Weather: 5°C - 15°C
Category: Top Things To Do
Tags: Scenic, Adventure, Cable Car, Nature
Timings:
- Winter and Monsoon: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Summer and Autumn: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Time Required: 1 - 2 Hours
Entry Fee: - Adult: INR 200
- Children (aged 3-8 years): INR 100
Overview of Darjeeling Ropeway
Darjeeling, known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and expansive tea estates, offers one of the most captivating experiences for tourists – the Darjeeling Ropeway. This iconic cable car system, established in 1968, takes visitors on a scenic ride offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, cascading waterfalls, and verdant tea gardens, all from an elevation of 7,000 feet. The Darjeeling Ropeway is India's first cable car system, initially set up to provide easy access to the tea gardens in the valleys.
Today, the ropeway has become one of the most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who wish to enjoy the beauty of Darjeeling's landscape in a unique and unforgettable way. The ride, which lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, offers stunning aerial views of the landscape, including the majestic Kanchenjunga peaks and the charming Ramman River.
Key Features of the Darjeeling Ropeway
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Cable Car Journey
The Darjeeling Ropeway operates with 16 cable cars, each accommodating up to 6 people. The ride begins at Singamari (North Point) and travels to Singla Bazaar, offering spectacular vistas of the tea estates, waterfalls, and mountain views along the way. -
Tea Gardens and Mountain Café
Upon reaching the Singla Bazaar station, visitors can explore the nearby tea gardens, offering a chance to stroll through the lush greenery or even indulge in a quick refreshment at a quaint mountain café. After soaking in the sights and relaxing, the cable car heads back to the Singamari base station. -
Photo Opportunities
The cable car moves at a moderate pace, offering ample opportunities for visitors to snap stunning photos of the landscapes and the surrounding natural beauty.
Must Know Before You Visit Darjeeling Ropeway
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Maintenance Closure:
The ropeway is closed on the 19th of every month for maintenance operations, so plan your visit accordingly. -
Waiting Time:
While the cable car journey itself lasts 45 minutes to an hour, be prepared for long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid waiting, it’s recommended to go early in the day.
How to Reach Darjeeling Ropeway
The Darjeeling Ropeway is located at Singamari, approximately 3 km from the bustling Chowk Bazaar of Darjeeling. Here’s how to get there:
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By Taxi or Shared Jeep:
From Chowk Bazaar, taxis and shared jeeps are available to take you to the ropeway station, which is a 15-minute ride in good traffic conditions. -
On Foot:
If you prefer walking, take the narrow stairway at North Point, located on Lebong Cart Road, near St. Joseph’s College. The steep staircase will lead you to the Singamari cable car station.