Darjeeling, the queen of all hill stations east of the land, is also famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air, and above all, Darjeeling tea estates and famous
Darjeeling is located in the north of the state of West Bengal and in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The districts of Darjeeling share borders with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2134 meters above sea level and is surrounded by various Buddhist monasteries and the mighty peaks of the Himalayas.
The valleys here are very attractive and it is a famous hill station. Darjeeling is not only famous all over the world because of its tea, but also because of its beauty, this city attracts tourists from all over the world. Most of the residents here are Buddhist and in Darjeeling, Nepali and Bengali languages ββare spoken.
There are many places to visit in Darjeeling, but there is also a good option for shopping here. This is the reason why lakhs of people visit Darjeeling every month.
Darjeeling gets its name from Dorje (thunderbolt) and Linga (place). One of the most popular hill stations of India, Darjeeling is strategically very important due to its proximity to the borders of Nepal and Bhutan.
The hill station was popular from the time of British rule. Every year in early summer the Viceroy of India would be taken to Darjeeling.
Covering an area of ββ1,200 square miles and surrounded by Himalayan peaks, it is a fascinating place rich in natural beauty. Some of the most beautiful tea estates are here. The hike Kangchenjunga peak can be seen from the city.
History of Darjeeling
If we talk about the history of Darling, then the history of Darjeeling can be seen in the city and its surrounding hilly areas like Sikkim, Bhutan, Bengal, etc. The history of Darjeeling can be seen along with the famous Darjeeling. Although the arrival of tourists in Darjeeling started in 1835, since then this city provides a spectacular view for tourists, then gradually tea cultivation started in Darjeeling and with this But the Himalayan Railway was established for traffic and progressively it developed, but in history of Darjeeling, the year 1898 is considered to be a memorable one because in this year there was a big earthquake in Darjeeling and it caused a lot of damage to the city. There was a loss of public money here.
Tourist Attractions in Darjeeling
Natural History Museum: The museum contains an extensive collection of the forests of the area. All species of birds, reptiles, and specimens of animals found here are displayed. The butterfly and beetle section merits a special mention.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: The institute is one of the most visited places in Darjeeling. This hike commands a spectacular view of Kangchenjunga.
Lebong Race Track: 8 km. m. From Darjeeling, this race course has the highest and shortest track in the world. Under the management of the Gymkhana Club, races are held here during military parades.
Gymkhana Club: This ball house offers various sports facilities like Tennis, Table Tennis, Billiards, Squash, and Badminton.
Tibetan Refuge Center: This is the place where a large number of Tibetans migrated here in the year 1959 due to the annexation of Tibet by China. Its craft workshops produce pure Ladakhi wool items, carpets, and interesting woodcarving products.
Zoological Park: More correctly known as Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. It was established with the aim of conserving and preserving the diverse Himalayan forests. The zoo houses some rare species including Siberian tigers, red pandas, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan black bears, and yak.
Bhutia Busty Gompa: Hike Situated against the backdrop of the Kangchenjunga ranges, this is one of the most popular monasteries in Darjeeling. There is also a library inside, which houses a collection of religious texts including a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
Ghoom Monastery: Also known as Yogachoeling Gompa, it is situated at a distance of 8 km from the city. This is also an image of Maitreya Buddha. Photography is permitted inside the monastery.
Nightingale Park – The name Nightingale Park comes first on the list of places to visit in Darjeeling because tourists spend most of their time sitting in this park. Actually, Nightingale Park is located at a distance of about 10 kilometers from Darjeeling Nightingale Park is a public park. Whose other name is Robbery which was lying during the British rule, talking about the surrounding view, from here you will get to see the gorgeous views of the Kangchenjunga mountain range? In the meantime, the work of beautifying this park was done, and was again opened for tourists in 2011.
Tiger Hill – The city’s famous Tiger Hill is located at a distance of about 12 kilometers from Darjeeling, in fact, Tiger Hill, built on the top of the mountain, is famous for the beauty of its four directions. Sunrise remains a prime place to see and even more excitingly, let us tell you that from here you will also get to see the snow-capped peaks, which present a different picture in themselves.
Ropeway – In fact, there is no shortage of places to visit Darjeeling, and the ropeway, which has been fulfilling this shortage for centuries, has remained the number one meeting place of tourists. Provides a different refreshment The ropeway is located in the middle of Northpoint in Singla town on the banks of the Raman River. The Darjeeling ropeway was started around 1968 but unfortunately in 2003, 4 tourists died on the ropeway after which the entire It was reopened in 2012 under observation and since then has been a constant delight for tourists.
