Strolling Through Darjeeling's Charming Mall Road: A Shopper's Paradise!

Darjeeling Mall Road is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling, a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. This charming pedestrian street is located in the heart of the town and offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and sightseeing opportunities. In this post, we will provide a detailed guide to Darjeeling Mall Road, including its history, attractions, and things to do.

Brief History of Darjeeling Mall Road:

Darjeeling Mall Road was built during the British colonial era in the 19th century. It was originally called the “Theatre Road” because it led to the Darjeeling Public Theatre, which was built in 1910. Later on, it was renamed as Mall Road due to its popularity among the locals and tourists.

Chowrasta 


Attractions on Darjeeling Mall Road:

Chowrasta:

Chowrasta is the heart of Darjeeling Mall Road. It is a large public square where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. You can also find several shops selling traditional handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.

Mahakal Temple:

Mahakal Temple is located at the end of the Mall Road. It is one of the most important temples in Darjeeling and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Keventer's:

Keventer's is a famous restaurant on the Mall Road that serves a variety of cuisines, including English breakfast, Indian snacks, and Chinese dishes. It is also known for its delicious homemade ice cream.

Glenary's:

Glenary's is another popular restaurant on the Mall Road that serves mouth-watering cakes, pastries, and sandwiches. It also has a bakery and a gift shop.

Mahakal Temple


Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It runs along the Mall Road and offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

Observatory Hill:

Observatory Hill is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. It is located at the end of the Mall Road and offers panoramic views of the town and the mountains.

Fiesta Restaurant: 

It is a popular dining destination located in the heart of the scenic hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal, India. The restaurant is known for its delicious food, warm hospitality, and stunning views of the surrounding hills.The menu at Fiesta Restaurant Chowrasta Darjeeling features a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy everything from spicy Indian curries to comforting Chinese noodles, as well as a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.The restaurant is situated in a prime location, just a stone's throw away from Chowrasta, a popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling. The spacious dining area is beautifully decorated with traditional Tibetan artwork, and the outdoor seating area offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.

Penang Restaurant: 

In Darjeeling is a must-visit destination for foodies looking for authentic Nepali and Chinese cuisine. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including soups, appetizers, mains, and desserts, Penang Restaurant promises to tantalize your taste buds with its bold flavors and unique culinary offerings. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and friendly staff make it an ideal spot for a casual lunch or dinner with family and friends. So, if you're in Darjeeling and craving some delicious Nepali or Chinese cuisine, head over to Penang Restaurant for a memorable dining experience.

Golden Tips Store 


KFC: 

KFC is a fast-food chain that specializes in fried chicken. They offer a variety of chicken dishes, including buckets of chicken, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It is located just opposite of famous Glenary's Restaurant. 

Subway: 

Subway is a popular sandwich chain that offers a range of sandwiches, salads, and other items. Customers can choose from a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to create their own custom sandwich. It is located in Gandhi Road just after famous Darjeeling clock and before Tibet Museum. 

Das Studio: 

Das Studio Darjeeling is a quaint little photography studio located in the heart of Darjeeling, a popular tourist destination in India. The studio is run by a group of passionate photographers who specialize in capturing the essence of the town and its people. They offer a variety of photography services including portraits, landscapes, and event photography.

 The studio's unique selling point is their use of vintage cameras and film, which give their photographs a timeless and nostalgic feel. They also offer workshops and classes for budding photographers who want to learn more about the art of photography.

Visitors to Das Studio Darjeeling are greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and getting your picture taken. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind photography experience in Darjeeling, this studio is definitely worth checking out.

Local Roadside Stalls

Golden Tips Store: 

Golden Tips Store is a tea shop that specializes in high-quality, handcrafted teas. They offer a variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, white tea, and more.

Nathmulls Tea Store: 

Nathmulls Tea Store is another popular tea shop in the area, known for their wide selection of teas and blends. They offer both traditional and modern blends, as well as accessories like tea pots and infusers.

Park Restaurant: 

Park Restaurant is a popular local restaurant that serves a range of dishes, including Indian and Chinese cuisine. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Jai Complex :

Jai Complex is a multi-level shopping center that houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall features a mix of local and international brands, offering a diverse range of products including clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs.

Biswa Bangla Store: 

Biswa Bangla Store is a government-run store that sells high-quality handicrafts, textiles, and other goods from across West Bengal. It's a great place to shop for authentic, locally made souvenirs.

Biswas Bangla Store

Kunga Restaurant

Kunga Restaurant is a Tibetan restaurant that serves a variety of Tibetan dishes, including momos, thukpa, and more. They also offer a selection of teas and desserts.

Ramada Market: 

Ramada Market is a local market that sells a variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and electronics. It's a great place to shop for some Chinese, Japanese and Indian goods in a reasonable price.

Revolver Restaurant:

The restaurant serves a range of dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Some of the popular items on the menu include momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (a Tibetan noodle soup), fried rice, noodles, Rice with pork curry mixed with bamboo shoot and different types of curries. They also have a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

The restaurant is decorated with Beatles memorabilia, and the walls are adorned with posters and pictures of the iconic British band. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is generally quick and efficient.

Himalayan Tibet Museum: 

Tibet Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Tibet. It features exhibits on Tibetan art, history, and religion, as well as a gift shop.

Himalayan Tibet Museum


Darjeeling Clock Tower: 

The Darjeeling Clock Tower is a historic clock tower located in the heart of Darjeeling just opposite of Ramada. It's a popular landmark and meeting spot in the city.

Boney's Restaurant: 

Boney's Restaurant is a popular local restaurant that serves a range of dishes, including Indian and Chinese cuisine. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Local Handmade Stalls around Chowrasta: 

There are many local handloom stalls around Chowrasta that sell a variety of handmade goods, including scarves, shawls, blankets, and more. 

Clock Tower

Things to do on Darjeeling Mall Road:

1. Shop for souvenirs:

Darjeeling Mall Road is a shopper's paradise. You can find a wide range of traditional handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs at the shops and stalls along the road.

 2. Enjoy the view:

The Mall Road offers some of the best views of the Himalayan mountains. You can sit on the benches along the road and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

3. Try the local food:

Darjeeling is known for its delicious momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and chai (tea). You can find several street vendors and restaurants on the Mall Road that serve these local delicacies.

4. Take a ride on the Toy Train:

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers a unique and unforgettable experience. You can take a ride on the Toy Train and enjoy the scenic beauty of the town and the mountains.

5. Visit the Mahakal Temple:

The Mahakal Temple is a must-visit attraction on the Mall Road. You can admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the history and significance of the temple.

6. Pony Horse Riding: In just Rs 100, you can enjoy the horse riding and if you like it then you can go for the whole round trip of Mall Road. They will charge you  very minimal price.

Busy Path of Mall Road

In Conclusion, the Mall Road in Darjeeling is a perfect place to spend some time leisurely, stroll around and take in the scenic beauty of the place. After spending a day exploring Darjeeling, Mall Road is an ideal place to relax and unwind. Apart from these, there are several other shops, restaurants, and cafes on the Mall Road that visitors can explore. The Mall Road is also a great place to witness the local culture and traditions of Darjeeling. During the tourist season, there are several cultural events and performances that take place on the Mall Road especially in Chowrasta, providing visitors with a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

In fact, the Mall Road in Darjeeling is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this beautiful hill station. It is a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, enjoying the beautiful scenery, shopping for souvenirs, and sampling local cuisine. So, make sure to add the Mall Road to your itinerary when planning a trip to Darjeeling, and you will not be disappointed.

Read Explore the Top 7 Most Visited places of Darjeeling!


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