Lured by the magical beauty of Darjeeling you will never wish to leave this place. Cute little toy trains, rejuvenating tea gardens, orchids, rhododendrons, and pines covering the rolling hills, and peaceful monasteries, this is what the town of Darjeeling has to offer. To make the best of this gem, start early in the morning, around 4:00 AM.
Tiger Hills
Head towards your first destination of the day, i.e. the Tiger Hills in order to witness the most spectacular sunrise of your life. The hues which the early rays spread on the hilltops find no words for its description. It is heavenly to be here early in the morning. On the days when the sun shines at its fullest giving the more unobstructed view of surroundings with less or no mist, you can lay your eyes upon the Teesta River, Kurseong, Mahananda River, Balason River, and Mechi River.
Ghoom Monastery
On the way back to the hotel, make a halt at one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, the Ghoom Monastery. A belonging to Gelukpa, it is famous for its 15 feet high statue of the Lord Buddha. Geshe Sherab Gyatso founded this monastery which is also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery. The place of spirituality offers a serene environment.
Batasia Loop
The toy train spiral track in Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is located on the Hill Cart Road. There is no better place than this which can give you a 360-degree view of the town of Darjeeling and the great Himalayan mountains on one side with Mt.Kanvhenjunga on the other. The area is beautified with an exotic collection of flowers. Sink in the beauty that your eye captures as you sit at the Batasia Loop.
Finally, reach your hotel and get your hands on the tasty breakfast. Enjoy every bite that you eat. Do not hurry. Pack your stuff, check if you have kept everything and leave for the remaining attractions with your luggage as after the sightseeing you’ll be heading straight to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The HMI is the pioneer institute in providing training for mountaineering. It was established with a motive of promoting mountaineering as a proper sport like other in India. After Tenzing Norgay successfully climbed the Everest, the HMI came into being. It also has a museum which houses several artefacts, literary works, and models.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Named after the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, the Zoological Park is known for its breeding conventions of red panda and snow leopard. It came into existence on 14th August 1958 and since then has been successful in providing shelter to many animal and plant species. There are around 200 plants and tree species at this park. Apart from the flora, the fauna here can be found in abundance. The Tibetan Wolves, Ring-Necked Pheasants, Siberian Tigers, Sambars, etc. are a few animals that can be spotted here.
(Remains closed on Thursdays)
Tenzing Rock
It is a huge natural boulder used by mountaineers and trekkers. The professionals use the left side of the rock whereas the right remains reserved for the amateurs and the non-professionals.
Chitrey Tea Garden
An area full of tea gardens, Chitrey is a must visit. Here you will find stalls selling tea made of fresh leaves from the gardens behind. The place also is a site worth capturing. You can get some great desktop pictures over here.
Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda
The traditional Japanese style built temple is an eye-arresting place. Its beauty will render you speechless. Constructed in 1972 the temple also offers commanding mountain views. Near to this two-storied gem is the Peace Pagoda which represents Gautam Buddha’s four avatars. It was established as a symbol of peace and hence got its name.
After visiting the last site of the tour, recollect all the memories, you have made till the very moment. And with these memories leave for NJP.