"The one land that each one men need to envision, and having seen once-by even a glimpse wouldn't offer that glimpse for the shows of the remainder of the planet combined" - author.
Nestled among the rolling mountains with the shining Mt mountain peak lofty over the azure sky, Darjeeling lovingly referred to as "Queen of the Hills", provides an ideal entry for those seeking to be harmonised with nature.
This is the land of the muscatel flavored Darjeeling tea revered by connoisseurs across the world. this can be the land of the planet heritage Darjeeling mountain range Railway wherever the century recent miniature external-combustion engine still chugs uphill vying for house with the quick disappearing Land Rovers.
"Flowers ar everyplace. the times ar cold and also the sun virtually appears to play hide and request with us". - Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.
It is actually that Darjeeling within the post era includes of six T’s -Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Trekkers’ paradise.
Quick view
Location
27 Deg. 13 Min. N to 26 Deg. 27 Min. N Latitude
88 Deg. 53 Min. E to 87 Deg. 59 Min. E Longitude
Area
3,149 Square Km
Altitude(Darjeeling Town)
6710 Feet
Temperature(Darjeeling Town)
Annual Mean Max. Temperature 14.9 Degree Celsius
Annual Mean Min. Temperature 8.9 Degree Celsius
Rainfall(Darjeeling Town)
Average Annual Rainfall : 3092 MM
Best Season for Visit
March to mid June & October to December.
Important Roads
Siliguri-Mirik -Ghum -60 kms
Sevak-Tista bridge –Kalimpong -60 kms
Tista Bazar to Darjeeling -25 kms
Sukna- Pankhabari-Kurseong -25 kms
Siliguri Darjeeling NH 55 -76 kms
Clothing required
Light woollens and tropicals in summer (umbrellas and raincoats are useful) and heavy woollens in winter
Language spoken
Hindi, Gorkha, Bengali, Nepali, Tibetan and English.
Nearest Railway Station
Darjeeling(Narrow Gauge) & NJP (Broad Gauge)
Nearest Airport
Bagdogra
Nestled among the rolling mountains with the shining Mt mountain peak lofty over the azure sky, Darjeeling lovingly referred to as "Queen of the Hills", provides an ideal entry for those seeking to be harmonised with nature.
This is the land of the muscatel flavored Darjeeling tea revered by connoisseurs across the world. this can be the land of the planet heritage Darjeeling mountain range Railway wherever the century recent miniature external-combustion engine still chugs uphill vying for house with the quick disappearing Land Rovers.
"Flowers ar everyplace. the times ar cold and also the sun virtually appears to play hide and request with us". - Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.
It is actually that Darjeeling within the post era includes of six T’s -Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Trekkers’ paradise.
Quick view
Location
27 Deg. 13 Min. N to 26 Deg. 27 Min. N Latitude
88 Deg. 53 Min. E to 87 Deg. 59 Min. E Longitude
Area
3,149 Square Km
Altitude(Darjeeling Town)
6710 Feet
Temperature(Darjeeling Town)
Annual Mean Max. Temperature 14.9 Degree Celsius
Annual Mean Min. Temperature 8.9 Degree Celsius
Rainfall(Darjeeling Town)
Average Annual Rainfall : 3092 MM
Best Season for Visit
March to mid June & October to December.
Important Roads
Siliguri-Mirik -Ghum -60 kms
Sevak-Tista bridge –Kalimpong -60 kms
Tista Bazar to Darjeeling -25 kms
Sukna- Pankhabari-Kurseong -25 kms
Siliguri Darjeeling NH 55 -76 kms
Clothing required
Light woollens and tropicals in summer (umbrellas and raincoats are useful) and heavy woollens in winter
Language spoken
Hindi, Gorkha, Bengali, Nepali, Tibetan and English.
Nearest Railway Station
Darjeeling(Narrow Gauge) & NJP (Broad Gauge)
Nearest Airport
Bagdogra
How to Reach
Siliguri, a bustling town about 80 kilometers from Darjeeling is the gateway to the Hills.
Air : The closest air port is at Bagdogra
(about 88 kilometers from Darjeeling and a three and half hour drive)
and is connected by air with all the Metros in the country.
Rail : New Jalpaiguri(NJP)
is the nearest rail head and is also about 88 kilometers from
Darjeeling. NJP is also connected with all the major cities of the
country with most of trains heading for the north-eastern states making a
stop at this junction.
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Bus services can be availed from Siliguri to Darjeeling, Mirik and Kalimpong from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, Siliguri.
However, it is more convenient to travel in smaller vehicles which are
available on seat sharing basis/hire, from near the Bus terminus,
airport and railway station. The fare per passenger on a seat sharing
basis from Siliguri to Darjeeling is less than Rs 100.
For regular visit to Darjeeling, vehicles can be
arranged from NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra and insist on coming up to
Darjeeling through the National Highway 55(also called the Tenzing
Norgay Road). There are numerous stalls dotting the highway for
refreshment as well as have a break in Kurseong. The journey through
NH-55 will take approximately 3-3.5 hours.
