1. Tiger Hill: The Sunrise Spectacle
From Avianna Group Hotels: Distance of 11 km (about 35 minutes by car)
Tiger Hill is synonymous with breathtaking sunrises. This is an experience not to be missed as you watch the first rays of the sun illuminate the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance. This is nature at its very best, and the early morning effort to get there from Avianna Group Hotels will well be worth it.
Tiger Hill is further claimed to provide an all-around panoramic view of the entire Darjeeling town, lush tea gardens, and the surrounding valleys. Do not forget to dress warmly as the early morning chill can be pretty extreme, especially in winter.
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A Heritage Ride
Distance from Avianna Group Hotels: 2 km to Darjeeling Station
Another popular term for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the "Toy Train." It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. Always a must for every traveller, the 88 km journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling offers marvellous views of the mountains and the local villages. Even if you cannot spare much time, try to ride on the shorter routes, such as Darjeeling to Ghum.
Among the most prominent attractions for the Toy Train is Batasia Loop, a spiral track that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Darjeeling and the snow-capped peaks. It offers a journey one would never pass through small hill stations, thick forests, and misty mountains.
3. Batasia Loop and War Memorial
5 km from Avianna Group Hotels
Batasia Loop is one of the most scenic places in Darjeeling, located just outside the town. The coiling nature of this railway track is where the Toy Train makes a full loop and gives spectacular views of the mountains that surround the Kanchenjunga among others. In the middle of the loop, there lies the War Memorial, raised in honour of the Gorkha soldiers, who had lost their lives during the battles following India's independence.
A beautifully manicured garden at Batasia Loop is an ideal place to take a stroll and enjoy the Himalayas.
The rolling green hills, the quaint town of Darjeeling, and the mighty Kanchenjunga will remain etched long after you leave.
4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Distance from Avianna Group Hotels: 3 km
A must-visit zoo, it should be said that for animal lovers, housing unique Himalayan species such as the endangered Red Panda and the Snow Leopard, this zoo is conservationist in nature, aiming at the conservation of endangered Himalayan species.
The zoo spreads across 67.56 acres and is at an elevation of 2,134 meters. Thus, a cool and refreshing environment greets visitors. The Himalayan wolves, clouded leopards, and Tibetan wolves also have a home here. If you're travelling as a family, this can be a great destination for children to learn about the local biodiversity.
5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
Distance from Avianna Group Hotels: 3 km
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute reminds one of the mountaineers who have submitted and tried to climb the mighty Himalayan peaks. It was established in the year 1954 as a tribute to Tenzing Norgay. On 29th May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary became the first human to reach the summit of the gigantic Mount Everest.
The institute conducts courses in mountaineering and adventures designed for both fresher students and professionals. However, even if you are not looking to enrol, the HMI museum would be interesting enough just to view mounts of mountaineering history, equipment, and even famous expeditions.
6. Peace Pagoda and Japanese Temple
Distance from Avianna Group Hotels: 4 km
The Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is one of the most peaceful places in town. Erected by Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, the pagoda is part of an international initiative to push for world peace. Its white edifice sharp against the green hillside makes it an ideal meditation and reflection spot.
Situated just a few miles away is the Japanese Temple, in which one can participate in prayer sessions. The place exudes peace, and the melodious voices of the monks' chanting create a serenity one can rarely experience elsewhere.
7. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park
Distance from Avianna Group Hotels: 10 km
The Rock Garden, more commonly known as Barbotey Rock Garden, is a natural waterfall with a scenic terraced garden. Carved steps in the rocks lead you to the cascading waterfall, an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Ganga Maya Park is a short kilometre away and another well-maintained garden with boating facilities and small waterfalls. Both of the places are great picnic spots and enjoy more peaceful surroundings where one can relax in nature.
8. Darjeeling Ropeway
Distance from Avianna Group Hotels: 4 km
One of the best ways to soak in the panoramic beauty of Darjeeling is by taking a ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway. It would take you over lush green tea gardens, dense forests, and flowing rivers. The views of the Singalila Range are simply unmatched.
The ride, 5 km long from Singamari takes one across the Ropeway and over to the grand Rangeet Valley. The tour ride is almost 45 minutes, not something one forgets so soon, with aerial views of lush greens and snow-white ranges in the distance.
9. Happy Valley Tea Estate
3 km from Avianna Group Hotels
A tour to Darjeeling would be complete with a visit to the world-known tea plantations. One of the oldest and most picturesque tea gardens in Darjeeling is Happy Valley Tea Estate. Visitors can walk through the lush tea fields and even visit the factory to watch how the leaves are processed.
The tea-tasting session is a highlight of the tour. One can taste various kinds of Darjeeling teas. Freshly packed tea from the estate is also available to take home as a souvenir after your trip.
10. Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple
1.5 km from Avianna Group Hotels
Observatory Hill is one of the oldest and most respected places in Darjeeling. At the very top of this hill is the Mahakal Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. People of both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in the spiritual nature of the hill, marked by fluttering prayer flags and the rhythmic ringing of bells all day long.
Apart from its religious significance, Observatory Hill is one of the excellent towns with a panoramic view of Darjeeling town and the Kanchenjunga range. The climb up to the top is steeper but fully rewarding.
