Hello readers,

Here I’m posting a series of Overrated Destinations in India, under the hashtag #OverratedDestinations. I have outlined some of the destinations which I feel are overrated, given undue importance and not worthy of their names. Also I have noted down/recommended some substitutes for them, as an advisory. one can skip those destinations and head for their substitutes rather .

I hope you will enjoy reading my blog, and my experiences and insights will be helpful to you.

Darjeeling, a small hill town in Himalayan foothills, situated in North East India, around 61 kms from siliguri, west Bengal. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train”, completed in 1881.
It’s a mesmerizing destination, as it seems in photos and travel blogs. The heritage “Toy Train” ride, glimpse of Mt Kangchenjunga, buddhiest culture and monuments, tea gardens, street shopping etc.

But little anyone know that it’s streets are so crowded that it takes hours to clear traffic jams and reach the tourist spots. The beautiful views we expect while riding in “toy train” like in the song “mere sapno ki rani kab aayegi tu” is far from the reality. The views are filthy, pathetic and top of that the pollution from the coal engines of toy trains let the excitement down. Though now most of the Train engines are electrical, but coal engines run twice a day.

Happy valley tea estate is a good place to visit, but be ready for the tourist crowd, there are many many like us who wants to get clicked in the traditional wear chaubandi choli and gunui cholo, holding the basket.

Japanese Buddhist Temple and peace pagoda, located in same premises have awesome views and ergo a must visit place. I will recommend to take a walk until there as vehicles get stuck in traffic.

Padmaja naidu Zoological park is another tourist attraction to visit, especially for Himalayan Red panda.

There are many getaways near Darjeeling and in west Bengal which are good, less crowded and have awesome views, ergo gives a peaceful vacation. Some of them are Mirik, Gurdum, Rimbik, Sandakphu.

Mirik is a tranquil laid back hill station, situated 49 kms from Darjeeling and 52 kms from Siliguri and altitude of 5000 ft. There are various points in mirik from where you can get lovely sights of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. And of course the area is surrounded by many rolling tea estates on mountain slopes. The Sumendu lake and savitri garden surrounding it is a relaxing point for the visitors. But the reason to visit mirik is not only it’s tourist attractions but the route to mirik itself. The scenic route having tea gardens and pine tree plantations is one of the country’s best scenic routes. One can enjoy the drive as much as the destination itself. You can get share cabs or reserved cabs from Darjeeling/Siliguri to get over Mirik. Mirik has good options for stay and it’s local market is also good for some local /souvenir shopping.

Gurdum, situated 60 kms from Darjeeling, in singalila forest, is known as heavens valley for some reason. The eternal peace one experiences here is incomparable, the awe inspiring beauty of the mountains, the snow capped peaks, the green of the pines, the fresh air, the song of the chirping birds and flowing rivers all add charm to this heavenly place. Also you can plan for small treks through the forests to see the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga. There are good accommodation and camping options, with good food served. You can drive to Rimbik or Maneybhanjan from Darjeeling in a shared cab and then to Gurdum by another shared cab. Direct cabs to Gurdum are available, but frequency is less. You can also book a reserved cab.

Rimbik is another small hill town in singalila national park, 54 kms from Darjeeling. The town is neat and clean ,and people here are helping and cooperative. It has good stay options and well suited for a family getaway. You can get shared / reserved cabs from Darjeeling / Siliguri.

Sandakphu, is a majestic hill town with the altitude of 11,900 ft. You can trek to Sandakphu or hire a Range Rover / jeep to get to the place. Here One can get some awesome views of Mt kangchenjunga along with 4 other major peaks, Mt Everest, Makalu, Lohotse. They also have good home stays with basic facilities. For more information read my article “Trek to Sandakphu, highest peak in west Bengal”

Overall, I felt that Darjeeling is an overrated destination and one can skip Darjeeling for this offbeat destinations. Moreover, this destinations are not only peaceful and less crowded but budget friendly also. Stay and food cost is low as compared to Darjeeling and if you travel in shared cab, you can also cut expenses on transportation. Reserved cabs, however, will cost more.

Below are some photographs to give readers an insight to vacay in Darjeeling.