Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

April 3, 2008

Observatory Hill is a hill near Chowrasta square,or The Mall as it is popularly known. It is well worth walking uphill to experience gorgeous views from the summit. On a clear day, you can see the hills of Sikkim and the Himalayan mountain range with Mt. Kanchenjunga towering above others.

The Mahakal Temple is atop the Observatory Hill where the Dorejeeling Buddhist monastery once stood. This is a place for worship of all faiths and you will witness prayers being chanted by Hindu priests as well as Buddhist monks. Beside the temple is a white Tibetan chorten (or stupa) which contains the belongings of Dorje Lama who was the caretaker of the temple in the late 1800s. The temple complex also houses shrines of many Hindu Gods like Ganesh, Durga, Hanuman, Kali, Saraswati and Shiva.

The Windamere Hotel is en route to the Observatory Hill and is a classic example of the British colonial era architecture which dates back to the mid-19th century when it used to serve as a boarding house for English and Scottish tea planters. In 1939, it was converted into a hotel. Stop and have tea here soaking up the magnificent views and the culturally rich ambience.

Map of Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

Photos of the Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple

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