Darjeeling

 Fast Facts
Area     10.57 sq km
Altitude     2,134 m above sea level
Population     73,062
Languages     Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English
Religion     Hindus (77.95%), Buddhist (11.95%), Others (10.1%)
Annual Mean Rainfall     3,200 mm
Maximum Temperature     14.89°C
Minimum Temperature     5°C
STD Code     0354
State Capital     No

Introduction : Need a break from the heat and the dust of the plains? Enjoy the pristine air of the hill resort of Darjeeling. Darjeeling in the eastern state of West Bengal offers the cool height of the Himalayas. The nature is at its best. The spectacular sunrise and sunsets are unforgettable sights at Darjeeling India. The hill resort has attracted botanists, ornithologists, trekkers, photographers and holidaymakers alike. Darjeeling is famous for the magnificent mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Tourist Places in and Around : Darjeeling Hill Station Tour The hill resort of Darjeeling is dotted with several places of tourist interest. Ghoom is one of the major landmarks in Darjeeling. The renowned Yiga Choeling Monastery dominates the hillock. While visiting the monastery you must check out the images of Maitreya Buddha. Then there are the ancient palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Tibetan script too, of much interest to the historians.

The Museum of Natural History is another tourist attraction in Darjeeling India. The museum boasts of a fine collection of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects.

For the botanist, an animal and nature lover Darjeeling offers several Tourist places of interest. At the Lloyd Botanical garden all tourists may enjoy the captivating collection of alpine flora and orchids. Darjeeling also has the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The zoo happens to be the only center in India for the breeding of the rare snow leopard. The Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear are also among its attractions.

Close to the zoo is another tourist attraction of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The institute was established in 1954 by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in the wake of the conquest of Everest. Tenzing Norgay was its first Director and Advisor till his demise.

After visiting the zoo, you must ride the Darjeeling-Rangit Valley ropeway. The longest ropeway ride in Asia offers several spectacular sights. The numerable tea gardens in and around Darjeeling are also worth visiting. The Mall acts as the heart of Darjeeling town. It happens to be an important meeting point for all tourists.

The Observatory hill, Dhirdam Temple, Aloobaari Monastery, Bhutia Bustee Monastery and the Ava Art Gallery are the other sites worth visiting in Darjeeling India.

Visit Places Near By : The hill resort of Darjeeling has several sites near by that make excellent excursion options.

KalimpongThe Tiger Hill is situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters and is 11 km from the main town. The Tiger Hill has earned international fame for the magnificent view of sunrise over the Kanchenjunga and other great Eastern Himalayan peaks. Here the golden glow of the rising sun changes the colour of the snow-capped peaks to crimson, pink, and shining gold.

Across the Teesta River, between the heights of Dedo and Durbindra Hills lies Kalimpong. Situated at an altitude of 1,250 meters, Kalimpong is the home of beautiful flower nurseries, monasteries, and the handicrafts industry.

Then there is the picturesque Kurseong at an altitude of 1,458 meters. Many tourists halt at Kurseong on their way to Siliguri from Darjeeling. Mid-way between Siliguri and Darjeeling lies another hill resort of Mirik. At 1,767 meters Mirik is famous for its lake, boating facilities and plantations of pine, cardamom, and oranges.

For the adventure seekers visit to Phalut at 3,600 meters is a must. The trekkers are aptly rewarded with the wondrous views of the Himalayas from Phalut.

What to Buy : While on a shopping spree at Darjeeling you can get yourself photographed with the snow-clad peaks of Himalayas in as backdrop. Some tourists even dress up in the local attire or by portraits of locals in traditional attire. You must check out the variety of woolens and other warm clothing.

For gift items and souvenirs from Darjeeling you may pick up Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is one place where you will get the best of items.

Adventure Sports : Darjeeling was the first hill region in India where Dr. Hooker first conducted organized trekking in the 1840s. The breathtaking panoramic views of Everest and Kanchenjunga have been alluring thousands of nature lovers from different parts of the world since then. Treks in this region are organized through both high and low altitude areas.

The best time of the year to undertake this region is April-May and October-November. It is advisable to carry one's own provisions. Trekking equipment can be hired at nominal charges from the Youth Hostel, as well as some travel agencies.

How to Reach : For air transport to Darjeeling the nearest airport is at Bagdogra. There are regular flights that connect Bagdogra with Kolkata. For train transport the railhead at Siliguri is the nearest to Darjeeling. You may even enjoy the toy train that runs from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Darjeeling. The nearest bus station to Darjeeling is at Siliguri.

Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Darjeeling is from March-May or September-November. The rains which start by May end are heavy downpours making living conditions cold and dreary. In winter there is a drastic fall in temperature from the summer's 15 to 25 degrees centigrade to 2 to 10 degrees in winter.

Where to Stay : Accommodation is easily available at the hill resort of Darjeeling. There are several Darjeeling hotels that dot Darjeeling. Resorts and Hostels also offer comfortable stay. You may pick the one that suits your budget.

Good and hygienic food is also available at reasonable rates in Darjeeling. There are many restaurants and eateries that cater to the needs of the tourists. There are eating joints known especially for milk shakes, pastries and scrumptious patties. For whose who wish to lift their spirits a glass of the local chhang (an intoxicant drink made of barley) is a must try!

Fairs and Festivals : The Teesta Tea and Darjeeling Tourism Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Darjeeling during the months of December-January. Shopping and competitions add to the charm of the festivals.