Popular across the world as one of the most beautiful hill stations, Darjeeling offers its visitors to witness innumerable picturesque landscapes, alluring snowcapped mountains, scenic valleys, and lush tea estates. This is the reason why the Darjeeling Ropeway finds itself as a major attraction of Darjeeling, offering its passengers a plethora of divine panoramic views as they travel across the enchanting valley.
An amazing cable car ride in the town, the Darjeeling Ropeway was established in 1968. It is the country’s first cable car system, especially set up to cater to the tea gardens in the scenic valleys that did not have easy access. In the present day, it serves as a popular tourist hotspot, attracting hordes of tourists all across the world to explore the beauty of Darjeeling in the best way. This ropeway consists of sixteen cable cars and each car can accommodate 6 people as it travels from Singamari, the North Point to the Singla Bazaar that lies on the banks of the Ramman river. This ropeway transports passengers at an altitude of 7000 feet.
The journey on the ropeway offers alluring sights of the hill town as well as the valleys around it. The view of the cascading waterfalls, the number of tea estates of Darjeeling, and the majestic Kanchenjunga make this experience amazing to every tourist in Darjeeling.
Things To Do Here:
• Tourists can visit the tea estates, a tea factory and see exactly how tea is processed after being plucked from the tea gardens.
• One can take a light trek with the beautiful green tea gardens that have well-filled paths. Here it is a unique experience to see the local females plucking teas as well as enjoy the views.
• As the cable car moves at a moderate speed, it allows the visitors to take some brilliant photos here.
• One can even take snacks and other refreshments at the kiosk counters of the stations. Or one can sit down at the stations and relax in nature and the ambiance.
Best Time To Visit Here:
While summer months from April to June are the favorable time to travel to Darjeeling or experience the Darjeeling Ropeway, some people also prefer to visit this beautiful town during winter months from October to December. In July and August, heavy rainfall is observed here, so it might not be a suitable period to visit the place during the monsoons as the visitors may come across some roadblocks. September is said to be a great time to visit the place as there is less rainfall and the greenery of the place remains intact. However, it would be great to look at the monthly breakup of the climatic conditions of Darjeeling so that you can plan when to visit the place.
How To Reach Here:
Located at Singamari, Darjeeling Ropeway or cable car station is 3 km away from the Chowk Bazaar of Darjeeling. Shared jeeps or personal cabs from Chowk Bazaar are offered to reach Darjeeling Ropeway or cable car station. It takes about 15 minutes to reach here in the absence of traffic. There is also a steep and narrow stairway at North Factor on Lebong Cart Roadway, which leads to the cable car station at Singamari.
Tips For Visiting Darjeeling Ropeway:
• The Darjeeling Ropeway remains closed on the 19th of every month for maintenance operations.
• While the duration of this amazing ropeway experience is 45 minutes to an hour, there is a long queue of tourists lined up to experience this prime attraction of Darjeeling. It is suggested to go earlier and book for the ropeway in order to minimize waiting time.
Entry Timings For Darjeeling Ropeway:
• The entry timing for Darjeeling Ropeway is 10 am to 4 pm during the off-season (winter season and downpour).
• The entry timing for Darjeeling Ropeway is 10 am to 2 pm during high season (summer season and autumn).
Entry Fee For Darjeeling Ropeway:
• The general fee for 5 km round trip- Rs. 200/-
• Fee for children (3 to 8 years) for 5 km round trip- Rs. 100/-