Nestled within the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is famous for its vast tea plantations. It’s a serene destination for hiking, river rafting, monastery visits and traditional bazar shopping.

Things to do

Adventurers can head to Darjeeling for trekking and birdwatching on Tiger Hill. Sunrise is the perfect time for spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga Range. Thrill-seekers can go white-water rafting at the Teesta and Rangeet rivers or enjoy kayaking on the tributaries and streams.

In town, Mall Road bustles with shoppers browsing Darjeeling tea shops. You can enjoy high-quality tea blends at Nathmulls tea shop along with house-made desserts and pastries. Pick up packaged teas at the outlet store for Golden Tips Tea.

For an authentic Indian bazar shopping experience, spend an afternoon at Ghoom Monastery Market, known for its Tibetan prayer wheels, thanka wall paintings and singing bowls. You’ll also find finely crafted Nepalese wool textiles at the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. Don’t miss a ride on the Heritage-listed Darjeeling toy train, an extraordinarily narrow passenger train.

Monasteries such as Bhutia Busty Gompa offer quiet times for meditation. After a refreshing uphill walk, step inside the monastery to discover a rare copy of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. Visit one of many Darjeeling tea plantations to taste Dooars and Terai teas, then get a guided tour to learn the art of picking and processing tea leaves.

Getting around

Darjeeling is a pedestrian-friendly town about 96 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport. Taxis are available from stands near the Mall Road or you can rent a car to reach surrounding attractions.