Check out the cool tea gardens in Darjeeling!

Darjeeling: A Cool Spot in the Himalayas

Darjeeling, high up in the Himalayas (about 6,700 feet!), is a super interesting place with a cool mix of history, culture, and pretty scenery. People call it the Queen of the Hills, and it’s easy to see why with its old-school feel and mountain views.

- History Stuff: Darjeeling started as part of Sikkim but was given to the British in 1835 because they liked the mild weather. They used it as a getaway for their soldiers. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is like a super old cool train, started running in 1881 and is now a UNESCO thing. Tea farms popped up in the 1840s, and now Darjeeling tea is famous worldwide.

- Culture Mix: You'll find people from Nepal, Tibet, and other places all living together here. They usually speak Nepali, but lots of people also know Hindi, Bengali, and English. They have cool festivals, and the food is really good, especially the momos!

- Nature is Awesome: You can see Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, from here. Tiger Hill has great sunrise views. Plus, there are tea gardens everywhere, a garden with mountain plants, and a park where red pandas live.

- What's the Weather like Now: It rained a lot in August 2025, which caused some problems like landslides. Things are getting better now, and they're fixing the roads. The best times to visit are April to June or October to December because the weather is nice then.

- How to Get Here: You can fly to Bagdogra Airport (about 60 miles away) or take a train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (around 55 miles away). Riding the toy train is a must-do! Check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, and chill on Mall Road. Bring your ID if you want to visit Sikkim or Nepal.

Darjeeling: A Cool Place in the Himalayas

Up in the Eastern Himalayas at 2,045 meters, Darjeeling is super charming with its old-school vibe and air that smells like tea. The toy train (it's a UNESCO site!) goes through green gardens, and Kanchenjunga looks amazing from Tiger Hill. It rained a lot in August (25% more than usual), which caused some landslides, but the roads are getting fixed now. You can check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute or eat momos on Mall Road.