The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, perched atop the serene hills, is the destination of tranquillity and spirituality.This majestic structure, part of the worldwide Peace Pagoda project, was built to promote global peace and harmony. With its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, the pagoda offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The intricate designs and serene ambience make it a perfect spot for reflection and meditation. The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is not just a cultural landmark but a sanctuary for those seeking inner peace and for the adventurers as well.
Darjeeling Peace Pagoda History
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The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda has a rich history associated with the vision of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. The university was founded in 1972 by Fujii Guruji, who had a vision to spread non-violence and world peace after he was affected by World War II and his meetings with Mahatma Gandhi. M. Ohka designed this Buddhist stupa, which took 36 months to construct. It was inaugurated in 1992, which shows Fujii’s commitment to spreading harmony through spiritual awakening. Today, it is the tallest building in Darjeeling and symbolises the message of Fujii – love and non-violence.
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Darjeeling Peace Pagoda Timings And Entry Fee
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The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is open to visitors from 4 in the morning to 7 in the evening, which gives enough time to enjoy the calmness of the place and the structures. It is open to the public and free of charge for all those who want to find some quiet and solitude.
Places To See Near Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
The journey to Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is a truly rewarding and enriching experience for peace seekers, nature admirers and travellers alike. If you are planning a trip to this picturesque region, consider adding the following destinations to your itinerary—you won’t be disappointed:
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
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Just 2.5 km from the Peace Pagoda, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or the “Toy Train,” is a World Heritage site. This toy train runs through the picturesque terrains of Darjeeling and is a ride through a bygone era, passing through tea gardens, small villages, and the majestic Himalayas. The ride on this hundred-year-old railway is pleasant and gives a glimpse of colonial architecture and engineering wonders.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: 100 INR on Weekdays and 200 INR on Weekends
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2. Batasia Loop
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Batasia Loop is a circular railway track located a short distance from the Peace Pagoda and provides a panoramic view of Darjeeling hills and the Kanchenjunga peaks. This engineering marvel enables the Toy Train to overcome a steep drop, providing passengers a spectacular view of the mountains by rotating the train 360 degrees. A beautiful garden with flowers surrounds the loop, and there is also a Gorkha War Memorial, which makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and history lovers. Tourists can take a leisurely walk or take beautiful pictures of the mountains of the Himalayas.
Days Needed: 1-2 day(s)
Entry Fee: 20 INR per person
3. Tiger Hill
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Tiger Hill is located about 11 km from the Peace Pagoda and is famous for the best sunrise view in Darjeeling. Located at 2,590 metres, this place offers the best view of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Tourists go to Tiger Hill at the break of dawn to watch the sun rise over the Himalayas and the sky turn pink and gold. The experience is made even more special because the environment is very serene. As such, the place is ideal for nature lovers and photographers who wish to capture beautiful scenery.
Days Needed: 2 days
Entry Fee: Free entry
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4. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
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Situated at a distance of 3 km from the Peace Pagoda, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a zoo that focuses on the conservation of the animals of the Himalayas and other such species which are on the verge of extinction, like the red panda and the snow leopard. This zoo is located at a high altitude and is famous for its conservation programs and enclosures that resemble the animals’ natural habitats. Tourists can watch these great animals in their natural environment and learn about their habits and role in the ecosystem. It also has a Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where one can learn mountaineering and adventure sports, making the visit informative and educational and creating awareness of wildlife conservation. It is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm every day except Thursday.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: 110 INR for Indians & SAARC nationals, 180 INR for Foreigners
5. Darjeeling Botanical Garden
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Located within a peaceful walk from the Peace Pagoda, the Darjeeling Botanical Garden or the Lloyd’s Botanical Garden is a beautiful and calm place with various exotic plants and landscapes. This botanical garden was founded in 1878 and is home to various plants from the Himalayan region, such as orchids, rhododendrons, and aromatic plants. There are pathways that twist and turn with flowers of various colours, and tourists can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the tranquillity of the place and the beauty of the hills of Darjeeling. Due to its rich history and the beauty of the plants that are grown in the garden, it has become a favourite spot for botanists as well as people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful plants.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
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How To Reach Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
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By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 kilometres away from Darjeeling. After reaching the airport, one can hire a taxi or avail a shared taxi to get to Darjeeling and reach the Buddhist stupa.
By Road: Darjeeling is easily accessible by road from most of the major cities of West Bengal and the neighbouring states. The regular bus services and private taxis are available from Siliguri, Kalimpong and Gangtok.
By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 75 kms from Darjeeling. One can hire a taxi from NJP or board the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to reach Darjeeling.
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The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda can be described as a spiritual journey to the centre of serenity. If you are in search of tranquillity, stunning scenery, spirituality, and Buddhism, look no further than the Peace Pagoda. Plan a trip to Darjeeling to immerse yourself in the calming presence and spiritual richness of this remarkable place.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
What is the importance of the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda?
The Peace Pagoda is a structure that was built to represent unity and the oneness of people of different colour and religion.
Am I allowed to join the prayer sessions at the Japanese Temple?
Yes, visitors are allowed to participate in the daily prayers that are conducted at the Japanese Temple right next to the Peace Pagoda.
Is there a right time to visit the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda?
You can visit the pagoda any time of the year, though the peak time to go to this temple is during the clear months of October to December for the best views of the Himalayas.
Is there any guided tour that can be taken at the Peace Pagoda?
There are no organised guided tours but there are local guides who can be hired to explain the history and importance of the pagoda.
Is the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda friendly for the disabled?
The Peace Pagoda is fairly easy to reach as there are paved paths to the structure but the area is hilly.
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