The
most important and organized hill resort in Eastern India is
Darjeeling
which lies 686 kms from Calcutta perched at a height of 2134 meters with a
backdrop of the mighty snow clad Himalayan Peaks.
The mighty Kanchenjunga peak overlooks the town from where one can get a
clear view of the peak on a sunny day.
The world's highest peak The Everest can also be seen from near the town.
Re-discovered by the British in Calcutta, every year at the beginning of
summer, the Viceroys of India and after 1911 the Lieutenant Governors of
Bengal would move lock, stock and barrel to Darjeeling. Its the British who
rapidly developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. In the 1840’s Tea
Plantation was introduced in the area. Darjeeling "orthodox" tea
is now famous and among the most expensive in the world.
Darjeeling is an abrupt change from the plains and Calcutta. The population
is Nepali, Lepcha, Tibetan and Bhutia. Surrounded by Tea Plantation a
popular hill station since British established it as a rest and recreation
centre for its troops in mid 1800.
Getting There
By Air The nearest airport is Bagdogra, 90 kms away from Darjeeling.
Bagdogra is connected by Indian Airlines and some private airlines from
Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.
By Rail The most convenient railhead is New Jalpaiguri, 8 kms away
from Bagdogra airport and it is connected by several fast and superfast
trains linking New
Jalpaiguri to Delhi, Patna and Calcutta. Rail journey in the
"Toy
Train" often crisscrossing the motor road and passing through
bazaars is a memorable experience. This mini railway has been in existence
since 1878, takes 8 hours to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri.
By Road Darjeeling is accessible to all automobiles but in
particular the 80 kms drive to Darjeeling from Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra
through the picturesque road winding through the dense green forests and
terraced tea gardens, has the promise of a memorable experience. There are
regular bus services between Siliguri, Calcutta, Patna and Phuntshoelling.
Places Of Interest
The Tiger Hill : About 11 kms from Darjeeling is at an altitude of
2,555 mts and provides a fine view of the mighty Everest and Kanchenjunga
peaks.
Ghoom : is the station close by, from where one can take the toy
train back to Darjeeling.
The Senchal Lake : close by is the source of drinking water for the
city.
The Lebona Race Course : About 8 kms from the centre of the city and
some 325 mts below the town, is one of the smallest and highest race course
of the world. On BURCH HILL to the north stands the ‘Shrubbery’
the residence of the Governor of West Bengal.
The Lloyd's Botanical Gardens : One of the oldest in the region, is
just below the main Market Motor stand. It has rare collection of Himalayan
flowers.
Zoological Park : The nearby Zoological Park specializes in high
altitude wild life - Yaks, Himalayan Black Bears, Pandas and also Siberian
Tiger.
Happy Valley : The tea estate of Happy Valley is one of the best in
Darjeeling.
The Darjeeling Ranjeet Valley : passenger ropeway is 8 kms at the
North point, about 3 kms from the town. The ropeway connects Darjeeling to
Singla Bazar on the Ranjeet river at the bottom of the valley.
STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Darjeeling --- 0354 (number)
if dialing from outside India to Darjeeling---- ++ 91-354 (number)
SUGGESTED
TOURS
Darjeeling Attractions
Wildlife in West Bengal
