Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling

The Peace Pagoda of Darjeeling is very famous site for the tourists who visit Darjeeling. It displays the incarnations of Lord Buddha through magnificent architecture. Tourists get the lovely view of greenery, valley and picturesque view from the top. It is the tallest independent structure in Darjeeling. Its height is 28.5 meters (94 ft.) and diameter is 23 meters (75 ft.). The pagoda has the four gold polished shimmering statues of Lord Buddha etched in it. The stunningstatuette on the walls of the Pagoda depicts the different stages of Gautama Buddha’s life. There is eight such sandstone carvings altogether.

Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Temple is within the same compound. It is a great place to get imbibed with a distinct form of worshipping Lord Buddha. This temple belongs to the Japanese Buddhist Sangha of the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Buddhism.

Location of Peace Pagoda

Peace Pagoda is located at Jalpahar which is at a distance of around 2.5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station.

Timings to visit Peace Pagoda

The premises of pagoda are kept open for all from 4:30 AM in the morning till 7 PM at night on everyday basis.

Entry fee of Peace Pagoda

No charges are levied for visiting the pagoda. One can visit this place free of cost.

engravings at peace pagoda

History of Peace Pagoda

The Peace Pagoda was constructed under the supervision of a Japanese Buddhist monk, Nichidatsu Fuiji (1885-1985). He was the founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhists sect. The foundation stone was laid on 3^rd November, 1972 by Nichidatsu Fuiji followed by the inauguration on 1^st November, 1992. This pagoda was designed by M.Ohka and it took three years to complete this massive construction. The first Peace Pagoda was built in Kumamoto, Japan, in the year 1954 by Fuiji Guruji.

This pagoda is one of the 70 pagodas that have been built worldwide by the Japanese BuddhistsNipponzan-Myohoji organization. Peace pagodas are known as the Shanti Stupas to instigate the peace. It was a place where people of all backgrounds were welcomed and these Stupas were built under the supervision of Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fuiji who was deeply influence by the teachings of Gandhiji’s non-violence.

Best Time to Visit Peace Pagoda

Peace Pagoda as seen from distance

The peak season ranges from April to June and then October to December every year. January to March can also be as enjoyable due to the chilled weather.

Monsoon should be definitely avoided due to the heavy downpour.

Time requiredtoexplorePeace Pagoda

30 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient to take a round and enjoy in Peace Pagoda. It depends on how much one would like to spend time in this spellbindingsetting that is filled with cool breeze, natural surrounding and tranquility.

Why is Peace Pagoda famous?

As the name itself beholds its charm, Peace Pagoda is well-known for its calm ambience. It is the choice of every nature lover as it caters serenity and lovely view of colossal Kanchenjunga peak. The beautiful flowers during the spring make the entire zone an ideal zone for best photography.

This is the tallest structure of Darjeeling with a height of 28.5 meters. It stands with pride upholding the core motto of spreading peace and prosperity all over. The circular walk around the pagoda will take you to a tour of splendid artwork. These are the depictions of ‘Gifting Mango grove by Amrapali at Vaishali’. The depiction of ‘Great Departure of Sidhhartha’ is a detailed version of people’s emotions for their prince. The four postures of Lord Budhha – sitting, sleeping, standing and meditating is a superb treat to the eyes.

peace pagoda darjeeling

How to reach Peace Pagoda?

Flight – Bagdogra is the nearest airport which is 90 kms away. This airport is well connected with the major cities. A shared cab or rented taxi can be an option to choose for a wonderful road trip to reach the main town of Darjeeling.

monks @peace pagoda

Train – There are two prominent stations at the distance of 88 km from Darjeeling Railway station in New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. These stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and other prime cities of the country. There is a toy train service from NJP to Darjeeling Railways Station but it takes a long time of 6-7 hours to reach the final destination. Hence, maximum tourists prefer to take the vehicle ride that takes 2.5-3 hours to reach Darjeeling.

Road –One can hire a cab or shared taxi from Siliguri junction or Darjeeling More to reach Darjeeling via road. Buses are available from Tenzin Norgay Bus Stand, Siliguri as well. Covering a distance of 77 kms from Siliguri one can enjoy the foothill national highway till the hill.

From Darjeeling main town the distance is only about 10 mins in vehicle till Peace Pagoda.

What to do in Peace Pagoda?

lord buddha @peace pagoda

We can visit this huge peace pagoda for witnessing the four incarnations (avatars) of Lord Buddha polished in golden color. The walls of this pagoda depict the different stages of Gautama Buddha’s life.As we climb the stairs we find the concrete models of lions. The long white railing till the peace pagoda gives it a picture perfect architecture. This peace pagoda is a symbol of promoting world peace and harmony. Photography can be done here and beautiful memories can be captured forever.

How far is Peace Pagoda from the main market?

The Peace Pagoda is at a distance of 10 minutes from the main market of Darjeeling.

Peace Pagoda@night

Conclusion

Darjeeling tour is incomplete without visiting Peace Pagoda. The time spent in this place is truly amazing. One collects a lot of special moments from here. This white structure stands as a symbol of peace and harmony. We get a lot of motivation from this place.