Darjeeling is arguably the most famous tourist destination in the entire north east. The Darjeeling region includes the Darjeeling town, Kurseong, Mirik, Kalimpong, Lava – Loleygaon and also a number of lesser known offbeat destinations.

Darjeeling Town
Darjeeling town is the most important tourist destination for the entire region. This was asmall village which was turned into a hill station by the British who used this place as a summersojourn from the heat and dust of Bengal plain. Today hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Darjeeling every year for its cold climate and the Majestic view of Kanchenjunga range of mountains. The town has very good tourism infrastructure but unbridled construction in the recent years has taken away some of the charm of the town. The condition of the road also leaves a lot to be desired. Despiteeverything, a walk around the Mall road on a clear day is a memorable experience for any traveler.

Kalimpong Town
Kalimpong is a historical town with great tourism potential. This was the trading centre for the historic silk route connecting Tibet with India. Even today Kalimpong remains one of the most important markets for the people of the hills. Kalimpong has a very peaceful and tranquil environment except in the town centre. A number of new tourist destinations are coming up around Kalimpong. Adventure tourism activity like river rafting and trekking is also common around Kalimpong. The Durpin Dara and the Delo Top are the most important tourist attractions of the town. Kalimpong also produces and exporters a large variety of flowers and orchids. The British Raj legacy is quite apparent in Kalimpong. The town has some very famous schools and educational institutions. The traditional crafts like hand-made-paper manufacture and Tibetan mask making can also be seen in Kalimpong.

Kurseong
This town is located on the middle of the Hill cart road connecting Siliguri with Darjeeling. The town has a very pleasant weather. The Dowhill area of the town is a veryattractive destination for tourists. The Kurseong Tourist Lodge on the Hill cart road is where most tourists prefer to stay. There are a few hotels including the new Cochrane place around the town. The forest department also has its bungalow which can be rented by tourists. A walk on the Old cart road provides great views of the plains.

Mirik
The town of Mirik was promoted as a tourist destination only during the 70s. There was a marshland which was later converted into a large artificial lake. Boating in this lake and horse ride around remains the most important tourist attraction. A large number of Dhupi tree has been planted around the lake to beautify the area. Mirik has a large number hotels including Orange Country Retreat. The place is about 60 km from Siliguri.

Sandakphu
The highest mountain of West Bengal is also a famous trekking destination. The treks to Sandakphu originate from Maneybhanjan and you have several options to continue onwards including towards Phalut. The trekkers paradise provides great views of the mountain range of Kanchenjuga. Everest, the highest mountain of the world, is also visible from this place.

Others
Lava – A sleepy village near Kalimpong adjacent to the Neora Valley National Park. Lava is today one of the most attractive tourist destinations. The forest department (WBFDC) has its cottages in here which can be booked easily by tourists.
Loleygaon – about 30 km from Lava this is another of the new tourist destinations. On a clear day one can have great views of the Dooars plains on one side and the mountain range of Jeleplaand Nathula from this place.
Rishyap – this place came up as a tourist destination only during the last decade or so. This is a small village accessible through road or by trek from Lava.
Pedong – This is another upcoming tourist destination around the Lava-Loleygaon circuit.
Tinchule – This is a small village near Darjeeling. Eco-tourism accommodations are available here.
Takdah – The cinchona plantation in Takdah near Darjeeling brought the British here. They build bungalows, which was later transferred to the locals after the British departed. Some of these bungalows are now been for homestay of tourists.
Lepchajagat – A WBFDC bungalow is where you may stay at Lepchajagat. This is a secluded place with great views of Kanchenjunga and the Darjeeling town. The place is about 18 km from Darjeeling town.