About Darjeeling
One of the most magical lands on earth, Darjeeling is lavished with awe-inspiring wildlife and exquisite flora, with some of the rare species of animals and birds and some 600 species of butterflies. Synonymous with tea, Darjeeling is a petite hill station in West Bengal.
Cradled in the folds of the loftiest mountains of the world, Darjeeling is justly regarded as the queen of India's hill-stations. Tranquil tea plantations, rolling hills against the Khangchendzonga, the Toy Train, elegant monasteries and charming hilltops, add to the charm of Darjeeling, making it a special destination in the east.
While the Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples are of architectural and cultural importance, the Himalayan physiography of lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers, offers adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.
HISTORY
Until the beginning of the 18th century, the whole area, between the present borders of Sikkim and the plains of Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, belonged to the Rajas of Sikkim. But they lost it to the Gurkhas, who invaded Sikkim in 1780, following consolidation of the latter's, rule in Nepal.
The annexations however, brought them into conflict with the British East India Company. A series of wars were fought, eventually leading to the defeat of the Gurkhas and part of this territory was restored to the Rajas of Sikkim.
The British then pressured the Raja into granting the site to them, in return for an annual stipend, but later annexed it. These annexations brought about a significant change in the status of Darjeeling, eventually leading to the invasion of Sikkim, by the Tibetans and the British military expedition to Lhasa.
CULTURE
Populated with the Nepalese and the migrant Tibetans, the lives of the inhabitants revolve, mainly around the huge tea plantations and processing plants. Simple and hard working, they are satisfied with what they have. Buy whatever, be their economic standard, they love to dress well.
Practicing a weaving culture, most of the arts and crafts are hand-woven and hand-knitted. From the famous Nepali shawl, to the colorful bags, pencil boxes to dressing gear, everything is woven. And the carpets having world-class designs and patterns are very intricately woven.
Fun loving and remarkable preservers of their culture and tradition, they have a special kind of song and dance competition and the drunker you are, the better you perform. A unique cultural trend crediting it to the romantic nature of the inhabitants, most of the marriages take place through elopement.
FOOD
Indian and Chinese food.
SHOPPING
Chowrasta and The Mall are the best places to do your shopping in Darjeeling. Buy Tibetan curios from Habib Mullick, or try the famous Kalimpong cheese (go for the light cheddar) at Glenary?s on The Mall. It is also a cheerful place to sit down and have some tea and cakes. Fresh tea is available in mind-boggling varieties at shops along The Mall. If you want to buy some of the local craft works, then go down to Hayden Hall, where you can have your pick from shawls, sweaters, Tibetan rugs, carpets and much more. Check out exquisite wood carvings and woven bamboo baskets, Bhutan paintings, Tankhas, Tibetan turquoise, Nepali khukris and masks, metal work and sundry local artefacts on The Mall.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Beni Mela is held on the banks of the River Teesta in January. The Bhutias and the Lepchas celebrate their New Year in January. February is time for the Tibetan New Year, which is marked by great festivities, religious ceremonies and colourful folk dances in monasteries. Durga Puja is celebrated in a big way in October.
General Information of Darjeeling
LOCATION
Darjeeling is a summer retreat in the Himalayas in the northern region of West Bengal. It is situated on a spur jutting out northwards from the Ghoom Senchal ridge.
How to Reach
By Air
Jet and IA from Calcutta and Delhi service the airport at Bagdogra daily. Confirmations/reservations can be made from Siliguri and Darjeeling. Airport: Bagdogra is the nearest airport, 90 km away from Darjeeling.
By Rail
Two Rajdhanis ply five times a week from Delhi to New Jalpaiguri Station. From there take the Toy Train that operates on the narrow gauge track between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. Railway station: New Jalpaiguri/ Siliguri is the main railhead for Darjeeling bound passengers. Siliguri is connected to Calcutta and other parts of the country by train.
By Road
From Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri: Take a taxi/ scooter/ rickshaw to Siliguri 10 and 5 km away respectively. From Siliguri: State-run buses and coaches, taxis and cars for hire are available from the Siliguri Bus Terminal to cover the 80 km journey to Darjeeling.
CLIMATE
The average temperature ranges from 8.5? C to 15? C in summers and 1? C to 6? C in winters.
Heritage
Culture 
