You might have been on cloud 9 several times in the past. But how about being on cloud 9 with the clouds literally hovering over your head?
Yes. Darjeeling, the dream to any honeymooner or a fancy to any itchy feet, is a place where you can really touch and feel the clouds. But is Darjeeling always high on your wish list just to drink in the view of a sun-beamed Kanchenjunga or to take a horse ride around the Darjeeling mall?
Darjeeling is more than a backpacker’s delight, it is sure to trance you with the plethora of tourist spots, some are natural and some man-made. When it comes to places that are slightly ahead in alluring you in your brief sojourn, you start baffling to pick from the vast options. In an attempt to assist you we have chosen a few spots to make your trip worth sharing with the folks upon your return and may be with your grand-parents, too!
Top 7 iconic places to visit in Darjeeling
Tiger hill
At an altitude of 2590 meters and 11km from the Darjeeling town is one of the topmost iconic spots in the queen of hills. You have to start your journey at 3:30am from the town to catch the sun striking its beams on the snow capped Himalayan peaks. You need to hike up the steep hills a bit with your vehicles parked below. Worth the tiresome trek as you can treat your eyes with a phenomenon which many consider themselves "lucky" to experience!
Japanese Peace Pagoda
As you make your way into the iconic religious site you will feel a sense of peace envelops you transcending you into a trance-like state atleast for the time being. It possesses four shinning golden statues of Buddha with the walls depicting tales of Buddhism. Yes, Buddhism has this enormous power to wither way even the worst traumas of human life.
Batasia Loop & War Memorial
A mountain railway network on which the toy train runs is a site which is beautified with grass, seasonal flowers and shrubs. Breath in the smells of rhododendrons, gingko biloba and tea plants. At the centre of this beautiful garden is war memorial paying homage to the valourous soldiers.
Ghoom Monastery
One of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in Darjeeling, it houses a 15 feet statue of Buddha which is known as the Gyalwa Shampa which translates into "Buddha of the future" or the "coming Buddha". In front of the Buddha statue there are two gigantic oil lamps which keep the flame alive throughout the entire year.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Globally recognized for its conservation of red panda, Tibetan wolf, snow leopard and other rare and on-the-verge-of-extinction species of the eastern part of the Himalaya, it is also home to a wide range of plant species. If you are on the lookout for a mix of flora and fauna at a specific place, include Darjeeling zoo in your itinerary.
Himalaya Mountaineering Institute
If rock-climbing is high on your agenda then hone a few mountaineering skills from HMI as this institute offers some basic courses on mountaineering. Even if you are not a budding climber HMI still may prove to be fruitful to pay a visit to.
Himalayan Railway Station
A UNESCO world heritage site, this picture perfect railway station is iconic and beautiful. A joy ride would surely add a tinge to your Darjeeling itinerary. This site is a favourite to many filmmakers as the mesmerizing backdrop eases the nerves of the entire team helping them to capture the moments delightedly.
With these iconic places in your itinerary your trip is going to be an extraordinary trip which is beyond those selfies with the backdrop of green valleys and snow covered mountain peaks. It will always blink upon your inward eyes whenever you enjoy your blissful company.