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Located in the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the headquarters of Darjeeling district, a hill station at an average elevation of 2,050 m.
For foreign tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity (Tibetan refugees co-existing with the many Nepali and Bihari labourers brought to work in the tea plantations), the beautiful views and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains. The town is also a jumping off point for travellers heading to Sikkim. |
How to Get There:
By Air: Darjeeling does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra, near Siliguri, just under 100 km from Darjeeling. Bagdogra is connected to Siliguri by rail and road. The most popular mode of transport is by shared taxi.
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is the nearest station on the main inter-city line. Direct trains to NJP run from Delhi and Kolkata (Sealdah)several times a day. From NJP, the famous
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the 'Toy Train' takes you into Darjeeling. This route is very popular as it passes through fabulous mountain scenery. The line zig zags and loops to gain height and runs straight up several village main streets! The diesel hauled train is reliable and punctual.
By Road: There is a regular bus service from Silguri to Darjeeling. However, the buses are quite slow due to the steep spiral up to Darjeeling. Shared jeeps are almost as cheap, but faster.
Getting Around: A steam 'Joy' train operates from Darjeeling to Ghoom round the famous Batasia Loop, once or twice a day. A steam train also connects Siliguri to 'Agony Point' above Tindharia, most Saturdays and Sundays. Walks around town are extremely enjoyable.
Where to Stay: Snow Lion Homestay, Hotel Mohit, Pineridge Hotel, Hotel Seven Seventeen, Dekeling Resort, Hotel Garuda, Dekeling Hotel, Hotel Apsara, Hotel Darjeeling Palace and Hotel Sonar Bangla are mid-range hotels. Hotel Apsara, Pineridge Hotel, Hotel Mohit, Hotel Shambhu, Snow Lion Homestay and Hotel Sonar Bangla are budget class. Hotel Sinclairs, Mayfair and Windamere Hotel are higher end.
What to See: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(HMI), Himalayan Zoo, Buddhist monasteries,
Japanese Peace Pagoda. This is part of 30 pagodas around the globe; Mount Kanchenjunga -
the world's 3rd highest mountain, best seen at dawn from Tiger Hill; Deolo Hill, Kalimpong This is a must see for all the nature lovers visiting Darjeeling. The view of tea gardens from the top of this hill will sweep you off your feet; Mirik - The lake of Mirik is a nice stretch of water where you can enjoy horse riding and boating; Tiger Hill and Observatory Hill, the oldest site in Darjeeling;
Where to Eat: Glenary's Bakery and Cafe; Hot Stimulating Cafe; Hotel Lunar, the best vegetarian restaurant in town; Hotel Chanakya; Kunga's; The Park ; Keventers and Boney's Snack Bar will cater to the stomach.
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