“The only land all men long to see is the one that we have seen, but even a single glimpse of it would not be enough to give us a glimpse of all the other shows in the world. Mark Twain (American Writer).
Darjeeling, the description of this entire province can be limited to a few figurative words. This is Darjeeling, the mainstay of its dazzling capital. It’s a combination of magnificent mountains, a charming tea garden, and a tiny toy train. The picturesque Himalaya in Darjeeling is one of the most visited hill stations in West Bengal. A bright sunny day is the best time to see the Himalayan ranges and Tiger Hill. This gives you the chance to view the magnificent Kanchenjunga. The spectacular view that Darjeeling offers is what has earned it the title of “Queen” of the Himalayas.
Let’s first take you on a ride through the land of Darjeeling.
A Summary:
Literally, Darjeeling is composed of two words, ‘dorje and ‘ling, which are both words that denote thunderbolt and a place. Darjeeling, in particular, denotes a thunderbolt-prone area. The scenic surroundings of Darjeeling district, located at more than 2000m elevation, are the mainstay of West Bengal’s tourism industry.
You can dive into the decades-old history of Darjeeling. The British took over the area in 1835. A deed was executed between the British monarch of Sikkim and the Chogyal. Darjeeling, at that time, was just a place of thick bush and a home for the tribes. The British admired the tranquility and soothing climate of this stunning terrain as they moved on. Darjeeling became a sanatorium, and later a settlement for British troops. The district was also home to many immigrants from Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet after independence.
The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Darjeeling, who are mainly from Mongolia. They speak the ‘Rong Ring’ language. The majority of Lepchas are Buddhists by religion. You will also find many tribes that have adopted Christianity or Hinduism. Darjeeling is home to a wide range of religious and cultural diversity that blends the cultures of Gorkhas and Tibetans with Christians, Christians, and Hindus. In this region, there are many immigrants who have brought a variety of religions, arts, crafts and traditional songs to the area. You will find a wide range of festivals here that are equally celebrated with equal enthusiasm. Some of the most popular festivals in Darjeeling are Buddha Jayanti and Dasain as well as Diwali, Loshar, and Diwali.
Multilingual immigrants speak different languages, similar to the many religions and traditions. Darjeeling is home to people who speak English, Hindi, Bengali and Nepali.
This hill station in West Bengal is known for its stunning scenery and delicious ethnic food. You will find many mouth-watering Nepali, Bengali, and Tibetan dishes. Tongba is a great place to get local snacks and drinks. Last but not least, Darjeeling tea is a must-have for any trip to Darjeeling. Don’t miss a cup of the revitalizing Darjeeling Tea.
Climate:
Visitors find the terra firma of a vibrant tea estate and the relaxing climate to be very enjoyable. The region experiences summer in April, which lasts until June. Darjeeling’s summer weather isn’t very hot or humid. Maximum temperatures can reach 250C at this time. Monsoons are a season that surrounds Darjeeling from July through August. Monsoon rains can make it difficult for visitors to enjoy a peaceful time. Monsoon is therefore not a good time to visit Darjeeling. The region experiences winter in late September or early October and continues until March. The mercury drops to -2 degrees Celsius during winter, which makes Darjeeling’s atmosphere absolutely freezing.
The best time to visit:
The summer here isn’t as hot as in the plains. Tourists can enjoy a peaceful vacation in Darjeeling between March and May. You can also visit Darjeeling from October to November, when the weather is very favorable for tourists with clear skies offering an amazing view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks.
Darjeeling’s top tourist spots
There are many opportunities to explore Darjeeling’s Himalayan ranges, and tea gardens. The breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga offers a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. Darjeeling, aside from its beautiful nature, is also a paradise for adventurous trekking trails. Let’s take look at the most important places to visit in Darjeeling.
