The scenic landscapes and lush valleys of the charming city Darjeeling in West Bengal needs no introduction. With a beautiful view as far as the eye can see, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to explore in summers. While there are so many things to do here, shopping from the various Darjeeling markets are particularly enticing for all shopaholics. From woolens to the exclusive tea, handicrafts, and trinkets, you can find almost everything here.
What makes this place more fascinating is the aroma of Darjeeling tea that lingers in the air just like freshly brewed coffee. The pleasant weather makes sipping a hot cup of tea amidst the stunning hills even better! So, scroll down to know what awaits you in this gorgeous gem.
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling
By the month of October, monsoon season subsides in Darjeeling paving the way for some fresh cool breeze to envelop the misty mountains. An ideal time to experience its blissful charm would be during the months of October till March when the soothing weather will surely revive your senses. You can pack a jacket or two for when the nights might get colder but overall, the average temperature doesn’t fall less than 5-degree celsius here.
9 Best Darjeeling Markets
A long list of places to explore makes for a hectic routine. But, to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best shopping experiences that Darjeeling has to offer, here’s a list of places that you ought to visit on your journey.
- Ghoom Monastery Market
- Nehru Road
- Teesta Bazaar
- Batasia Loop Market
- The Mall Road
- Pashupati Nagar Market
- Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
- Chowk Bazaar
- The Rink Mall
1. Ghoom Monastery Market
It is said that one must not miss the sunset views from Ghoom Monastery and therefore the perfect time to visit this market would be early mornings or evenings. Take a bite of the sweets that vendors have in the display or choose from a wide range of prayer wheels, wall paintings, bags and singing bowls for your home. The market timings include 9 AM to 7 PM for all visitors.
Must Read:Darjeeling Nightlife: Enjoy A Laidback Evening In These 7 Places On Your Vacation
2. Nehru Road
One of the most unique street shopping experiences is offered by Nehru road where locals have set up quaint shops of their own. Since the market is spread across an uphill region of Hill Cart road, walking here will give you hiking goals too. The State government has established a Handicrafts Emporium in recent years and if youre a fan of art and crafts, then this is surely the place to be!
Suggested Read:5 Best Cottages In Darjeeling Where You Can Soak In Ultimate Bliss & Luxury
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3. Teesta Bazaar
Close to Kalimpong and Melli, Teesta Bazaar offers an extraordinary marketplace for handicrafts with a mesmerizing view of Teesta river on the side. Theres a wide yet unique range of products available at this market such as wall paintings, hunting equipment, copper wares, lanterns, crockery, and footwear. If youre out and about on Siliguri-Gangtok highway heading to Darjeeling, then this market is a must visit for you!
Suggested Read:5 Magnificent Waterfalls In Darjeeling Which Will Leave You Mesmerized By Their Beauty!
4. Batasia Loop Market
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Located on the loop line of Ghum and Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is one of the Darjeeling famous markets and has more than apparel and food items to offer. The reasonable prices at which the products are made available here makes it the perfect kind of spot to shop from without stepping out of your budget. The toy-train line starting from this point will add more charm to your overall shopping experience in Darjeeling. With house-decor, accessories and woollens on board, this market opens from 9 AM to 6 PM.
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5. The Mall Road
One of the most attractive markets for shopaholics is the one at Mall Road in Darjeeling. When it comes to items available, youll surely be surprised at the large number of categories that this market provides. From woollen shawls, scarves, sweaters, jackets and hats to fancy jewellery, handmade souvenirs and Tibeten masks, youll find almost every Darjeeling stuff here. Make sure you have enough time to explore around in this market as it stays open from 8 AM to 7 PM.
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6. Pashupati Nagar Market
Shopping with a view of beautiful majestic hills- Well, weve got you covered! The Pashupati Nagar Market located near Mirik is a famous Darjeeling city market and has plenty of souvenirs and imported goods from Thailand available. The prices are reasonable and theres a high scope for a bargain too. The happy list doesnt end here as the panoramic scenery in the backdrop of this market will surely woo your senses and you can buy books, Darjeeling tea, and knives from here besides the usual woolen collection.
7. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
Established in the year 1959, with an aim to offer support refugees of Tibetan origin in the area, this centre portrays the talent of Tibetan artisans. From carpets, woodwork decor and paintings to footwear, woollen clothes and more, you can choose from a wide range of products here. Whats more is that you can also watch the artists working live at this Self Help Centre, making creative pieces for sale. The center stays open from 8 AM to 5 PM for shopping purposes.
8. Chowk Bazaar
Chowk Bazar is more of a Darjeeling shopping market where you can buy fruits, vegetables, and stuff for daily needs. It is a locals market where people come to buy necessities. SO, if you are living in a cottage, villa, or airbnb, then you can buy groceries and stuff from here. You will also find a number of tourists in this market. Apart from that, it has shops that sell local handicraft items.
9. The Rink Mall
If you thought there were just markets in Darjeeling and no malls, then you are wrong. The Rink Mall is located on the Mall Road and is your one stop solution for everything. There is Big Bazaar and Reliance Trends inside the mall. Go to Nathmulls Tea Room which serves the best variety of teas. So, if you are a true tea lover, you may want to take a few souvenirs from this place.
Suggested Read: Toy Trains & Fragrant Teas: My Trip to Kurseong & Darjeeling
How To Reach Darjeeling
A place as serene as Darjeeling, one would probably want to make reservations right away if this destination pops in their mind. But, knowing about the mode of commute will help you plan your journey better for sure.
By Air
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The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, which is at a mere distance of 94 Kms. From here, you can hire a private cab as shared cabs are not available at this place. It would take approximately 3 to 3 and a half hours to reach your destination from this airport.
By Road
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If you wish to travel to Darjeeling via road, you can board a bus, private cab or shared jeeps from Siliguri. Bus services include Rocket and Volvo ones that will cover the distance of 80 Kms in less than 3 hours approximately.
By Train
You can board a train to New Jalpaiguri and from there, hire a cab that will take you to your destination which is only at a distance of 88 Kms from there. An option of shared jeeps, taxis and buses are available if you wish to explore more of the stunning scenery as you pass the views leading to Darjeeling. You can also opt for a toy train from either Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri to reach Darjeeling in 7 hours.
Further Read: 13 Honeymoon Places In Gangtok And Darjeeling For Your Romantic Trip
Whether it’s the scenic charm of the rolling tea gardens or the vibrant culture of the locals that lures you in Darjeeling, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this land. Be it a solo trip or a planned vacay with your loved ones, this land will not fail to amuse you in every sense of the word tranquil. So, don’t wait and pack your bags! Plan a trip to Darjeeling for a fun-packed shopping experience in the Darjeeling markets.
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A lawyer from outside and a writer within, Arushi is someone you’ll find eating right after she had her meal. She prefers the company of animals over humans and with a dream of traveling the world someday, she strongly recommends Bali for a chill-out vacay!
