Interesting Stories

Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most celebrated tea gardens in Darjeeling, known worldwide for its rich heritage, organic farming practices, and exceptional quality teas. Established in 1859, Makaibari was among the first tea estates in the region and played a key role in shaping Darjeeling’s identity as a global tea destination. Spread across rolling hills and lush green slopes,...

Mahakal Temple is one of the most revered and spiritually significant landmarks in Darjeeling, known for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Situated on Observatory Hill, close to Chowrasta Mall Road, the temple stands at a height that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The serene atmosphere, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the constant sound of bells...

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is one of the most meaningful cultural and humanitarian landmarks in Darjeeling. Established in 1959 following the arrival of Tibetan refugees in India, the center was created to provide shelter, employment, and dignity to Tibetans who fled their homeland. Located about 2 kilometers from Darjeeling town, it stands today as a symbol of resilience, self-reliance,...

Eagles Craig is one of the lesser-known yet most charming viewpoints in Darjeeling, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist spots. Located close to the Raj Bhavan area, this viewpoint sits along a quiet hillside road and provides sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, forested slopes, and distant mountain ranges. Its calm atmosphere and scenic setting make it a favorite among...

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the most renowned and high-altitude zoos in India, located in Darjeeling at an elevation of about 7,000 feet above sea level. Established in 1958, the zoo is named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu and a former Governor of West Bengal. Spread across a forested hillside, the zoo is internationally respected for its conservation efforts...

Bihu is the most important and widely celebrated festival of Assam, deeply connected with the agrarian lifestyle, culture, and identity of the Assamese people. It is not a single event but a group of three seasonal festivals that mark key phases of the agricultural cycle and the passage of time. These are Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Together, they reflect joy, hope, gratitude, and...

Batasia Loop is one of the most iconic and scenic landmarks in Darjeeling, best known for its dramatic railway loop and sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayas. Located about 5 kilometers from Darjeeling town on the way to Ghoom, the site forms an essential part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route. The loop was engineered to help the narrow-gauge toy train negotiate a steep gradient while descending...

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, commonly known as HMI, is one of Darjeeling’s most prestigious and historically significant institutions. Established in 1954, the institute was founded to promote mountaineering as a sport and to train aspiring climbers in the techniques required for high-altitude expeditions. Its creation was inspired by the successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953...

The Netaji Museum and Centre for Studies in Himalayan Languages, Society and Culture in Kurseong is a distinctive institution that combines historical preservation with scholarly research. Situated in the serene hill town of Kurseong, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, it serves as both a tribute to India’s freedom struggle and a hub for academic inquiry into the region’s unique...

Ambootia Tea Garden in Kurseong is one of the most scenic and historically significant tea estates in the Darjeeling hills. Nestled at an altitude of around 4,000 feet, the estate spans lush green slopes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Renowned for producing high-quality organic Darjeeling tea, Ambootia combines traditional tea cultivation methods with modern sustainable...

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful and scientifically significant attractions in Darjeeling, offering a refreshing escape into nature amid the bustle of the hill town. Located close to the Darjeeling town center, the garden spreads over nearly 40 acres and is set at an altitude of about 6,000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by forested slopes and cool mountain air, it provides...

The Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is a symbol of peace, harmony, and spiritual unity, set against the serene backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas. Located on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill, close to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s Ghoom route, the pagoda offers a calm retreat from the bustle of the town. Surrounded by pine forests and mountain air, it stands as a reminder of the universal...