Called the queen of hills for a reason and blanketed by the milky white Mt. Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling’s bespoken beauty will take your breath away. The historic town offers many vintage boutique hotels to spend a luxurious weekend at. One can find the finest pashmina shawls and winter wear at Darjeeling’s Mall Road. Also, the momo served here with dale chutney will only make you crave more.
Nepalese delicacies are exquisite and Darjeeling brings it all to you. Well, it is definite that you must’ve visited the queen at least once.
Hidden Gems Near Darjeeling You Need To Visit
These five hidden gems are sure to make your vacation to Darjeeling even better and memorable. Include them in your itinerary right away so that you wouldn’t miss out on the extra fun.
1. Sandakphu
This might by far be the least known trek. The town is extremely chilly with the average temperature dropping below around 1 °C at night. Though it’s an all-season trek, which is what makes it a hidden gem too, the best time to visit is from October to December. These months are also the coldest but this is only when you could experience snowfall in the Himalayas.
If you are travelling from February to March, you’ll be lucky enough to have a view of the vibrant blossoms of spring. You can also rent a car from Manebhanjan for approx ₹5000 per night and go around the town.
Also read: Dating Back To 1915, This Is Oldest Wildlife Sanctuary In The Darjeeling Himalayas
2. Sonam’s Kitchen
Don’t just stick to fancy hotels, rather check out this teeny kitchen restaurant with just three tables. Uphill from the Darjeeling Mall, this food joint is popular amongst foodies and Indians. What makes it so loved is the extra-cheese toast made with locally sourced fat bread and old-fashion masala omelette.
Alongside, you just can’t forget to try their scrambled eggs. They serve it piping hot, directly to your plate from the frying pan. They claim that they serve the best coffee and the rich aroma makes it deserve a sip.
Where: 27V9+249, Dr Zakir Hussain Rd, Chaurasta, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Cost: ₹300 for two
Timing: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
3. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
How about not just trekking and rock climbing but also learning it? Located at Jawahar Parvat, it has many mountaineering and rock climbing courses for all levels, from beginners to experts. The basic courses cost ₹4000 per person and last for a month.
If you are on a short trip and don’t want to enrol for a full-fledged course, you can also experience other adventurous activities. You are not required to make prior bookings and can experience any activity for ₹200 per person. But whatever the duration, the experience is unmatched and exhilarating.
4. Revolver Hotel- B&B With Music
Adding an extraordinary attraction to the town is this Beatles-themed wooden lodge. This budgeted Bed & breakfast lodge plays music with both eastern and western influences. You would find every corner loaded with popular Bands’ art. When in town, make sure to have a ‘breakfast in bed’ at Revolver!
Where: 110 Gandhi Road, Behind Union Chapel, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Cost: ₹1400 to 3000 per night
Also read: 5 Airbnbs In Darjeeling For A Dreamy Stay In The Himalayas
5. Khambuhang Nature Holiday Camp
Camping riverside in a tent is cool but how about cottage camping? Just 51 km away from the town, lie these deluxe cottages that render camping in the leap of lush green Dooars. This has become a famous overnight tourist destination of its own. The wooden old-fashioned cottages are designed to give you an experience of Himalayan homes.
Where: Paren – Todey Rd, Paren Godak Khasmahal, West Bengal 734319
Cost: Contact the property for availability and accommodation tariffs
With a blend of diverse ingredients, Darjeeling is a destination that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. And once you are here, it’ll make you want to come back again.
Cover image courtesy: Pixabay