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).

ENTERTAINMENT
Several 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.