Why to visit Darjeeling in monsoon?
One can find a rush of tourists during the season of spring and autumn but monsoons attract visitors too. The monsoons arrive in Darjeeling in the month of June and stretch till September. If the monsoons do not prolong, the Darjeeling weather in October starts to clear off of the fog. A pristine white blanket envelopes this hilltown during monsoon and it becomes all misty, foggy, and picture-perfect!
The temperature ranges from 13°C to 19°C which is the average Darjeeling temperature in July but starts to drop with nightfall, so one needs to pack some light woolens as well.
What makes Darjeeling the perfect place to visit in the rainy season
- The lush green environs become greener during the monsoons, making the town and the slopes look all the more beautiful.
- The accommodations are available at a bargainable-rates.
- Free from the hustle and bustle of tourists, the town is at its most tranquil state at this time of the year.
How to reach Darjeeling?
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is around 95 km away. One can further hire taxis which normally take around 3 hours to reach Darjeeling.
By Train
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri at a distance of 70 km from Darjeeling. One can then hire cabs or shared jeeps to reach the destination.
By Road
Buses are available regularly to Darjeeling from Siliguri and Gangtok. One can also self-drive from these places and enjoy the beauty of the green hills and winding roads on the way.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is around 95 km away. One can further hire taxis which normally take around 3 hours to reach Darjeeling.
By Train
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri at a distance of 70 km from Darjeeling. One can then hire cabs or shared jeeps to reach the destination.
By Road
Buses are available regularly to Darjeeling from Siliguri and Gangtok. One can also self-drive from these places and enjoy the beauty of the green hills and winding roads on the way.
Things to do in Darjeeling in monsoon
Here’s what all you can do in Darjeeling in the misty weather of monsoon:
Here’s what all you can do in Darjeeling in the misty weather of monsoon:
1. Drive down Hill Cart Road
While driving along the Hill Cart Road, you will come across some seasonal springs and waterfalls, like the Paglajhora Falls, which can be sighted only during the monsoons. Monsoon is the best time to enjoy the splendors of nature in full bloom. Nestled in the foothills of Himalayas and covered in greens, Darjeeling becomes all the more scenic and beautiful. One moment you’ll find the town covered in white mist and the next moment it clears away to give breathtaking views of the lush environs.
2. Stroll about on the Mall Road
When else would you find the moist, and clean roads of Darjeeling worthy enough to walk freely on? Monsoons see a lesser number of guests and one can enjoy peaceful strolls along the Mall Road with stunning views of misty hills at this time. Keep an umbrella handy as you might encounter sudden showers and flaunt your gumboots as you set out to explore this hill town.
3. Wander amid lush tea plantations
No visit to Darjeeling is complete without experiencing the allure of the tea estates of this town. The tea plantations in Darjeeling spread over acres of green forests, sloping hills, dainty villages, and river valleys. Enjoy the surreal vistas at this Mecca of tea. Watch diligent tea pickers work around the beautiful plantations in the misty weather and let the cool breeze on the sloping hills of Darjeeling tickle your senses.
4. Ride the toy train
Absorb the beauty of the mountains as the mist covers and uncovers them on your ride in this cute mini-train of Darjeeling. With their beauty amplified in the monsoons, the views of the Himalayas are all the more breathtaking and glorious! When in Darjeeling, do not miss the ride on the heritage toy train of Darjeeling. Experience the marvels it took in the creation of this railway as you ride through loops and zigzags created to let the train run through the steep slopes of the mountains.
5. Savour steamy dumplings and heavenly views at Chowrasta
Sip a cup of the famous Darjeeling tea and hog steamy momos with a spicy chutney while the rain pours on tinned roofs of the local tea stalls nearby. There can be no better way to enjoy and appreciate this blissful weather than hot street food that warms you up in the cold rainy weather. Chowrasta lies at the centre of the town and offers spectacular views of the valley and the Himalayan ranges around.
6. Shop at the local markets of Darjeeling
One can find a lot of exquisite handmade articles in the markets of Darjeeling which include Tibetan masks, fabric paintings of typical Bhutia facial expressions, local jewelry, ornate Gurkha knives, and woolens. At the Bhutia Market, you can shop for hand knitted woolens and colourful umbrellas. While you’ll have to carry umbrellas in monsoons, shopping here is no less fun even in the rainy weather! Other than Bhutia, you can go to the Chowk Bazaar where you can shop for local art and handicraft items.
7. Soak in the views from Batasia Loop
Batasia is a spiral railway loop that offers beautiful 360° views of the drenched and misty landscapes of Darjeeling in monsoon. Enjoy the lofty snow covered peaks and steal glimpses of the dazzling and majestic Kanchenjunga. There is also an eco-garden at Batasia where one can get information about the plantations and organic farming in Darjeeling.
8. Visit Old Ghoom Monastery
The Ghoom monastery houses one of the oldest and biggest statues of Buddha in Darjeeling. It is a 15-foot statue of Lord Buddha, also known as known as The Maitreya Buddha. The uniqueness of the statue lies in its construction. It is made of clay which was brought all the way from Tibet. The monastery also houses a large collection of Buddha’s manuscripts. The monastery too offers mighty views of the snow-capped peaks.
9. Spot rare species of wildlife at the Darjeeling Zoo
The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park spans across 67.5 acres and is the largest high altitude zoo of India at 7,000ft above sea level. Here, one can catch glimpses of the vulnerable and endangered species of the Tibetan Wolf, Red Panda, and Snow Leopard. Located inside the zoo is the Bengal Natural History Museum which is another popular tourist attraction of Darjeeling. It is a pure delight for nature lovers and is home to rare species of reptiles, birds, insects, and fishes.
10. Find peace at Peace Pagoda
It’s bound to overwhelm you with its pearl white structure that appears more bright and beautiful against the vast gray sky. Designed to help people in their search for world peace, the Peace Pagoda showcases the four avatars of Lord Buddha. It is another point of Darjeeling from where one can enjoy stunning panoramic views. The top of the Pagoda is where you can sight splendid views of the Kanchenjunga range. Close to the Pagoda is another beautiful attraction, a Japanese style temple built in 1972 that you must not miss.
Tips for visiting Darjeeling in monsoon
- Carry woolens as the temperatures dip during the night
- Pack an umbrella as you might face untimely showers
- Do not panic as the way is steep with sharp turns
- Take a book or board games if you get stuck in your hotel room
- Do not take warnings of landslides and road blockages casually
- Wear shoes instead of sandals and avoid wearing heels
- Keep some salt with you as leeches are common during rains
- Do not stroll out late as the city sleeps early