An odyssey to Darjeeling

Darjeeling in India is known for its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air,
the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling's best gift
to its visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the
sun. A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun
worshippers to Tiger Hill in the chilly morning when most of the Indian people in other parts of the
country are taking a deep nap. The air is chilly with darkness and damp.
To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold,
orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly
emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight. As the
fog lifts in the slowly penetrating sun, the town gradually comes alive. Amidst brewing of tea, the sing-
song Gorkhali which is the local dialect, rises and falls like music.
Darjeeling popularly known as the land of the thunderbolts is a small town in West Bengal.
The city lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a wonderful scope for eco tourism. The city
covers a total area of about 3149 square km and is connected by road and rail network. Darjeeling
also has its name listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its Himalayan Railways. Also
known as the queen of the Himalayas, the city has some of the most attractive tourist attractions
which results in inflow of large number of tourists each year to enjoy a vacation in this beautiful city in
West Bengal.
Darjeeling tea, which is one of the most exported items from the city, occupies a place of pride
in the entire world for its fresh aroma and taste . The city is a paradise for trekkers and is one of the
most sought after cities for adventure lovers. There are a large number of tourist attractions in and
around the city from which the tourist can derive enormous pleasure.

Fast Facts about Darjeeling:

Area 3149 square km

Altitude 6710 feet
Languages Hindi, Gorkha, Bengali, Nepali, Tibetian and English
Best time to visit March to June and again from October to December
STD Code 0354

Gifted to the British East India Company in 1817, Darjeeling is the hill station of West Bengal. This
has been called the queen of hill-stations.Darjeeling is one of India's most famous hill resorts. It is
2134 m or 7000ft above sea level. In 1835, Darjeeling was given to the East India Company by the
King of Sikkim. It became a popular resort for the British who wanted to escape from the sweltering
heat of the plains.

Tiger hills is the highest point in the area which provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga
peaks. From this place the other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen. On a clear day the
sight of Mt.Everest is just enthralling. The toy train coming from Siliguri is some thing which is liked by
the elders and the children equally. The real fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy train. It takes six
to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 kms and the slow speed gives you enough time to watch and
appreciate the beauty which nature has provided it. This train passes through the Forests, waterfalls,
over deepvalleys and through the mountains and tunnels

The city is centered around the Mall which has a variety of shops, restaurants and hotels. Beautiful
walk ways start from the Mall. Between Darjeeling and Siliguri is the small town of Kurseong which
has several educational institutions and churches. Trekking enthusiasts can check out Sandakphu
and Phalut. From Sandakphu one can see four of the five highest mountain peaks in the world -
Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kanchanjunga.

Places of Interest in Darjeeling

Entering Darjeeling is like travelling back in time to the days of the British Raj, a vertical Victorian
London - like town populated with oriental faces. Church spires and brick chimneys dominate the
skyline.

Dhoom Gompa, Darjeeling

About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Dhoom Gompa. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie
Buddha is established. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist
manuscripts.

The Mall:
The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling hand-knitted
sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both real and imitation antiques.
Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well as specialising in hand-painted black and white
prints with glowing oil colours. The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand,
a pony riding arena for children and a haven for lovers.

Chowrasta:
The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial activity. The Mall Road originates and
culminates at the Chowrasta. This is the heart of Victorian Darjeeling. Here hotels, restaurants and
shops brush against each other. The shops and stalls are a veritable paradise for souvenir collectors.
The Bhutanese sellers display their wares. Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries,
brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available in
some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.

Obeservatory Hill:
The oldest site in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill, known locally as “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan”. According
to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt', stood at this
very spot. The Nepalis destroyed it in the 19th century. The Shivas and Buddhists share the temple
that stands there today.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:

A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the late Tenzing
Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of
equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights. A zoological garden nearby has an assortment
of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:

At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation
of ropeway seats please contact - officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station,
North Point, Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service is available from Market Motor and Taxi Stand is to
the Ropeway Station.

Nearby Attractions from Darjeeling

Tibetan Refuge Camp:

The area in and around Darjeeling is a treasure chest of interesting destinations. The Tibetan
Refugee self-help scheme produces traditional artifacts, jewellery and carpets for tourist
consumption.

Lloyd's Botanical Garden:

Lloyd's Botanical Garden displays a fine collection of Himalayan fauna for those with an interest, and
for punters there is horseracing at Lebong, the smallest and highest racecourse in the world.

