Darjeeling is also known as "Dorje-ling"(Derived from the local Tibetan name meaning the abode of the thunderbolt), Perched in the foothills of the Himalayas at 2134 m above sea level, having a area of 11.44 sq.kms. Located in the northern extreme of the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is the legendary British hill station it is east of Nepal, just south of Sikkim, and a bit west and south of Bhutan. Darjeeling was acquired by the British from the Raja of Sikkim as a gift around hundred and fifty years ago, and served as convalescent homes for the British employees.

Today the town retains many of the legacies of the British Government. It has world famous tea estates. Despite a steady and inexorable decline since independence, roughly a half century ago, these estates still produces a substantial portion of the world's tea.

The “TOY TRAIN”, this famous narrow gauge steam railway plies its way from Siliguri in the plains below up to Ghoom and Darjeeling in the hills. People having less time and want to experience the train can, can enjoy the joy ride between Darjeeling – Ghoom & back.

Darjeeling has perhaps the most to offer to the visitors with its cool charm, lovely scenery, a wide range of activities and truly unique atmosphere.

Tiger Hill is the summit of Ghoom, It is famous for spectacular sunrise view over the Himalayas. Leveling out at 8,500 ft (2,600 m), Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surroundings.

It is 11 km from the town of Darjeeling and can be reached either by jeep or by foot through Chowrasta, Alubari (incidentally the oldest tea plantation in Darjeeling) or Jorebangla and then climbing up the incline to the summit, which takes about 2 hours at an easy pace.

 

The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchandzonga painting it pinkand then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. From Tiger Hill, Mt. Everest (29,002') is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. Makalu (27,799') looks higher than Mt. Everest, owing to the curve in the horizon, as it is several miles closer than Everest. The distance in straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is 107 miles.

Ghoom Monastery which follows the Gelupa sect, built in 1875. The monastery houses one of the largest statuses of the Maitreya Buddha-“the coming Buddha”.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (also called the Darjeeling Zoo) is a 67.56-acre (27.3 ha) zoo in the town of Darjeeling.. The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet (2,134 m), is the largest high altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful captive breeding programs for the Snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the Red panda.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was established in Darjeeling, on November 4, 1954 to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India. The first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary sparked a keen interest in establishing mountaineering as a well-respected endeavour for people in the region HMI regularly conducts Adventure, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses. These are very comprehensive courses. They are also highly subsidised to encourage mountaineering as a sport.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is a rehabilitation Centre for the Tibetan refugees in the Darjeeling . It was established in 1 October, 1959. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the centre's main activity.It is located at hillside Lebong. It is situated at altitude of approximately 2,143 m (7,031 ft).It is also a centre of training young people in the intricate art of Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms. The sales emporium is open to visitors to pick up souvenirs.

Beside other attractions, there are many tea estates in and around Darjeeling, you can visit these gardens and visit one of the Tea factory and see the whole process of making Darjeeling Tea.

Darjeeling also offer different treks/hikes/walk. The most famed "Singalila range" to Sandakphu (12,000 ft) and Phalut (11,800 ft). Passing through spectacular forests of silver fir, rhododendrons, chestnuts, oaks, magnolias and hemlock. A springtime trek reveals not only stunning views of the mountains but whole hillsides covered with rhododendron and magnolia flowers.The trail from Sandakphu to Phulut is an exhilarating experience and one can see four of the world's highest mountains: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga in one glance.

Mid June to September is generally considered as summer/monsoon when the precipitation is maximum between 130 cm-430 cm. The maximum temperature ranges between 20ºC-34ºC and the minimum between 10ºC - 21ºC. October and November loosely form the autumn season with clear blue skies and lush green hillsides after a long monsoon. The winter stretches from December to February with the minimum temperature falling between 0ºC - 7ºC and maximum from 10ºC - 23ºC. March to May is the spring season with warm days and cool nights. All seasons except the summer / monsoon season are good times to visit Darjeeling.

ACCESSIBILITY

Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess an Indian visa. No special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Darjeeling. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when required.

 

AIR CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra Airport is 90 km (3 hours) from Darjeeling.

ROAD CONNECTIONS: Darjeeling is connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc.

• Darjeeling - Kalimpong...51 km

• Darjeeling - Siliguri....78 km

• Darjeeling - Gangtok...94 km

RAIL CONNECTIONS: Out-station trains (Indian Railways) generally come into either New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. From there, visitors may proceed to Darjeeling by "Toy-Train" (journey time 6.5 to 7 hrs)

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