Though presently a crowded hill station but still captivate travelers by its majestic charm. A part of Victorian holiday resort, a major tea growing center, Darjeeling rests on the ridge of 2200m up in the Himalayas and a beautiful place to view the second third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga. The place is also renowned for lush tea gardens draped over the steep mountain ridges. The biggest plus point of “Queen of Hill Station” is that it offers more than mountains, where one can stroll down to Tibetan monasteries, Buddhist Gompas and Pagodas, colonial mansions, Hindu temples, botanical gardens, a spectacular zoo and variety of adventure activities.



The place was once a part of Sikkim until the 19th century when a fatal war broke with Nepal and Sikkim forced to give up the site to British who used it as health sanatorium. Once a dense forested part of the northern hills, the forest gradually paved way to colonial houses and tea plantations and during the middle of 19th century Darjeeling had seen a massive influx of Gurkha laborers from Nepal and the population rose to 10000. Darjeeling have been an integral part of West Bengal and a premier drawcard but with rising of Gorkhas in the town, they demanded a separate land known as Gorkhaland. After much violence and riots a newly formed Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council was formed thats a large measure of autonomy from the state government.

Darjeeling is one of the most visited tourist place in India. Most of the local people earns from the tourism. Darjeeling offers some unprecedented tourist attractions whether it would be a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga from the Tiger Hills, tea plantations or trekking, Darjeeling caters every type of travelers. Best time to visit Darjeeling is during Summers when temperature hovers around 10 to 11 degrees. Though in winter temperature drops to freezing point and not an ideal time to spent holiday.

Sight And Activities

Mountain Views(Tiger Hills)
The favorite attraction of Darjeeling is undoubtedly mountain views. The Darjeeling panorama is dominated by India’s highest and world third highest peak, Kanchenjunga. The only and best place to see a full glimpse of mighty peak is from the Tiger Hills. This is the highest point in Darjeeling, 11 km south of Darjeeling above Ghoom. The sunrise over the Himalayas from here is must included in every itinerary. Hordes of tourists throng to the point at dawn to witness the awesome view of Himalayas. Organized sunrise trips can be booked or hire a taxi or take a share jeep going to Tiger Hill from along Gandhi or Laden La Rds between 4 am and 4.30 am.

Toy Train Train Tour To Ghoom
Darjeeling Toy Train is few Hill railways still operating in India, besides it is also recognized as a World Heritage Site. Ghoom is the highest point on the Toy Train just 7 km from Darjeeling. The steam driven round trip to Ghoom leaves on early morning and only stop there for a brief time. Best to take one way trip to Ghoom and visit the monasteries and Gompas there and come back in a share jeep, taxi or more ambitious attempt to walk back to the city.

Tea Plantations
Darjeeling produces some of the world’s finest brews. The lush green tea gardens are worthy enough to visit. March to May is the busiest time of plucking and processing of tea plants. A stroll around the tea gardens and aromatic factory to get the insight of tea industry is must.

Adventure Activities
Along the Teesta and Rangeet rivers white water rafting trips are organized. The rapids are graded from Grade II to Grade IV, and the best times for rafting are September to November and March to June. Other adventure activity is mountaineering and trekking. Trek to Sandakphu at an altitude of 3,636m on the Sinalila ridge is a popular trekking expedition.

Shopping
Darjeeling shopping includes famous Darjeeling tea, which is a very good souvenir. There are plenty of shops dotted in the town who sells more than 50 varieties. Other than that beautiful Tibetan carpets and trekking gears are popular shopping items.