Tiger Hill:
Situated at an altitude of 2,590m (8,482 ft.) and 13-km from the town, this spot has earned
international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern
Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Phalut & Sandakphu:

A week's smallest-trip of Phalut and Sandakphu will get one within reach of the high peaks; for the
onlooker it affords a more spectacular panorama than at Tiger Hill. Giant flowering Rhododendron
trees, a pointillism of reds pinks and whites Dwarfs comprise of the en route trail. On attaining heights
of over 3,048m, one is surrounded by skeletal trees devoid of leaves and branches, which are
especially eerie when the clouds roll in and envelop the area.

Pashupati:
Further afield, in Pashupati on the Nepal border, one can purchase foreign goods at reasonable
prices, view wildlife such as the endangered one-horned Rhino, Deer, Gaur, and wild boar while
seated atop an Elephant's back at Jaldapara Game Park; learn of the Lepcha legend at the
confluence of the Teesta and Ranjeet Rivers; relive Kalimpong's past glory as a trading post by
visiting the market filled with traditional Tibetan medicine, spices, musk, wool and silk; or for the truly
adventurous-hire some ponies and a crew and take to the hills.

Kurseong:
Kurseong is mid-way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is
generally open through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then one can come up
to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.

Mirik:
Mirik is 52-km from Siliguri and 55-km from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. Mirik is being developed
as a new hill station in the mountains. Tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations
surround Mirik. It has all the facilities to fulfill the needs of a tourist.
Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri:
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the
North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. Siliguri
also acts as a transit point for Nepal. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change
bus or catch trains. Kalimpong:

Kalimpong is within Darjeeling province and is a sub-division of Darjeeling. It is a small but bustling
town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal - Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1,250m. This bazaar
town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it settled down
with West Bengal.
Batasia Loop, Darjeeling
This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very
unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a
very good market where you can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by the local
women at very reasonable price.

Happy Valley Estate, Darjeeling

We all start our day with tea but we seldom know how the tea is processed. Here one can watch the
tea from the gardens being processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to
persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.

Natural History Museum, Darjeeling

A great place to be at, for all those who have great interest in knowing about the history.The museum
has a collection of over 4300 specimen . Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in its
folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are
included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The
mineral forms of various stones are displayed in a very attractive manner in the museum.

Kanchenjunga View, Darjeeling

From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan
Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta
also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.

Darjeeling Zoological Gardens

The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden of Darjeeling houses some of
the rare species of animals and birds. This is the only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart
from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are
some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers.
Observatory Hills, Darjeeling
This point provides one of the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very
sacred for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and monasteries at this place. The Kali
temple is decorated with the colorful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some them are very
aggressive.

Botanical Gardens, Darjeeling

This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants,
flowers and orchids. This place is near the Darjeeling taxi stand. The gardens also has a green
house.

Monasteries in Darjeeling

Monasteries in around Darjeeling generate tremendous interest among visitors, be it in the form of
architectural extravagance or the spiritual message embodied in them.

Bhutia Busty Monasteries, Darjeeling

Founded in 1879, this monastery follows the Vajrayana school of both Kargyud and Nijingmapa order,
known as red hat.

Samten Choling Monasteries, Darjeeling

This Monasteries belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the yellow hat.
This is the seat of ven. Dromo Geshe rinpoche, the second. A 26 ft. tall stupa has been built recently
in memory of Lama Anagarika Govinda, a great scholar from Germany well known for his book on
Buddhism.

Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom is the last destination of the famous Darjeeling toy train. Located six kilomerters from
Darjeeling, Ghoom is home to the famous Ghoom monastery at an altitude of 2407 meters. The
hillock is dominated by the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery which has 15 images of the Maitreya
Buddha. The main attraction of the monastery is the 4.5 meter statue of Maitreya Buddha.Belonging
to the yellow hat sect, the monastery contains many ancient palm leaf and paper manuscripts in
Tibetan script.

Some other places to visit around Darjeeling:

The Museum of Natural History is where one can see a fine collection of Himalayan animals,
reptiles, birds and insects. If flora is what one enjoys, then Llyod Botanic Garden is the place of
interest. It has a marvelous collection of alpine flora and orchids.
If one is looking for souvenirs, then the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center. It produces excellent
Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work. Established in 1959 after the Dalai Lama and his
followers fled Tibet, it is a haven for ethnic Tibetan art.Other important sites in Darjeeling include the
Ava Art gallery, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, Llyod Botanical Garden, Nightingale park,
Batasia loop, Senchal Lake, Happy Valley tea garden, and the Monasteries.

