INTRODUCTION
Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hill sides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir, all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds of Darjeeling as the Queen of hillstations.Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens, magnificent view of the Himalayas, Kanchenjunga peak, beautiful valleys, trekking to high altitude and famous toy train. Darjeeling is loaded with scenic wonders and a rich folk culture.ORIENTATION
Darjeeling is situated in the lower Himalayas at an altitude of 6,982ft.It lies in the northern side of West Bengal and has Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan as its neighbours.HISTORY
The name Darjeeling otherwise means 'the Land of Thunderbolt’. Darjeeling initially in the 18th century was under the reign of the rajas of Sikkim which was soon taken over by the Gurkhas.But however the East India Company fought with the Gurkhas and captured Darjeeling.Campbell from British built the district and laid the foundation of the, now multi-million dollar tea industry in 1841.In 1988 the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council was formed under whose jurisdiction the hill station is governed and maintained.TIME TO VISIT
The best season to visit Darjeeling is between March to May and September to November.FAIR & FESTIVALS
EPCHA/BHUTIA NEW YEAR'S DAY
This festival falls in the 1st week of January during Makar Sankranti.It is during this festival colorful fairs are held along the Teest River.LOSAR TIBETAN NEW YEAR'S DAY
It is celebrated in February. Colorful Tibetan folk-dances are staged in monasteries on this day.DURGA PUJA/DUSSEHRA
This festival is celebrated for nine days.It commemorates Lord Durga's victory over the demon Mahisasur.It is celebrated with fast throughout the day and feast in the evening.It is the main festival of this area.On the 10th day the images of Durga are immerged in rivers by the devotees.PLACES OF INTEREST
THE TIGER HILL
Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak is visible from here.
BASTASIA LOOP
THE WAR MEMORIAL
This War Memorial is constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different action since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peaks and the town can be seen from this place.GHOOM
This is the station close by, from where one can take the toy train back to Darjeeling.KALIMPONG
Kalimpong market, Gouripur House, Golf Course, Pedong Monastery, and Rishyap.
OBSERVATORY HILL
Apart from the magnificent view it commands,great religious importance is attached to the Observatory Hill.HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSITUTE & PADMAJA NAIDU HIMLAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Situated on Jawahar Parbat about 2kms from Chowrasta.It is the oldest Mountaineering Institute in the country and was set up following the successful ascent of the Mt. Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953.The Snow Leopard Breeding centre was started in 1986 to breed Snoe Leopards in captivity with the help of International Snow Leopard Captive Breeding Project.TENZING ROCK AND GOMBU ROCK
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Within walking distance from Chowrastra,this interesting museum contains comprehensive collections of fauna of the region.ZOOLOGICAL PARK
The Zoological Park in Darjeeling specializes in high altitude wild life - Yaks, Himalayan Black Bears, Pandas and also Siberian Tiger.THE LEBONA RACE COURSE
THE LLOYD'S BOTANICAL GARDENS
A colourful garden situated just below the market Motor stand and is one of the oldest in the region.The main attracting feature of this park is that it has rare collection of Himalayan flowers.KURSEONG
This city near Darjeeling is located at an altitude of about 1458 m and is famous for its scenic beauty with peace and tranquility all around. Eagle’s Crag which offers a panoramic view of the Siliguri plains and hills is located here.DARJEELING-RANJIT VALLEY PASSENGER CABLE CAR
This is a popular cable car which is one of the oldest ropeway connecting Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley.
EAT OUTS1.The Buzz Glenary's Restaurant & Bar 2.Glenary's Restaurant & Bar 3.Hasty Tasty Keventers 4.Keventers 5.Joey's Pub 6.The Park 7.Seven Seventeen Food Exchange Restaurant 8.Food Exchange Restaurant ACCOMODATION1.Windamere Hotel 2.Hotel Seven Seventeen, 3.pineridge hotel 4.Hotel Sunflower 5.Darjeeling Gymkhana Resort 6.HOTEL MOHIT (P) LTD. 7.Hotel Mayfair Hill Resort 8.Hotel New Elgin 9.Hotel Cedar Inn 10 Hotel Sinclairs |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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SHOPPING
Darjeeling is known for its Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work and the best place to shop all this is the Tibetan Refug Jee Self Help Center. The shopping here also includes the tourists getting dressed up in the local attire or by portraits of locals in traditional attire. You can get variety woolen clothing’s here.HOW TO REACH
BY AIR
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, 90 kms away from Darjeeling. Bagdogra is connected by Indian Airlines and some private airlines from Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.BY RAIL
The most convenient railhead is New Jalpaiguri, 8 kms away from Bagdogra airport and it is connected by several fast and superfast trains linking New Jalpaiguri to Delhi, Patna and Calcutta. Rail journey in the "Toy Train" often crisscrossing the motor road and passing through bazaars is a memorable experience. This mini railway has been in existence since 1878, takes 8 hours to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri.BY ROAD
Darjeeling is accessible to all automobiles but in particular the 80 kms drive to Darjeeling from Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra through the picturesque road winding through the dense green forests and terraced tea gardens, has the promise of a memorable experience. There are regular bus services between Siliguri, Calcutta, Patna and Phuntshoelling.- Send your feedback / Change Request by using this link.
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