Darjeeling - the queen of all hill stations

Introduction:

Darjeeling , the queen of all hill stations, renowned for its natural exquisiteness, sparkling fresh air, year round pleasant weather and in particular, the ever joyful and hospitable local people. The 3rd highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga is in close proximity to this place and furthermore gives the superlative view. Darjeeling is generally known as paradise of the visitors for the reason that each day it offers somewhat fresh to everyone, perhaps the first time visitor and may be the habitual one.

The morning bell comes to the viewers when the first ray of sun touches the mountain peaks. This is Tiger hill, a sharp ride of five kilometers from Ghoom, is the position where one can observe this heavenly feelings. At this point the air is chilly, but distinctive to get an experience. Here the up-to-the-minute day starts with the world renowned combine of tea, foggy and smoky weather, Mountain View and cheery face of local Gurkha people. Darjeeling is moreover a place to be familiar with Tibetan culture, Himalayan Tribal Life, and to observe the Tibetian Monasteries, Pine Trees, Tea garden etc. pretty closely.
General Information:

Altitude: 2134 m. above MSL

Climate: Summer-15-23° C. Winter-2-10° C.

Best time to visit: April to mid June, September to November.

Remember:
Visitors are advised to carry rain clothes in all season and light woolen clothes during summer too.

Culture and Food

The populace of Darjeeling and in the neighborhood places like Kalimpong and Mirik consists of the Gurungs from West Nepal. Other communities like Bhutias, Gorkhas from east Nepal, Lepchas from Sikkim as well living together. People from the plains came and have established here as the place is incredibly fascinating.

The neighboring food staff available is rice, meat curry and momos which are steamed, fried and of course the locally prepared noodles. This in general accompanied by chhang, a brewed wine of the locality made from millet or the jaad which is made from fermented rice. The Gurkhas are staunch Hindus and celebrate all Hindu festivals with identical enthusiasm; Dussehra is the most admired Gurkha festival.

Places To Visit:

No visit to Darjeeling is complete devoid of a visit to Ghoom which is 6 km away from the chief town. The hillock is subjugated by the famed Yiga Choeling Monastery which has 15 images of the Lord Buddha. This belong to the yellow hat faction, the monastery contain many olden palm leaf and paper manuscripts depicted in Tibetan script. The Museum of Natural History is where one can take a glimpse of an excellent compilation of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects. If somebody is interested in flora, then Lloyd Botanic Garden is the right position. It has a amazing assortment of alpine flora and orchids.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the solitary center in India for the breeding of the endangered snow leopard. The Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear are as well amid its attraction.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institution (HMI) which foundeded in the year 1954 by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is the place where one can acquire all the information and particulars of conquest Mount Everest. Tenzing Norgay, one of the foremost conqueror of Everest was the Founder Director and Advisor of the institution until his demise.

Darjeeling-Ranjit Valley ropeway is an additional magnetism which is very near to this place. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is the position where the exceptional Tibetan crafts akin to
carpets, wood and leather works are on display for the visitors.

Kalimpong

Teesta, the crown of this queen valley is spread all through the tiny town Kalimpong. The view of Mac Farlane Church gives a worm welcome to the tourists with to this paradise of nature. A long time ago, it was the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor. The word “kalim” means minister of the king and “pong” means the stranglehold. The place is positioned at an elevation of 1250 meters and covers around 3.5 square miles.
Dr. Graham’s Homes school which was established by Dr. John Anderson Grahman in 1900 is one of the main attractions of Kalimpong. This has been erected on the slopes of Delo Hill, more or less three kilometers away from the town. Visitors who wants to witness a bird’s eye view of the scenic place must go to Durpin Dara, an observatory position atop the hill, from where one can get an overall vision of the grand Himalayan ranges.

There are several monasteries in this region, amongst them the Pedong monastery and Thongsha Gompa are the oldest and typically well known. A further monastery is the Tharpa Choling Monastery which has been erected in 1937 by the Yellow Hat sect, is positioned at Tirpai Hill at a distance of around two kilometers from Kalimpong.

Mirik

Mirik is the place which is renowned for tea gardens and orange orchards. The climate of this situate is cool and appealing and gives a completely dissimilar experience to the visitors. Lush green valley enclosed with tea plantations, tiny cottages, stretched oak trees, gigantic lake and juicy oranges are the things which are distinctive to their evaluation. This is the ultimate place to spend a quantity of time away from the droning city life with friends, family or alone. Fishing and boating in the lake are also sources of enjoyment to the tourists.

Shopping:

Mall is the position where the visitors can give the ultimate touch to there visit. This is fundamentally a commercial center of this valley. At this point one can find hand knitted sweaters, hand painted wall hangings, fancy bags, Himalayan and Tibetan antique, and especially Tibetan theme based oil colorful paintings. It is here where the local people as well sell with their traditional food like momos, thukpa and many other delicacies.

Mall leads to Chow Rasta which is also popular and thronging with crowd like other mall for shopping purpose. Hotels, restaurants and shops are available in plenty in variable ranges. Woolen garments, Tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statues and Gorkha daggers are widely obtainable here. Some shops also deals with the imported items. In both the two places shopping can be done after a good deal of bargain.

Trekking:

Trekking in the Darjeeling hills are on track more or less a century back. It was one of the first hill regions in India where trekking was organized .The Everest and Kanchenjunga still alluring thousands of nature lovers from diverse parts of the world ever since it was discovered.
The best time to embark on trekking program is April-May and October and November. Treks can be arranged through Travel Agents or privately. Both low and high altitude treks are prearranged over here. Some of the most popular treks are Maneybhanjang (2134 m), Meghma (2900 m), Toughu (3070 m), Gairibas (2621 m), Sandakphu (3636 m), and Phalut (3600m)etc.
Another attractive high altitude trek is to Kalimpong valley from Relli, Pankhasari, and to the highest position in the areas, Rochella (3,400 m).All the varieties of Himalayan flora and fauna are extensively available here. The typically used and advisable routes are from Darjeeling to Kurseong through the Old Military Road, Darjeeling to Singla, Darjeeling to Bijabbari and Darjeeling to Tiger Hill.

How to get there:

Air: The nearest Airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra. It is around100 km journey to Darjeeling.

Rail: Siliguri is connected to all the major cities of India by train. From Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, the Toy Trains are available which gives a memorable journey to Darjeeling.

Road: Siliguri is also well linked by road ways and buses, minibuses jeeps run every thirty minutes or so from Siliguri to Darjeeling, Mirik, Gangtok, Katmandu and other places.