Tour to Darjeeling (india) – The queen of Hill Stations

Darjeeling adjures visions of ataraxis, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendor, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill stations in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in chromaticities of every colour. The flaming red bushes, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of cockling hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir under the blanket of a brilliant cerulean sky mottled with mites of clouds, compellingly foxes Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetan word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling waves thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveller - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in ones memory - forever.

Airports in Darjeeling:

The nearest airport Bagdogra is primarily for Darjeeling hill areas. Bagdogra is 90 kms (56 miles) from Darjeeling. Journey Time - about 3 hours.

Indian Airlines N.E.P.C. Skyline Jet Airways operate regular Services to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.

Railways:

Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India.

Tiger Hill:

Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Batasia Loop:

About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvelous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different action since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.

Observatory Hill:

Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who are worshipped here by the hundreds

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

Situated on Jawahar Par bat about 2 km. From Chowrasta, this unique institution trains mountaineers. It has a museum containing an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment. Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it is a high altitude wild life park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds.

Timings: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Thursday.

The snow Leopard breeding Centre was started in 1986 to breed Snow Leopards in captivity with the help of International Snow Leopard captive breeding project. Closed on Thursday.

Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock:

Situated at Lebong Cart Road. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock climbing on these Rocks.

Natural History Museum:

Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum contains comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region.

Opens from 10 a.m. too 4 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.

Lloyds Botanical Garden:

A colourful garden situated just below the Market Motor Stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The green houses are well worth a visit. Timing: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chunnu Summer Falls (Rock Garden) & Gangamya Park:

A worth-seeing place. Beautiful combination of natural hill rocks decorated with fountains and flower gardens. Boating facilities available.

The Shrubbery:

This beautiful garden is situated on the Jawahar Parbat behind Raj Bhawan. A magnificent view of Kanchenjunga Range and Singla Valley can be enjoyed from here.

Ava Art Gallery: About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi. Timing 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Of about seventy tea gardens in this hilly region, this is one of the nearest, about 3 km from the town. Here one can see the processing of the world famous Darjeeling tea.

Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays (afternoon and) and Mondays (full day).

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway: At North Point about 3 km from the town. The first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact Officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Phone: 52731. Regular share taxi service available from Market Motor. Stand to the Ropeway Station. Fare 5.00.

Lebong Race Course: About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yds. Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.

Garg World Amusement Park: Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.

Barbotey Rock Garden: Situated 10 kms. from town it is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre: Tibetan refugee self help centre was established on 1^st October 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetians who had followed His Holiness The Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. This centre produces excellent carpets, woolen goods, wood work, leather work etc. The Tiebtan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre.

Manjusha, Bengal Emporium:

Prominent hill handicrafts, handloom and silk products of West Bengal are displayed and sold here. The emporium is situated at Nehru Road.

Hayden Hall:

Woolen carpets, cotton shoulder bags, table mats, hand knitted pure woolen sweaters and caps are available for sale at reasonable prices. The items are woven by the local ladies.

Gram Silpa: It isKhadi and Village Industries Commission, Govt. of India, an ideal place to buy khadi handloom silk products.

SenchalLake: A favourite Excursion and picnic spot about 10 km. from the town. Senchal Lake provides water supply to Darjeeling town.

Singla: At anAltitude 244 meters or 800 ft. (approx.), this attractive picnic spot near Rangeet River has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism, DGHC for a water sports complex.

Ajitar: About21 km. from Darjeeling by road (jeepable), it is a excellent picnic spot.

Bijanbari: This beautiful picnic spot is near the Little Rangeet river. 38 km. from Darjeeling by road. Situated at an altitude of 762 meters or 2500 ft.

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