SPECIAL FEATURE: JOURNEY BY TOY TRAIN IN DARJEELING IN INDIA

The narrow gauge railway lines fondly called the 'toy train' extend to over 4,500 kilometers
mostly in the hilly regions of India. Among these one of the best known is the 83 kilometers long, 610
mm gauge 'toy' railway spanning the gorgeous terrain between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Nestled in the
serene Himalayan splendor, the zigzag railway passing through a variety of foliage, linking Siliguri in
north Bengal with Darjeeling, is a marvel of miniature rail engineering. The train girdles along streams
and tea gardens on the way to Sukana, up a spur of the Singalele range from where the ascent of the
line begins. The train strikes the first spiral or loop followed by the second in proximity of the 20
kilometer post, an amazing engineering feat, practically a double loop, for the rise from Rungtong to
Tindharia. The third loop is about 22 kilometers away and lends an enchanting peep into the valley
below with the Bhutan range in the east, the Teesta river and its Tiger island in the south-east. The
sensational point of the fourth spiral, the Agony Point, is reached outside the Tindharia station.

The scenic beauty along the rail line is a thing of joy forever. From those stalwart sal trees, the
railway track twists in and out of ravines, the tall cotton trees, the buttressed semul palms, the giant
bamboo all entwined with creepers and loaded with ferns and moss. There are fig tress, oak and
chestnut trees, the birch, the maple brambles and orchids, some of them interspersed with walnut
trees and laurels until, in the vicinity of Cheem, the center of the Buddhist monastery of the Yellow
Sect, there is that glorious glimpse of primroses, magnolias and rhododendrons. This luxurious
vegetation is topped with sublime landscapes of snowy heights, more than a dozen peaks standing
aloft above 6,000 meters - the reknown Kanchenjunga and the mountains of east Nepal, Sikkim and
Tibet.

Poor upkeep for decades hampers tourism in Darjeeling

 The full tourism potential of this hill station in West Bengal remains untapped due to lack of
planning, poor infrastructure and political short-sightedness over the decades, a visit to the town
reveals. Narrow and poorly maintained roads, inadequate water supply and garbage dumps at
various places present a picture of neglect in the town known in this region as the “Queen of the Hills”
- and there is a lurking fear that the tourism industry could be permanently affected in the future.

Though the tourist flow has remained unaffected so far, except during periods of political
turmoil, tour operators are apprehensive that the recent series of indefinite shutdowns could deliver a
crippling blow to the industry.

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), which is agitating for a separate Gorkhaland state in
the hills, puts the blame squarely on the West Bengal government, which lobbed the ball back saying
the political ups and downs have badly hit the tourism sector.

According to GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, “The West Bengal government did not do
anything for developing the tourism sector here. It has huge potential but it has remained mostly
unutilised,” However, state Tourism Minister Manab Mukherjee claimed the government had
constantly provided funds to the autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and that “it was
up to them to decide how to use it.”, and “All the industries in general and tourism in particular have
incurred huge losses due to political ups and downs in Darjeeling,”

Darjeeling is an extremely neglected area. The road conditions are very bad - narrow and
without fencing. Infrastructure-wise, nothing is done, there was no initiative taken for the beautification
of Darjeeling, which could have attracted more tourists.

The neighbouring state of Sikkim has done extremely well in tourism. Despite having the
potential, Darjeeling could not do so well. The potential of this region has remained untapped.

There is inadequacy of water supplies. There is only one water reservoir for the entire
Darjeeling town catering to more than more than 200,000 residents. The numbers go up considerably
during the peak season when tourists come flowing in. The DGHC failed to construct a second
reservoir and there are no means of storing the rain that falls during the monsoon. Darjeeling
residents have to pay through their noses to buy water during the peak tourist season.

Known for its scenic beauty, Darjeeling is situated on the lower range of the Himalayas that
extend 2,000 km from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast. Its rise
to fame began in the early 19th century when two British officers found the area around present
Darjeeling suitable for establishing a sanatorium for British troops.

Over 350,000 tourists, including 100,000 from abroad, visit Darjeeling every year to cool their
heels on the famous Mall and enjoy the beauty of the sunrise from the Tiger Hill. The surrounding
areas of Mirik and Kalimpong are also major draws.

Apart from those directly engaged in tourism, there are many other businessmen and
shopowners who benefit indirectly from tourist arrivals.

The recent political turmoil has left the economy of the region tattered. Tourism, tea and timber
that form the financial backbone of the region have been badly affected.