Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a hill station with vast expanses of tea estates and Tibetan influence in their craft, culture and cuisine. Famous for its beautiful tea-plantations and the quality of Darjeeling tea, Darjeeling is a delight for all kind of tourists. The toy train, established back in 1881 still runs in this part and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches dot this little beautiful town. Filled with people from Tibet, Nepal, nearby Indian states and the Gorkhas, Darjeeling is brimming with cultural diversity. The third highest peak of the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga peak is clearly visible from here and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car which happens to be the longest Asian cable car. Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around, and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets.

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COMMUNICATION / CONNECTIVITY
  • By Air

    The lone and major airport of the district is Bagdogra airport (IXB).Sikkim helipad is also close but has only chopper service. Bagdogra airport is accessible from all the tourist hot spot of Darjeeling and is within a couple of hours drive. Bagdogra airport has direct and regular flight to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and Chennai. There are vehicles available outside the airport to travel to any of the tourist center.

  • By Rail

    Apart from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station (88 K.M. from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) the two closest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities of India.

  • By Road

    The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, 77 K.M. (via NH 55), which is connected to all the major cities of India. Bus service is available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, Siliguri. Smaller vehicles are also available on seat-sharing/ hire from airport, railway station, motor syndicates / police motor stand. Facility of Pre-paid taxi stand from NJP Railway station & Bagdogra airport can also be availed.

PLACES TO VISIT

Tiger Hill

 Tiger Hill offers the ultimate glimpse of the fiery sunrise if you want to see the first rays of sunlight strike the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga and get an expansive vista of Everest peeking through the peaks beyond. To the south, you can see Kurseong and several rivers flowing downward. Tiger Hill, which is located at a height of 2590 metres, is most known for its magnificent dawn views, from where you can see the Kanchenjunga peaks light up before the sun is apparent at lower levels. Tiger Hill is popular among tourists because of the breathtaking vista of the snow-capped mountains shrouded by fluffy clouds.

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Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or the Toy Train

Imagine how a quaint little steam engine traverses nearly impassable loops and slopes to haul tiny carriages up the rugged mountains. Its an absolute sight of engineering marvel! The 2-foot narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often known as the DHR and commonly referred to as the "Darjeeling Toy Train," travels between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal, India. This 88-kilometer-long railway line was built between 1879 and 1881, and since then, riding on it has been a sought-after activity for tourists. The Darjeeling Toy Train travels through picturesque mountain scenery, passes through little towns with joyful youngsters waving at them, and offers magnificent vistas along the winding rails.

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Batasia Loop

The Batasia Loop, a lush green and quaint little train loop designed to reduce the altitude of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is perhaps one of the most gorgeous railroad tracks anywhere in India. This beautiful attraction's innovative design enables the track to loop around itself through a mountaintop tunnel. On one side, it also looks out over the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Kanchenjungha as it rises from among the verdant meadows of the alpine flora. After seeing the amazing dawn at Tiger Hill, you really must take a journey along Batasia Loop to witness the lush splendour which makes for a revitalising and enthralling excursion on your Darjeeling itinerary. 

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Singalila National Park

The Singalila National Park is West Bengal's highest national park, rising more than 7000 feet above sea level in the Singalila range. A stunning 78.60 sq km of pristine rhododendron bushes, mountain valleys, endangered animal species, and orchids make up the national park. It is most well-known for its beautiful panorama of a Himalayan summit, which gives a broad vista of the enormous Himalayas stretching from Nepal through Sikkim and up to Bhutan. The extremely rare and exotic Red panda and Himalayan black bear are also found residing at the Singalila National Park. The beautiful Singalila National Park is a sanctuary for all kinds of rare species of fauna. The national park is also a paradise for trekkers and adventure junkies.

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Ghoom Monastery

The Yiga Choeling or ancient Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, and is perched at a lofty elevation of 8,000 feet. This temple is a part of the Yellow Hat sect, which worships the Maitreyi Buddha, also known as the "Coming Buddha." The central chamber has a 15-foot-tall Maitreyi Buddha statue carved entirely of Tibetan clay. Many rare Buddhist manuscripts within the premises make the place more divine.   Outside the monastery, visitors are blessed with the stunning vista of the soaring Kanchenjunga. The native monks hoist prayer flags in the traditional Tibetan manner. The monastery's walls are ornately adorned with Tibetan Buddhist depictions and artwork, including various figures of bodhisattvas.

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Happy Valley Tea Estate

The Happy Valley Tea Estate in Darjeeling is a wonderful land span of around 437 acres, cultivating some of the top picks of this delectable drink in the world at a magical altitude of 6,800 feet. In the tea-rich town of Darjeeling, it is the second-oldest tea garden. The Happy Valley Tea Estate is a must-see sight for visitors to Darjeeling as it provides a spectacular natural kaleidoscope of the Himalayan foothills. Due to its exquisite beauty, which is surrounded by hundreds of acres of tea gardens, hypnotic weather, open clouds, and wonderful aroma of premium tea being made, nature lovers love spending hours over some hot flush of aromatic Darjeeling tea.

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