DARJEELING – A HIMALAYAN SPLENDOUR

Darjeeling is a small town located in West Bengal. This hill station is one of the most sorted tourist destinations. This is because the place has ample lot of things to offer. The ambience and the spirit of the town will get you the moment you step foot on it. The people here are also super friendly and will make you feel at ease at once and the enchanting view of the elegant Mt. Kanchenjunga at the back drop will get you immediately. Sip of the world famous aromatic Darjeeling Tea will be the best way to settle in and get in to the mood of exploring the town. There are a plenty of ways you can do that. You could go on a hike or a trek. Darjeeling offers an excellent opportunity for the visitors to explore and observe its beauty by trekking, hiking or simply walking as it is blessed with thick, dense forests with rugged lands and hills engulfed by wide range of flora and fauna and rich carpet of tea plantation.

It is also full of temples and monasteries and buildings and architectures with a British touch, as they were built by the British geniuses long time ago during their rule. You can also go exploring the town in a toy train, the UNESCO world Heritage DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway). This is something that you cannot miss. Tourists from all over the world come here just for this ride. Other than this you can get your dose of thrill from plenty of other adventure sports like white water rafting and kayaking in the gushing waters of rivers Teesta and Rangeet. There are other activities as well like, Paragliding, Rock Climbing, Motor Biking, Mountain Biking and cycling.

CULTURE

The ethnic culture and traditions of Darjeeling is rich and diverse. Harmony is maintained in the town in spite of the existence of different race and religion. It has a population of around 132016 people, most of which are Nepalese, Tibetans, Lepchas and Bhutias from Sikkim. Almost all the religions are followed here still Hinduism forms up the major religion followed by Buddhism, but probably the town stays lit up with variety of festivals and events throughout the year. People here are fond of music. There are many famous artists from this place who excel in their traditional folk songs as well as the western music. They are very respectful towards elders and old people. They speak in a soft tone and use both hands while giving and taking things from them as a sign of respect. Their cuisine is also very interesting. Rice is their staple food accompanied by other items like achar, dal, curry and salad. They have a dish called “Aludum” which tastes exceptional. Other famous dishes are momos and thukpas. Their traditional foods are kinema, churpee, soybean, bamboo shoots and Sel roti. As the weather remains chilly most of the time people here like to gather and enjoy alcoholic beverages like Tongba, Jaard and Chhaang.

ATTRACTIONS OF DARJEELING

Tiger Hill

This hill is a famous tourist spot mainly because it offers a spectacular sunrise view. It is also a very good trekking spot. The breath seizing view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest will be the cherries on top.

Batasia Loop

This loop is famous for providing 360 degrees view of Darjeeling when it reaches that certain point while you are in the toy train.

Happy Valley Tea Estate

This is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling spreading across a massive area of 437-acres. It was established in 1854 by an Englishman. It is also known to house one of the highest tea factories in the world.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the home for many of the endangered species like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan mountain goat and Siberian tigers and is mostly known for the Red Panda.

Singalila National Park

Singalila National Park is situated in the highest regions of West Bengal and is the trekker’s paradise as it is a home for varieties of flora and fauna and the rare and endangered species.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the oldest mountaineering institute in the country was set up in memory of the success of the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. They climbed up the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world on 28 May 1953. The institute also provides various mountaineering courses every year.

Senchal Lake

This beautiful lake is located just near the Tiger Hill and is a popular picnic spot. The lake also happens to supplies drinking water to Darjeeling Town.