Observatory Hill is a hill near Chowrasta square, or The Mall as it is popularly known, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Magnificent views of snow-clad peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga, are visible from the Observatory Hill. The Bhutia Busty monastery was originally located here. Now the hill has the temple of Mahakal.

One of Darjeeling’s popular places of tourist interest- the Observatory Hill is bestowed with immense natural beauty. The hilltop, called as Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan by locals, towers above Chowrasta and The Mall. Visitors will be amazed to know that this is the oldest site of the hill station that has many legends associated with it. As per one of them, this is the place (ling) where Lord Indra’s sceptre (Dorje) fell, giving the place its name – Darjeeling.

The Observatory Hill was home to the Bhutia Busty Monastery, which is now in ruins. Known to be the oldest in Darjeeling, this monastery was built in the year 1765 by Lama Dorje-Rinzing. After losing its charm post the Gorkha invasion in 1815, this monastery was relocated in Bhutia Busty in 1879. By far the most prominent attraction of the Observatory Hill is the age-old temple of Mahakal (a form of Lord Shiva). The temple has a sacred cave, which is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The ringing of bells and fluttering of flags exude an enduring spiritual energy.