Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills is arguably an enchanting hill station situated in the Lesser Himalayas. Tourism being the main realm of the hill station, it offers panoramic views of the mighty Kanchenjunga, lush green tea gardens, streams cascading down the rocky slopes, landscapes with pines, firs, rhododendrons, etc. This quaint hill town is a blessed land of profound natural allure which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Darjeeling is in fact, the third most googled travel destination in India.
Darjeeling in the month of December:
Most of the readers might be wondering that why would anyone plan a trip to Darjeeling in this freezing cold season. Well, the answer to your doubt lies here. December month marks the onset of the winter season. Though early mornings and late evenings can be biting cold but the climate is bearable and day time is rather more pleasant and cosy. It is during this season that the sky is clear and mountain views appear really awesome. In fact, there are little chances to experience snowfall in Darjeeling in December. And the best part of a winter trip to Darjeeling is that the place is less crowded as compared to other seasons. You won`t be finding people blocking your photography or long queues at the ticket counters of parks, museums, Darjeeling Ropeway, Toy Train stations and so on. Also, this is the best season to indulge in the festivals and carnivals of the town.
Winter Festivals:
Darjeeling offers a lot of fun activities to delight its visitors in winters too. Some of the most exciting festivals of Darjeeling that give you the opportunity to delve into their festive mood are given below.
1. Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival:
Darjeeling is known for its Tea and during the winter season, landscapes of the town are transformed into large fairs celebrating the famous Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival. The entire environment swells with the aroma of Darjeeling Tea.
2. Christmas celebration:
Though winter is regarded as an off-season but Darjeeling observes a peak season from the start to Christmas Eve till 1st week of the New Year. Streets are decorated with multi-colored hues and shops are adorned with Christmassy items and glittering lights.
3. Darjeeling Orange Festival:
Highlight of the festival is oranges. Farmers from over 50 villages come together to promote and sell these juicy fruits. In order to make the event more fascinating; locals arrange cultural programs and fairs about the varieties, qualities, and conservation of oranges.
Snowfall in Darjeeling:
The best Darjeeling snowfall time is during the month of January and February. Weather at this point of time is so cold that sometimes the temperature drops to even zero degree. But since Darjeeling is perched at an altitude of about only 6,700 ft, it does not experience much snowfall. However, there are exceptional places which are located at even higher altitude and which experiences excessive snowfall.
Sandakphu which is also known as the trekker`s paradise is situated at an elevated height of 12,000 ft. This is in fact, the highest point in Darjeeling hills to experience snow. A trek to Sandakphu will offer you a spectacular view of the Mount Kanchenjunga and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Places to visit:
One of the reasons why this hill station is frequented by a large number of tourists is its innumerable sightseeing places, some of which are given below.
1. Tiger Hill
2. Rock Garden
3. Batasia Loop
4. Shrubbery Nightingale Park
5. Sandakphu
6. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
7. Peace Pagoda
8. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
9. The Mall and Chowrasta
10. The Mahakal Temple
Darjeeling weather does not follow a typical temperate climate not even on a particular month. Besides the other peak seasons, the month of December is the best time to visit Darjeeling.
Hope you enjoy your Darjeeling trip this winter season.