North East Indian City Guide - Darjeeling
Situated in the eastern part of India, West Bengal is one of Indian history’s most important cities. With its capital Kolkata, the state has preserved all its famous historical landmarks intact.
Situated in West Bengal, along the lesser Himalayas and is known for its breathtaking beauty, Darjeeling is a hill station. Known far and wide for its tea plantations, Darjeeling is a prime tourist destination in India. The diversified culture of the place adds to the charm that prevails in it.
Places to Visit
Tiger hill : Famous for its splendid views of the sunrise which gives an astonishing view of the peaks of Kanchenjunga that gets illuminated by the rays of the dawning sun, Tiger hills is a magnificent snow-clad mountain. This place houses Ghoom, which is the railway station at the hghest point in Darjeeling.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Park : Also known as the Darjeeling Zoo, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Park houses a wide range of animals. The zoo is a center and haven for animal lovers and those who like to study about the behavior of animals.
Ghoom monastery : The Yiga Choeling, also known as the old Ghoom monastery is famed for being the oldest monastery in Darjeeling. The 15-foot tall Buddha state in the central hall is made of clay brought from Tibet. The entire surrounding has a serene aura, one which makes you want to instill in the silence forever.
Tinchuley : A quaint hamlet is situated in the Bengal-Sikkim border and resembles mud ovens from a panoramic view. The place is famous for its fruit orchards and tea estates. Tinchuley is a much more obscure and quiet place compared to Darjeeling and offers many adventure activities.
Must visit places :
Bengal Natural History Museum: Standing as a testimony to the flora and the fauna of the place, the Bengal Natural History Museum was originally started as a museum to showcase the different varieties of flora and species of butterflies in the hill station. Today an attractive show of the minerals, mammals, fishes, reptiles and avifauna are displayed.
Batasia Loop :A nature lover’s paradise, the Batasia loop is known for the railway line that is constructed here in the shape of a loop. This is the place where the toy train of Darjeeling makes a complete loop, covering a beautiful scenic garden with vibrant flowers and butterflies.
Dali monastery : Perched on a hill, the Dali monastery lies near the town of Darjeeling and is one of the important monasteries and Buddhist pilgrimage. The monastery houses a school, a coffee shop, prayer hall and residences of the monks.
Things to do :
Aloobari monastery, Darjeeling ropeway and Rock garden.
Best time to visit
October to March makes for a great getaway to Darjeeling with winter in full swing and the climate observed to be in a cool temperature.
Ways to reach
By air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is at a distance of 95 kilometers away.
By rail : The nearest railway station is at Jalpaiguri which is at a distance of 62 kilometers.
By road : Darjeeling is well connected by the state transport and one can hire or rent a car to reach Darjeeling by road.
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