Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, forms a permanent fixture on the horizon, following you through winding hill roads and white water rivers. Coniferous trees litter the rocky hillsides, hiding rare species of birds and Himalayan mammals.
As the British Raj’s summer home, Darjeeling still carries relics of pre-independence India. Acres of tea plantations surround Mock-tudor houses and Victorian architecture.
Toy Trains run on century old tracks through scenic hillsides covered in trees still reminiscent of colonial times.
A community of Gorkhas, Lepchas and refugee Tibetans call Darjeeling home.
Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and Victorian churches serve as worship centres to a population of almost 1.9 lakh residents.
Towns like Kurseong, Mirik and the main city are always busy.
Street hawkers line narrow roads with local produce and handicrafts for locals and tourists alike, while establishments welcome guests to world famous delicacies.
Go further out, and rural life is still intact – countless hamlets and villages trapped in time, all waiting to be discovered.
There’s something for everyone in Darjeeling.
Adventurers trek the famous Sandakphu hills or go white water rafting on the Teesta river.
Tea lovers visit plantations and indulge in tea tasting and brewing.
Families picnic in lush meadows atop the many hills and valleys.
Darjeeling’s scenic beauty and culture attracts hordes of tourists and travellers every year. Even so, there’s many more places hidden in the hills, still to be explored.