2. Peace Pagoda and the Japanese Temple

If you're looking for a beautiful escape from the city, consider visiting Darlingside in Darjeeling. The township is well known for its picturesque natural landscape, including the Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple.

The Peace Pagoda (also known as the Hong Kong Memorial Pagoda) is a famous landmark in Darjeeling and is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The pagoda was built to commemorate the victims of World War II and is also a popular place of worship.

The Japanese Temple is another popular attraction in Darjeeling. The temple was built in 1895 and features beautiful wood carvings and gardens and is located just across the street from the Peace Pagoda and is home to a beautiful garden.

3. Ghum Monastery

Ghum Monastery is an important monastery located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The monastery is well-known for its beautiful architecture and for its role in the history of the region.

The monastery was founded by Lama Zopa in 1643. It was originally called Ghum Monastery, or Snowy Mountain Monastery, after a nearby peak known as Ghum La. The monastery was renamed Ghum Monastery in 1786 after the death of Zopa Zangpo, one of the main founders of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, the monastery is home to a number of Buddhist monks and nuns. It is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the complex library, see the temple gardens, and take in the views from the top of Ghum La.

4. Rock Garden

If you're looking for a weekend getaway that's both beautiful and culturally inspiring, consider visiting the Rock Garden in Darjeeling.

This unique garden is composed of more than 2,000 intricately carved rocks, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Rock Garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Darjeeling. It also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about local history and culture.

If you're visiting Darjeeling this summer, make sure to visit the Rock Garden!

5. Nightingale Park

If you're looking for a weekend getaway in Darjeeling, consider visiting Nightingale Park. This beautiful park is home to many species of birds, including the rare nightingale.

The park is also famous for its pine forest and views of Mount Kanchenjunga. If you're lucky, you might even spot a wild animal like the leopard or puma!

Nightingale Park is a great place to relax and take in some beautiful scenery. It's also an ideal spot for hiking, biking, and other activities.

6. Happy Valley Tea Estate

Whether you’re a tea lover or not, there’s no denying that Happy Valley Tea Estate is a must-visit for anyone visiting Darjeeling. The estate stretches over an area of around 8000 acres of prime hilltop land and features some of the most popular tea bushes in the region.

Happy Valley Tea Estate is definitely one of the highlights of any trip to Darjeeling. It’s also a great place to relax after a busy day touring around town.

So whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay in Darjeeling, be sure to add Happy Valley Tea Estate to your list of destinations!

7. Observatory Hill

One of the best places to visit in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill. This is one of the highest points in Darjeeling, and from here you can get an incredible view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Nepal!

This popular spot is also home to the Mahakal Temple, a revered Hindu shrine. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the red pandas that live in the nearby forests!

If you're looking for a peaceful and beautiful spot to spend an afternoon, Observatory Hill is definitely worth a visit.

8. Tiger Hill

One of the most popular places to visit in Darjeeling is Tiger Hill. Located at an altitude of 2,590 meters, Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling and it offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest.

Tiger Hill is also home to the unique Darjeeling Tea, which is renowned for its delicate flavor. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the tea plantations or go on a more adventurous hike through the forests.

On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when you can also catch a glimpse of the sunrise.

9. Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway

The Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway is a must-see attraction in Darjeeling. The cable car ride takes you up to an elevation of 3,000 feet and offers stunning views of the tea plantations below. The ride is a fascinating experience that offers amazing views of the tea plantations below.

The gondola ride takes you from Darjeeling town all the way down to Singla Bazar. The journey takes about 25 minutes each way, and is well worth it for the incredible views.

Offbeat Places to Visit In Darjeeling

If you're looking for a weekend getaway in Darjeeling, there are several offbeat places to visit that won't be found on most traveler's lists. From tiny tea villages to world-renowned Buddhist temples, here are a few of the coolest places to check out during your stay in this charming hill station:

1. Darlung Taebo Monastery: If you're looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Darlung Taebo Monastery. This monastery is home to some of the most incredible murals in the region. The monastery is also known for its stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other surrounding hills.

2. Yacht Club: If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, consider visiting Yacht Club. This small tea village is home to several beautiful lakes and is perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.

3. Tollygunge Tea Estate: If you're after a taste of history and colonial charm, consider visiting Tollygunge Tea Estate. This estate was once owned by the British Raj and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the estate's many buildings and gardens on foot or by bike. 

4. Bhabanipur: This beautiful village is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Darjeeling. The village has a huge number of tea plantations and is surrounded by tea fields, forests, and mountains.

