24 Hours In Darjeeling

Crisp air, ample rainfall, and pleasant weather not only make Darjeeling in West Bengal home to one of the finest tea varieties in the world, but also spoil every visitor who sets foot in the hill station. Here’s how you can make the most of a day-long stopover.

- Rashima Nagpal

5:00 am

CATCH THE FIRST LIGHT

Tiger Hill, located 11 kilometres from Darjeeling town, should be a part of every tourist’s itinerary. It offers views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. There’s an observation tower atop the 2,500-metrehigh Tiger Hill; it’s a great spot to catch a panoramic sunrise.

8:00 am

BREAKFAST AT GLENARY’S

The colonial heritage of Darjeeling is hard to miss. One iconic example is Glenary’s. Situated on Nehru Road, it is a two-storey building that houses a bakery cum cafe on the ground floor, a restaurant on the floor above, and a bar in the basement. Its selection of pies, breads, and desserts is perfect for a hearty breakfast in the hills. facebook.com/glenarysdarjeeling

10:00 am

GO MONASTERY HOPPING

Buddhism is integral to Darjeeling, as is its tea culture. Ancient monasteries, big and small, are testament to the town’s shared traditions with neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Tibet. Within a 10-kilometre radius are the Bhutia Busty Monastery that houses a huge library, the Mak Dhog Gompa, the Yiga Choeling Monastery that dates back to 1850, and the Dali Monastery.