Whereas Darjeeling Often considered a summer getaway, winter brings a serene charm to this picturesque hill station, with lesser crowds, crisp mountain air and postcard-perfect views of snow-capped peaks. Encapsulating all your experiences in the majestic Kangchenjunga, if you are visiting here for winter holidays, here are five things to do in the city.

Watch the sunrise view of Kangchenjunga at Tiger Hill

Located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Darjeeling town, Tiger Hill is included in every tourist itinerary, simply because it offers the most beautiful sunrise in the area. Head to this hill before daybreak, and watch the first rays of the sun illuminate Mount Kanchenjunga. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest. And the best place to do this is the observation tower located on the hill.

Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

If you’re traveling with kids (or not; who says adults can’t have fun on a toy train!), the journey from Darjeeling to Ghum on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent urban experience. The journey to Ghoom, the world’s highest railway station, takes you through lush tea gardens, the iconic Batasia Loop and beautiful villages.

Also read: 10 places you can visit in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu this winter

A turn at the Batasia Loop and the War Memorial

Located just 5 km from Darjeeling town, the Batasia Loop is an engineering marvel traversed by the toy train that runs from this hill town to Ghoom. The loop is surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and Kangchenjunga. The war memorial here pays tribute to the Gorkha soldiers.

Tea Time at Happy Valley Tea Estate

If you want to experience the essence of Darjeeling’s tea culture, visit this historic tea estate, the second oldest in the city, where you can watch the tea-making process and sample fresh tea. The bushes in the garden are very old – the minimum age is 80 years, and some are 150 years old. However the best time to visit is between March and May, when the tea plucking season is in full swing.

A tranquil visit to the Peace Pagoda

Like its tea culture, Buddhism is a very integral part of Darjeeling life. Built by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organization, the Peace Pagoda is located on the slopes of the watershed hills of Darjeeling, a few kilometers from the city. This white structure houses four incarnations of Buddha including Maitreya Buddha and offers incredible views of Darjeeling and its surroundings.

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