Darjeeling or the Queen of Hills is one of the most popular hill stations in West Bengal since the colonial era. This town is popular for its majestic views of green hills, snow-covered peaks, landscapes filled with vibrant flowers, and lush green tea gardens. If you want to enjoy a leisurely vacation in this scenic town then you can hire a Darjeeling car rental which will also enable you to explore the popular as well as offbeat locations.
Darjeeling is not a heaven for ornithologists, botanists, adventure seekers, or wildlife enthusiasts but it is also a great place for religious people. People of various religions visit this town every year to explore its beautifully architected monasteries and Hindu temples which hold a great historical significance.
Let’s discover some of the famous religious shrines that you must visit during your Darjeeling trip.
1. Ghoom Monastery
The old Ghoom or Yiga Choeling Monastery is one of the well-known religious places in Darjeeling which is also considered as the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery of the region. This monastery was established by Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1850.
While exploring this temple, you can witness a mesmerizing 15 ft. statue of Maitreyi Buddha, who is recognized as the ‘Coming Buddha’. The vibrant fluttering prayer flags, a scenic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, and rare Buddhist manuscripts in this monastery will surely amaze you. You can also visit the beautiful Ma Kali Temple above this monastery to offer blessings.
2. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda is another religious site which is dedicated to Lord Buddha. While exploring the premises of this sightseeing location, you can witness the four avatars of Buddha which is also the tallest structure in the entire town. As you climb up the stairs of this pagoda, you can witness two beautifully designed lions in golden colour.
You can indulge in a tranquil parikrama in this religious site and witness the stunning artworks and relics showcasing the life of Buddha. If you’re visiting this place on a clear sky day, then you can also get a mesmerizing view of the snow peaks from here.
3. Mahakal Temple
Another religious temple that you can explore by availing of a car booking service in NJP is Mahakal Temple. This Hindu temple situated near Chowk Bazaar of Darjeeling is blessed with an amazing ambience, natural beauty, and splendid views. You can indulge in a short trek to this temple to catch a breathtaking view of the entire landscape.
Apart from mountain views, you can also witness vibrant meadows and beautiful cottages during the trip. If you’re visiting the Darjeeling Observatory Hill to witness a magical sunrise or sunset then you can visit this temple on your way.
4. Japanese Temple
You can indulge in a 10-minute drive from the town centre by hiring an NJP to Darjeeling car to visit the mesmerizing Japanese Temple or Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The white structure of this temple creates a perfect ambience to indulge in a peaceful meditation.
You can visit the tranquil sanctum here to seek inner peace and embark on a soothing journey towards mindfulness. If you want to offer prayers here then you must consider visiting the temple between 4:30 am to 6 am or 4:30 pm to 6 pm.
5. Dali Monastery
Another monastery that you can visit during your Darjeeling trip is Dali Monastery which is just 3km from the main town. You can avail of the cheap car booking service in NJP to reach Darjeeling comfortably and explore this stunning Buddhist religious centre.
This is one of the largest monasteries of the town which was built in the authentic Tibetan style. The prayer room, humming sound of the chanting, golden-coloured drums, and a spiritual ambience will offer you an awestruck ambience here.
6. Kali Temple
If you’re visiting the Mahakal Temple then you must also the Ma Kali Temple which is situated near the periphery of the Mahakal temple. The dark idol of Goddess Kali with a colourful background looks amazing here.
You can visit this temple in the morning to offer prayers to the Hindu deity and attain inner peace. After taking blessings, you can spend some amidst the natural beauty or explore the nearby walking trails to cherish the mesmerizing views.
7. Sherpa Monastery
Sherpa Monastery is another beautiful sacred location in Darjeeling which is situated amidst the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. This monastery is famous among tourists since it is a major spiritual and cultural hub of the Sherpa community. The beautifully maintained gardens, prayer halls, and intricate murals are the major attractions of this monastery.
Apart from these religious sites, you can also hire a Darjeeling car rental to explore the nearby sightseeing locations and offbeat places. Some of the worth-visiting offbeat spots that will offer you an abundance of tranquillity are Takdah, Chatakpur, Lamahatta, Tinchuley, and Lepchajagat.
