West Bengal is a state boasting of numerous cultural gems. When it comes to tourism, its rich heritage makes for a perfect treat for explorers. However, it is not the only thing that makes this state so special for travellers from all over the world. The Indian state is home to a charming hill station, which has been a tourist favourite for decades. Darjeeling – the little town – is one of the finest destinations in the country and has always catered to the wanderlust of different types of travellers.
Whether you talk of the seemingly-endless tea plantations or the toy train with a cult status, everything about this place has a distinct charm of its own. If you are planning to visit this place anytime soon, here is a list of places you should not miss out on at all.
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Tea Plantations
As Darjeeling is noted for its decades-old tea industry, you must not miss out on a visit to one or more tea gardens situated here. With around 100 tea gardens and estates, your list of options is quite long. Once you have a pick, take a visit and experience what it takes to create the perfect cup of tea. While you are on a tour of the lush plantations, definitely go for a tea-tasting session and don’t forget to buy some varieties as souvenirs.
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Darjeeling Toy Train
Connecting New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling via a mesmerising route, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is an experience of a lifetime. Its significance can be understood by the fact that it is counted as one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites. Lovingly known as the Toy Train, it has been featured in several famous Bollywood movies and has achieved a legendary status.
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Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is the most popular vantage point in the tourist town. It is the summit of the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – Ghoom. Another thing that makes it so famous is the fact that it offers an unhindered and breath-taking view of Mount Kangchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world. On days when the weather is clear, you can even see the majestic Mount Everest from here.
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Japanese Peace Pagoda
Built under the supervision of a Buddhist monk from Japan, the Peace Pagoda is a serene marvel in white. It is dedicated to World Peace and is aimed to provide the focus for people of all castes, creeds and races to unite for the best interest of mankind. Visit this place and spend moments of repose in its quiet environs.
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Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
If wildlife interests you, then this is a place that must be on your bucket list while visiting Darjeeling. It is the largest high altitude zoo in the country and is recognised across the globe for its excellent conservation efforts to protect red pandas. On a visit to this place, you can see animals like Tibetan wolf, Siberian tigers and mountain goats, all of which are endangered species.
Apart from the places mentioned above, you should also take a tour of Bhutia Basti Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Chowrasta and Ghoom Monastery.
