Darjeeling – The Queen Of Lesser Himalaya

Darjeeling, a summer resort and tourist destination, is a hill station in the Darjeeling district of the West Bengal state in India. Located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya, it is at the height of 2,128 m. During the British rule, the town’s climate stimulated its transition to a hill station for British seeking a gateway to cool environment from the hot plains of summers. Thus, Darjeeling was the Summer Capital for the British. Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet has described Darjeeling as; “Flowers are everywhere. The days are cold and the sun almost seems to play hide and seek with us”.

The surrounding hills are situated in higher peaks and the snowy Himalayan ranges transcend the town. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak on Earth at 8,598 m, is worth visiting from Darjeeling. Further, in clear days, you can enjoy the view of the Nepal’s Mount Everest at the height of 29,035 feet.

Darjeeling is globally popular due to its tea plantations and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Since mid 19th century, the tea plantations flourished making the British the medium of its worldwide identity. The main reason behind its prosperity was the development of hybrids of black tea and fermenting techniques. The DHR runs a steam engine even today that bridges the gap between the town and the plains.

Tourists Attractions

Darjeeling offers six T’s to the visitors: Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill, and Trekking.

• Tiger Hill:
  Is located at a distance of 13 km at a height of 2,590 meters. It is the globally popular site for the marvelous scenic view of the sunrise over the Kanchanjunga peak and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains along with the Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. These world famous peaks appear pale gold in the early morning, which is a must to visit to welcome nature.

• Batasia Loop and the War Memorial:
  The huge railway loop is at a distance of 5 km famous for its Toy Train making a 360-degree run. The aim of this loop was make it easy for the train to pass through the profound rise. In addition, this loop is planned in such a way that leaves one with the stunning panoramic scene of the Kanchanjunga Range. The War Memorial is another attraction that was built in the memory of the courageous warriors who sacrificed their lives during the various wars since independence. Lastly, there is a well-established market for you where you can purchase local purses, bags, and other items.
• Ava Art Gallery:
  Built in 1965 by the Late Bhopal Rao Sett and Ava Devi, it is at a distance of 4 km from the Market Square on the National Highway. It houses 60 items of art made up of oil, water, and thread paintings. It is approachable on foot or via a taxi.
• Chowrasta and Mall:
  In the mid of the Mall, Chowrasta is a broad public walkway on the top of a ridge comprising of shops and restaurants. Due to its liveliness as people gather here to chat or peaceful walk, it is considered as the heart of the town. Other attraction is the Brabourne Park housing a musical fountain and abandoned for vehicles. This place is spacious where you can have a serene view of the mountain range and can take the joy of walking at the Darjeeling Mall.
• Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park:
  These attractive parks are at 10 km from Darjeeling hosting natural waterfalls making them ideal as picnic spots. In addition, the boating facilities and scenic beauty attracts people of all ages. You can enjoy food items sold here, mostly are the local recipes. You are permitted to take photographs without any cost. However, you need to arrange for a two-way transportation.

• Peace Pagoda:
  This is a Japanese Peace Pagoda built by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist follower. It is the highest free monument that houses the four reincarnations of the Buddha. The Pagoda is located on the Jalapahar hill’s slopes and is approachable by foot or taxi.

• Lloyd Botanical Garden:
  This is the most ancient garden housing varied flora and two living fossils. It is below the Eden Sanatorium known as the Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital located on an open hill slope. It is open on all days without any entrance fees. For noting information, a camera and notebook is inevitable for people who are Botany lovers.

• Nightingale Park/Srubbery Park:
  Located near to Chowrasta and around 2-5 km from the railway station, it arranges daily cultural programmes during the peak season. After being redeveloped, it houses a huge statue of Lord Shiva, a shrine, and interactive entertainment facilities. There are nominal entrance fees and photography fees. It is open from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
• Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car (Ropeway):
  Located at 3 km from the town at the North Point, this is the oldest ropeway in the country that attaches Darjeeling to Singla Bazaar located at the valley base. Now a modern passenger carrier, you can safely take a round amidst the clouds to view the abundant green tea gardens beneath.
• Senchal Lake:
  This is the source of drinking water for the town and a famous picnic spot near Tiger Hill.
• Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple:
  This is known as the ‘Holy Hill’ located at a few minutes from Chowrasta on the highest ridge. The Mahakal temple is on the hilltop that is worshipped by the people here. Amazingly, a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk share an altar in this temple.
• Dhirdham Temple:
  This temple’s carving is similar to that of the famous Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu. Built in 1939, it is at a minute from the Darjeeling Railway Station.

• Happy Valley Tea Garden:
  This is located at a distance of 1 km from the town that offers calm atmosphere from the noisy town. It is so indulging that you would love walking through the tea-carpeted garden for hours. A pony from Chowrasta can take you here, if you do not prefer to walk.
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:
  Dedicated to Padmaja Naidu, the former Governor of the state; this park was built on 14th August 1958. This holds its rank as among one of the best zoos in India. Further, it is this zoo that houses the Tibetan wolf in custody. The other endangered animals such as the red panda, snow leopard, and the Siberian tiger are also kept here. It is only closed on Thursdays and other national holidays.

• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
  Established after the successful climbing of the Mount Everest by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, it conducts various mountaineering courses annually. Other attraction is its museum that really worth to visit.
• Raj Bhawan:
  This is the summer resort of the Governor of the state that is adorned with manicured lawns, abundant gardens, adjacent forests, and British Bungalows. However, visitors are not allowed to enter, as it is a high security zone. Hopefully, a surrounding walk via the dense forest is not worth missing as you can view the entire Sikkim-Jorethang ridge.
• Step Aside:
  This is on a few minutes from the Chowrasta. This is the house wherein the well-known Indian nationalist, Deshbandhu Chittranjan Das left its mortal body in 1925. The first floor comprises of some few preserved articles of his personal use. The ground floor houses a maternity home for the poor people and has received its name. There are no entrance fees, but the visitors are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum.
• Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre:
  In past, thousands of Tibetans took shelter in India after Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet. Darjeeling could also not become the home for those Tibetans in exile. To recover Darjeeling as the residing place, a committee of 10 members was developed in Darjeeling to set up a rehabilitation centre known as Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. Built in 1959, the centre is popular for handicrafts such as carpets, woolen products, and woodwork.

Reaching Darjeeling

By air, the nearest airport is at Bagdogra, which is 88 km away from Darjeeling leading to a three and half hour journey. The airport is well-connected to the major cities in India.

By rail, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest station at 88 km from Darjeeling. The station is well-connected to the major cities in India.

By road, the nearest town is Siliguri from where you can catch a bus.