Introduction
Darjeeling, once the summer capital of India under the British Raj, is now one of India’s most sought-after hill stations. This picturesque hill station in West Bengal is the ideal location for your family vacation or honeymoon getaway. Darjeeling, at 2,050 meters above sea level and surrounded by acres of tea plantations, boasts a cool climate year-round.
The world-famous “Darjeeling Tea” is produced by over 86 tea estates in Darjeeling. At the tea estate, you can enjoy a cup of locally brewed chai or go among the plantations to pick some tea leaves for yourself. It’s easy to pick the best hotels in Darjeeling offering stunning views of the peaks.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling (March to June)
It should come as no surprise that summer is the best time to visit Darjeeling, a surreal hill station in the Himalayan foothills. The reason is the temperatures that range from 6°C to 17°C in the air. Most of the time, the sky is blue and clear in spring, with the odd chance of strong winds and hailstorms. You can witness the exquisite beauty of rhododendrons and magnolias bloom frequently at this time.
Darjeeling is a surreal hill station during summer, surrounded by striking green tea plantations and the majestic Khangchendzonga. You can visit beautiful tea gardens, pine trees and rhododendrons in bloom. This beauty draws people from all over the world every month. You can also meet new people at hotels in Darjeeling and build forever connections.
You are sure to end up falling in love with this charming hill town, whether you choose to ride the sweet Himalayan toy train or eat delicious Thukpa and momos at a streetside restaurant. Even though Darjeeling is beautiful throughout the year, the summer is the best time to visit with your loved ones.
Places to Visit in Darjeeling in Summer
1. Tiger hill
Tiger Hill, which is located at a height of 2590 meters, is most well-known for its spectacular sunrise views. Tourists from all over the nation flock to Tiger Hill for the breathtaking view of cotton clouds and snow-capped mountains. It is the best place to watch the sunrise if you want to see the first rays of the sun hit the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga and Everest.
The tip of the snow-covered mountain turns pale orange in the first light of dawn! In a matter of minutes, you can witness the gloomy hills illuminated by a soft orange glow brought about by the morning sun’s gradual appearance. Don’t forget to savor the most delectable pakoras, samosas and tea from the nearby local shops.
2. Singalila National Park
The highest national park in West Bengal is Singalila National Park. It includes a beautiful 78.60 square kilometers of virgin rhododendron forests, an alpine valley, rare animal species and orchids. You can have the most mind-blowing view of a Himalayan peak, which spans Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Moreover, you can have the opportunity to see the Himalayan black bear and the extremely rare and exotic Red panda live in Singalila.
The incredible Singalila National Park is a haven for all of the wildlife that lives there because the area is strictly protected for the protection of biodiversity and activities like developmental forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on crops are prohibited. The national park is a paradise for adventurers and trekkers because it is also part of a trekking route. Check for hotels in Darjeeling near the area to never miss a happy moment!
3. Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Peace Pagoda, is situated in Darjeeling on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills. It was built to promote peace, harmony and goodwill among people of various sects of society. It is renowned for its peace and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, including the Kanchenjunga peak, making it an ideal location for nature and peace lovers.
Participating in the prayers gives you a chance to reflect and experience the temple’s divine peace. If you are lucky, you will be able to catch the current chief priest or Guruji performing the prayers. A massive drum, also known as the Ho-ko, is beaten in the prayer room, releasing a resonant sound that fills the temple. The chants and the humming sound contribute to the solemn atmosphere and you can feel your connection with the surrounding environment.
Things to do in Darjeeling in Summer
1. Hiking and Trekking
During this time of year, you can try hiking, picnicking and sightseeing which are especially enjoyable. The views of mountains, valleys, rivers and fields are simply breathtaking and the landscapes are crystal clear. Exploration and long walks are going to be the highlight of your trip. You can visit Tiger Hill to connect with the natural world! Springtime in Darjeeling is short and sweet and the city has beautiful flowers, unspoiled scenery and crisp temperatures. This lovely hill station is at its most peaceful and beautiful at this time.
2. Ride on the Toy Train
The Darjeeling toy train is the very famous 2 feet narrow-gauge train that travels between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is also affectionately known as the “Darjeeling Toy Train”. When you take the Darjeeling Toy Train, you’ll see amazing sights and picturesque vistas of the Himalayas. Along the way, you’ll pass by villages and local shops and children will happily wave at you. A ride on such a historic vehicle is, without a doubt, relaxing and charming.
3. White Water River Rafting
Enjoy the views of thick jungles, dense vegetation, colorful birds, cultivated farmlands, mystical mountains and tiny hamlets as you raft down the Teesta River. The excitement of tackling the rapids is compounded by the sight of these sights. The shorter trip is 5 kilometers long, while the longer one is 8 kilometers long and takes you through exciting white water rapids. You don’t have to know how to swim to take advantage of these daily rafting excursions.
Darjeeling in Monsoon (July to September)
Spring and autumn are popular tourist months, but the monsoon season also draws visitors. Darjeeling experiences monsoon weather from July to September. The weather in Darjeeling in October begins to break free of the fog if the monsoons do not last too long.
During the monsoon, this hill town is covered in a pristine white blanket, creating a picture-perfect mist and fog! The average Darjeeling temperature in July is 13°C to 19°C but it starts to get colder at night, so you’ll need to bring some lightweight woolens. Darjeeling is at its most peaceful during this time of year, free of tourists and their bustle.
Darjeeling in Winter (October to March)
The hill station of Darjeeling becomes a double delight in the winter. The winter temperatures in Darjeeling are manageable, the city is the least crowded and it has the best scenery, making it a good choice for people who like to chill. You can enjoy both the city without snow in December and the city with snow in January.
During this time, the landscapes of Darjeeling transform into a large, multicolored fair selling various types of tea gardens. Darjeeling Orange Festival, in which villagers from over 50 villages offer fresh produce from their gardens, is also held.
As you decide for the best time to visit Darjeeling with friends and family, know that Treebo hotels are sure to host you with all the love!
- At Treebo hotels, enjoy complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and branded Treebo toiletries
- Experience top-notch hospitality and classic amenities for all your needs
- Enjoy amazing services and best rates across 800 locations of India
Darjeeling features colonial-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries, a 140-year-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and stunning emerald-green tea plantations. All these are bound to make for an excellent vacation that gives you numerous chances to try new things.
HOTELS
- Itsy By Treebo – New Amber
- Treebo Trend Himalayan Valentino
- Itsy By Treebo – Aliment
- Treebo Trend The Pinewood