Darjeeling

Darjeeling, nestled in the lesser Himalayas in West Bengal, is a charming hill station renowned for its emerald-green tea plantations and breathtaking panoramic views of the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga. Established by the British in the mid-19th century as a sanatorium, its colonial-era architecture, including mock-Tudor residences and Gothic churches, still lends the town a nostalgic charm. The most iconic experience is a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site affectionately known as the 'Toy Train.' This narrow-gauge steam train chugs its way through picturesque landscapes, offering a journey back in time. A pre-dawn trip to Tiger Hill is a must-do for the chance to witness a spectacular sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayan range, with Kanchenjunga and even Mount Everest visible on clear days. A visit to a tea estate, such as Happy Valley Tea Estate, provides insight into the process of producing the world-famous Darjeeling tea, often called the 'champagne of teas.' The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is notable for its successful conservation breeding programs for the endangered snow leopard and red panda. Nearby is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in honor of Tenzing Norgay. The Chowrasta Mall, a wide promenade, is the town's social hub, perfect for a leisurely stroll, pony rides, and enjoying the crisp mountain air. Darjeeling offers a refreshing and scenic escape, steeped in history and natural beauty.