Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the town of Darjeeling is a small haven of peace that absolutely deserves to be discovered during a trip to North India. It's a peaceful town whose serenity stands out from the hustle and bustle that other major Indian cities have accustomed us to. Cars and other vehicles are banned from much of the town, making the visit all the more enjoyable. But above all, it offers breathtaking landscapes, a captivating culture and a few architectural gems. Discover everything you need to see and do in Darjeeling.

1. Taste the region's famous teas

Nestled between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, the town of Darjeeling has built its reputation around its tea. It's considered one of the world's finest teas! The one nicknamed 'the champagne of black teas' is particularly prized by connoisseurs for its floral aromas, spicy notes and subtle bitterness. Beyond black tea, the Darjeeling region is also renowned for its green teas, known as Oolongs.

As you can see, tasting the region's teas and wandering through the tea plantations are must-do attractions in the town of Darjeeling. Take advantage of the trails that cross the tea fields, follow the production process with the cultivators and finish your sensory escape with a tasting! The most well-known site is Happy Valley Tea Estate, but there are countless tea gardens to discover around the town.

2. Discovering Tibetan and Buddhist monasteries

A town steeped in history and culture, Darjeeling is a cosmopolitan destination. Buddhists and Hindus, Indians and Nepalis have sought refuge here over time. This has resulted in extraordinary architecture, including sublime monasteries. The most impressive are those of Ghoom. Built in 1875 by Mongolian astrologer monk Sherab Gyatso, it's one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region.

Among other religious sites not to be missed, there's Mahakal Temple, a place of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists where hundreds of Tibetan prayer flags are caressed by the wind, creating a magical atmosphere. And the Aloobari Buddhist Monastery dating from 1914. Finally, don't miss the Tibetan Refugee Centre, one of the first established following the Dalai Lama's exile during the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959.

3. Riding the Toy Train

The Toy Train is the nickname given to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that connects Siliguri to Darjeeling. You cannot leave without experiencing this little steam train! Beyond the unique experience it offers, the Toy Train is an opportunity to witness some of the most spectacular landscapes unfold. All reasons why it earned its UNESCO World Heritage status!

Good to know: you can plan a few stops during your train journey. For example, you can take the opportunity to visit the famous monasteries of Ghoom!

4. Enjoy the view from Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling. Many tourists visit to enjoy the views, and you'll also find numerous locals, including newly-wed couples who come for a photo shoot in an extraordinary setting. It's easy to see why this hill impresses so many. Located 13 km from Darjeeling at 2,590 meters altitude, Tiger Hill offers an exceptional panorama of Kanchenjunga and the magnificent eastern Himalayan mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Everest! We recommend visiting at dusk or sunset.

Note: attention all hiking and trekking enthusiasts, the town of Darjeeling is an excellent starting point for venturing toward the first peaks of the Himalayas!

Florine Dergelet