Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of Darjeeling district, in the Shiwalik Hills on the lower range of the Himalaya, at an average elevation of 2,134 m (6,982 ft). The name "Darjeeling" is a combination of the Tibetan words Dorje ("thunderbolt") and ling ("place"), translating to "The land of the thunderbolt." During the British Raj in India, Darjeeling's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station (hill town) for British residents to escape the heat of the plains during the summers.

Darjeeling is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tea plantations date back to the mid 1800s as part of a British development of the area. The tea growers of the area developed distinctive hybrids of black tea and fermenting techniques, with many blends considered among the world's finest.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connecting the town with the plains was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 and is one of the few steam engines still in service in India.

Darjeeling has several British-style public schools, which attract students from many parts of India and neighbouring countries. The town, along with neighbouring Kalimpong was a major centre for the demand of a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s, though the separatist movement has gradually decreased over the past decade due to the setting up of an autonomous hill council. In the recent years the town's fragile ecology is threatened by a rising demand for environmental resources, stemming from growing tourist traffic and poorly planned urbanisation.

Darjeeling - Adventure Sports

Looking for adventure? Come on over to Darjeeling. The adventure destination of Darjeeling offers trekking, hand gliding, ballooning, river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, archery contests, elephant rides and golf! There is so much to do at Darjeeling.

Trekking in the Darjeeling region is very rewarding with the varying landscapes. To top this there are glorious mountain sights including the view of the four majestic over 8000 meter high peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse from the vintage point of Sandakphu. The most popular of treks is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling. Another fascinating high altitude trek is in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest point in the areas, area, Rochella. The annual run and trek event has adventurers trekking from Manebhanjan in the Himalayan foothills to Sandakphu.

The high ridges, cliffs and deep-down valley of Darjeeling offer excellent opportunities for Hand Gliding and Ballooning. At the same time River Teesta with its deep gorges, rapids and strong currents is ideal for river rafting. There are several trips that take up stretches from 25 km to 65 km into Sikkim and North Bengal. Besides River Teeesta you may indulge in Canoeing and kayaking at the lake in Mirik.

The adventure sport of Mountain Biking takes the adventurers from Martam to Gangtok in Sikkim, via the famous Rumtek monastery.The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling is the place for the Rock Climbing enthusiasts.At the annual Tea & Tourism Festival in Darjeeling archery competition, with traditional Sikkimese bows and arrows are held. At Jaldapara you may catch sight of the one-horned rhinos and Bengali tigers while enjoying the elephant rides.

Darjeeling - Sites In and Around

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. 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 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.

Darjeeling - Sites Near By

The hill resort of Darjeeling has several sites near by that make excellent excursion options.

The 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

Darjeeling - Fairs and Festival

The Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Darjeeling during the months of December-January. Competitions and stalls add color to the festival.

Tourism in Darjeeling

The lush greens, the lofty mountains, the cascading rivers, the view of views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest pass by your the gradually chugging train. That is the queen of the hills for you at its natural best when you are onboard the toy train. The world famous hill resort on the foothills of the Himalayas is the paradise of the plant and adventure lovers. The vegetation comprises of fir, pine and birch. The animal lovers flock to the natural habitat of the monkeys, wildcats, leopards and jackals. You may indulge is sports and activities like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.

The hill resort that means the 'place of the thunderbolt' in Tibetan dorje ling has become the most desired holiday destination with innumerable tourists who throng it. Amongst the must visits are the Buddhist monasteries and the Hindu temples. The list of must haves is topped by the finest blend of tea that makes good souvenirs too. The curio carpets and pieces of Himalayan handicrafts closely follow it. Visit the dreamland of the East and for sure many of your dreams will realize. A tourism experience with a difference is Darjeeling.