About Darjeeling
With
snow-crested hills as the backdrop, ever-fragrant tea plantations, aromatic
coniferous groves and the untamed jungles of fern and bamboo, Darjeeling is
but an ethereal setting. The Victorian town of Darjeeling has cautiously
retained its old world splendour and charm and is as popular as ever. The
vast stretch of tea gardens blanketing the lower slopes is a sight to be
treasured. The town is privileged to have eighty-four tea gardens that are
no less famous among the tea connoisseurs. Darjeeling is a few-hour drive
from Siliguri but the town can be best visited by the Toy Train which is
like a jewel in Darjeeling's crown.
Climate
From April to June is the time of summers. During this season the
temperature is between 20 degrees and 24 degrees centigrade. The sky remains
bright and cool winds blow. December to mid-February is the winter time and
during the period weather is cool and there are frequent hailstorm as well.
Occasional snowfall can be experienced. Monsoons arrive in July and continue
till mid-September. The weather is misty and heavy rainfalls are
experienced. March to June and September to November are the best time to
witness the beauties of the city.
Major attractions
» The Mall -The Mall is a popular street in the town
of Darjeeling and is bustling with crowds of people. The street is fringed
with a number of Tibetan-run shops. You can buy hand-made sweaters,
souvenirs and Himalyan handicrafts here.
» Chowrasta - It is the origin and culmination point
of the Mall Road. The place is the centre of the town and has a number of
hotels, restaurants and shops. One can find woollen garments, tribal
ornaments, thankas, rosaries and Gorkha daggers.
» The Toy Train -
The
Toy Train is the key attraction of the town. It feels like heaven as the
train takes you zigzagging on the slopes giving you a breathtaking view of
the majestic Himalays.
» Observatory Hill -Popular as Makal Babu Ko Thaan,
the Observatory Hill is the oldest place in the town. The temple that stands
here is a haunt of the Shaivites and the Buddhists.
» Tiger Hill - The spot affords a magnificent view
of the Kanchenjunga and the Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the world. The
splendid view of the sunrise is the key attraction of the site. The hill is
located at a distance of 13 km from the town.
» Darjeeling Gymkhana Club The club provides its
visitors with myriad facilities of indoor and outdoor games. The club also
offers the opportunity of being a regular member of the club.
North
India States
