They say where there is tea, there is hope. The hill station of Darjeeling, beautifully nestled in the Indian state of West Bengal is globally well known for its Tea estates. Infact, sipping Darjeeling tea whilst witnessing its blissful and snow-clad mountains, should altogether be a separate to do in your bucket list.
So, here’s elaborately listing out the Top 5 things you must do in this enchanting land of snow and serenity!
1. Wake up early in the morning to see the sun rise over the mounts of Khangchendzonga.
As the sun rises over the mounts of Khangchendzonga from Tiger Hill, feel the subtle warmth of the sun touch your cold skin. Standing amidst its calm setting and invigorating ambience, there couldn’t be a more vitalizing feeling in the world. The bonus is on a clear day you could also see the Everest!
2. Look at the exotic wildlife of Darjeeling with awe.
Be filled with wonder and lift your eyebrows in sheer amazement at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling. Seeing the breathtaking snow leopards, red pandas and Tibetan wolves at this Zoological Park in Darjeeling would indeed be your once in a lifetime experience.
3. Free tour of the factory at the Happy Valley Tea Estate.
Starting from the month of March till November, you will see tea pickers at work in the Happy Valley Tea Estate of Darjeeling. It is at 6,800ft above the sea level. Darjeeling’s highest tea factory is embedded in Happy Valley which is the oldest tea estate in the entire area. Founded back in 1854, the combination of Chinese leaves and Darjeeling’s territory produce an exotic brew of globally renowned delicacy. However, the periodic harvests or flushes of the leaves tend to influence the flavor. Hand-rolled tea is sold here in Harrods.
4. A trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is just not to be missed.
Book a peaceful and fun ride ticket that takes you to Ghum and back.
While on this ride, you could simply gaze out at the seemingly endless stretches of greenery tumbling down the mountainsides, with the pure white Himalayan peaks against the blue skies in the background. Let your heart travel back in time listening to the steam train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway moving along winding tracks.
5. Don’t you dare step out of Darjeeling without buying some tea!
Like we’ve said earlier having a cup of tea in Darjeeling is nothing like having this routine hot beverage back in the city. Engulfing your nostrils with its unique aroma whilst sipping a hot cuppa is an experience in itself. Nathmulls in Darjeeling has many stores and is famous as a genuine supplier of Darjeeling tea.
In the 1820s, long before India’s independence, British East India Company utilized Darjeeling as only a location where wounded soldiers could be nursed and looked after.
Today, it is known to be the perfect getaway in all of India. It’s not just the tea that attracts tourists to go visit Darjeeling. It is this picturesque hill station and its alluring beauty that cannot hold travel enthusiasts back. If this artistically picture-perfect town does not fill your soul with eons of hope and joy, we bet nothing else can!