Two days in Darjeeling

[valeria]

Hello people,

I have two days for myself before I meet my companions for trip and I was wondering if you can give me some tips about where to, what to do and what not to do in Darjeeling. I am interested in tasting street foods, knowing the culture and enjoying night life too, but without compromising my safety and security. I am a woman in my mid thirty's and I backpacked before in Europe, but I don't have much experience in India.

Thanks,
Val

 

[BadBoy]

Darjeeling is amazing! its a true heaven! but i hate the Darjeeling toy train, its nothing in comparison to the toy train we have in shimla. i visited it few years back..

the point that you must visit are as follows:-
1)Tiger hill
its basically a sunrise point but the interesting thing about it is that when the sunrises its light falls on K2 or Kanchenjunga(mountains) i don't remember exactly! the best sunrise you would ever see but for that u need to go up early in the morning so get ur self a cab booked..

2)zoo logical park
if have time go here as well

3)peace pagoda
It is a Buddhist place and you will feel clam and close to nature here.

4)Rock Garden
for this place also you need a taxi its somewhere down and is a type of park and is quite amazing but time consuming place.

5)Tea plantations
just ask a taxi guy to take you to the tea plantations... its amazing to watch tea plucker and drink the tea at some tea shop there.

if you came to Darjeeling via TOY TRAIN, then in somewhere between the journey there would have been a place called "BATASIA LOOP" its a place where the train makes a turn of 360 degrees

you should hire a taxi for one day or 2 and ask the guy to take to these places! or can hire it for 1 day these all places can be easily enjoyed in one day! and the next day just have a long walk in the market and taste the street food!

 

[Ridhi]

Sure, Val! Two days in Darjeeling sounds perfect for a quick solo adventure. Here are some tips to make the most of it, keeping safety and fun in mind:

Do's:

• Explore Chowk Bazaar: This is the heart of Darjeeling and a great place to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of the hill station. Be sure to try the street food here, but stick to vendors with a good crowd and fresh ingredients. Opt for steaming momos, crispy samosas, or a plate of chow mein.
• Witness the Sunrise from Tiger Hill: This is a must-do experience in Darjeeling. Wake up early and head to Tiger Hill to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. You can share a cab with other tourists to save on costs.
• Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a miniature railway offering scenic views of the Himalayas. It's a great way to experience the beauty of the region and a piece of Darjeeling's colonial history.
• Learn about the Local Culture: Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, or attend a tea tasting session at one of the many tea estates around Darjeeling. You can also spend some time at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to learn about the history of mountaineering in the region.
• Nightlife in Darjeeling: While Darjeeling isn't known for its pulsating nightlife, there are a few places you can go for a drink and some live music. The Ghoom Bar and The Club (at The Elgin) are popular options. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid deserted places at night, especially if you're alone.

Don'ts:

• Don't be afraid to bargain: Bargaining is expected at most shops and markets in Darjeeling. However, be polite and respectful with the vendors.
• Don't forget to carry cash: While some shops accept cards, it's always a good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases and street food.
• Don't wander alone at night: While Darjeeling is generally safe, it's always best to avoid deserted areas, especially at night. If you do go out at night, stick to well-lit areas and let someone know where you're going.

Here are some additional safety tips for solo female travelers in India:

Dress modestly: While there's no strict dress code in Darjeeling, it's always a good idea to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your gut instinct. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, politely excuse yourself and leave.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and ID: Keep a photocopy of your passport and ID with you in case you lose the originals.
• Learn a few basic Hindi phrases: A few basic Hindi phrases like "Namaste" (hello), "Dhanyavad" (thank you), and "Bilkul नहीं (bilkul nahin)" (no, not at all) can go a long way.
• By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable solo adventure in Darjeeling.