Where is Darjeeling?
The
bewitching town of Darjeeling is located in the state of West Bengal in
eastern India. It lies in the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of
2,134 m above sea level.
How will you gain access?
Bagdogra (90 km) is the closest airport from Darjeeling. The airport
operates regular flights connecting the town to all the major destinations
of India. New Jalpaiguri/ Siliguri,the main railway stations, provide
connections with cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Chennai, Lucknow and
Delhi. Regular deluxe and semi-deluxe bus service links the town with places
like Siliguri, Bagdogra, Gangtok, Kurseong and Kathmandu.
What magnetises people?
» Toy Train
The Toy train can be boarded at New Jalpaiguri. It adds yet another
beautiful feather to Darjeeling's cap. From New Jalpaiguri, the city of
Darjeeling can be reached in almost 10 hours. What is most fascinating about
this journey is that it provides a splendid view of the deep valley,
snow-covered mountains and the exotic varieties of flora and fauna in the
region.
» Tea Plantations
The ever-fragrant vast expanse of tea plantations never fail to bedazzle
the eyes of the onlookers. The town takes great pride in its 84 tea gardens.
Happy Valley and Lopchu are no new names to the tea connoisseurs. Enveloping
the slopes beautifully, these tea gardens impart ethereal beauty to
Darjeeling.
» The Mall
The Mall is a popular business street of Darjeeling. The street is lined
with innumerable Tibetan-run shops selling hand-made sweaters, Himalayan
artifacts and other exquisite antiques that the town is widely known for.
The Chowrasta (Crossroad) is always bustling with commercial activities. The
Bhutanis also sell items like woollens, Thankas, Gorkha daggers, rosaries
etc.
» Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established by the late Tenzing Norgay,
is yet another attraction of this picturesque town. The institute exhibits a
wonderful collection of items and equipment that were used by Tenzing Norgay
during his ascent of the Mount Everest on 29 May, 1953.
» Tiger Hill
The Tiger Hill happens to be the highest point in the town at an elevation
of 2,590 m. The place provides breathtaking views of sunrises. As the
visitors stand gazing, they are simply swayed to an altogether different
world.
What are the adventures in store?
Darjeeling invites adventure-seekers from far and wide and there are ample
options to indulge oneself in adventure activities like trekking,
hang-gliding, white-water rafting and mountain biking. Breathtaking
snow-capped mountains and valleys adorned with colourful rhododendrons,
magnolias, orchids and ferns welcome one and all with great warmth. Trekking
in the region can prove to be an experience of a lifetime. The Teesta river
provides a series of rapids, inviting the rafters to test their zeal and
enthusiasm.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Windamere Hotel (90 km from airport) is a 4-star acquires a commanding
position in the heart of the town. The 3-star group of hotels include names
like Hotel Mohit (80 km from airport), Hotel North Star (90 km from
airport), New Elgin Hotel (105 km from airport)etc.
What is the best time?
Temperature during summers ranges between 15 and 25 degrees centigrade.
During the winters, the temperature drops down to a minimum of 2 degrees.
The best time to visit is between the months of March and May and between
September and November.
