D A R J E E L I N G

Where is Darjeeling?

Darjeeling is a famous hill resort offering a breath-taking sight of the numerous peaks of the majestic Himalayas. The view of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest are particularly awe inspiring. The luxuriant vegetation is a plant lover’s paradise. The finest blend of tea comes from various tea gardens of this region. The Buddhist Monasteries and the Hindu temples found here are of architectural and cultural importance. The lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers, offer adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.

About Darjeeling

The name Darjeeling is a composition of 'dorje' meaning 'thunderbolt' and 'ling' meaning 'place' ... 'the Land of Thunderbolt'. It is perched at 2134 m directly opposite the massif of Kanchenjunga. At 8586 metres, this is the world's third highest mountain and India's highest and is surrounded by tea plantations on all sides. Darjeeling has been a popular hill station since the British regime. These days people come here to escape from the heat and humidity of the plains. The view over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valley are magnificent. Darjeeling is a fascinating place where you can see Buddhist monasteries, visit a tea plantation, go for ride in the chairlift, spend the day hunting for bargains in colourful markets and handicraft shops, or go trekking to high altitude spots. It is also very famous for its variety of flora and fauna.

Although the Buddhists, with their monasteries at Ghoom and Darjeeling, are perhaps the most conspicuous religious group, they constitute only a minority of the population - about 14 %. The majority of the inhabitants are Hindus, reflecting their origins in the Northern Indian states and Nepal. Christians and Muslims comprise little more than 3 % each of the district’s total population, although there are numerous churches scattered around Darjeeling dating mostly from the British period. The main language spoken is Nepali, however Hindi and English are understood by everyone.

Trekking Routes

Treks in the Darjeeling area join up with the feeder Sikkim valleys of the Rangit river adjoining the Singalia ridge. Kanchenjunga is the dominant feature, its subsidiary peaks spread alongside with distant Everest also in view. Medium or strenuous grade trekking trips can be undertaken using Darjeeling as a convenient departure point. The route is famed for its views of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and rhododendrons from Phalut and Sandakphu.

Places to visit

Jawhar Parbat (formerly Birds Hill): It was planted by a former British Governor and is behind the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence), northwest of the town square. From here you will get a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Singla Valleys.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Located adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is a high altitude wild life park and a new home for the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Deer, Deer Panda, Llama and birds. It is open from 8 am to 4 pm.

Lloyds Botanical Garden: It is a colourful garden situated just below the market motor stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids, etc. The hot houses are well worth a visit. Timings: 6 am to 5 pm.

Dhirdam Temple: Situated just below the railway station, it is built on the style of the famous "Pasupatinath" temple of Kathmandu (Nepal).

Tiger Hill: Situated at an altitude of 2590 mt. (8,482 ft.) and 11 km from the town, the Tiger Hill has earned international fame for the fabulous view of sunrise over “Kanchenjunga” and the great Eastern Himalayan peaks that can be seen from here. On a clear day even Mt. Everest is visible. The golden glow of the rising Sun changes the colour of the snow capped peaks to crimson, pink and shining gold as one watches from the observation desk.

The Mall: This is an important meeting point for all tourists. Restaurants, Cafeterias, and shops full of woollen goods and curios are the main attraction. The view of Kanchenjunga is marvellous from here.

Monsoon Conditions : The monsoon lasts from early June till mid September. For this reason, winter treks are recommended, beginning with October through the period of April to end of May. March to May is the best season for flowers. Till September, the monsoon moves in with thick mists and heavy rain. The onset of autumn imparts an enduring clarity to the distant views until late December, when snow starts falling in the upper valleys. Meanwhile, the life cycle carries on, adapting to the changing colours of the landscape.

History of Darjeeling tea

The story of Darjeeling Tea began some 150 years ago when Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon, planted tea seeds in his garden at Beechwood, Darjeeling, 7000 ft. above sea level as an experiment. He was reasonably successful in raising the plant because the government, in 1847, elected to put out tea nurseries in this area. Darjeeling was then only a sparsely populated hamlet which was being used as a hill resort by the army and some affluent people. Tea, being a labour intensive enterprise, required sufficient numbers of workers to plant, pluck and finally manufacture the produce. For this, employment was offered to people from across the border of Nepal. Today there are 86 running gardens producing Darjeeling tea on a total area of 19,000 hectares. The total production rages from 10 to 11 million kg annually. A unique feature of the work force employed is that more than 60 percent are women and often several members of the family are employed at the same place.

How to get to Darjeeling

Rail Links : A number of express trains also provide direct connections with new Jalpaiguri and Siliguri from Delhi and Kolkata. Convenient bus and taxi services cover the 125 km drive to Gangtok (altitude 1547 m) from Siliguri. Road distances from other points include Darjeeling-139 km, Guwahati - 589 km and Kolkata - 727 km.

From Kolkata (727 km): By air to Bagdogra (Siliguri) - flight duration is about 45 minutes. Indian Airlines as well as private airlines operate on this route. By train to New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri). From there by bus/taxi/trek to Darjeeling (80 km), about 4 hours. Or you can take the famous toy train, which is a meter gauge train operating over breath-taking scenery. The journey takes approximately seven and half hours. By road - Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimgpong and Siliguri.

Tourist Information

Tourist Bureau, Government of West Bengal, Nehru Road, Darjeeling.

Tourist Information Counters at Shiliguri Town, Bagdogra Airport, Shiliguri Jn. & New Jalpaiguri Jn. Tel: 393, Tel: (0353) 431974,431979 (O) & 432893 (R).

Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, 3/2 B.B.D. Bag, (East), Kolkata - 700 001.
Tel :248-8271.