Synonymous with great flavour of its tea, Darjeeling is decorated with rolling hills of tea plantations against the Khangchendzonga. The Happy Valley produces some of the best tea blend well appreciated by tea lovers around the world.

Legend has it that the ecclesiastical scepter of Indra, the Hindu god of thunder and lightning, fell, where the Observatory Hill stands now. Darjeeling derives its name from the Tibetan word “Dorje” and “Ling” which means land.

With the heavenly Kanchendzonga range watching over like her guardian angel; Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. Be it garnished with the sparkling red rhododendrons from January to April, and the pristine white magnolias the place radiates serenity and peace. Exotic forests of silver fur and miles of undulating hillsides covered with lush green tea bushes enhance the sublime splendor of the place which is called the Queen of hill stations. Immuned under the benign wings of the azure sky dappled with perennial speck of clouds, her Majesty dresses up like on going for coronation.

The Chowrasta at the end of the Mall Road is definitive Darjeeling. Whether a horse ride around the Chowrasta, or just sitting there facing the overwhelming East Himalayas, the Chowrasta is something every tourist visits.

The Tiger Hill which is situated on an altitude of 2590 meters (8482ft.) is famous for its view of the sunrise in the Himalayas. If one is lucky, on a clear day one could catch a glimpse of Mount Everest from here.

The Batasia loop near Kurseong is a brilliantly mastered work of engineering. It is an experience of alife time to see the narrow line Darjeeling Siliguri train curve around the loop in lethargic splendor.

A visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is an experience in itself. Adjacent to the institute is a high altitude wild life park home to the Himalayan Black bear, the Red Panda, the Snow Leopard and many rare birds.

At North Point about 3 kms from the town, is located the first passenger ropeway in India- Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway. Regular share taxi service is available from Market Motor.

Where to eat:

Many Hotels offer great food. But Vintage breakfast is at Keventers just opposite the Darjeeling (Planters) Club. Glenary’s has a range of great home made confectionaries.

Where to stay:

Darjeeling has a whole range of hotels to offer with varying grades.

1. Tourist Lodge - Located on Bhanu Sarani, this is run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation and definitely the safest bet as far as decent service and budget are concerned.
Email: dortl@dte.vsnl.net.in This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Tel: 2254411/2254412

2. New Elgin Hotel-A heritage Hotel
Email: newelgin@cal.vsnl.net.in This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Tel: 2254114/2254082

3. Windamere Hotel - A heritage hotel next to the Chowrasta
Email: windamere@vsnl.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Tel: 2254041/2254042

4. Hotel Broadway
Tel: 2253248/2256270

5. Hotel Sinclairs
Email: sinclairsdj@hotmail.com

How to get there:

Taxis are available from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Taxis ply from the nearest Bagdogra airport too. NJP and Siliguri are connected to Calcutta via railways. Several trains run from Shealdah and Howrah everyday. It takes around 8 hrs. to reach. From Siliguri to Darjeeling, taxis take around 3hrs. One can also avail the Heritage ride of the Darjeeling toy train which spirals its way up the hills passing through Kurseong, Tung, Sonada and Ghoom.