Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is one of the most renowned and a must visit place for visitors of Darjeeling. Tiger Hill is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal. An early start (as early as 4am) is recommended for the visit to Tiger Hill; it is about 11kms from Darjeeling town and can be reached either by jeep or foot. Tiger Hill is the highest point of Ghoom which is the highest Railway Station in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at 8,500 ft (2,600 m), Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surroundings of Darjeeling. Tiger Hill happens to be the indispensable slot of package tourism in Darjeeling. Almost each and every visitor arrives at the Tiger Hill to catch the first glimpse of sunrise over the snow capped Himalayas. When the first rays of the sun falls on twin peaks of Kanchenjunga the sight is breathtaking for every visitors of Tiger Hill. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (29,002') is vaguely visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing along its side. Makalu (27,799') looks virtually higher than Mt. Everest, because of the curve in the horizon, as it is several miles closer than Everest. On a clear day, Kurseong is noticeable to the south and in the distance, Teesta River, Balasun River and Mechi River, meanders down to the south. Chumal Rhi mountain of Tibet, 84 miles away, looks like a great rounded mass over the snowy Chola Range. One comes face to face with this peak of superb beauty from Phari Jong, which is 129 miles away from Darjeeling.

Tiger Hill is also a popular milestone in trekking-routes where people visit each summer to do several trekking stints from Darjeeling down south via Tiger Hill. It makes a very interesting and challenging trek in this area owing to a mix of different terrains rolled into one. While at Tiger Hill, you can also visit Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers great picnic spots, and its two artificial lakes serve as a reservoir for supply of water to Darjeeling town. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India. It covers an area of 38.60 sq km. The elevation ranges from 1500 to 2600 m. High-altitude animals such as barking deer, wild pig, himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, common rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, Himalayan flying squirrel, etc. are found in their natural habitats. The sanctuary is also rich in bird life. The two Senchal lakes supply drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.

In the hills one simply has to wake up to the stunning sunrises. The first glimpse of the golden horizon makes one's day. Tiger Hill is a destination in itself offering not just great views during the sunrise but it's also a place where one can soak them in the Himalayan serenity anytime of the day. Tiger Hill is also a popular milestone in trekking-routes where people visit each summer to do several trekking stints from Darjeeling down south via Tiger Hill. It makes a very interesting and challenging trek in this area owing to a mix of different terrains rolled into one. The best time to visit tiger hills is March to May and September to November. It is truly one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Darjeeling where you will enjoy the perfection with full of joy and excitement.