Explore Darjeeling city and its best places to visit

Sprawled over a steep mountain ridge and dotted with unending stretches of emerald green tea plantations, the quaint hill station of Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is a popular travel destination. The most in-demand attraction here is the majestic Kanchenjunga or Khangchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world. Tourists flock to nearby peaks to watch glorious sunrises and sunsets over Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling boasts remnants of colonial-era architecture that exude a charm of their own. One of the best ways to explore the city is by riding in the 140-year-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that meanders through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in and around the hill station.

The city is a treasure trove for adventurers as well, who can indulge in trekking to the Singalila Ridge or explore the area on a mountain bike. Tourists can dive into the local culture and have a memorable experience at the bustling bazaars of the city. From handcrafted products to Tibetan souvenirs, there's a lot on offer.

The word ‘Darjeeling’ comes from the Tibetan words, ‘Dorje’ meaning thunderbolt and ‘ling’ meaning land. Thus, Darjeeling is referred to as the land of the thunderbolt. Before being acquired by the East India Company in 1835, Darjeeling was a part of Sikkim and Nepal for a while. Initially, the city was ruled by the kings of Sikkim, who were engaged in wars against the Gorkhas, or the native warriors clan. After Captain Lloyd of the British government was stationed in the area, he was so much attracted by the beauty of the hills that he immediately proposed to build a sanatorium. Thus, started the colonial influence in Darjeeling. Serving as the summer retreat of the British in the mid-19th century, Darjeeling grew in importance.