Monsoon Travel: Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling This Season

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a place blessed with a variety of fauna and flora. Darjeeling, known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas and serene tea gardens, transforms into a lush paradise during the monsoon season. The mist-covered hills and the vibrant greenery make it a perfect destination for travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. So if you are someone who is planning to visit Darjeeling very soon then here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Darjeeling during the monsoon:

Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling During Monsoon

1. Tiger Hill

Begin your day early with a visit to Tiger Hill, one of the highest points in Darjeeling, as per MakeMyTrip. Famous for its stunning sunrise views and cool breeze over the Kangchenjunga range, witnessing the sunrise amidst the monsoon clouds is a surreal experience. The changing hues of the sky and the misty mountains create a mesmerising spectacle that photographers and nature enthusiasts will cherish.

2. Tea Gardens

“Darjeeling is renowned for its tea estates that produce some of the finest teas in the world. Darjeeling is where the world’s most fabled tea is born”, as the Tea Board of India. During the monsoon, these tea gardens come alive with lush greenery and mist-covered slopes. Take a guided tour of one of the tea estates such as Happy Valley Tea Estate or Makaibari Tea Estate to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of Darjeeling tea amidst the picturesque surroundings.

3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a must-visit attraction. Enjoy a scenic ride through lush green hills and misty landscapes as the toy train chugs along narrow gauge tracks, as per its official website. Visiting this place in the monsoon adds a magical touch to the journey, with clouds often swirling around the train as it passes through tunnels and over bridges.

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4. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

This zoo is famous for its conservation efforts for Himalayan wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard and red panda. As per the Government of West Bengal, Darjeeling district website, “The park’s prized possessions were a pair of Siberian (Ussuri) tigers presented to the Government of India by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1960. The zoo now contains endangered animals like snow leopards, pandas, gorals (mountain goat), Siberian tigers, and a variety of endangered birds.” The monsoon season offers a unique opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat amidst misty surroundings.

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5. Mahakal Temple

Suprabhat from Mahakal Temple at Darjeeling in #Himalayas of #WestBemgal#travel#incredibleindia#shiva#ttotpic.twitter.com/rDjVWnm6gI

— Anuradha Goyal (@anuradhagoyal) May 8, 2016

Visit the Mahakal Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where you can witness devotees offering prayers amidst the mist and chanting of prayers during monsoon mornings. This temple presents a unique blend of Sanatani and Buddhist elements. The temple is visited by both Hindus and Buddhists, the Mahakal Temple is situated at the top of Observatory Hill. So if you are a Shiva devotee then make sure to visit this temple.

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Image credit: Freepik