For planning a visit to Kalimpong from Darjeeling,
regular jeep services on seat sharing basis are available. The bookings
can be done from the Kalimpong Motor Syndicate situated at the
Darjeeling Motor Stand(Super Market Complex). Taxi can also be hired to
Kalimpong and have a stop at Teesta Bazar for white water rafting.
Fare per passenger on seat sharing taxis from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is about Rs 70/-(For reserved taxis the rates vary).
TOUR PLANNING
Weary souls wanting to rejuvenate the mind and body will set up a brief trip of 2 to a few days in Darjeeling, payment time scuttling between tea gardens, enjoying a 1 hour joy ride within the notable Darjeeling mountain chain Railway and taking those leisurely walks round the Mall. inside 3 days you'll be able to conjointly visit the assorted places of holidaymaker interest and pay time studying native artifacts from the many object outlets dotting this hill resort.
For those desirous to explore the Hills, we advise that you simply pay a minimum of 5 days within the region. you may begin your vacation by payment an evening beside the picturesque lake at Mirik before heading towards Darjeeling for 3 days. you may then take a 3 hour drive to Kalimpong and pay one nights visiting the many flower nurseries during this quiet city before wrapping up your vacation.
Tour No. 1
(Mirik Tour-One day)
(0800hrs-1730 hrs) Mirik, Pashupati Nagar(Nepal Border & back). Tour No. 2
(4 A.M. to 7.30 A.M.)(3 Points)
Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop and Yiga-Cholang Buddhist Monastery by jeep only. Tour No. 3
(Local Sightseeing Tour-Half day)(7 Points)
(1st Half-0930 hrs to 1230 hrs & 2nd Half-1400 hrs to 1700 hrs) Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Ropeway, Lebong Race Course, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Tensing Rock, Tea Garden. Tour No. 4
(9.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M.; 2 P.M. to 5 P.M.) (5 Points)
japanese Temple, Lal Kothi(D.G.H.C. Secretariat), Ava Art Gallery, Dhirdham Temple, Natural History Museum. Tour No. 5 (0900 to 1200 hrs and 0200 to 0500 hrs) Rock Garden/Gangamaya Park Tour. Tour No. 6 (Kalimpong Tour-one day) Mungpoo, Durpindara, Arts & Crafts Centre, Dr. Graham's Homes, Kalimpong Market & back to Darjeeling or Siliguri. | |
| Tourist Offices & Assistance Booths | |
| Deputy Director of Tourism, Darjeeling | Tourist Information Centre, Darjeeling |
| Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council | New Car park |
| Silver fir, Bhanu Sarani | Ladenla Road |
| Darjeeling | Darjeeling - 734101 |
| Phone No : (0354)-2254879/2255351 | |
| Fax : 0354)-2254214 | |
| Reception Centre, Kalimpong | Information Centre, Siliguri |
| Damber Chowk, | T.N. Road, |
| Kalimpong | Siliguri |
| Phone No : (03552)-57992 | |
| Tourist Bureau, Darjeeling | Tourist Information Centre, Darjeeling |
| Government of West Bengal, | Government of West Bengal, |
| 1, Nehru road, Darjeeling | Darjeeling Railway Station, |
| Phone No : (0354)-2254050 | Darjeeling |
| Fax : (0354)-2254102 | |
| Tourist Bureau, Siliguri | Tourist Information Centre, Kolkata |
| Government of West Bengal, | Government of West Bengal, |
| M/4, Building, 1st Floor | Dum Dum Airport, Kolkata |
| Pradhan Nagar, Hill Cart Road | Phone No : 033-2372611, Extension-44 |
| Siliguri | |
| Phone No : (0353)-2511974/2511979 | |
| Glenary's | |
| (For booking trekking trail to Sandakphu) | |
| Nehru Road, | |
| Darjeeling | |
| +91 354 2257554/56 | |
| Courtesy of Information : Tourism Department, Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, Darjeeling. | |
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| Tiger Hill | ||||||
| Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 13 kilometers from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the "Kanchanjunga" and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. The hesitant rays of the early morning sun paint these peaks in pale gold. | ||||||
| Batasia Loop and the War Memorial | ||||||
| The Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town is a gigantic railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. It was basically built to make it possible for the Toy Train to cut the deep ascend. Strategically located the Batasia Loop offers a panoramic view of the Kanchanjunga Range.A War Memorial constructed in the memory of the brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives in the different wars since the independence of the nation adds to its attraction. There is also a well furbished market where visitors can buy locally made purses, bags and other decorative items. |
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| Ava Art Gallery | ||||||
| Situated about 4 km from the Market Square and on the National Highway, Ava.Art Gallery was established in 1965 by the Late. Bhopal Rao Sett and Ava Devi. It is the only Art Gallery of its kind in the Hills. A collection of 60 pieces of art work in water, oil and thread paintings are displayed in the Gallery. Visitors can travel on foot to get to the Gallery or simply hire a taxi. Entrance fees are not charged. | ||||||
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| Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road. | ||||||
| Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park | ||||||
| Situated 10 km from town, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park has now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however, required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable. |
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| Peace Pagoda | ||||||
| The Japanese Peace Pagoda was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The pagoda is the highest free structure in the town. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha. | 
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| Botanical Garden | ||||||
| It is the oldest Botanical Garden named as Lloyd Botanical Garden with varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium(Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. There are no entrance fees. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and a couple of hours to spare, is a must. |
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| Nightingale Park/Srubbery Park | ||||||
