Top Things to do in Darjeeling District
Top Hotels in Darjeeling District
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10 Free Things to do in Darjeeling District That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Darjeeling District, India including Sandakphu, Tonglu, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Tinchuley Village, Ahal Dara View Point, Kanchenjunga Mountain, Mahakal Temple, Chattakpur, Salugara Monastery, Observatory Hill.
Restaurants in Darjeeling District
1. Sandakphu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The trekking route to Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, runs through the Singalila National Park. The southern entry point to the park is at the Forest Check Post at Manebhanjang, 51 km from Darjeeling. We have to pay the entry charges at the check post, which was about ₹100 per head per day in March 2020 when we went. Forest and trek guides can be hired from the town. The 32 km trek route from Manebhajang to Sandakphu (height about 11,930 feet above mean sea level) and Phalut (21 km from Sandakphu) can be done over 2 to 4 days depending on the route, weather and your capacity to trek, and an equal number of days for the return. We decided to do the Jeep Safari, with a bit of trekking. We had to hire a 4 wheel drive Mahindra Jeep or a 1960s vintage British make Land Rover, with an experienced driver from the Manebhanjang Land Rover Association. The Jeep can cover the 32 km uphill climb in 4 or 5 hours with tea stops on the way. Since the ascent is very steep and bumpy, from 7000 feet to almost 12000 feet, we decided to take a couple of night halts to acclimatise ourselves. Keep in mind that the road is very rocky and uneven, and not advisable for the very old and infirm. There are some lodges and trekker’s huts at small villages on the Indo-Nepal border, along the route. We passed the villages of Chitray, Meghma, Gairibas, Tonglu, Tumling, Kalipokhri, Bhikaybanjang and finally reached Sandakphu. The beautiful views of the forests of bamboo, pine and fir trees, with the blooming rhododendron flowers in March and April, and the grand views of the Himalayan peaks of the Kanchenjunga range, Lhotse, Makalu and Everest along the route more than made up for the inconveniences of a bumpy Jeep ride and the cold nights in the mountains. Spotting wild animals like snow leopard, red panda or black bears is a rarity but they do inhabit the Singalila National Park. Sighting birds like Khalij Pheasant, Wood Pigeons, Scarlet Minivets and Babblers was more common.
2. Tonglu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By cit1005 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Its awesome silent place. Only two home stays are there one is GTA trekkers hut (booking from gorkha bhawan saltlake sector 1)& another is Raju ka ghar(booking number 9635690583) Its really nice.in the month of December snow covered the area. I reached there through trek from dhotrey. Its a mere 6km journey and nice two huts are there.
3. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,086 reviews
Reviewed By sayantan_m87 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
this is a must visit place for travellers, offering a breathtaking view of the mountains in the midst of peaceful surroundings. we enjoyed this place in bright weather while our short visit.
4. Tinchuley Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Meharbansingh00 - Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Italiano : Che vista meravigliosa . Questo posto si trova sul strada da gangtok a darjeeling. Questo posto ti offer dalla attezza vedere fiume che passa mezzo le montagne. Stati le per mezzo ora solo guarda la bellessa di natura. Ci sono anche bancarella per mangiare e bere. English:-What a Amazing View Point. This place is located on the road from gangtok to darjeeling. This place offers you from the height to see a river that passes through the mountains. Stay there for half an hour just look at the beautiful nature. There are also food and drink stalls.
5. Ahal Dara View Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By ziniatalks - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Me and my husband are nature lover and were critically looking for an off-beat spot on low budget (within Rs 10,000/-) to rejuvenate ourselves from our daily stressed lifestyle. Our search yield Latpanchar and we made a very short trip this January (19th to 22nd Jan 2018). What we have experienced is more than our expectation. Latpanchar is a small hamlet among the East Himalayan Range, only 13 kilometers from Kalijhora, a popular picnic spot beside National Highway - 31A, this highway connects Siliguri with Kalimpong and Sikkim. We reached Siliguri via NJP on 19th morning in Darjeeling Mail from Kolkata and completed our office work and stayed overnight in Siliguri. 19th morning we took the bus (going to Kalimpong ) from Panitanki crossing at 7 am. This is the cheapest way, cost only Rs 40 in private bus or Rs 47 in NBSTC bus per head. Otherwise you may take shared SUV from Check post (Rs 100 per head). From Siliguri Junction or NJP station you have the same arrangements or may book your own vehicle to Latpanchar at Rs 1800/-. On the way you will be able to enjoy the wide basin of river Teesta. At Kalijhora, the pick-up car arranged by Hornbil Nest (Cost Rs 700/-) taken us to the homestay of Mr Padam Gurung. Please note there is no public communication from Kalijhora to Latpanchar, so you have to depend on them. It is approximately 13 km and takes 1 hour due to road condition. Self driven car is okay if you are confident and using SUV type vehicle. The surrounding is green, serene and on the way you might be lucky to watch birds and wild animals (like we have seen Peacock, monkeys and other birds). We reached the Hornbil Nest before noon and warm welcome was given by Mr Premchand Rai, partner of Mr Padam Gurung who owns the home stay. They have some more properties in the vicinity and a blockbuster property at Ahal Dara; these are three cottages, named Humro Home, best suited for friends group, honeymooners and people who all are looking for isolation in the midst of nature. The Ahal Dara needs special annotations. This is the highest point of Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary, approximately 7 kilometers from the village of Latpanchar; much colder than the village. The most popular view point to get the 360 degree aerial view of the East Himalayan Range including Tiger Hill, Kurseong Hill, Mongpu Hill, Darjeeling Hill, Chattakpur Hill and other hills with the spread of river Teesta. Besides, as a backdrop you can view the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga. In October- November you get the best view but all through the year (except monsoon) it is visible. The place itself is enchanting; at the time of sunrise it is even more appealing. After the sunrise, you need to find out your own means to spend time as there is no other