When the Queen of The Hills summons us, we respond obediently to its clarion call. Of course we are referring to Darjeeling. And when you're visiting, you definitely have to cover the most popular tourist spot. Which one you ask? Tiger Hill, of course!
It is located 11 km from the town of Darjeeling. Tiger Hill is on the summit of India's highest railway station, Ghum (full marks if you knew that one!). So make sure you carry your winter clothes irrespective of which season you're going in. You can avail the toy train and get down at Ghum. But you really won't be able to enjoy Tiger Hill.
Standing at 8,500 ft, Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surrounding. To experience Tiger Hill in all its glory you need to leave by 3.30am in the morning to reach there at least half an hour prior to sunrise. As it slowly approaches sunrise at 4.30am, you will be able to witness alpenglow (an optical phenomenon that makes the mountains appear to glow in a pink or reddish hue just after the sunset or before sunrise). That view is worth all the trouble you may have taken to wake up early.
Try to stay in close proximity to Ghum when you are put up in Darjeeling. Hotels such as Ramada, Treebo Dekeling, Lunar, Pine Ridge and Elgin are feasible options, which are also in the heart of Mall Road.