Darjeeling

The Japanese Peace Pagoda on the slopes of Jalaphar Hill is a short distance from the town and showcases the four avatars of Buddha, including the Maitreya Buddha. Four statues of Buddha glistening with gold polish and eight sandstone carvings depicting the different stages of Buddha s life adorn the walls of the Pagoda. The Japanese Peace Pagoda was made under the supervision of a devout Japanese monk called Nichidatsu Fujii (1885-1985). The pagoda took about 20 years to build; i.e. from 1972 to 1992. The pagoda stands as the symbol of spirituality and peace. Spend a few quiet moments here as you listen to the low hum of the monks chanting the mystic peace mantra.

Established in 1854 located below Hill Cart Rd is Darjeeling's oldest tea estate. It is spread over 437-acre, situated at a height of 6,800 ft. (2,100 m) above sea level. It is a pleasant tea garden and worth visiting especially when the plucking and processing are in progress (March to November). A person will guide through the aromatic factory and its withering, rolling, fermenting and drying processes and also explaining how green, black and white teas all come from the same leaf. 

Salugara Monastery located in Bagdogra town is one among those places which are renowned for their monasteries and monks. These beautiful monasteries can be visited by tourists.  Salugara Monastery lies about 13 km away from Bagdogra and is famous for stupas of Buddha. The monastery was built by Buddhist monks who are the followers of His Holiness- The Dalai Lama. The Stupa which is 110 feet tall is the most important attraction of this monastery and was founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. According to an ancient belief, the monastery is surrounded by hills which protect it.

The best point in Darjeeling for watching sunrise is Tiger Hill, located at a height of 7,407 feet above sea level. The hilly trails through the mountains lead to the hill top. It is at a distance of 11 km from the main city of Darjeeling. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light on the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. On a clear day, the entire Himalayan range can be seen, including spectacular views of the mighty Everest.