Darjeeling’s Mall Road or Chowrasta is probably the most visited place in the city for tourists and locals alike. This is where four roads meet and form an open promenade for people to stroll, relax, enjoy the views of the mountains and valleys, and soak in the charm of the hill station. You will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions here.
The Mall Road is also a place of cultural and historical significance, as it has witnessed many events and personalities that have shaped the history and identity of Darjeeling.
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Walking around the place gives you a delightful experience and a glimpse into the life and spirit of Darjeeling.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Darjeeling Mall Road or Chowrasta,
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
Location of Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta)
Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta) is located on the ridge of the Darjeeling hill range and is the heart of the town where four main roads meet. The four roads are Nehru Road, Dr. Zakir Hussain Road, The Mall Road (East), and The Mall Road (West).
Hotels near Darjeeling Mall Road
There are plenty of options to choose from while looking for a place to stay near Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta.
You can easily find hotels, resorts, homestays, and guesthouses that are within walking distance from Darjeeling Mall and will suit your budget and preferences.
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Some of the top hotels near Darjeeling Mall Chowrasta are Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort, Udaan Nirvana Resort Darjeeling, Pine Tree Spa Resort, and Hotel Dolphin. These hotels offer comfortable rooms, modern amenities, friendly service, and stunning views of the mountains.
You can also opt for homestays and guesthouses that provide a more cozy and authentic experience of the local culture. Some of the best homestays and guesthouses near Darjeeling Mall Chowrasta are Sweet Happy Journey Homestay, Saino ADKD Homestay Darjeeling, and Classic Guesthouse. These places offer clean and spacious rooms, home-cooked food, warm hospitality, and easy access to the mall and other attractions.
Timings of Darjeeling Mall
The market timings of Darjeeling Mall Road are,
| Everyday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Being a public place, the Darjeeling Mall area or Chowrasta remains open throughout the day. You can visit early morning to see the sunrise, and the area remains covered in fog. The shops usually close around 8 PM at night. It is advised not to stay there late at night.
Attractions in Darjeeling Mall Road
There are several attractions in the Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta) area. Some of them are,
1. Hawa Ghar
Hawa Ghar is a large two-story concrete structure located on Mall Road. It is one of the main attractions in Chowrasta or Darjeeling Mall, offering an outstanding view of the peaks, especially the Kanchenjunga. There are benches beside this place where you can sit and relax. If you are lucky, you will be able to witness all five peaks from here.
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2. Poet’s statue
Another notable attraction in Darjeeling Malls is the statue of Shri Bhanubhakta Acharya, a famous Nepali poet. It is made out of golden concrete and therefore looks quite attractive. The Mall Road is also known as Bhanubhakta Sarani named after the poet himself. You can sit on the benches nearby and admire the statue and the scenery.
3. Fountain
The water fountain, ornamented with concrete golden-colored fishes and pelicans, is located at the south end of Chowrasta. However, due to the scarcity of water in Darjeeling, the fountain ceased to operate or spout water for quite some time. You can still visit, sit beside the fountain, and click some good pictures.
4. Shops
You can find various kinds of shops at Chowrasta, selling various items such as tea, art & craft, gifts, and souvenirs.
Some of the popular ones include Oxford Bookstore, Glenary’s Bakery, Kunga Restaurant, etc. You can visit these shops and buy some souvenirs. Also, I would recommend you try out some baked goods and coffee at Glenary’s Bakery. They are delicious and the ambiance is cozy.
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5. Market
The market area near Darjeeling Mall is another place to visit. It is not very big, but it is fun to explore and taste some local delicacies. There are various street foods available here for you to try. You can also shop for clothes or other items for yourself and buy souvenirs for your friends and family. Apart from the branded stores, there are various roadside vendors from whom you can get items at an affordable price, especially if you are good at bargaining.
Things to do in Darjeeling Chowrasta
There are several things that you can do in Darjeeling Mall Chowrasta. Some of them are,
- Enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and the town from the public square.
- Visit the Mahakal Temple, a sacred Hindu shrine located on a hilltop near the mall.
- Take a horse ride around the mall.
- Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, tea, books, and more at the boutique shops lining the mall.
- Sip a cup of Darjeeling tea at the Golden Tips tea shop, one of the oldest and finest tea shops in town.
- Browse through the Oxford Book Store, a paradise for book lovers with a wide range of books and magazines.
- Watch a movie at the Rink Mall.
- Relax on the benches and soak in the sun, the breeze, and the ambiance of the mall.
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Other attractions near Darjeeling Mall Road
There are several attractions near Darjeeling Chowrasta or Mall that you can visit.
| Attraction | Distance from Darjeeling Mall |
|---|---|
| St. Andrews Church | 0.4 Kilometers |
| Mahakal Temple | 0.5 Kilometers |
| Happy Valley Tea Estate | 4 Kilometers |
| Peace Pagoda | 3 Kilometers |
| Batasia Loop | 5 Kilometers |
| Darjeeling Ropeway | 3 Kilometers |
These are some points you must know about the heart of Darjeeling, the Mall. So make sure to check out this place when you visit the “Queen of Hills.”
Also, shop as much as you want and try out Darjeeling’s local cuisine.
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