Darjeel Queen of Hills, rising above the heat and dust of the plains,offers a beautiful view of the Himalayas nestling among the green hills.The tea gardens, fine old bungalows, schools and air of nostalgia make Darjeeling a popular hill station. Situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, the hill station is a harmonious jumble of scenic beauty, cultural opulence and historic skeleton.
Why is Darjeeling Known as the Queen of Hills
Darjeeling became known as the “Queen of Hills” for its untouched natural beauty and single out charm that has attracted millions of visitors right from the British era till date. Framed by rolling tea estates, with views of the world’s third-highest mountain (Kanchenjunga) and a rich cultural topography inspired by Nepali, Tibetan and Bengali traditions, Darjeeling is like the other Indian hill stations, but different.
Cool mountain air, emerald greenery and quaint colonial architecture contribute to its lofty royal status. From sipping on a world-renowned Darjeeling tea to riding the The UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, you will feel royal at every moment here.
Top Attractions in Darjeeling
Tiger Hill
Rise early to watch the stunning sunrise over Kanchenjunga. There on clear days even Mt Everest is visible.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway This little toy with steam engine is the finest miniature train in India.
This narrow-gauge train takes a nostalgic journey on beautiful mountain lines.
Batasia Loop
A spiral railway line with breathtaking views and a memorial to Gorkha soldiers.
Peace Pagoda
This white building represents peace and provides views over the town.
Tea Estates
Tour renowned tea gardens such as Happy Valley and Glenburn to witness how the legendary Darjeeling tea is made.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is the best in these sports.
Name in honor of Tenzing Norgay; includes museums and climbing centers.
Best Time to Visit
Queen of Hills, Darjeeling is best visited between March to June, and September to November. The climate during these months is mild and hence suitable to go sightseeing, trekking and visiting tea estates.
How to Reach Darjeeling
- By Flight:- The closest airport is Bagdogra (70 km).
- By Train:- The nearest big railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri.
- Roads:- Siliguri and nearby towns are well connected by roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is Darjeeling famous?
Darjeeling also has several British-style public schools, which attract students from other parts of India and neighbouring countries.Darjeeling is known for its tea, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the Darjeeling Zoo.
Q2. Is Darjeeling safe to travel alone?
Yes, Darjeeling is safe for solo travellers. When you take some basic precautions and heed local guidelines, the trip runs smoothly.
Q3. What are some local foods that one should try in Darjeeling?
Don’t skip momos, thukpa, Darjeeling tea and churpee (yak cheese that has been hardened). The town has a mixture of Tibetan, Nepali and Indian foods.
Q4. How many days should I stay in Darjeeling?
This will be followed by spending 3-5 days to travel covering the popular tourist spots and absorb the tranquility.
Q5. Do you need a permit to go to Darjeeling?
Indian citizens do not need a special permit. Foreigners may require an Inner Line Permit in order to travel beyond the restricted areas, as in the case of Sikkim.
Final Thoughts
If you are a nature lover, a photographer, a trekker or even a culture enthusiast, Queen if hills Darjeeling will not disappoint you any time of the year. There is a story to every nook and corner of Darjeeling from serene monasteries to swarming bazaars.
