Darjeeling India

About Darjeeling

Darjeeling, also called as the 'Queen of all hill stations' is located in the eatern state of West Bengal. The hill stations is famous all over the world for its natural beauty, clean fresh air and round the year pleasant weather. Situated in the high Himalayan range, Darjeeling is known for the massive mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. Darjeeling offers the clearest view of Kanchenjunga mountain, the third largest peak in the world. The hill station provides the spectacular views of sunrise and sunsets and also some of the unforgettable sights. The enchanting hill resort of Darjeeling has always attracted the holidaymakers, botanists, ornitholigists, trekkers and photographers. Besides its natural beauty, Darjeeling is also a good place to know more about Tibetan culture, Himalayan Tribal Life, and closely view the Tibetian Monasteries, Pine Trees and Tea gardens etc.

Adventure Sports in Darjeeling

Darjeeling was the first hill station in India, where trekking was organized in 1840 by Dr. Hooker. Since then the trekking routes of picturesque hill station attracts thousands of adventure lovers from different parts of the world. The treks in Darjeeling are organized through both high and low altitude areas. Trekker's should carry their own equipments or they can be hired at reasonable charges from the Youth Hostel and also from some travel agencies.

Toy Train

Toy Train The toy train running between Siliguri and Darjeeling, attracts both elders as well as children. In fact, the real fun to visit Darjeeling is on the toy train. The train covers a distance of 82 kms in six to seven hours, and its slow speed provides enough time to see and appreciate the natural splendour of the hills. The railway line passes through the green forests, beautiful waterfalls, vardent valleys, lofty mountains and thrilling tunnels.

The Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival

The annual festival takes place in Darjeeling, during the months of December-January. The festival is best for shopping as well as enjoying the competitions organized here.

Major Attractions

Bhutia Busty Gompa : The beautifully decorated Monastery, with the Kanchenjunga range as its backdrop is a major attraction. Bhutia Busty Gompa was shifted from the observatory hills to its present site. It is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The Monastery houses a library, which has a copy of Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Batasia Loop : Situated just 5 kms from Darjeeling main town, Batasia loop is an fantastic example of engineering. Here the toy train takes a quite amazing turn. A good market also lies at this place, where one can buy purses, bags and other items made by the local people.

Botanical Gardens : Botanical Gardens is situated near the taxi stand. The gardens has a huge and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. It also houses a green house.

Chowrasta : The place situated at the intersection of the Nehru road and the Mall road, is an important shopping centre of Darjeeling. Chowrasta offers the breathtaking views of snow-covered Kanchenjunga peaks and its surroundings.

Dhoom Gompa : Situated about 8 kms from Darjeeling, Dhoom Gompa is known for housing a magnificent statue of the Maitrayie Buddha (prospective Budhha). The Monastery also houses some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.

Happy Vally Tea State DarjeelingHappy Valley Estate : At Happy Valley Estate the tea brought from the gardens is processed. To visit the place one needs permission from officers of the estate.

Kurseong : Kurseong is situated midway between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Famous for its natural beauty, Kurseong is a must visit place.

Natural History Museum : Established in the year 1903, the Natural History Museum has a huge collection of over 4,300 specimen. The museum displays a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayan ranges as well as West Bengal. The major attractions of the museum include the estuarine crocodiles, a good collection of butterflies. In addition the museum displays mineral forms of various stones in an attractive way.

Observatory Hills : The Observatory hills offers the splendour views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place houses the sacred Hindu temples and Buddhists monasteries.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums : Situated on the West Jawahar road, the institute runs various training courses for mountaineers. The museum has the collection of specimen of Himalayan flora and fauna and the records of attempts made to conquer Mount Everest.

Passenger Ropeway : The first ropeway in India, the Passenger ropeway is a major tourist attraction. The ropeway connecting the North point (7,000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft) covers a distance of 8 Kms in 45 minutes.

Senchal Lake : The picturesque lake is located close to the Tiger hills. The source of drinking water to the Darjeeling town, the Senchal lake is popular as a picnic spot.

Snow Leopard Breeding Programme : Established by Kiran Moktan, this snow leopards are bred here in captivity. Visitors are allowed to see the snow leopard kept in large enclosures, but they have to watch the animals in utter silence.

Zoological Gardens : Situated just 2 kms from the main town, the Zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is the only zoo in the country having the Siberian Tigers. The zoo provides shelter to rare Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds and Snow Yaks etc.

How to reach there

By Air: Bagdogra, 10 kms from Siliguri is the nearest airport. From Bagdogra one has to take a bus or taxi to Darjeeling.

By Rail : Darjeeling is connected by toy train from Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri is the major railhead which is connected to major places in India.

By Road : Darjeeling is well-connected by curved roads with nearby places like Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. The buses and taxis run between Darjeeling and Siliguri.

Where to Stay

Darjeeling has several hotels, that offer comfortable stay. The tourists can choose from a wide array of hotels according to their budget.