Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station located in the Himalayan Mountains of India. From breathtaking mountain peaks to relaxing tea plantations, here are few of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in just one day!
With its picturesque views and stunning landscapes, Darjeeling is an excellent place to visit for a weekend getaway or a more extended vacation.
If you only have one day to discover Darjeeling, there are still plenty of unique places to visit.
Places To Visit In Darjeeling In One Day
1. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
One of the most exciting zoos in India is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. It is in the beautiful town of Darjeeling and has plants and animals from the rough Eastern Himalayas.
When this park was created in 1958, it aimed to protect rare birds and animals. It was named after Dr. Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, the first lady governor-general of India.
This 67-acre zoo is home to endangered species like snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, red pandas, Bengal tigers, and more than 500 birds, such as pheasants and parakeets.
2. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is an iconic institution in India located in Darjeeling. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, started it on November 4, 1953, to promote mountaineering and related sports like skiing and trekking.
Since the beginning, HMI has helped thousands of mountaineers across India reach their goals. The institute offers professional training that the UIAA and the Nepal Mountaineering Association approve.
It prepares pupils to climb Mount Everest and other lofty peaks.
3. Japanese Peace Pagoda – Places To Visit In Darjeeling In One Day
The Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is a breathtaking sight to behold. It is a unique cultural landmark in this famous mountain town. It is near the foothills of the Himalayas, which are green and lush.
Followers of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan, built the pagoda. It was made to spread peace and harmony throughout India and beyond.
The Peace Pagoda stands tall at around 60 feet, with its four sides representing different Buddhist philosophies: wisdom, zen, essential nature, and the true self.
It has white walls with beautiful sculptures of Buddha’s life and his teachings about ethics and philosophy. The pagoda’s Buddha figure is fashioned of precious stones, adding to its beauty.
4. Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is famous for its amazing views of the Himalayan mountain range, covered in snow. The hill is at an elevation of 8482 feet and is a popular tourist spot because it has many different things to see and do.
From Tiger Hill, people can see Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks in the eastern Himalayas in a broad view. Moreover, the entire range stretches from east to west.
Apart from these stunning vistas, Tiger Hill has unique attractions like the Bhutia Busty Monastery, which is almost 300 years old and preserves Buddhist texts and antiques.
5. Mahakal Temple – Places To Visit In Darjeeling In One Day
The Mahakal Temple is one of the most well-known Hindu temples in India. It is in the beautiful hill town of Darjeeling. For almost two hundred years, the temple has worshipped Lord Shiva.
It is believed that visiting this temple will bring peace and good luck to the devotees who see it from all over India. Gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology are carved into the front of the Mahakal Temple.
During his rule in the 1800s, Maharaja Ranjit Singh put several old idols inside the temple. The main models are those of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which are made out of black stone.
People pray to these idols by lighting incense sticks and giving them flowers before asking for their blessings.
6. Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop is a marvel of railway engineering located in Darjeeling, India. The loop was built in 1919 to help trains get more speed before they went up the mountains.
It is a tourist attraction and an engineering marvel. The hilltop loop has three bridges at different heights and is surrounded by beautiful green tea plantations.
Travelers may see the Kanchenjunga mountain range and lovely green landscapes and valleys from this position. In addition, toy trains traveling around Batasia Loop may be photographed from here, adding to the scenery.
7. Barbotey Rock Garden – Places To Visit In Darjeeling In One Day
Darjeeling’s Barbotey Rock Garden is a stunning and one-of-a-kind destination for nature lovers. The garden is more than 6,000 feet above sea level and has fantastic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga and its hills.
The garden has been created by locals, who have stacked up rocks in unusual formations to create pathways or steps that allow visitors to enjoy the scenery.
This beautiful two-acre rock-cut garden has several stone structures with carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist mandalas, and other designs. Rhododendrons, magnolias, and wild orchids surround these hundreds-year-old statues in lush green meadows.
8. Happy Valley Tea Estate
Tea lovers appreciate Happy Valley Tea Estate in Darjeeling, India. At 2,850 meters above sea level in the Himalayas, this place has been making good tea since the 1800s.
The estate’s rich soil and near-perfect climate make it ideal for cultivating world-class teas.
Happy Valley Tea Estate has about 1,000 acres of green tea gardens and over 200 plant species. In these gardens, you can try muscatel, flowery pekoe, specialty black teas, and other teas.
9. Ghoom Monastery
The Ghoom Monastery is a place of spiritual refuge for many. This monastery is one of the oldest and most important in Buddhism.
It was built by Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1875 and is at the height of 8,000 feet.
Inside its walls are several artifacts and relics from old Buddhist texts that remind us of the long-standing tradition it stands for. Its unique architectural design features Tibetan-style buildings with intricate carvings on their exteriors.
The monastery also houses a 15-foot-tall golden statue of Maitreya Buddha, which stands as the centerpiece of this beautiful religious establishment. During their trip to this holy site, visitors can also see monks chanting mantras or meditating.
10. Ropeway
The ropeway in Darjeeling is a one-of-a-kind experience that no tourist should miss. This aerial tramway takes visitors on an unforgettable ride over the picturesque hills and valleys of the town, with views stretching to the nearby peaks of Kanchenjunga.
The journey is full of thrills as one soar through the air at high speed and enjoys stunning views from a unique vantage point. The journey begins at Singla Bazaar and ends at North Point, covering a distance of nearly two kilometers.
Not only does it provide breathtaking sights, but it’s also a safe and convenient means for travelers to get to their destinations quickly. On board, passengers can enjoy leisurely bird’s eye views of several iconic landmarks, such as Tiger Hill and Observatory Hills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Darjeeling in one day is a great way to experience the region’s beauty. With attractions such as Tiger Hill and Happy Valley Tea Estate, you are sure to have an exciting experience.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute offers tourists a chance to explore more about the history of mountaineering and learn something new. For those looking for spiritual enlightenment, visiting Ghoom Monastery will be a great way to spend time in meditation and peace.
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.