Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill is located in the northern part of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. It is situated at the highest point in the city and provides a breathtaking view of the whole city. The Observatory Hill is surrounded by lush greenery and houses several temples, mosques and other religious sites. It is also home to the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the city.
The Observatory Hill has a rich history attached to it. It was built in the 18th century by the East India Company and was used to monitor the movements of the British enemy forces in the region. The hill also served as an astronomical observatory where the activities of the stars and planets were studied.
Observatory Hill is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty. It is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquillity. Visitors can also stroll around the hill and admire the beautiful view of the city skyline.
Places To Visit Near Observatory Hill:
Tiger Hill:
Situated about 11 kilometers from Observatory Hill, Tiger Hill is renowned for its stunning sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga mountain range. On clear days, you can also see Mount Everest from here.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train):
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that takes you on a scenic journey through the mountains. The Joy Ride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back is a popular choice.
Ghum Monastery:
Located in Ghum, near Observatory Hill, Ghum Monastery (also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery) is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. It houses a beautiful statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Peace Pagoda:
Situated on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill, the Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa that promotes peace and harmony. It offers panoramic views of the Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:
Located near Observatory Hill, this zoo is famous for its breeding programs of endangered species like the snow leopard and the red panda. It is also home to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Batasia Loop:
It is a unique railway loop situated on the way to Ghum from Darjeeling. The loop offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and there is a picturesque garden with a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers.
Japanese Peace Pagoda:
Situated on the Jalapahar Hill, this beautiful white pagoda is another symbol of peace and tranquility. It provides stunning views of the Darjeeling town and the Kanchenjunga range.
Happy Valley Tea Estate:
If you're interested in tea, a visit to Happy Valley Tea Estate is recommended. It offers guided tours where you can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy scenic views of tea gardens.
These are some of the popular places to visit near Observatory Hill in Darjeeling. Enjoy the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the region while exploring these attractions.
Nearby Places
