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West Bengal

10 Unmissable Adventures In Darjeeling

By: Travel and Food Network
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Darjeeling, nestled in the picturesque hills of West Bengal, India, is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. With its breathtaking landscapes, tea gardens, and the majestic Kanchenjunga looming in the distance, this hill station offers a wide array of thrilling adventure activities that cater to all levels of adrenaline seekers. From trekking through scenic trails to river rafting in gushing rapids, here are some adventure activities you must try in Darjeeling.

Trekking

Darjeeling is a trekker's haven, with a multitude of trails that lead you through lush green forests, charming villages, and panoramic views. One of the most popular treks is the Singalila Ridge Trek, which takes you to the Singalila National Park and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Sandakphu Trek is another exhilarating option, known for its stunning sunrise view over the Himalayan range.

River Rafting

For thrill-seekers, white water rafting in the Teesta River is an unforgettable experience. The river offers varying levels of rapids, making it suitable for both beginners and experts. The adrenaline rush coupled with the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains makes river rafting a must-try adventure activity in Darjeeling.

Mountain Biking

Embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you explore the hilly terrains of Darjeeling on a mountain bike. With its winding roads, challenging gradients, and breathtaking vistas, Darjeeling provides an ideal setting for mountain biking enthusiasts. You can choose from various biking routes, such as the Tiger Hill Loop or the Ghum Monastery Trail, which offer a thrilling ride through tea gardens and picturesque landscapes.

Paragliding

Soar like a bird and experience the feeling of flying with paragliding in Darjeeling. The mountain ranges and the vast expanse of greenery provide a perfect backdrop for this exhilarating activity. You can take off from Jalapahar or Senchal, and under the guidance of experienced pilots, glide through the sky, taking in the panoramic views of the valley below.

Rock Climbing

Challenge yourself both physically and mentally with rock climbing in the rocky cliffs of Darjeeling. The region is dotted with numerous natural rock faces that provide an exciting opportunity for climbers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, you can find suitable routes and enjoy the thrill of scaling the cliffs while enjoying the breathtaking views around you.

Camping

Immerse yourself in nature by going camping in the serene surroundings of Darjeeling. From lush green meadows to dense forests, there are several camping sites that offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Spend a night under the starry sky, enjoy a bonfire, and wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature, rejuvenating your mind and soul.

Wildlife Safari

Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Darjeeling through a wildlife safari in Singalila National Park that offers charms aplenty. For smaller families, a trip to its rhododendron-streaked landscape could be an experience of a lifetime. Travelling from Manebhanjan, its fun to jump aboard refurbished Landys, as one enters Singalila. The red panda a part-raccoon and part-bear cub-like species is an endangered animal with the highest legal protection, and is extremely elusive. Tour operators, aided by local trackers, organise trails where groups have the opportunity of spotting these beings in their natural habitat and understand the importance of its conservation. Singalila is a great hub for birders as well, with laughing thrushes, red crossbills, flycatchers and sunbirds commonly sighted.

Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: This high-altitude zoological park is spread over an area of about 67.56 acres and provides a natural habitat for various species of animals native to the Himalayan region. One of the main objectives of the park is the conservation and breeding of endangered and rare Himalayan species. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Tibetan Wolf, which are facing threats in their natural habitats.

Cable Car Ride

For a unique adventure experience, take a cable car ride in Darjeeling. The ropeway connects the North Point in Singamari to the Singla Bazaar and offers panoramic views of the valley, tea gardens, and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the thrill of gliding above the picturesque landscapes and capture breathtaking views from the comfort of your cable car.


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Toy Train Joyride

Experience the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a charming narrow-gauge toy train that chugs through scenic landscapes, offering glimpses of tea gardens, hills, and local villages.

The toy train journey usually begins at the Darjeeling Railway Station located in the heart of the town. The station itself has a charming British-era architecture that adds to the overall ambiance. The train takes you through picturesque landscapes, winding its way through the lush green tea gardens, dense forests, and quaint hillside villages. The route offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the famous Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. One of the highlights of the journey is the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway loop located about 5 km from Darjeeling. Here, the train makes a complete 360-degree turn, offering passengers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the town of Darjeeling. Throughout the journey, you'll be accompanied by the enthusiastic chugging of the train, the rhythmic sound of the wheels, and the friendly conversations with fellow travelers. The journey concludes at Ghum Railway Station, where you can visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum. The museum houses several exhibits showcasing the history and heritage of the Darjeeling toy train.

The joyride typically lasts for about 1-2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 14 km from Darjeeling to Ghum, the highest railway station in India.

Darjeeling is a treasure trove of adventure activities that cater to all kinds of adventure enthusiasts. Whether you seek the thrill of trekking, the adrenaline rush of river rafting, or the serenity of camping, Darjeeling has something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags, put on your adventure gear, and get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and engage in thrilling experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories of this beautiful hill station.