Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling offers a rich mix of natural beauty, charm of the colonial era, and cultural richness. While popular sites like Tiger Hill and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway attract tourists, there is a quieter, lesser-known side of Darjeeling that promises a more intimate travel experience. It's a destination that can be travelled to with friends, family or even solo. Various Darjeeling car rental services with help you achieve your destination goals.
Best Places To Visit in Darjeeling (Popular)
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Tiger Hill
This place has one of the best sunrise views in the entire country. When the first rays of the sun hit the peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, it creates a soft, golden hour, a view that looks like it is straight out of a dream, one that will stay with you forever. -
Batasia Loop and War Memorial
An engineering marvel of the toy train loop deserves your time and respect. Come here and pay your tribute to the brave Gorkha soldiers at the memorial. -
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (UNESCO Site)
Experience the slow and steady toy train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom. This is a must-do for first-timers. The views of the hills rolling by, and glimpses of towns below, create an experience that will become a lifetime memory. -
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This zoo spans 67.5 acres and is home to the exotic red panda and snow leopard. A great place to bring your kids and family to enjoy these fantastic creatures of nature all together. -
Japanese Peace Pagoda
This is a spiritual and architectural wonder offering 360-degree views of the hills. It is a one-of-a-kind pagoda, which focuses on the people of all religions and promotes world peace.
To visit all these locations smoothly and without the hassle of haggling with local transport, opt for a Darjeeling car rental that allows flexibility and comfort.
Offbeat Stays in Darjeeling
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Tinchuley Village Retreat
It's a tourist attraction just 30 minutes from the town. Tinchuley is a peaceful hamlet surrounded by orange orchards and pine forests. It is a perfect spot for ecotourism lovers as the focus of the locals here, who are also hosts of many homestays, is to keep the area clean and untouched by pollution. -
Lamhatta EcoPark Homestays
These hillside cottages offer stunning village views and organic food, with fewer tourists around. It has a beautiful garden with many elusive species of flora. You can easily spend one whole day here, just strolling with your loved ones. -
Takdah Heritage Bungalows
These are former British colonial estates with gardens, fireplaces, and a whole lot of history. ‘Takdah‘ is a Lepcha term that means ‘fog or mist’ and true to its name, this area has a misty climate, with fog all around as if you're in a place between the clouds. -
Chatakpur Eco Village
If you are a nature lover or a birdwatcher, this forest-side village at 7,500 ft is ideal for you. This is almost a 1.5-hour drive from the main town of Darjeeling. Chatakpur is covered in pine forests, which are inhabited by exotic bird species.
Booking a rental car ensures you can travel comfortably from one stay to another, no matter how remote.
Benefits of Renting a Car in Darjeeling:
Using a Darjeeling car rental service gives you the freedom to set your itinerary and relieves you from the discomfort of travelling in shared jeeps or with fixed tourist packages, and helps you explore the best places to visit in Darjeeling. They will guide you to any place you ask for, whether you're chasing a sunrise or looking for a quiet monastery at dusk to relax.
- They will pick you up and drop you off wherever you tell them.
- You get to decide the route as well as the timing of your travel.
- It's cost-effective if you are travelling with a big group or family.
Many rental agencies also offer drivers familiar with the terrain and local stories, adding richness to your journey.
Conclusion
Darjeeling is such a place that it has something in store for everyone. You can see a beautiful sunrise, enjoy rides on old trains, or stay in a quiet homestay. To enjoy everything well, you can rent a car in Darjeeling. It helps you go anywhere you want. This makes your trip special and one that will last with you.