Top Things to do in Darjeeling District
Top Hotels in Darjeeling District
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Darjeeling District, West Bengal
Discover the best top things to do in Darjeeling District, India including Sandakphu, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Ahal Dara View Point, Samsing, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Tinchuley Village, Everest Museum, Kanchenjunga Mountain, Mahakal Temple, 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. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,330 reviews
Reviewed By AnshuD41
A must visit place...history unfolds the mystery on how the first expedition to Everest and other Himalayan mountains were conquered... They will also show u movie...
3. 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.
4. Samsing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Samsing Suntaleykhola, located adjacent to Neora Valley National Park ( One of the pristine heritage forests of India), is one hot tourism destination that offers many adventurous experience to the travelers. Such adventures include Butterfly watching treks, Rhododendron forest treks, camp stay at forest for one night, river trekking at River Neora Valley National Park, etc. The destination has many homestays, and as rural tourism experts we also help the travelers to avail the rural essence of whole North Bengal with adding other destinations as well to make a complete travel plan for the travelers. So we welcome the nature lovers to enjoy the innovative plans with us hat starts from Samsing Suntalekhola.
Reviewed By Ashish6874 - Chandigarh, India
The place is beautiful with beautiful hill back drop. The road from chalsa is slightly narrow but condition is good. It has some beautiful tea garden. The guest house of Samsing tea garden has one of the best location and view with turbulent river flowing in rains. A good and pleasant getaway from siliguri.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Everest Museum
8. 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.
9. 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.
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.
