Hill Stations in India Darjeeling -
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Darjeeling
Tour
Darjeeling , the queen of all hill stations,famous for
its natural beauty, clean fresh air,year round plesent
weather and above all, the ever smiling and welcoming
local people.The 3rd highest pick in the world,mount
Kanchenjunga is very close to this lpece and also gives
the clearest view.Darjeeling is widely known as visitors
paradise because every day it offers something new to
everyone ,may be the first time visitoe and may be the
regular one.The morning bell comes to the vewers when
the firts ray of sun touchesthe mountaina pick.This is
tiger hill,a steep ride of five kilometers from Ghoom,
is the place where one can witness this hevenly
feelings.Here the air is chilly ,but unique to get an
experience.Here the new day starts with the world famous
blend of tea,foggy and smokky weather,mountain view and
smiling face of local Gorkhi people. Darjeeling is also
a place to know Tibetan culture,Himalayan Tribal Life,
and to see the Tibetian Monasteries, Pine Trees,Tea
garden etc.very closely.
Culture and Food :
The people of Darjeeling and near about places like
Kalimpong and Mirik are consist of the Gurungs from West
Nepal.Other races like Bhutias,Gukhas from east
Nepal,Lepchas from Sikkim are also living
togather.People from plains also came and have settled
there as the place is very charming.
The local fare is rice and meat curry and momos which
are steamed dumplings, and of course, chow, the locally
made noodles. This generally accompanied by chhang, a
locally brewed wine made from millet or the jaad which
is made from fermented rice. The Gurkhas are staunch
Hindus and celebrate all Hindu festivals with equal
dedication. But Dussehra is the most popular Gurkha
festival.
Places to see in Darjeeling :
Batasia Loop :
This railway loop is an interesting example of
engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very
unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the
main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a very good
market where you can buy the purses, bags and other
decorative items made by the local women at very
reasonable price.
Bhutia Busty Gompa :
With the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a
monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery
was shifted from the observatory hills to the present
place. The Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's
Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far
from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It
also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book
of the Dead.
Botanical Gardens :
This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive
collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and
orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The gardens
also has a green house.
Chowrasta :
This one of the important shopping places in Darjeeling
. Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each
other. The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible
from this place. Near Chowrata are several Hindu and
Buddhists temples. This place is over flowing with
foreign tourists. You can also enjoy a pony ride form
this place.
Dhoom Gompa :
About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Dhoom Gompa. Here a
very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha (
prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has
also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist
manuscripts.
Happy Valley Estate :
Here the tea from the gardens is processed. One can
spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons
who have permission from any officer of the estate.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums :
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West
Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training
mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of
mountaineering equipments which have been used in
various mountaineering expeditions and other wise.
Specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept
here. The record of attempts made to
conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the Mt.Everest
Museum. The institute also screens short films on
mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks
through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese
Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the
Director of this institute for many years and he was
cremated near the institute after his death in 1986.
Near the institute is Srabri which gives a very good
view of the Single valley and the Kanchenjunga range.
One can sit at Srabri and feel the cool breeze from the
valley.
Kanchenjunga View :
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted
view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta
Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these
snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good
sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.
Kurseong :
Kurseong is mid way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The
way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open
through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to
Siliguri then you can come up to Kurseong. This place is
equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.
Natural History Museum :
The museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen .
Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs
in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the
Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are
included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum
also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral
forms of various stones are displayed in a very
attractive manner in the museum.
Observatory Hills :
This point provides one of the breathtaking views of
Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred for
the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and
the monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is
decorated with the colourful flags. Be aware of the
monkey groups as some these are very aggressive.
Passenger Ropeway :
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the
ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It
connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar
(800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45
minutes. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is
better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is
exciting and unique for any one visiting Darjeeling.
Rungli Rungliot :
Where the road from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes its
great bend high above the Teesta river, directly
opposite Kanchenjunga, a Buddhist monk many years ago is
believed to have proclaimed "Rungli Rungliot" This pious
benediction which, literally translated, means "thus far
and no further" is alive and well today in the shape of
one of the most celebrated tea gardens in the Darjeeling
hills. The village is steeped in legend.
Senchal Lake :
A scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has
popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists.
The lake supplies drinking water to the town of
Darjeeling.
Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri :
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the
departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North
Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has
become very busy and crowded. This area has got
population over 2.5 lakh people. Siliguri also acts as a
transit point for Nepal. This place is not very pleasant
to stay as there are always long lines of buses and
trucks. These trucks and vehicles might be good for
business but they provide very ugly sight. Tourists come
to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or
catch trains. If you have time then visit the almost
forgotten wild life sanctuary of Jaldhapara. The best
season to visit this park is between October and May.
This the time when the new grass has come up and animals
are out there. The sanctuary has elephants, dears,
tigers and other animals but the main attraction is the
Rhinos which are threatened by the poachers. Elephant
Safari can be taken from Hollong.
Snow Leopard Breeding Programme
Nowadays the zoologists and the environmental scientists
are trying to protect the endangered species by breeding
them in captivity. Following this trend is Kiran Moktan
who has devoted his life in breeding program of snow
leopards. The snow leopards are not known to have bred
in captivity but in this center thanks to the efforts of
Kiran Maktan these animals have given birth in
captivity. Snow leopards are animals who have to be kept
in large enclosures. Visitors are allowed in the center
but they have to watch the animals in utter silence.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 was established a center for the refuges who had
fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese
invasion. This self help center has been developed as
workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. The fine
and superb carpets, woollens, woodcarvings and leather
work form this center has been very popular among the
tourists. The money collected after the sale of the
products goes to the Tibetans who work here. The variety
Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting the visitors
in a big way. This center has established it self in the
International scenario as place for hard work, self
esteem and truth.
Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This
zoological garden houses some of the rare species of
animals and birds. This is only zoo in India having the
Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is
also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow
Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist
in great numbers. The entry in the zoo is by tickets
which are also valid for the natural history museum and
the mountaineering institute & museum.
General Information :
Altitude: 2134 and above.
Climate: Summer--15-23 degC.Winter--2-10 degC.
Best time to visit:
April to mid june,September toNovember.
Visitors are advised to carry rain wear in all season
and light woolen clothes in summer also.
Travel Information : Air: The nearest Airport to Darjeeling is
Bagdogra.It gives arround 100 km journey to Darjeeling.
Rail: Shiliguri is conected to all the major
cities of india by train.From Shiliguri and New
Jalpaiguri, the Toy Trains are available which gives a
memorable journey to Darjeeling.
Road: Shiliguri is also well accessed by road
ways and buses , minibuses jeeps run every thirty
minutes or so from Siliguri to Darjeeling,Mirik,Gangtok
Katmandu and other places.
Travel Agents & Tour Operators in Darjeeling
offers online booking for Darjeeling hotels at discounted
rates. We also provide reservations and information of
all luxury hotels in Darjeeling, five star hotels in Darjeeling,
heritage hotels in Darjeeling, four star hotels in Darjeeling,
three star and budget hotels in Darjeeling plus hotels near
airport and hotels near famous tourist destinations in
Darjeeling , India. We also provide other travel services
like package tours, car and taxi rental in Darjeeling to
make your trip a wonderful dream come true.
