North India Tourist Destinations
Feel the Cool Waves of Darjeeling
|
  
Darjeeling can rightly be called as the eclat and splendor of
nature. This hill town is perched at an altitude of 2134 m directly
opposite the ranges of Kanchenjunga the world's 3rd highest
mountain. The beautiful valley of Darjeeling is a popular hill
station since the British regime and is encompassed by tea plantations
on all sides.
Lying in the eastern state of West Bengal the city offers the
cool and chilly weather of Himalayas. The breath-taking sunrise
and sunsets are memorable panorama at Darjeeling. It also offers
a spectacular sight of the snow capped mountains of the majestic
Himalayas, the view of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest are specially
resplendent.
Darjeeling is the most distinguished tea-growing state also
export tea to other countries. The city also has its religious
significance due to its Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples
that are quite eminent for their architectural and cultural
splendor.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF DARJEELING CITY
Ghoom Buddhist Monastery
The most prestigious monastery in Darjeeling situated at a distance
of about 8-km from the city. It sanctifies the holy image of
Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). The sight is an important
pilgrimage for the Buddhist community.
Tiger Hill
It the highest point in the city with a height of 2590m. The
hill is quite renowned for its dazzling dawn view over the Kanchenjunga
peak just 11km from Darjeeling. It is also the hot picnic spot
among the locals as well as the foreigners.
Lloyds Botanical Garden
It is a kaleidoscopic garden located below the market motor
stand. The garden is famous for its splendid accumulation of
Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids and shrubs have their medicinal
value.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This wildlife park is perched on a high altitude and has great
wild life attractions. It is a new home for the Siberian Tiger,
Himalayan Black Deer, Deer Panda, Llama and birds. The park
is also rich in its wild vegetation that supports diverse number
of species.
Toy Train of Darjeeling
The famous Toy Train of Darjeeling was established in 117 and
made its original trip in September 1881. Officially known as
the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, it forms a route from New
Jalpaiguri (the current broad gauge railhead). The train covers
a distance of 88 km of which 16 km is in the plains. The journey
takes up to 10 hours these days including its stops. Travel
through Darjeeling Toy Train is just a magnificent experience
for a tourist.
Trekking In Darjeeling
Considered as a Queen of Hill Station the city recognized as
one of the best Hill Resorts. Darjeeling is also an absolute
heaven for trekkers and adventure lovers. Trekking in Darjeeling
will takes you to places from where one can feel the proximity
of the sky above and is still in its pristine glory. It offers
a splendid beauty of snow-capped mountains with the sublime
grandeur of the Himalayas.
Shopping Halt
Every shopper includes the purchase of tea in its shopping list
that can be obtained from many government and private outlets.
Other shopping charm includes Tibetan handicrafts, ladies scarves
and other antiques. Gorkha knives, locally made carpets, leatherwork
and woodwork are also attractions of the city. Major shopping
hub are- Hayden Hall, Manjusha (West Bengal Emporium), Gram
Shilpa and Tibetan Refugees Self-Help Center.
Mode of Transport
Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 90 km away from
Darjeeling. Darjeeling is well connected to all major cities
of India by domestic airlines.
Rail: New Jalpaiguri /Siliguri is the main railway station
for all trains, except the toy train running to Darjeeling.
Siliguri is also connected to Kolkatta.
Road: The city is well connected by means of bus services,
there are bus connections to Darjeeling from Siliguri, Bagdogra,
Gangtok, Kurseong and Kathmandu. Deluxe and Semi-Deluxe buses
also operate on these routes.
|
