Darjeeling is a town in India’s West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It’s famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks.
Buddhist monasteries in the area include Bhutia Busty Gompa, known for its colorful murals and library full of rare texts. Another monastery, Ghoom Gompa, contains a 5m-high clay statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Darjeeling’s colonial architectural heritage includes mock-Tudor houses, Gothic Victorian churches such as St. Andrew’s and the opulent Raj Bhavan, which still serves as the Governor’s summer residence. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is home to snow leopards, red pandas and Tibetan wolves. Darjeeling is also a popular base for treks and climbing expeditions in the mountainous state of Sikkim.
Go on an adventurous trek up to Sandakphu in Singalila Range, the highest peak in West Bengal and feast your eyes on the spellbinding panorama.
When to visit: Mar–Jun is the peak travel period, with Oct and Dec also being popular. Darjeeling has a temperate highland climate. Jun–Sep, the warmest time of year, is also the monsoon season with torrential rains and few visitors. Oct–May is the dry season, with generally cool weather and clear skies. Durga Puja (Sep/Oct, dates vary) is a Hindu festival, with decorated shrines, held in honor of the goddess Durga. The Darjeeling Carnival (Nov) is a cultural festival with music concerts, art exhibits, food and tea tastings.
