Hill Stations of India - a unique way of spending your
holidays in India. The picturesque
Hill stations are
popular as resorts among both Indian and foreign visitors, providing a
relaxing and salubrious retreat from the heat and dust of the plains.
Darjeeling is the legendary
British hill station perched in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Located in the northern extreme of the Indian state of West Bengal,
Darjeeling is just east of Nepal, just south of Sikkim, and a bit west and
south of Bhutan. It is most famous for its once magnificent tea estates.
Despite a steady and inexorable decline since independence, roughly a half
century ago, these estates still produce a substantial portion of the
world's tea.
For
rail enthusiasts, however,
Darjeeling is better known for its "Toy
Train". This famous narrow gauge steam railway plies its way
from Siliguri in the plains below up to Ghoom and Darjeeling in the hills.
Darjeeling has some of the lovely tea plantations (estates) in the
country. One can travel these plantations and watch tea being processed.
Darjeeling is a place where one feels as if being in the lap of mother
nature.Due to the vast and abundance of natural splendour Darjeeling is
called queens of hill stations. Darjeeling is also a trekkers paradise and
the Gorkha hill council has provided ample trekking facilities for the
adventure loving people.
 Major
Attractions of Darjeeling |
 |
Tiger
Hill : Tiger hills is the highest point in the area which provides the
most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. From this place the other peaks
of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen. On a clear day the sight of Mt.
Everest is just enthralling.
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.
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.
| Trekking
In Darjeeling |
|
One
of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is that of the
Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is best
during the months of April, May, October and November. As during these
seasons the visibility is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For
trekking on this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the Gorkha
Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other facilities all along the
route. But it is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags.
On this route the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather
and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low
areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all
types of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but there are
some areas which have long stretches without any water, so carry water with
yourself. Regular meals are available. Guides and porters can also be
arranged.
| Places
to Stay in Darjeeling |
|
Being one of the most famous hill stations of Himachal,
Dalhousie is well equipped with excellent accommodation facilities. One have
got the options to stay from luxury and five star hotels to small budget
hotels and tourist lodges, which offer accommodation at resonalble prices.
| Shopping
in Darjeeling |
|
Darjeeling has been famous for its Tea with a particular
aroma. Throughout the world tea drinkers love having the special Darjeeling
tea. So, how can some one miss getting some Darjeeling tea if he comes to
this place. Packed small bags tea from this place make good souvenirs. But
avoid tea in tastefully decorated boxes as these are mostly blended tea from
Calcutta.
| How
to Get there |
|
Air : The nearest Airport is Bagdogra 90
Kms. away from Darjeeling connected by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways from
Delhi and Calcutta.
Rail : The nearest
Railway Station is NJP connected by Rajdhani Express from Delhi (the fastest
train).
Road : Darjeeling is well connected
with other indian cities.
Destinations
