This “Mecca of Tea” with over 80 operational tea gardens spread across acres of land, Darjeeling is a hill town in Eastern Indian state of West Bengal. Overlooking the high hill range of Kanchenjunga, this erstwhile colonial town is also the home to centuries old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Set amid the extraordinary natural beauty, Darjeeling was a previous summer capital of India under the British Raj and boasts beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches, tea estates. Diverse cultures have flourished in this small town and have lead to an fusion in its craft and cuisine.

Darjeeling is also the home to centuries old colourful Buddhist monasteries. Infused with serenity, these sacred sites offer a fascinating glimpse of the Tibetan influence and culture. Churn the prayer wheel, fly a wish flag or just meditate in the spiritual silence of these monasteries, you will always feel as Enlighted.

Tiger Hill, at a distance of 13 kilometres from the city, is the highest point at a height of 8,482 feet in Darjeeling offering gleaming views of peaks of Kanchenguna at sunrise and sunset. As the golden sun rise from the east, the mighty Himalayan range, with Kanchenjunga towering over Darjeeling, bathe in the sun’s magical hues, the visitors and viewers capture these captivating pictures to treasure for ever.

One of the most well known and one of the most well-liked, teas in the world is Darjeeling Tea. Sprawling tea estates of Darjeeling produce "Champagne of Teas " due to its varieties. Darjeeling tea usually refers to an aromatic, musky black tea, but in recent years has also come to include other varieties like green and Oolong depending on their level of oxidation.

During your visit to Darjeeling, be a tea producer, tea plucker, tea tester and finally tea manufacturer as you visit one of the tea estates and know all about this delightful drink - Tea.

To get the pulse of a city, one must visit the oldest places within it. The Mall & Chowrasta give travellers the real essence of Darjeeling. The Chowrasta is like a city from where different streets emerge and thus is the perfect reflection of Darjeeling's culture and lifestyle.

Lined with small stores, selling souvenirs, woollens, packets of tea, food items, and lots more, It is a rendezvous of people from all over the world and is notable as a popular tourist hangout in Darjeeling. In the olden days, this was the place where the Europeans came for their evening walks. Even today, this center of Darjeeling is full of activities and showcase the pulse of the city. On a clear day, one can also have a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga from here.

Buddhism in Darjeeling

Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, a UNESCO World Heritage, is definitely the "Pride of Darjeeling". Darjeeling Himalayan Railways established in between 1879-1881, also known as "Toy Train" operates on a 2 ft broad gauge line and climbs from about 100 m (328 ft) above sea level at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling, in a distance of about 80 kms. In this panoramic journey, the toy train uses six zig zags and five loops to gain altitude.

A picturesque and experiential toy train ride from "Darjeeling to Ghoom" , pulled by old yet original locomotives and passing through the main streets of Darjeeling and very close by to shops and homes, is an unforgettable experience.

Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa is set plush amidst the one of the oldest tea estates in the world - Makaibari at the outskirts of Darjeeling. This luxurious  resort feature elements of bamboo, timber and stones distilling the essence of Makaibari into contemporary architecture.

Luxurious 72 rooms and suites with private balcony offer panoramic views of green acres rolling upon each other as far as the eyes can see, intruded upon only by the sweeping mist. The restaurants serve a range of Asian and international cuisine that keeps the palate busy. Bar at the hotel is all glass bar and offers 270 degree panoramic views of the hills of Darjeeling and Makaibari tea estate.

Once the home to British officers, MAYFAIR Darjeeling is a heritage property and is one of the best 5 Star hotel in Darjeeling. It exudes old world charm and quiet elegance.  Striking the perfect balance between the old and the modern, MAYFAIR Darjeeling indulges you with its beauty and warm genuine hospitality. The luxury accommodation provided at the resort offer panoramic views of the valley and the city. Dining options include a grand buffet restaurant serving some of the best food in town, an English bar with lovely sunset views.