The culture of Darjeeling is quite diverse. Apart from the major religious festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Dussera, Holi, Ram Navami etc., the diverse ethnic populace of the town also celebrates several local festivals. The Tibetan ethnic groups like the Lepchas, Bhutias, Gurungs, and Tamangs celebrate New Year, also called Loshar, in January/February. Other festivals like Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen, Buddha Jayanti, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat, to name a few, provide the "regional distinctness" of Darjeeling's local culture from the rest of India. Darjeeling Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as The Darjeeling Initiative, is a ten-day carnival held every year during winter that especially portrays the rich musical and cultural heritage of Darjeeling Hills as its central theme.
Traditional dances in Darjeeling include the jhaure dance, chutkay dance, maruni dance and Tamang selos, which find their origins in Nepal. Other forms of dance include the Tibetan Chaam performed with elaborate costumes and masks during the eve of Loshar, the Tibetan New Year.
Undeniably, the most popular food of Darjeeling is the Momo. Momo's are steamed dumplings stuffed with either pork, beef or vegetables and served with a spicy chili and tomato paste along with soup. Another popular dish is the thukpa, which is a noodle dish with meat and/or vegetables in soup. Apart from these dishes, the restaurants in Darjeeling offer a wide variety of traditional Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines to cater to different palates.
DanceThe Nepalese in Darjeeling are rich in folk culture. The hills and dales are the treasure house of songs and dances of the hill folk.
The panorama of the Majestic Himalayan Mountains, its lush green hills and forests seem to have played a significant role in influencing the religion and culture. The folk songs and dances of the Nepalese people, inhabiting in and around the Himalayan regions have been influenced by the serene, romantic and poetic shades of the place. Even the two major religions viz. Hinduism and Buddhism seems to have influenced the Nepali culture, which is full of its rich folk songs and dances, to co-existing side by side.
The earlier cave paintings, religious rites and temple songs and dances have also played a significant role in influencing Nepalese Folk songs and dances. Impressions of religious dances performed either to appease the Gods and Goddesses or to ward-off evil spirits, can also be seen distinctly in performing arts of the Nepalese people.
The following are some of the most popular Nepali folk dances.
- Maruni Nach
- Dhan Naach
- Jhankri Naach
- Jatra Naach
- Damphu Naach
- Khukuri Naach
- Deora Naach
- Panchay Naach
- Dhimay Naach
- Sanginy Naach
- Balan Naach
- Jhyauray Naach
- Paschimay Chutki
- Rodhighar Naach
- Baton Naach
- Jhumara Naach
- Sakhia Naach
Artifacts
Among the artistic crafts "ornaments, trinkets and handlooms" are worth mentioning. One can also find fine craftsmanship in woodwork and bamboo fretwork. While the principal utility products are blankets, woollen knitted garments and woven fabrics, the artistic products are handbags, wall panels, fire screens, folding partitions, Bhutan paintings, cotton shoulder bags etc. Beautiful curios are made at Darjeeling and Kalimpong on copper plates studded with red and blue stones with engravings of replicas of deities. Wonderful Tankas with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha are also available. Woolen carpets are made in a combination of shades in vegetable and synthetic dyes. Bhutia chaddars in beautiful textures can also be found. Decorative Nepali khukris are made in Ghum. Bedroom slippers and rope-sole shoes, jackets, hats, hanzu coats made from handloom cloth and masks are among the many items that attract tourists and curio collectors.
Festivals Tibetan New Year (Loshar)Festivals and Events in Darjeeling are reflections of the diverse Indian culture and tradition that has developed through ages. Since it is the homeland of many different religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity at the same time, many festivals take place throughout the year.
The Tibetans, who constitutes a major part of the population, celebrate the Loshar Festival in Darjeeling with great flare and festivity. The end of January marks the end of the Tibetan Year. To avert the negativity of the old year, most of the monasteries in the area have Cham (Tibetan Dance) during this time of the year. Loshar Festival in Darjeeling usually falls in the month of February. It is an important festival in the Tibetan calendar year and its celebration continues for a week. The youthful Tibetans celebrates it with great enthusiasm and spirit. The youth take to the streets performing the traditional Yak dance dressed in multi coloured clothes. They walk down the street singing and dancing with sacred folk lores that fill the air making the atmosphere electrifying.
Dalai Lama Birthday CelebrationDuring the months of July and August, the people of Darjeeling celebrate the birthday of Dalai Lama. They make this occasion very illustrious with processions.
Orange FestivalTo promote the Samsing-Jaldhaka area in the foothills of the Bhutan Himalaya under Darjeeling Hills as a major orange growing landscape, the Orange Festival takes place every year. This festival is organised mainly to promote community based tourism, ecological conservation, Indo-Bhutan friendship and peace.