entertainment/shop/bar etc. The tents are also available and the property can arrange for “bonfire” at extra cost. The room facilities are basic but clean. Food is good and tasty. Staffs are polite and friendly. Though we only have enjoyed a cup of strong coffee and omelet at the canteen after viewing the sunrise on 21st as we stayed at Hornbill Nest. For couple like us, the home stay is better as you get the homely feeling; Mrs Gurung is an excellent host; the rent is less costly (Rs 900 per head per night including meals, breakfast and evening snacks) and watching the sunrise and the Mt. Kanchenjunga from the balcony is bonus. The view from the balcony (even from inside our room) can be envied by the best of the star hotels. Travel to surrounding places were arranged by the home stay and we got an excellent driver Pranay and Rahul from the village was our guide. On first day (20th) we have been to the Sirsari Dara view point, Namkhil Pokhri Lake, 150 years old Buddhist monastery and Sittong Orange Orchard. Second day (21st) after the sunrise at Ahal Dara, we have been to Chattakpur, another small eco village in the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling District, the village hosts only 18 houses with 88 inhabitants, appx 28 kilometers from Latpanchar. The village Mukhiya offered us a cup of coffee with boiled sweet potato(Sakar Konda) as we were there to visit his house and village (so courteous!). He has home stay in his house (1 room only) with again welcoming view of Mt Kanchenjunga, but with very basic facilities and scarcity of water. You hardly need water except biological need as in the third week of January the temperature was 5-6 degree centigrade at noon and came to know that after sunset, the water was freezing. For less considerate people, they have accommodation in Chattakpur Eco Village Hut with more facilities. Nearby we have visited the view point and a temple with lake. On 22nd we were supposed to visit Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary (appx 5 km from hotel); but dropped the idea as the other bird watcher boarders were coming back from the forest with no success; instead we enjoyed the view from our balcony. Backpacked to our regular life after lunch (extra paid @120 per head) to Kalijhora and bus to NJP to catch train to Sealdah, Kolkata. We have plan to go to Latpanchar again and again to rejuvenate us. Some important points if you plan to visit the place: Do not expect much of tourism activities as the nature is captivating here The spot is popular among bird-watchers for the Ruffneck Hornbill and other species; non-bird watchers (like us) are suggested to go if they are nature lovers' Except BSNL & Jio, in some specific spots Vodaphone and Airtel Network are available. No other network provider is available. Please carry your medicine, hard-drinks and warm clothing. Nearby a medicine shop and few stationary shops are there Besides Camera, carry a binocular to enjoy the birds, the distant hills and the hidden folds of Teesta in the hazy canvas drawn by God's own hand Honeymooners please book Humro Home at Ahal Dara, as in the home stay rooms there is lack of privacy (due to wooden partitions between rooms and glass window pane) Special Note: The food taste is good. If you are interested for local cuisine, please ask for it. Like we have asked for "Bongur ko Masu" (Pork curry cooked in local way); and Mr Rai himself made the excellent curry with Rai leaves(local leafy vegetable) Hope my review helps you to understand the place and the property. Please post your queries and comments.
6. Kanchenjunga Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,012 reviews
Reviewed By UNCLESAM911 - Muscat, Oman
Seeing the sunrise kissing the peak of the mountain is a must if you can bear the pain of getting up early at 4 AM to be able to reach the tiger point to catch a glimpse of the sunray bursting out over horizon setting the peak literally on fire with all visitors across furiously clicking to capture the savoury moment for posterity . It is one feeling that lingers on in some dingy corner of your brain and your mind will scream for more.
7. Mahakal Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By Madhuwanderlust17
We visited in December 2019. The menace of monkeys have lessened. The road leading from the mall is quite steep and a long walk. There are uncountable number of prayer flags around the temple and one can get a nice view of the lower ground through the thick canopy of these flags and trees. There's also a place near the temple door to keep shoes and slippers.
8. Chattakpur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Abhik251 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
What are you looking for in a holiday: 1. Away from noise in city 2. Away from the pollution in city and towns 3. Away from the daily hustle and crowd 4. Away from the tensions in life Well Chattakpur seems to be the idle solution to the above. As you travel to this tiny village above the 8000 ft of sea level you might regret your decision as the link roads are almost equivalent to hell. Unless you're an ornithologist, you would pray for the road to end fast though the forest else will suggest you to pull out your telephoto lens and become the next Salim Ali of India. There's no dearth of birds and butterflies around the way to Chattakpur. Once you are in the village you will be surprised to see only a handful headcount of people and houses in the vicinity but there warm welcome will make you feel homely and will make you forget the aforementioned problems in your life. The breathtaking view of the Kanchenjonga is so mesmerising from the hilltop that you will definitely decide to come over this village again and again. There's hardly any noise/air pollution here, neither life chases you to finish your deadlines. During daylight enjoy the clear view of entire Kanchenjunga and during the nights do stargazing in the clear skies above. So what are you waiting for , pack your woolens and book your tickets to New Jalpaiguri and from there reach out to Chattakpur post booking a homestay.
9. Salugara Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Rajivglobaltraveller - New Delhi, India
Established by Tibetan Buddhist Monks and followers of Dalai Lama, the monastery is famous for the 100 feet stupa founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. This monastery also known as The Great International Tashi Gomang Stupa and is situated just 6 km away from the main town. This monastery also contains five kinds of Buddhist relics.
10. Observatory Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By chhoks - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Starting from The Mall in Darjeeling (referred to as Chowrasta these days), if you keep to the left and take a turn around Observatory Hill in a clockwise manner, you will get maximum enjoyment of this fantastic walk. I love doing this walk twice a day a day when I am in Darjeeling.
