Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Darjeeling, St. Andrew’s Church stands as a testament to colonial-era architecture and historical legacy. Built in the mid-19th century by the British, this beautiful church is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of Darjeeling’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Its serene location, overlooking the misty valleys and snow-clad peaks, makes it a favored stop for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
About St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s Church is a historic Anglican Church situated on Mall Road in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It was established in November 1843 and named after St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Originally built for Scottish soldiers and tea planters in the British colonial era, the church suffered significant damage due to a lightning strike in 1867 and was rebuilt in 1873. The clock tower was added in 1883.
Description
Named after the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew’s Church was originally constructed in 1843 and held its first service in October 1844. The church suffered severe damage due to a lightning strike in 1867 and was subsequently rebuilt in 1873. A prominent clock tower was added in 1883, whose chimes were once audible throughout Darjeeling town.
The church's architecture showcases the Gothic style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Inside, it features carved wooden panels, biblical paintings, and a magnificent reredos depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Notably, the church houses a silver communion service gifted by the Queen of Sikkim, a brass baptismal font, and a pipe organ imported from England in 1884.
Specialty
Historical Significance: St. Andrew’s Church is not only a place of worship but also a repository of Darjeeling's colonial history. It contains memorials for notable figures such as Lt. General George W. Aylmer Lloyd, credited with the development of Darjeeling, and Charlotte, Countess Canning, wife of India's last Governor-General and first Viceroy .
Cultural Heritage: The church has been a center for social and cultural activities since the colonial era and continues to serve a diverse congregation, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Darjeeling.
Architectural Marvel: Its Gothic architectural elements, combined with local craftsmanship, make it a significant example of British ecclesiastical architecture adapted to the Indian context.
Special Features
The church features Gothic Revival architecture with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and stained-glass windows.
The interior showcases marble tablets and brass plaques commemorating British residents and military officials from the 19th century.
It has a polished wooden altar, pews, and a carved pulpit reflecting colonial-era craftsmanship.
Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, the church offers a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga.
Location & Address
St. Andrew's Church, Mall Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal – 734101, India.
Geographical Coordinates: 27.0481° N, 88.2669° E
Service Timings
March to November: Sunday Service at 9:00 AM
December to February: Sunday Service at 9:30 AM
Holy Communion: First and third Sundays of each month
Special Christmas Service with carol singing and prayers
How to Reach St. Andrew’s Church
Nearby Transportation Facilities
Nearest Railway Station: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station (1.5 km away). New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is about 72 km away and connected to major cities.
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is about 70 km away. Regular taxis and shared cabs are available to Darjeeling.
Nearest Bus Stand: Darjeeling Bus Stand is 1 km away. Buses from Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Gangtok arrive here.
Routes to Reach the Church
By Bus: Government and private buses operate between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Popular routes include Siliguri – Darjeeling, Gangtok – Darjeeling, and Kolkata – Siliguri – Darjeeling.
By Train: Trains arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP), followed by a toy train or taxi to Darjeeling. NJP has direct connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati.
By Air: Flights are available to Bagdogra Airport from Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, followed by a road journey to Darjeeling.
Nearby Cities
Siliguri (70 km)
Kurseong (32 km)
Kalimpong (51 km)
Gangtok (100 km, Sikkim)
Nearby Attractions & Places to Visit
Religious Sites Near the Church
Mahakal Temple (500m) – A Hindu-Buddhist spiritual site.
Japanese Peace Pagoda (2.5 km) – A serene Buddhist temple.
Bhutia Busty Monastery (2 km) – A historic Tibetan monastery.
Other Attractions in Darjeeling
Tiger Hill (11 km) – Famous for sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.
Darjeeling Ropeway (3 km) – A cable car ride offering Himalayan views.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (3 km) – Museum dedicated to Tenzing Norgay.
Batasia Loop (5 km) – A spiral railway track with a war memorial.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (3 km) – Home to red pandas and snow leopards.
Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park (10 km) – Landscaped gardens with waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is between March and May or September and November when the weather is pleasant. The monsoon season from June to August should be avoided due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Shopping in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is known for its tea, handmade woolen clothes, Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, curios, souvenirs, and local sweets. Notable places to buy these items include Nathmulls and Golden Tips for tea, and Tibetan markets for handicrafts. Food & Stay Facilities