Buddha JayantiBuddha Jayanti is to celebrate the Birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Prayers are sung and the Buddhists offer worship in all the major Buddhist shrines such as Tamang Buddhist Monastery, Dali Monastery, Aloobari Monastery etc. The next morning a giant figure of Lord Buddha is displayed to all the followers and hundreds of small shrines are visited and worshipped. Large groups of people parade through the streets praising the Lord and his teachings. Special flags usually red, blue, yellow and white are raised high above all the Buddhist households.
Chowrasta & Mall
Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open space and free from vehicular movements from where one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take a charming stroll at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road.
Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is also visible from here.
Batasia Loop
About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvellous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different wars since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.
Shanti Stupa
The Shanti Stupa was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The pagoda is the highest free structure in the town. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.
Observatory Hill
Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the Observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who worship here by the hundreds.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it is a high altitude wildlife park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds. The Snow Leopard breeding centre was started in 1986 to breed Snow Leopards in captivity with the help of International Snow Leopard captive breeding project.
Raj Bhawan
Raj Bhawan is the summer residence of the Governor of West Bengal. The fantastically developed mansion with perfectly manicured lawns, lush gardens, surrounding forests and British Bungalows overlooks the Darjeeling Lebong spur and commands a magnificent close-up view of the snow capped Kanchanjunga Range. Being a high security zone, visitors are no longer allowed to venture inside its precinct. A walk around it through the dense forest is however, most charming. Visitors can experience the entire Sikkim-Jorethang crest unhindered.
Darjeeling- Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car
Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is popularly known as the Ropeway. It is about 3 km north of the town and situated at what is known as the North Point. The Ropeway is India's oldest passenger ropeway and connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley. The present ropeway has been extensively modernized and visitors can now safely travel over the clouds to witness the aerial view of the lush green tea gardens below.
Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock
Situated at Lebong Cart Road, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock Climbing.
Natural History Museum
Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum which contains a comprehensive collection of fauna of the region. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lloyds Botanical Garden
The oldest Botanical Garden in Darjeeling named as Lloyd Botanical Garden. It has a varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium(Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. There are no entrance fees. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and a couple of hours to spare, is a must. Timing: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Shrubbery
It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmes performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a giant Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple and provisions for live-interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is during evenings. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor.
Step Aside
About 3 mins walk from Chowrasta will bring the visitors to the place where the famous Indian patriot Deshbandu Chittaranjan Das had passed away in 1925.
Ava Art Gallery
About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi. Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Ghoom Monastery
Also called Sakya Monastery, this monastery in Ghoom is located 8 km from Darjeeling. Sakya monastery is a historic and significant monastery of the Shakya Order. The original monastery was built during the early twentieth century.
The monastery can accommodate around sixty monks. The statue of Maithreya Buddha which is 4.57 meter high, of this monastery is of interest here. The monastery also preserves some of the rarest Buddhist manuscripts.
Happy Valley Tea Estate
Of about seventy tea gardens in this hilly region, this is one of the nearest, about 3 km from the town. Here one can see the processing of the world famous Darjeeling tea. Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays (afternoon) and Mondays (full day).
Lebong Race Course
About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yds. Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.
Garg World Amusement Park
Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.
Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park
Situated 10 km from town, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park has now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however, required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
Tibetan refugee self help centre was established on 1st October 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetians who had followed His Holiness, The Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. This centre produces excellent carpets, woollen goods, wood work, leather work etc. The Tibetan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre. It is closed on Sundays.
Hayden Hall
Woollen carpets, cotton shoulder bags, table mats, hand knitted pure woollen sweaters and caps are available for sale at reasonable prices. The items are woven by the local ladies.
Excursions, Picnic Spots & Short- treks, Senchal Lake
A favourite picnic spot about 10 km. from the town. Senchal Lake provides water supply to Darjeeling town.
Singla
Altitude 244 metres or 800 ft. (approx.). This attractive picnic spot near Rangeet River has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism, DGHC for a water sports complex.
Ajitar
21 km. from Darjeeling by road (jeep able), it is a magnificent picnic spot.
Bijanbari
38 km. from Darjeeling by road (motor able). Situated at an altitude of 762 metres or 2500 ft. This beautiful picnic spot is near the Little Rangeet river.
Kurseong
It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate that attracted many a great person to this place. Some of the famous poems and songs of Guru Rabindranath Tagore were composed in Kurseong. The magic painter Abanindranath Tagore and great composer Atul Prasad Sen got inspiration for some of their famous works around Kurseong. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda made Kurseong her home. It is learnt that Mark Twain spent some time in Kurseong in 1885, Fazlul Haque the Prime Minister of undivided Bengal also stayed here. Netaji Subhash Bose was interned by the colonial government for a couple of months in 1936 in a house at Giddapahar near Kurseong. To know more click
here.
Kalimpong
67 Km from Siliguri, this beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG means king's minister's strong hold“ a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per the Lepchas, Kalimpong means ‘ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit hence the name. To know more, click
here.