5. Nanda Devi National Park: Located in the Himalayas, this national park protects an area of more than 600 square kilometers along the border with Nepal. Waterfalls, alpine meadows, and dense forests are among the many things to see at this park.

6. Kurseong: In addition to several historic buildings, Kurseong is also home to a few temples and churches as well as a local market that runs on Saturdays. The town is also home to a local school, the Hemchander Football Ground, and the D.D. Singha Planetarium.

Places to visit near Darjeeling

If you're looking for a weekend getaway in Darjeeling, there are a number of places to visit close to the town. Here are some of these places you can choose to visit around Darjeeling for a day or two.

1. Mirik (39 km): Mirik is a beautiful town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is famous for its scenic beauty, serene lakes and green valleys.

The town has many attractions including the Mirik Lake, Sumendu Lake, Rameetay Dara Sunset Point, Mirik Bazar and more. The Mirik Lake is the main attraction of the town and is surrounded by lush greenery. There are boating facilities available at the lake which makes it a perfect spot for a picnic.

The Sumendu Lake is another picturesque lake in Mirik and is located on the way to Darjeeling. Rameetay Dara Sunset Point offers stunning views of the setting sun over the Himalayan ranges.

2. Singalila National Park (26 km): Situated at an altitude of more than 7000 feet, Singalila National Park is one of the most popular places to visit near Darjeeling. The park is home to rare and endangered animals like the red pandas and snow leopards.

It is also home to several hundred bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The park covers an area of 468 square kilometers and is surrounded by the towns of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong. The best time to visit the park is from October to November.

3. Kalimpong (51 km): Darjeeling may be the Queen of the Hills, but Kalimpong is fast becoming its prince. Located just 2 hours away, this relatively unknown hill station is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. With its beautiful views, interesting history and diverse culture, Kalimpong is definitely worth a visit.

Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham's House, Durpin Monastery and Gouripur House are some of best places to visit in Kalimpong.

4. Kurseong (30 km): Just a short drive from Darjeeling, Kurseong feels like a world away. This small town is surrounded by lush green hills and incredible views, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

There are also several historical and cultural sites to explore in Kurseong, making it a great destination for those interested in learning more about the area's rich history. 

The Eagle's Craig, Makaibari Tea Estate, Dowhill Park, etc are some of the top attractions in Kurseong.

5. Lava and Lolegaon (80 km): Located just a few hours away from Darjeeling, Lava and Lolegaon are two beautiful places to visit. Both places offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests.

Lava is a small town located at an altitude of 2,200 metres (7,218 feet). It is surrounded by lush green forest and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. There are several treks that start from Lava which makes it a perfect place for adventure seekers.

Lolegaon is a picturesque village situated at an elevation of 2,400 metres (7,874 feet). It is surrounded by dense forests and offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. The village is home to several rare birds and animals making it a perfect place for bird watching.

6. Sandakphu (58 km): Sandakphu is the highest point in Darjeeling and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is a popular spot for trekkers and nature lovers.

There are several trekking routes that lead up to Sandakphu, so if you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the area on foot. Or, if you'd prefer to take it easy, there are also Plenty of hotels and guesthouses in the village where you can relax and enjoy the incredible views.

The best time to visit Sandakphu is from March to May when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. September to November is also a very good time to visit Sandakphu because during these months, the sky is clear and you may get to see unobstructed views of the Sleeping Buddha.

Best time to visit Darjeeling

If you're looking for a weekend getaway in India, Darjeeling is a great place to visit. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, you can also visit Darjeeling any time of year if you're prepared for cooler temperatures and rainy days.

Darjeeling has a variety of attractions that will interest both tourists and locals. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the tea plantations, Kanchenjunga National Park, and Mountaineering Institute of India. Local attractions include temples, hill stations, and villages. Whatever your interests are, there's sure to be something to do in Darjeeling.

How to reach Darjeeling

To reach Darjeeling, you can either fly directly to Bagdogra airport near Siliguri, or to Kolkata and then take a train to New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri. Alternatively, you can take a bus from either of the cities to reach Siliguri.

After reaching Siliguri, there are buses, private and shared cabs which will take you to Darjeeling. It takes approximately 2 and half hours to reach Darjeeling town.

So what are you waiting for?? Pack your bags and make sure you add all these places to your itinerary and have a memorable vacation and create wonderful memories with your loved ones in one of the most popular hill stations in India…Darjeeling!!