Top 3 Tourist Attractions in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is among the most popular hill stations in India. It is even referred to as the 'Queen of Hills' by many in Eastern India. Located in the northern tip of West Bengal, Darjeeling lies at an altitude of 2,042 meters in the Eastern Himalayas. The hill station is known for its enchanting panoramic views and majestic views of the Kanchenjunga. The hill slopes covered in a lush green blanket of tea plantations also paint a pretty picture.

Darjeeling is a well-known holiday destination. Summers are the peak tourist season when most people visit these hills to escape the sweltering heat in other parts of the country. The winters also see many tourists who come here to enjoy the extreme chill and witness the occasional snowfall. Tourists can find plenty of options for accommodation. From luxury resorts and cozy home stays to 5 star hotels in Darjeeling, there are plenty of places where one can spend the night.

Darjeeling is most renowned for 3 Ts – Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Tea gardens.

The Toy Train route is officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Route. Running from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, this narrow gauge rail line is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists can either take a ride on the heritage train that runs on a steam engine, or the modern diesel locomotives. The Darjeeling Toy Train travels from an elevation of 328 feet to 7,218 feet. On the way, tourists get to witness the most beautiful scenery. The Toy Train passes through the twisting turning Himalayan slopes and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks and lush greenery. Taking a ride on the Toy Train is one of the top tourist things to do in Darjeeling.

Tiger Hill is located about 11 km away from the main town of Darjeeling. The place is known for its glorious views of the Kanchenjunga, especially the sunrise. It is the highest point in Darjeeling hills with an altitude of 8,482 feet. Most of the luxury resorts and 5 star hotels in Darjeeling offer rented car services for their guests. To reach Tiger Hill before sunrise, one must leave by dawn. To see the sunrise from the best vantage point, it is advisable to reach early before the crowd starts trickling in. As the sun rises from behind the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga, the sky changes into a bright canvas of red and oranges shades with the peaks glittering like gold in the sunlight. It is one of the most breathtaking sights you will see.

And finally, we have the ever-famous tea gardens of Darjeeling! Commercial cultivation of tea was first started in the region sometime in the early 1800s during the British rule. Since then, tea has been a significant aspect of Darjeeling's economy. India is one of the largest tea-producing countries in the world; and Darjeeling is one of the major hubs of tea production in India. The high altitude, cool climate and optimum rainfall received make the Darjeeling hills ideal for tea cultivation. Darjeeling Tea is regarded as one of the finest brews of tea in the world. It is also known as the "Champagne of Teas" due to its strong muscatel flavor.

Many of the leading 5 star hotels in Darjeeling overlook upon rows and rows of tea plantations. There are also resorts cozily nestled amidst tea gardens. Darjeeling is among the top tea tourism destinations in India. There are many old and new tea estates in the region, some of these almost 100 years old. Many of these estates offer tea tourism options where tourists have the chance to experience a stay at a tea estate.

Guests at a tea estate resort are given luxurious accommodation at a nice cottage or in a deluxe room. They can enjoy the lush green views of adjoining tea gardens on one side, and the splendid mountain views at the other side. Take a lazy stroll among the tea gardens, while listening to the sweet call of birds. For those who are interested, guests can witness the picking of tea leaves while staying at the estate. Some resorts also arrange conducted factory tours where they can see the mechanized processes of drying, grinding and mixing of tea leaves.
These three place are the top three tourist destinations in Darjeeling. It is an experience like no other!