Ghum Monastery is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

At a grand elevation of 8,000 feet, the Yiga Choeling, or old Ghoom Monastery, is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery of Darjeeling. It can be one of the best Places To Visit In Winter In India if you want to experience the chilly winters. 

Explore the central hall and tick an experience off your bucket list of activities to do in Darjeeling. This area features a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreyi Buddha made entirely of clay brought from Tibet. 

  • Entry Fee: There's no entry fee for the monastery itself, but a nominal fee of INR 10 is charged for photography with a still camera and INR 50 for videography
  • Location: Ghoom Monastery Rd, Darjeeling, Ghoom, West Bengal 734102
  • Best Time To Visit: March to September
  • Timings: 5 am – 4.30 pm

14. St. Pauls To Lebong ground - Paragliding

Paragliding is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

Looking for Places For Paragliding In India? Then your search ends at St. Pauls To Lebong ground. This paragliding trip starts from St. Paul's School in Jalapahar, which is basically an elevated point from the mall. This amazing flight lasts for around 15-20 minutes before landing on the Lebong Ground. The glides offer the best view of Kanchenjunga. They were started in 2011, but operations were stalled in 2017 due to the 'Gorkhaland' agitation.

Karma Sherpa, the sole operator of the glides in Darjeeling, has two gliders and two pilots on their team, with whom they operate six glides a day. So, book such adventures in Darjeeling in advance to secure a seat for this thrilling adventure. 

  • Entry fee: Rs 3,500, including videography and pick up and drop facility for tourists.
  • Location: The trip starts from St. Paul's school in Jalapahar to the Lebong Ground
  • Best Time To Visit: between March and June, and September and November
  • Timings: 5 am to 10 am

15. Go Trekking in the Verdant Woods and Valleys

Trekking in the Verdant Woods and Valleys is one of the best things to Do in Darjeeling

With its undulating landscapes, Best Snowfall Places In India, and awe-inspiring vistas, Darjeeling offers an array of trekking trails that cater to both beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. 

The Tiger Hill trek offers beginners a gentle introduction to the region's natural beauty, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise view over the Himalayas. More experienced trekkers may opt for the Sandakphu-Phalut trek, renowned for its panoramic views of the world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. So, if you are an adventurer at heart, be sure to include this in your list of Things to Do in Darjeeling.

  • Entry Fee: variable 
  • Location: Tiger Hill Trek, Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, Dhotrey-Tonglu Trek, Singalila Ridge Trek
  • Best Time To Visit: Autumn Season ( Sep - Nov )
  • Timings: variable 

Wrapping up 

With so many things to do in Darjeeling, the quaint hill town has emerged as one of the most celebrated vacation places in India. With a plethora of activities, cuisines, accommodations and transportation facilities, the City caters to people from all walks of life. 

With this detailed guide, we hope that you will be intrigued by this beautiful hill station by now. Wherever you are, you must plan your trip to Darjeeling at least once in your lifetime to experience all that it has to offer. 

To grab the opportunity and make the most of it, take the Darjeeling tour packages from Trip Planners India. Laced with various deals and discounts, the packages cater to everything from how to reach Darjeeling to your meal preferences. So, book a package today and embark on an unforgettable journey with Trip Planners India.

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