| It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmes performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a giant Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple, and provisions for live-interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is in the evenings. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor. |
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| Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car | ||||||
| Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is popularly known as the Ropeway. It is about 3 km north of the town and situated at what is known as the North Point. The Ropeway is India's oldest passenger ropeway and connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley. The present ropeway has been extensively modernized and visitors can now safely travel over the clouds to witness the aerial view of the lush green tea gardens below. |
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| Senchal Lake | ||||||
| A scenic place near Tiger Hill. This place has popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to Darjeeling Town. | ||||||
| Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple | ||||||
| Also known to the locals as the "Holy Hill", it is just a few minutes walk from the Chowrasta and is situated on the highest ridge of the town. The Mahakal temple atop the hill is a revered place for the locals and visitors will be surprised to find a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk sharing a common altar. |
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| Dhirdham Temple | ||||||
| Dhirdham temple is modelled on the lines of the famous Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu and was built in 1939. It is a minute's walk from the Darjeeling Railway Station. | 
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| Happy Valley Tea Garden | ||||||
| Happy Valley tea garden is located just a kilometer away from the main town and is situated along 18 Lebong Cart Road (very near to the District Magistrate's Office) and offers tourist a refreshing ambience far from the otherwise noisy town. One can soak in the ambience of the tea garden and take a walk through the carpeted garden. You can take a pony from the Chowrasta or merely walk down the hill to reach the factory. The garden is presently closed but the residents are running it through a cooperative. | ||||||
| Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park | ||||||
| Established on the 14th of August, 1958, the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21st November, 1975. Considered as one of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the tibetan wolf in captivity. Breeding programmes for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the siberian tiger are also carried out at PNHZP. The zoo is open on all days except on Thursdays and other national holidays. |
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| Raj Bhawan | ||||||
| Raj Bhawan is the summer residence of the Governor of West Bengal. The fantastically developed mansion with perfect manicured lawns, lush gardens, surrounding forests and British Bungalows overlooks the Darjeeling Lebong spur and commands a magnificent close-up view of the snow capped Kanchanjunga Range. Being a high security zone, visitors are no longer allowed to venture inside its precinct, a walk around it through the dense forest is however, most charming. Visitors can experience the entire Sikkim-Jorethang crest unhindered. |
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| Step Aside | ||||||
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| Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre | ||||||
| "Our way may be hard and long one, but I believe that the truth and faith must ultimately prevail".- His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After His Holiness escaped from Tibet, thousands of Tibetan refugees came to reside in India. Darjeeling too became a home away from home for the Tibetans in exile. To rehabilitate the community a ten-member committee was formed in Darjeeling to organize a rehabilitation centre which was known as "Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre". The centre was established on October 1, 1959 and the residents of the centre are today known for their handicrafts. The centre makes excellent carpets, woolen goods, woodwork, etc, which are famous across the globe. |
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| Monasteries of Darjeeling | ||||||
| Druk Thupten Sangag Choling Monastery(Dali Monastery) | ||||||
| This monastery is situated at Dali, about 4 kms away from Darjeeling town. This is one of the most famous monasteries belonging to the Kargyupa sect. The pioneer of this monastery was Thuksay Rimpoche, who died in 1983 and his incarnate is reported to have been born in 1986 at Ladakh. This monastery is the headquarters of Drukchen Rimpoche XII, the supreme head of the Kargyupa lineage. |
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| Ghoom Monastery | ||||||
| Built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, this ancient monastery is said to have been blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. The specialty of this monastery is that it contains the statue of the 'Future Coming Buddha' known as Maitreye Buddha. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. You could visit the monastery on your return journey to Darjeeling from Tiger Hill. |
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| The Tamangs are a sub community of the Gorkha/Nepali and mostly belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Established in 1926 this is one of the oldest monasteries of the community | ||||||
| The Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery(Aloobari Monastery) | ||||||
| Situated on the Old Military Road commonly known as the Aloobari road, the Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery was founded by its, Ven. Sangay Lama, the head priest who originally hailed from Nepal. The construction of the monastery, coincided with the beginning of the First World War in 1914. The monastery was therefore named Mag-Dhog or warding off the war and is dedicated to the cause of world peace. The statues of Lord Buddha depicting different forms and the statue of Padma Sambhave at this religious place are stunning. The painting on the wall are said to be done with the help of herbs and are an amazing work of art. Other interesting features of the monastery are the valuaable ancient scriptures lying inside the monastery |
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