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill, at an elevation of over 2,500m and located just 13kms from Darjeeling’s main city is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It is known for its highest point, i.e. Ghoom is the best place to see the stunning panorama between Mount Everest &Kanchendzonga. Tiger Hill offers a stunning sunrise view among the mountains. A clear sunny morning can offer a stunning view of nearby peaks such as Rathong, Kokhtang and Kabru. A further attraction is Phalut which offers a thrilling trekking trail for adventure seekers. You can reach Singalila National Park by following this route. Tiger Hill is a stunning destination that allows you to experience the beauty of nature and the thrill of trekking.
Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom Monastery, located 8kms from Darjeeling’s city centre is another tourist attraction. The entrance is home to a 15-foot tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. This attracts a lot of attention. Ghoom Monastery, the largest of three monasteries in Ghum area, is also the largest. Lama Sherab Gyatso built this Monastery in 1875. You will also find a mixture of drums, bells, and ornate thanks as in the monastery complex.
Batasia Loop
Batasia Loop, located around 5 kms from Darjeeling is a paradise for nature-lovers. The stunning garden that surrounds the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s narrow gauge track is a popular attraction. It is a UNESCO World Heritage railway network. Here, the steam engines are still used to operate the trains. Without a joyride, your trip to Darjeeling is incomplete. The joyride is enjoyed by children to its fullest.
The Batasia Loop is surrounded by lush surroundings and vibrant flora. The area covered by the Toy Train is approximately 50,000 square feet. The site boasts an eco garden, restaurants, and Gorkha War Memorial. A bright sunny day at Batasia Loop may give you a stunning view of the Kanchedzonga Range.
Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary
You will need to travel approximately 11Kms from Darjeeling to get there. Senchal Lake is located at 8512 feet elevation, near Tiger Hill. It offers a stunning view of tranquil nature and tranquil surroundings.
This site is known for its large Senchal Lake and one of the oldest wildlife sanctuary in India. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1915 and is home to an extensive variety of endangered flora & fauna. You can spot the Himalayan black bear and Assam macaque as well as leopard, barking deer and monkey. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 40 kilometres and boasts many bird species. Senchal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary are a unique destination in Darjeeling, which can be enjoyed by all ages.
Happy Valley Tea Garden
Many people who grew up in Kolkata, or other parts of West Bengal, have had the pleasure of sipping Darjeeling Tea. Happy Valley Tea Garden, located around 3 Kms away from Darjeeling’s main city is worth a visit. This oldest tea estate in Darjeeling was established in 1854 and covers 437 acres. It offers a unique opportunity to see the process of tea production. This amazing opportunity is yours if you are available every day except Mondays. However, March through May is the best time to see the tea leaf plucking process. Happy Valley Tea Garden is the perfect place to visit if you love tea. There is nothing more charming than watching the tea making process before enjoying a cup of Darjeeling Tea.
Observatory Hill
Darjeeling has many zeniths of mountainous range. Observatory Hill, one of the oldest spots in the district, is one example. The snow-clad Mount Kanchenjunga can be seen from the summits of Observatory Hill. This hill is also known by Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan, where once stood the Bhutia busty monastery. Observatory Hill can be visited today to see the Mahakal temple. This hill attracts equal attention from Buddhist and Hindu followers.
Mahakal Temple
Mahakal Temple, located on top of the Observatory Hill, is another exotic spot in Darjeeling that is loved by all segments of society. It is a beautiful example of a harmonious mix between Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Three gold-plated idols, Vishnu, Maheshwar and Brahma are found in the temple. Legend has it that the trio appeared at this spot in 1782. The site has become a popular pilgrimage spot for Hindu devotees and tourists. Many Hindu worshipers visit the shrine complex every day to pay deep respect to Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwar. The holy shrine’s ambience is enhanced by the use of Buddhist scriptures, holy hymns, bells, and colorful flags. Be aware of the mischievous monkeys who roam the temple compound.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a great place to learn if you love adventure and mountain climbing. This institute, which was established in 1954, was named after Tenzing Norgay, who climbed Everest in just one year. The boarding school provides training for mountaineering students. You can also visit a museum, souvenir shop, and a restaurant. The institute campus also has a climbing wall for training purposes. An auditorium is available for showing movies, lectures, and workshops about mountaineering.You can fly there with Etihadand Turkish Airlines.
