Darjeeling - the queen of hills

Darjeeling one of the most famous hill station in India, is located in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling (Alt. 2134m), the quintessential hill station is draped over the ridge with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Its undulating hills are covered with tea plantations, which has a reputation for producing best tea. The word Darjeeling has come from Tibetian means A Place Of Thunderbolt. It has also made a name for itself as a desirable destination for the nature lovers tourists. A well developed tourist infrastructure an high light such as the view of the mount Kanchenjunga range and mount Everest attract travelling from all around the world.

The area of what is now the province of Darjeeling was once a much fought-over strip of land that often changed hands. Before come under British rule it was governed by the king of Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal. Like many a place along the Himalaya chain Darjeeling's location made it a place of refuge for the British troops who were plagued by heat an disease. By the 19th century the town already had a permanent population 10,000 of which the majority were Nepalis who worked on the newly established Tea plantations. Much later on this migration let to great tensions between their descendants and the west Bengal Govt. the majority of the Nepali speaking population.

Visit the region in spring will have the good fortune of witnessing the magnificent Rhododendron and Magnolia blossom. There are countless tourist places here including great viewpoints, monasteries & religious shrines, tea estates, museums, art galleries, parks & gardens, waterfalls and lot more. Take a look at the ones that we love to visit.

Places to visit in Darjeeling

Tiger Hill

Visit early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss the Mt. Kanchenjunga and give it a golden color. To visit the hill, wake up at 3AM in the morning. You can taste some excellent tea on your way to the hill, Tiger Hillwhich will provide much needed warmth on cold Darjeeling mornings. Tiger Hill is located 16kms. from Darjeeling town and above Ghoom. It's the highest point in the Darjeeling area at an altitude of 8482 feet (or 2590 meters). The best season to see the dazzling snow covered peaks as the sun rises. From Tiger Hill you will get almost 360 degree view of the Darjeeling area including that of the entire Eastern Himalayan range. If you look towards north, you will see the landscape of Darjeeling Town. And in the background is the stupendous snowy range. Just before the sun comes up, the peaks begin to emerge. On a clear day if the mist doesn't play foul, you can even see the world's highest peak Mount Everest 29,029 ft (8,848 meters) which lies in Nepal and also the Mount Makalu 27,769 ft (8,464 meters). in the Tibet's Chomol Hari Mountain which is said to be world's most beautiful peak.

Senchal Lake

A scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastery is also known as Yogachoeling Gompa. It is located in a place called Ghoom in Darjeeling, hence the name Ghoom Gompa. It was in the year 1875 that a Mongolian astrologer cum monk established the Ghoom Gompa. At the entry of the monastery,Ghoom Monastery there is a huge giant size image of seated 'Maitreya Buddha' (prospective Buddha) inside. There are bells, ornate thanka scrolls and drums inside the monastery. Like many other monasteries in and around Darjeeling, this gompa is also a storehouse of some rare Buddhist manuscripts. Located at a distance of about 8 km south from the main town of Darjeeling, this gompa has become a destination for people seeking peace and serenity. The gompa is located nearby Ghoom station. One can also reach the gompa from Hill Cart Road as it is situated just below the road.

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop, a massive railway loop around 5 km from Darjeeling is a great place to enjoy a 360 degree view of the beautiful landscapes of Darjeeling and the majestic Kanchenjunga range. Commissioned in the year 1919,Batasia Loop Batasia Loop commands wonderful view of the serene surroundings with snowcapped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. There is also a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947.

Batasia loop gives a fabulous experience to all of its visitors, as one stand on one side of the garden and see the toy train making a complete loop while hooting its whistle along the way and trying to negotiate the spiral track with a double loop.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo is a unique Zoo. zoo in the town of Darjeeling in theIndian state of West Bengal. It is situated at an altitude of 2133mt. the largest high altitude zoo in India. against the glorious back ground of the Mount Kanchenjunga. The zoo was opened in 1958, The park is named after Padmaja Naidu 1900-1975, the governor of West Bengal 1956-1967 and the daughter of Sarojini Naidu the nationalist leader, poet.

The Zoo specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful captive breeding programs for the Snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf, and the Red panda. The zoo attracts about 450,000 - 500,000 visitors every year.

The high altitude wild life is home to the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan black Bear, Goral, Blue ship, and Dear, Panther, and variety of endangered birds.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on 28 May 1953. Himalayan Mountaineering InstituteThe institute has an interesting Everest Museum and also offers some mountaineering and adventure courses. Situated on the Jawahar Parvat, the institute is famous for its unique collection of mountaineering equipment and findings. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.

Lloyds Botanical Garden

Contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. Lloyd's Botanical Garden displays a fine collection of Himalayan fauna for those with an interest. The highlight of this botanical garden is the two famous living fossils called the Phantom. It is actually a home to a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids.

Dhirdham Temple

Dhirdham Temple is built in the style of Kathmandu's Pashupatinath temple adds to the varied religious architectural styles of Darjeeling. This temple is also very famous for its unique architectural structure and blend of attractive styles. For those people who love to worship God visit this temple.

Observatory Hills

This point provides one of the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and the monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with the colorful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some these are very aggressive.

Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda

About 10 minutes by car, you will reach a wonderful area that is symbolic of peace and tranquility. Located in the Jalapahar hill, the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga.

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