Observatory Hill

The oldest site in Darjeeling is the Observatory Hill, locally called as Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan. The Hill has a fascinating story to it. According to legend, Lord Indra's scepter (Dorje), emblematic of his thunderbolt, is believed to have fallen at the place (ling) where the Observatory Hill now stands. Darjeeling thus derives its name from the Tibetan words 'Dorje' and 'ling'.

If you are in the vicinity of the Chowrasta square, just called The Mall locally, you should visit the Observatory Hill. A Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt' once stood at this very spot. A temple of Mahakala now stands here and the hill is thus popular with both Buddhist as well as Hindu worshippers.

What's more, the Hill affords the most spectacular view of snowcapped peaks, including the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga in the far distance.