Batasia Loop – The name of Batasia Loop is no less famous in the category of places to visit in Darjeeling Batasia Loop is one of the most beautiful train routes in Darjeeling because the view around it is green and from here tourists can see the snowy view of Kanchenjunga. The view of the hills can also be easily seen, let us tell you that this loop has been constructed to reduce the height of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Himalayan Zoological Park – Located just 4 kilometers from the city, Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the attractions of Darjeeling from the point of view of the attraction. For them, the Himalayan Zoological Park will provide a heaven-like view. An off-display breeding center for snow leopard and red Pandavas has been built inside this park. If you are planning to visit Darjeeling then you should visit the Zoological Park. I must discuss
Sandakphu Trek – Sandakphu is considered to be the highest peak in West Bengal and due to the height of this peak, Sandakphu has maintained a place as a tourist spot. Sandakphu mountain is situated opposite Singa Leela National Park in Darjeeling if you want to trek. If you are fond of it, then this place can provide great views for you, if you want, you can also come here with your friends, from here you can enjoy the natural beauty along with seeing all the lush green scenery around.
Meaning of Darjeeling
Before knowing the famous sightseeing places of Darjeeling, we should also know what is the meaning of Darjeeling, then in fact the meaning of the word Darjeeling is composed of 2 words Tibet, Durga, and Linga, Durga means Braj and Linga means The place whose common association comes out in front of us is that Darjeeling means the place of Braj.
Weather in Darjeeling
If we talk about the weather of Darjeeling, then the climate here is temperate, due to which the weather here remains normal in summer and in the same way the weather here remains very good even in cold winds. Monsoon rains for about 120 days of the year
Darjeeling temperature
The temperature of Darjeeling is Darjeeling hilly region, the temperature here in summer does not go above 20 degrees Celsius, which is a very good thing for the residents and tourists here because tourists come to Darjeeling to escape the heat of other cities. and in winter the temperature of Darjeeling sometimes drops to minus wherein tourists can also enjoy the spectacular view of snow
Interesting facts about Darjeeling
- Darjeeling is derived from two Tibetan words Dorje and Ling. Dorje signifies thunderbolt while linga means area or spot. That’s why Darjeeling is famous for the thunder or lightning in the sky.
- Rangit Valley Ropeway of Darjeeling is the largest ropeway in Asia. While traveling by this ropeway, you will find yourself among the clouds and you can also see the view of the lush green tea gardens below which is quite breathtaking.
- Darjeeling Railway is popularly known as the “Toy Train” due to its two feet narrow gauge track. Toy train ride facility is available only in Darjeeling, due to which it is considered special.
- The toy train moves at a very slow speed so that you can enjoy the beauty and natural scenery of Darjeeling. Let us tell you that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1919.
- From Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, you can have an astonishing view of the first rays of the sun hitting the top of Mount Kanchenjunga. Along with the beautiful view of the rising sun, it is also famous for the changing colors of the snow.
- A historical observatory in Darjeeling is situated on the hill and you can also get a glimpse of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and Sikkim from the top of this hill.
- Darjeeling is a paradise for tea lovers. Even if you are not a tea lover, you can visit sprawling tea gardens like Happy Valley Tea Estate.
- You can be friendly with the local people of Darjeeling and listen to the myriad tales and ghost stories surrounding the estates here. People never forget to take a sip of the aromatic Darjeeling tea.
- Darjeeling is very diverse in both cultures and religions. Due to this the market here is very wide. You can buy local handicrafts, different fabrics from existing cultures, Buddhist artifacts, Tibetan carpets, and much more from Darjeeling. Apart from this, Darjeeling tea and Himalayan honey are also very famous.
Best time to visit Darjeeling
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between the months of April to June. During this time, when there is a lot of heat in other parts of the country, then the temperature of Darjeeling is between 14 to 8 degrees Celsius.
During this time a large number of tourists come here. If you want to enjoy the cold weather, then you can come here from November to December. In these months the temperature here drops by 6 degrees Celsius and goes down to 1 degree Celsius.
During the rainy season, there is heavy rainfall and landslides also occur, so tourists come here less during this time. You can come here for your honeymoon between December to January. If you are fond of adventure then you can come anytime between February to June.
How To Reach Darjeeling
The facilities around Darjeeling are available by air, train, and bus. After reaching these places you can easily go to Darjeeling.
- How to reach Darjeeling by Airplane
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra which is 88 km from here. Darjeeling can be reached after a journey of about three and a half hours from the airport. Bagdogra Airport is well connected to the metro cities of the country by air. So you can reach here by plane.
- How to reach Darjeeling by Train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station and is at a distance of about 88 km from Darjeeling. NJP is also connected to all the major cities of the country, most of the trains bound for the North-Eastern states stop at this junction. After this, you can reach Darjeeling by bus or taxi from here in two and a half to three hours.
- How to reach Darjeeling by Bus
Bus services are available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, Siliguri to reach Darjeeling, Mirik, and Kalimpong. If you want to go by Darjeeling bus then you have to reach Siliguri first. After this, you can reach Darjeeling by seat-sharing buses or jeeps in about three to three and a half hours.