Darjeeling India Travel Guide and Travel Information

Shrubbery Nightingale Park used to be the private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow during the British rule and was simply referred to as “The Shrubbery”. This park became public after it was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1934 and was popular with British women for their tea parties.

During the 1950s and 60s, Shrubbery Nightingale Park was a much sought-after location for Bollywood films but was grossly neglected during the 1980s and early 90s. Sense prevailed and the Shrubbery Nightingale Park was restored. At present, it is home to a giant Lord Shiva statue along with a related temple and a live music stage. The music fountain is one of the main attractions of the park.

The best time to visit the park is in the evening. A minimal fee is charged for entry and photography.

Map of Shrubbery Nightingale Park

Shrubberry Nightingale Park

The Rock Garden and Gangamaya Park offers attractive picnic spots with natural waterfalls and boating facilities and is about 10-12 kilometers from the main Darjeeling town. There is a lake at the Gangamaya Park which is open for boating purposes.

Note: It can be difficult to arrange for transportation back to Darjeeling from the park so visitors are advised to organize transportation both ways.

Batasia Loop is the scenic gigantic railway loop where the Darjeeling toy train makes a 360 degree turn. Batasia Loop is about 5 kilometers from the main Darjeeling town and was built to help the train negotiate the steep landscape. It is perched at a perfect location to offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Confined within the loop is the War Memorial that pays homage to brave soldiers who have laid down their lives in wars since 1947. Near the Batasia Loop and the War Memorial, there is a small market selling local memorabilia and souvenirs.

Map of Batasia Loop and the War Memorial

Batasia Loop and the War Memorial

This passenger cable car is popularly known as “Ropeway” in Darjeeling and is about 3-4 kilometers north of Darjeeling town at North Point. Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is India’s oldest passenger cable car and was built during the British era when it was the only means of transport between Darjeeling and Rangeet Valley.

The ropeway has kept up with the times and modernized. On a clear day, it offers magnificent views of the green lush tea gardens below. The ropeway starts at North Point and ends at Singla Bazaar on the banks where the Little Rangeet river meets the Great Rangeet river covering a distance of nearly 8 kilometers. It stops at Tukver, Burnesbeg and Singla tea estates and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. There is no time limit for passengers on the Ropeway so do alight and visit the tea factories, souvenir shops or just walk around.

On 19 October 2003, four tourists were killed and 11 others injured when three carriages of the Darjeeling Rungeet Valley Ropeway slipped off the cables at North Point. Since then the safety measures have been ramped up considerably.

Map of Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car or Ropeway

Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car or Ropeway

Dhirdham Temple is a Hindu temple was built in 1939 by Rai Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan and is below the Darjeeling railway station. The temple was designed by architect Beg Raj Shakya as a replica of the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Outside the temple is a statue of Lord Shiva with his five different facial expressions with the Universal Third Eye. Visitors are allowed to photograph only the outside of the temple and cameras are not allowed inside the temple.

Map of Dhirdham Temple

Dhirdham Temple

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is situated on the slopes of the Jalpahar Hill and can be reached by taxi. It was established by the Nipponzan Myohoji (a Japanese Buddhist sect) and is home to the four different avatars (incarnations) of Buddha.

Beside the pagoda is the Nipponzan Myohoji Temple, a traditional Japanese Buddhist temple which allows the visitor to experience its tranquil settings. Visitors are allowed to take photos inside the Temple.

Map of Japanese Peace Pagoda

Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is near Lebong and was founded in 1959 to provide shelter for refugees from Tibet. At present, it has expanded to accommodate an orphanage, school and monastery while providing much needed refuge for the elderly and orphans.

One of the highlights of the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre are the handicrafts produced in their craft workshops. These include Tibetan carpets, wood carvings and leather-based products. In addition, there is a shop that sells Tibetan coins, banknotes and trinkets.

Visitors can get to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre via local taxi or one may opt to walk along the Chowrasta Hermitage Road to get to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. No entrance fees are charged.

Map of Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre Contact

Mailing Address
President,
Tibetan Refugees Self-Help Centre,
65, Gandhi Road,
Darjeeling-734101 (WB), INDIA
Tel: +91 0352 2252346 (Office), 2252552 (Showroom), 2253122 (Hospital)