Darjeeling Holidays
Darjeeling Hill Station
In the land of the Mystic Thunderbolt Often called the Queen of
Himalayas, Darjeeling affords unparalleled views of these majestic
mountains. The snow-clad Kanchenjunga. ranges, which turn orange-gold in the
early morning sun, provide an unforgettable sight. A highlight of a visit to
Darjeeling is a trip to tiger Hill before the break of dawn, to see the sun
rise over Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world.In the
region around Darjeeling can be seen a wide variety of wild flowers,
orchids, rhododendrons and ferns. Treks from Darjeeling yield rich rewards
to the nature lover in search of rare flora.A trip on the "Toy Train"
from new Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is a rare experience of travel on a 2 -
ft. gauge railway at 15 km. per hour passing through bazaars and village
streets.
WHAT TO SEE » Lloyd
Botanical Gardens with spectacular ferns, rhododendrons and multitudes
of trees and plants. Also an Orchid House.
» Observatory
Hill for a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga ranges.
»
Dhirdham Temple built in the Nepali style.
»
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where mountaineers are being trained
, of which the late Tenzing Norgay, who was one of the two to first conquer
Everest, was the Director.
» The Zoological Park
which has high altitude animals.
» Batasia Loop from
where one can see the Toy Railway, wind its way.
»
Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Ropeway, which links Darjeeling with Singla
Bazaar.
» Lebong Race Course, one of the smallest and
highest race courses in the world.
» Happy Valley Tea
Estate (3 km. ) to see tea being produce.
EXCURSIONS
»
Ghoom Monastery (8 km.). Built in the Tibetan style, it enshrines a
statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
» Tiger Hills (11
km.), to see sunshine over Mount Everest and the Kanchenjunga ranges.
»
Takdah (26 km.) where there are several nurseries growing Himalayan
Orchids.
» Kurseong (32 km.) a charming health
resort.
» Mirik (49 km.) is a hill station 1800
meters (6000 ft.) high with a beautiful lake in the centre.
»
Kalimpong (51 km.), another hill resort, is reached by a fascinating
journey through tea estate, winding roads and several view points from where
the Himalayas can be viewed.
» Sandakphu (58 km.) at
a height of 3657 meters (12,190 ft.). A favourite with trekkers. Affords
glorious view of the Himalayan peaks. (There are Trekkers Huts along the
route.)
» Gangtok Sea (139 km.), the capital of
Sikkim, a state of great scenic beauty.
» Jaldapara Wild
Life Sanctuary (224 km.) and the Dooars. Trained elephants are available
to take visitors around the sanctuary where the rare one-horned rhino can be
seen.
FESTIVALS OF SPECIAL LOCAL INTEREST»
Buddha Jayanti (May), the birth anniversary of the Buddha is a great
event, colorfully celebrated at the various Buddhist monasteries.
»
Tea Festival (September).
SHOPPING
Locally made carpets, woolen and leather handicrafts made by hill people are
very attractive. Hand-knit pure wool sweaters and caps are available as also
a wide range of Tibetan handicrafts and tankhas (painted scrolls).
ENTERTAINMENTSeveral
organisations stage the classical colorful Kathakali and Mohiniattam,
Ottamthullal and Koodiyattam dances daily in various part of the city, some
specially for tourists.
SPORTS The
Himalayan Training Institute holds demonstrations in the season of
mountain-climbing etc. There are many number of Himalayan Treks which can be
undertaken from Darjeeling as the base. A popular one is to Sandakphu by
different trekking routs. the best season for treks are April-May and
October-November.