Pedong
Pedong is a picturesque hamlet surrounded by pine forests. It is situated 20 km from Kalimpong in West Bengal. Pedong commands magnificent views of the snow ranges of Mount Kanchenjunga. It falls on the ancient Silk Route that connected Tibet with India through the Jelep La Pass. Several short and thrilling treks originate from Pedong leading to the Damsangdugi Fort, a historically important site that witnessed a long ethnic war between the Lepchas and Bhutias. A 300 years old ruin hidden by dense forest at Damsangudi still holds memories of the reigns of the Lepcha kindom.
Mirik
Mirik is a nest in the hills. This is one of West Bengal's popular hill resort at an altitude of 1767 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km from Siliguri. TREKKING: Trekking from Mirik to Sandakphu, Phalut has become very popular. Short trek from Mirik to Kurseong via Balasan river & Namsu could be covered within the day only. To know more, click
here.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu, situated at a height of 3636 m above sea level, might not be famous for any tourist destinations, but is a true paradise for all adventure lovers. Trek to the highest point on this hill station and you will get the never seen before views of the Himalayan Range. A long stretch of Himalayas starting from Bhutan till Mt. Everest is visible. River Teesta flows through Sandakphu at quite a pace. The thundering River Teesta also offers a great option for adventure sports especially river rafting. Sandakphu is the only place in the world where you will find a Rhododendron and Silver fir forests. To reach Sandakphu, one has to nearly trek for 12 hrs from Maneybhanjan, which is the gateway to Sandakphu. You can also hire a Landrover from Maneybhanjan. To know more click
here.
Jorpokhri
On the way from Mirik to Darjeeling lies a town of untouched natural beauty called Jorpokhri. It is situated only 16 kms from Darjeeling and 85Kms from Siliguri. The presence of a couple of lakes in this area gave rise to the name of this place Jorpokhri(JOR means twin, POKHRI means lake). The lakes are the main attraction in this place.In and around the lake one can notice the Himalayan Salamander, a highly endanagered species of the reptile family.
Lava
32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park. To know more click
here.
Lolaygaon
56km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500ft. Panorromic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over kanchenjunga can seen from Jhandi Dara. To know more click
here.
Rishyap
The place can be approached by a four-kilometer walk uphill from Lava (32 km from Kalimpong) through the deep silent forest of Pines, Rhododendrons and Orchids. Non-adventurers can take the 10-kilometer motor-able route from Lava. The enthralling views of the vast range of Kanchenjunga, the blue mountains of Sikkim, Nathu-La and Jelap-La passes are an experience of the lifetime. To know more
click here.
Lepchajagat
15km form Darjeeling and 77 Km from Siliguri, Lepchajagat, bascially a Lepcha Village, is situated at Sukhipokhri near Darjeeling on the Ghoom-Mirik road. Located on hill slope covered with rhododendron and oaks a forest bungalow offers a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga snow ranges over the forested hills and is the only accommodation available in the area. A nice peaceful location and is ideal for honeymooners. The bungalow has 6 well-appointed rooms and provides excellent food. An ideal place to explore the tranquillity of unknown Darjeeling hills
Dooars Valley
The Dooars Valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which is Jaldapara, offering memorable elephant rides through rhino and tiger forests. Other sanctuaries include Buxa Tiger Project, Gorumara and Chapramari.
Darjeeling is well connected to Rest of India & Kolkata by air, road and train.
- Air Service: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra about 94-96 kms away from Darjeeling. There are direct flight connections with Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. Tourists heading for Darjeeling can get direct taxis/cabs to Darjeeling from Bagdogra or one can head towards Siliguri first and get a transport there. There are a number of transport facilities available from Siliguri - one can reserve a taxi or choose to go by paying per head (Rs. 80 - this varies from time to time) from the Bus Junction area.
- Train Service: Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India.
- Road Service: The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, which is connected to all the major cities. Darjeeling is also very well connected to Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and its surrounding hills.
- Local Transport: Taxis of different models are available for sightseeing in and around Darjeeling at fixed rates. Ponies can also be availed at Chowrasta for local sightseeing.
Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. Flaming red rhododendrons, sparkling white magnolias, miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS. The crest of Kanchenjunga shining in the first dawn light truly supports the title.
Attractions & Activities
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as the 'Toy Train' is one of the main attractions of the region. The track on which the train runs is only 600 millimeters wide. The size of the train is commensurate giving it the name 'Toy Train'. Narrow Gauge trains are used in parts of India to travel to hill stations. The most magnificent train journeys through the narrow gauge are the gorgeous terrain. UNESCO has declared the DHR as a World Heritage Site.
Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills began almost a century ago. In fact, the first organised trekking route in India was setup here along the Singalila range. The trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut.There are trekker huts under the management of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department all along the route to Sandakphu. For further information contact, Tourist Bureau, Darjeeling.
The White Water Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni), the scenic beauty of the banks, surrounding hills, its flora & fauna and sighting of several varieties of fishes is simply enchanting. A river trip is often an adventure. An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it.
Art & Culture
Local Sites
Nearby Places
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