Enveloped in lush greeneries and tea gardens, Darjeeling, a quaint little hill town in the state of West Bengal is popular for its Darjeeling tea. Though developed by the British during the 19th century, currently the place is the home of Sikkimese, Tibetan, Nepalese and even Bengalees. Darjeeling is an ideal place to experience the majestic Himalayas, especially the Kanchenjunga and to sip in some of the best aromatic Darjeeling tea.
Darjeeling is synonymous with large, green and picturesque tea-estates. Tea production in Darjeeling is a legacy of the British, who developed the place as a hill station to escape the summer heat. Located in the ‘lesser’ Himalayan area, it plays host to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Lovingly called as ‘Queen of the Hills’, Darjeeling is nestled at an altitude of around 6700 feet above the sea level provides a perfect gateway for the nature lovers who also love cool climate round the year.
The majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, mesmerizing sunrises, and the virgin beauty of the snow clad mountains…all make Darjeeling as one of the popular hill stations of West Bengal.
In its formative years, like most Raj getaways, Darjeeling was simply a scattered village of English cottages, mainly confined to the Birch Hill and Jalapahar areas.
Come here to savour some delicious Sikkimese and Tibetan cuisines, experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture and take home the beautiful handicrafts that you’ll find hard to part with. Plus, don’t forget to hire a jeep to maneuver across the steep and narrow roads and envelop you in the refreshing, moist air and awe-inspiring views. Monasteries, Zoo garden, botanical garden, educational institutes and the thrilling toy train ride make Darjeeling a wonderful place to spend your holidays.
The land of aromatic and world famous Darjeeling Tea, Darjeeling is situated at the lesser Himalaya surrounded by emerald tea gardens. The lush tea gardens on the sides of the road are breath-taking for all the visiting tourists.
This former Gorkha capital is one of the popular holiday destinations for domestic and international tourists due to the spectacular view of third highest peak of the world, Kanchenjunga available from the town.
Darjeeling is favoured among the trekkers also. This was introduced a century ago in this region. Singalila range trek route was the first trekking route of India. All along the route to Sandakphu, one can find trekker’s huts maintained by Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department. The trekking routes are crisscrossed from the densely populated evergreen trees like oak, chestnut, ferns, magnolia and etc. Trekkers are welcomed with the colourful rhododendron, orchid and wild flowers at all their paths. Red Panda, pangolins, barking deer can be seen on the path of Sandakphu trek. One can also take the enjoyment of Phalut, Maneybhanj, and Singalila for trekking.
People must take the joy of riding toy train which stands at Batasia loop for the view of Kanchenjunga.