Places
to see
Popularly known as the "Queen of Hills" the name Darjeeling derived from the Tibetan word "Dorje" which means thunderbolt and that of "Ling" is a place to rest. Once the summer capital of India this little town was first discovered by British in the year 1829 by Captain Lloyd.
Darjeeling conjures vision of serenity, vibrant greenery of the hills steeped in splendor. It is one of the magnificent hilly resorts of the world facing some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. The flaming red Rhododendrons, the sparkling white Magnolias and emerald greenTea Gardens are all under the blanket of brilliant azure sky. The famous Darjeeling Tea, acknowledge as the "The Champagne of Teas", are produced in this area. The place also boasts of a unique mountain railway project called Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which now is a World Heritage. Darjeeling with its exotic beauty provides a wide variety of activities from leisurely scenic walks to trekking and river rafting.
Main Places Of Interests
Tiger Hill
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.
Ghoom Gompa is about 8 kms from Darjeeling. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha ( prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.
Batasia Loop a 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.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was founded in Darjeeling with the personal initiative of Late Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India on 4th November 1954 to commemorate this singular success of Tenzing Norgay's ascent of Everest (8848 m/29,028 ft) in 1953. This mountaineering training Institute is the landmark in Darjeeling containing an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment.
Zoological Garden is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is 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. The entry in the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the natural history museum and the mountaineering institute & museum.
Natural History 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.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
Tibetan refugee self help centre was established on 1st October 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetians who had followed His Holiness The Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. This centre produces excellent carpets, woollen goods, wood work, leather work etc. The Tibetan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre.
Observatory Hill 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 the monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with the colourful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some these are very aggressive.
Bhutai Busty Gompa with the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
Botanical Garden is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The garden also has a green house.
The Mall, one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak " Kenchendzonga". Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the peak.
Rock Garden & Gangamya Park
Situated 10 kms. from town it is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls where you can see a beautiful combination of natural hill rocks decorated with fountains and flower gardens.
Places Around Darjeeling
Mirik is a nest in the hills, a place located at an altitude of 1767 metres with its own charms. There is a long lake at the center, which is fed by perennial streams. A floating spring at the middle of the lake makes the place more beautiful. A rich forest of thousands Cryptomaria-Japonica trees clothe the slopes on the West. A 3.5 km zig zag footwalk takes you along the lake and a sleek footbridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west,. You can enjoy a boat ride in the lake.
Kalimpong means a black spur. As per Lepches Kalimpong Means 'Ridge Where we play' It is said that local tribesman used to organize field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit. Situated an altitude of 1250 metres it enjoys temperate climete throught out the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjungha. The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road passes through lush green forests and tea gardens. One can stop at viewpoint of Lover's Meet from where the confluence of River Teesta and Rangeet is visible. You can travel direct to Siliguri from Kalimpong and this road follows the river Teesta from the hills till it emerges into the plains of Siliguri.
Lava is a situated at an altitude of 7,200 ft and 32 kms East of Kalimpong. Oak and fir trees will embrace you while you are viewing the Eastern Himalayas at Lava. Ratnarishi Gumpha, Neora Lake, Siviculture Research Centre, Chhangey falls, Ghanti and Tiffin Dara are the other attraction of Lava. Rissium is a place of Moss, Lichens and Wild Flowers and situated at a distance of 12 kms from Lava. Loleygaon is located at an altitutde of 5,500 ft. A spectacular view of himalayan snow will take you to the heaven of the nature.
