Why Visit Jalapahar Hill in Darjeeling?
Jalapahar Hill is a prominent ridge that rises majestically to the south of Darjeeling town. During the British era, it was primarily developed as a military cantonment and a sanatorium for British troops due to its pristine, crisp air and higher elevation. Today, it remains one of the quietest and most scenic parts of Darjeeling, shaded by towering Cryptomeria and Pine trees, offering an immediate escape from the busy commercial center below.
The hill is home to several major landmarks. The most famous is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, but it also houses the historic St. Paul's School—an elite boarding school that has served as the picturesque backdrop for numerous Bollywood films (most notably, *Main Hoon Na*). Because the road winding up Jalapahar is steep and largely residential/cantonment, hiring a local taxi with Siliguri Cab Rental is the most comfortable way to navigate the ridge, taking you right up to the Peace Pagoda and the school gates.