Discover Darjeeling

Darjeeling brings together botanical history, a lively public square, a railway connection and insights into Himalayan wildlife. Each experience offers a different focus: you might be interested in garden and local history, plan a ride to Ghum, or learn more about the region’s animals. When planning your trip, it’s worth first considering which of these aspects you’d most like to discover.

Explore garden and local history

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden was established in 1878 on 40 acres (160,000 m²) of land acquired in Darjeeling. It was created as a botanical garden and an outpost of the Calcutta Botanical Garden. This connection is part of the garden’s history: it was not just a green space, but also served a botanical purpose. Those interested in the development of gardens and institutions shaped by scientific work will find a different way to experience the destination here than on a train ride or a visit to a public square.

Chowrasta is a historic public square on the ridge of the Darjeeling hills. Residents gather there, relax or go for a walk. It is therefore a shared public space that takes centre stage, rather than a single building. If you enjoy taking in public squares and everyday local life when you travel, Chowrasta adds another perspective to Darjeeling’s historical and nature-related themes.

Nearby, on Jalapahar Hill, is a white Buddhist shrine in classic Japanese architecture. It is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, was built in 1972 and is ten minutes from Darjeeling town centre. Its setting and architecture give this visit a different character from the historic square or botanical garden. When choosing what interests you on your trip, you can include both Darjeeling’s own sites and a nearby landmark.

Train rides and Himalayan wildlife

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs tourist trains daily from Darjeeling to Ghum, India’s highest railway station. The ride links the destination to a clearly defined destination and can be a focus of its own for railway enthusiasts. Check the current tourist train schedule before your trip. Along with the garden and Chowrasta, the railway shows how varied a stay can be: time at a historic site, a visit to a public square or a train ride to another station.

The zoo in the Birch Hill neighbourhood was established on 14 August 1958 under the Education Department of the Government of West Bengal to study and protect Himalayan wildlife. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is home to endangered snow leopards, pandas, gorals (mountain ungulates), Siberian tigers and various endangered bird species. Animal populations may change. For travellers with a particular interest in wildlife, this focus is another way to discover Darjeeling; it is quite different from the town and garden histories. You can choose experiences according to your interests rather than assuming that every day needs the same focus.

Which side of Darjeeling suits your trip?

If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Darjeeling, your planned activities can help you choose where to stay. Garden and local history, the ride to Ghum and the region’s wildlife offer different points of interest, and you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. The sites and activities described here provide concrete themes: a historic garden, a public square, a nearby shrine, a tourist train connection and a zoo featuring Himalayan wildlife.

Discover more destinations

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