Darjeeling, perched atop the Lesser Himalayan Range of West Bengal, is a picturesque tourist place in India. The town boasts of its colonial ambiance, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the exemplary Gorkha culture. It is one of the two places in India from where one can observe the spectacle of the entire Eastern Himalayan Ranges - from Everest to Kanchendzonga. The invigorating atmosphere decorated with the lush green Tea Estates, mesmerizing Forests of Pine, Oak, Rhododendron offers a soothing experience to the visitors.
Sikkim is a state of India situated in the northeastern part of the Indian Himalayas. It is the 2nd smallest and the least populated state of India. Sikkim is geographically diverse and the climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine offering a lot of places to visit. It shares its border with the Tibet Region of China. Sikkim is rich in cultural heritage and is the home of diverse flora and fauna.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling and Sikkim that will make a perfect and wonderful vacation and must be included in your Tour Plan for Darjeeling & Sikkim.
Yumthang Valley is in North Sikkim and situated at the height of 12500 ft/3950 Mtr. It is also known as the Valley of flowers as seasonal flowers like Primula, different species of Rhododendron, and Magnolia blanket the valley in the blooming season. Yumthang valley is around 22 Kms from Lachung in North Sikkim. The drive from Lachung to Yumthung Valley through the alpine forest of high coniferous and pine trees along with the different species of Rhododendrons all along the way makes the trip astounding. The snow-clad mountains on both sides are just so nice to behold and experience.
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is some 40 kilometres away from the capital city Gangtok. Positioned at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter months. The lake's surface reflects different colours with the change in seasons and is held in great veneration by the locals. Buddhist monks prophesy after considering the changing colours of the lake. After the winter season, the surrounding places of the lake experience the spectacular bloom of flowers like Rhododendrons, Primulas, blue and yellow Poppies, Irises, and so forth.
Two main tourist attractions of the lake site are the Joy Ride on Decorated Yaks and the Kiosks offering a variety of food and drinks. There is also a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake. As the lake is located in a restricted area it is essential for all Indians visiting the area to obtain permits. In the case of foreign nationals special permit is essential.
Except the amazing Gurudongmar Lake with Emerald Blue Water the Snow-clad Mountains surrounding the high altitude Mountain Desert, Valleys of Blossoms, Rich Green Mountain Valleys full of the Cascades with Crystal Clear White Water flowing through, and the Views of Glaciers hanging from the surrounding mountains make the experiences in your trip to Gurudongmar Lake something special.
Apart from visiting Gurudongmar Lake tourists must visit Kalapatthar.
Most travel agents don't include this place in the normal itinerary and charge extra for visiting Kalapatthar. The awesome view of the Black-Rock Mountains covered with white snow is perfect for photography. You can get snow at the Kalapatthar throughout the year.
Sandakphu is a well-known trekking destination having moderate and simple trek routes and also a tourist destination offering amazing panoramic views of the world's tallest mountain peaks of the Himalayas along with the Sleeping Buddha range of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It remains covered in snow from the middle of January to the middle of April. From the month of May, rhododendrons start blooming and the landscapes start to be decorated with different colours. Life will come to a standstill as you witness the amazing landscapes and the snow-clad mountains all around you.
The tea gardens from Mirik are situated in the Mirik valley, a hill town about 45 km from Darjeeling. Okayti Tea Estate, Gopaldhara Tea Estate, and Thurbo Tea Estate are the best among the tea estates of Mirik. Okayti Tea Estate also has a forest covering and beautiful flora and fauna capable of mesmerizing visitors along with the undulated flow of the Mechi river along the Indo-Nepal border.
6) Sky Walk Pelling
If you have to stroll on a skywalk on the bucket list of your next trip, then India's first skywalk at Pelling in Sikkim is a recommend one. Perched at a height of 7,200 feet above sea level, the skywalk is enclosed by the snow-lad Himalayan peaks and oversees the incredible 137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig. The stairs that lead up to the statue have golden prayer wheels on both sides. Tourists can also obtain a scenic view of the Teesta and Rangit rivers.
The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is located near Rabong (Ravangla) in South Sikkim district, Sikkim, India within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), a centuries-old place of pilgrimage in Tibetan Buddhism. A 130-foot (40 m) high statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha is located at the centre of the park. A lake named Cho Djo lake, surrounded by forest is situated within the complex. It is an enchanting park for tourists to enjoy abundant tranquillity with spacious footpaths for relaxing strolls as well as panoramic surroundings. The added touch of a Buddhist conclave, a museum and a meditation centre make the place more amazing.