Darjeeling
In addition to its tea, which sometimes grows on precipitous hillsides, Darjeeling is also well-known for the Toy Train, a narrow-gauge railway formally known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and beautiful summer estates once home to the British colonial elite. Because of its location, Darjeeling is populated by a variety of hill tribes and Himalayan peoples, among them Nepalese Gurkhas, Tibetans, Anglo-Indians, and Sherpas.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Badamtam Forest
Drive through the Simbong Forest to the River Rung Dung and into the Badamtam Forest. Walk along the forest path, following the River Rungeet. On the way, your guide will help you identify the birds, butterflies, occasional animals, and the rich plant life to be found in the forest.
Ghoom Monastery
Have a private tour of the Ghoom Monastery, built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. On occasion, Remote Lands can arrange for visitors to have tea with senior resident monks, who can offer a special blessing. There are several hand-written Buddhist manuscripts here, which were compiled in volumes, carefully wrapped in cloth and stacked beside the main altar. The structure itself is a fine example of Himalayan architecture, with its exquisitely colored exterior and slanted roofs.
Glenburn Tea Estate
Tour the tea plantations at Glenburn Tea Estate, which will include a walk through the neat rows of tea, a tour of the factory and lunch. You will be met by a tea expert and manager of the property, who will assist you with selecting a special blend of tea tailored to your personal tastes.
Hayden Hall
Visit Hayden Hall, a non-profit organization that has been helping families break the cycle of poverty since its founding in 1969. Hayden Hall focuses on empowering women to achieve self-sufficiency through a variety of methods, from vocational training to providing small savings and loan plans.
Manjitar Suspension Footbridge
Cross the Manjitar Suspension Footbridge, which spans the River Rungeet into the old royal kingdom of Sikkim. This impressive structure was built by the British in 1902 after the original cane bridge was washed away by the floods of 1899. Measuring about 200 feet (61 meters) across and at least 100 feet (30 meters) above the river, crossing this footbridge is an adventure in itself.
Manjitar Village
Cross the bridge into Sikkim and wander around Manjitar Village, stop for a cup of tea in one of the village dhaabas (tea shops), and visit the local Shiv Temple.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
Stop at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, which was established in 1959, and meet the Tibetan people as they go about their business of knitting sweaters, woollens and other interesting crafts.
Toy Train
Take a ride on the charming Toy Train, so-called because it is the world’s narrowest gauge railway at only two feet wide. A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1881, the Toy Train travels to the world’s highest train station at 7,400 feet (2,256 meters) and is one of the world’s most curious railway wonders.
India Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Northern
Southern
North-Eastern
Rajasthan
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Western
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Central
- Agra
- Alwar
- Andaman And Nicobar Islands
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Bangalore
- Bhopal
- Calcutta
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Coorg
- Darjeeling
- Goa
- Gulmarg
- Gwalior
- Hampi
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Jaisalmer
- Jawai
- Jodhpur
- Kanha National Park
- Karaikudi
- Khajuraho
- Kovalam
- Leh
- Madurai
- Mahabalipuram
- Maheshwar
- Mumbai
- Mysore
- Nagaland
- Nagarhole & Bandipur
- New Delhi
- Orchha
- Panna National Park
- Pench National Park
- Pondicherry
- Ranthambhore
- Rishikesh
- Satpura National Park
- Shimla
- Sikkim
- Srinagar
- Udaipur
- Varanasi
Multi-Country Specialists
India Goes Well With

Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
The Forgotten Tibetan Refugees of Darjeeling
- Author
- Elisha Donkin
The Tibetan Refugee Center is a rundown, underused facility in Darjeeling. It’s not just a place for the best momos in India; it’s a testament to the resilience of the refugees who fled and the heritage of those who stayed.
Glenburn Tea Estate: Where Tea Blends with Luxury
- Author
- Sugato Mukherjee
To the lover of all things North India, Glenburn Estate is a sanctuary of tea, peace, and an abiding history that defines the region.
Himalayas: Visit the Roof of the World after COVID
- Author
- Travelogues
In Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and beyond, the unique landscapes and cultures of the Himalayas are a paradise for travelers looking for peace — from the wildlife and mountains to the history and spirituality.
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