Description
Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the Mahabharat range. It is the main town of Sadar subdivision and the head quarter of Darjeeling district. The town is developed by the British administration. Darjeeling is a combination of six ‘T’s – Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy train, Tiger hill & Trekking. It is noted for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is world famous for its black tea. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways connect the town with the plains. Darjeeling is popular holiday destination in India for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Darjeeling is the only location is eastern India that attracts a large number of foreign tourists. It is also popular as filming destination for Bollywood and Bengali cinema.
How to Reach
Darjeeling can be reached y the 88 km long Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from NJP or by NH55, from Siliguri, 77 km away. The route of toy train is very popular with tourists as it passes through some very picturesque mountain scenary and has been the subject of many romantic articles. The line has a series of zig zags and loops to get height and runs straight up several village main streets. Bus services and hired vehicles connect Darjeeling with Siliguri and Darjeeling has road connections with Bagdogra, Gangtok, Kathmandu, Kurseong & Kalimpong. Residents use two wheelers also.
Places to Visit
The main attraction of Darjeeling is Rink Mall. It is the heart of the city and Is one of the most popular places in Darjeeling. From here the views are splendid. people usually come here to stroll and take relax. You can shopping and eat at the numerous shops and restaurants that line the road. Besides it, you can visit the following tourist spots.
Tiger Hill:
It is located 11 km away from Darjeeling town. Visit Tiger Hill early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss Mt. Kanchanjungha and get it a golden colour. Then the coulour is changed one by one. The tip of Mt. Everest can also be seen on clear days.
Ghoom Monastery:
It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in India. It has 12 ft. high statue of Mayetria Buddha.
Batasia Loop:
Batasia Loop is a loop made by toy trains. There is a Gorkha martyr memorial and landscaped park.
War Memorial:
This War Memorial was constructed in memory of brave soldiers who laid down their lives for their country in various wars before Independence in 1947.
Peace Pagoda:
The pagoda is located on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill and can be reached on foot or by taxi. It is constructed by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoje. Every day between 4 to 5 am, the monks of this temple have their early morning walk with the sound of drumming.
Natural History Museum:
It is one of the finest and small museum in the world exhibiting a rare collection of the fauna of the Himalayan region.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
This institute is founded and managed by famous Tenzin Norgay. Here, in Everest Museum the history of different expeditions on the world’s highest park has been traced. It is closed every Thursday.
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park:
It is also known as Darjeeling zoo. It has a good collection of animals found in the Himalayan region. Some rare species like red panda, Siberian Tiger and Snow Leopard are found here. This zoo specializes in conserving and breeding endangered Himalayan species. It is closed every Thursday.
Tenzing & Gombu Rock:
Rock climbing training of HMI is held here.
Any one Tea Estate:
One can see and feel the real tea plantations of famous Darjeeling tea. It provides a peaceful and relaxing time to you.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre:
This centre established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan Refugees offers one a view and sale of a wide range of Tibetan handicrafts.
Rock Garden:
It is a beautiful place with a small waterfall. This place offers varieties of flowers. The landscape is made by different rock.