Every time you visit any hill town, you will be fascinated by the one tourist attraction that makes it to the list of every travel itinerary- The Mall Road. Whether you are in Shimla, Manali, Mcleodganj, Gangtok or any other hill station, you will always find a mall road lined with different shops selling the crafts of the indigenous people and offering a number of options to eat. A similar experience can be enjoyed when you are visiting the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal.
The Mall Road, Darjeeling is one of the most exquisite mall roads out there. It is shadowed by the Rhododendron trees that are growing in all their might around the mall road. The view of the majestic snowcapped mountains also make a stroll through Mall Road in Darjeeling worthwhile. Unquestionably, the mall road in Darjeeling is its heartbeat and one can indulge into all types of delights when visiting this stunning mall road.
Traveler Tips:
The one tip that all travelers should keep in mind when they are visiting the Darjeeling Mall Road is to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also dress up according to the weather. Don’t forget to bargain with the vendors to get a good price.
Things to Do :
When you are at the mall road in Darjeeling, there are a number of things that you can enjoy. The first thing would be to enjoy a steaming hot cup of Thukpa and a plate of hot momos with spicy chutney at any of the local joints while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains.
Another amazing experience that you can probably have at the Darjeeling Mall Road is having a pony ride. Yes, you can get on the back of a horse and take a ride of the entire mall road. It'll cost you around 200 bucks for the ride and will cover all the important location like Bhanu Bhawan, Chowrasta, Governor House, and the Mahakal Market.
Shopping is one of the favorite things that tourists like to do on the Darjeeling Mall Road. You can explore the Chowk Bazar, Dragon Market, and the Mahakal Market to shop some souvenir and other woolen items.
History :
As far as the history of this mall road is concerned, it is believed that it’s prominence rose during the colonial times. It was used by the British who would take a leisurely walk at the mall road while enjoying the picturesque beauty of the mountains.
Best Time to Visit :
There is no such beat time to visit the Mall Road in Darjeeling. Every time you are in Darjeeling, taking a stroll through the exotic Mall Road is a must. To make the most of your stroll on this beautiful mall road, you can visit during the months of winters to enjoy the scenic view of the snow-capped mountains from the Mall Road itself.
How to Reach :
Mall Road is the main entryway to Darjeeling. Whether you are hailing a cab or coming by a local transport, it will take you through the Mall Road. The Chowrasta can be reached by the Nehru Road and the Gandhi Road. If you are staying anywhere near the Mall Road, you can ask any autovala or take a taxi to reach the mall road.
Interesting Facts :
The Mall Road is a loop in reality while many people believe it is a straight road. This loop starts from the main square or Chowrasta and goes all the way around the Observatory Hill. You can even see the locals taking a stroll and going the mile-long loop of the mall in the morning. If you also start from the Chowrasta and go to the Observatory, you can carry your walk forward to reach The Mall once again, completing the loop.
Contrary to the common belief, this Mall Road does not take you to The Mall on the Gandhi Road. You need to take the Nehru Road to reach the Mall.