The Queen of hills as they call it, it is an immortal beauty which has been acknowledged by its visitors for the kind of beauty that is simply impossible to believe. The world class tea, toy train and the colonial heritage structures are some of its magical wonders which bring tourists here. This Himalayan town is amazing throughout the year and provides the most beautiful holiday experience amidst its snowy peaks and fog covered roads. Darjeeling is a township that has been nurtured as a tourist destination since times of the British Empire and is known across the globe for its vast tea plantations and exquisite quality of tea.
Located 5km from Darjeeling Town and just below Ghoom, Batasia Loop as the name suggests, is a loop or a spiral of a narrow gauge railway track where the Toy Train negotiates a sudden sharp descent from Ghoom. It's a wonderful viewing place with manicured gardens, streams and falls, from where you can get a wide range view of the Darjeeling's landscape, Kanchenjunga snow peaks and the other Eastern Himalayan peaks.
This is one way you can be part of special diverse offerings from the nature and all in one place. From the ropeway of Darjeeling which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. Get off at a lower station and enjoy the tea estates, walk through the tea gardens, or just relax and enjoy the view around.
Leisure has a destination in Darjeeling. It is called Chowrasta whose name generally denotes the meeting of the four roads that lead people here. The uphill till here is in itself a journey that takes you across a long journey that highlights the cultural aesthetics of Darjeeling. You will find here many cafeterias and fast food centres that provide the most exotic cultural cuisines at affordable costs.
These two are scenic parks in wonderful settings located a few miles away from the Darjeeling town. Rock garden is about 10km and Ganga Maya is another 3km from there. Rock Garden is all about terraced gardens at different levels that have been cut through the rocks having waterfalls with nice seating arrangements. Ganga Maya is more spread out and has a beautiful stream flowing through it on a valley, has flower gardens, fountains and more.
About 10 minutes by car, you will reach a wonderful area that is symbolic of peace and tranquility. Located in the Jalapahar hill, the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga.