Visitors have been mesmerized, the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.With its exquisite scenic beauty , spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and the people soaked in simplicity will enthrall you to a new dimension.The beckoning Himalayas, dense virgin forests,
Kanchenjunga and the people soaked in simplicity will enthrall you to a new dimension.The beckoning Himalayas, dense virgin forests, vast valleys and meadows and of course the perennial shinning but chilling weather together have placed these places in the map of the most important tourist destinations in the Eastern Himalayas. Nowhere in the world in such a small area, one can find flora and fauna of all varieties. Presenting extravaganza for those obsessed with traveling including cruising through the hills of Himalayan region. Can you put a price on quality?Are the calming of busy mind and the rejuvenation of a weary body added to your bills or the serenity of the glided monasteries. Of course not. This is why many of the world discerning travelers are coming to Darjeeling to experience a true value destination.Are the calming of busy mind and the rejuvenation of a weary body added to your bills or the serenity of the glided monasteries. Of course not. This is why many of the world discerning travelers are coming to Darjeeling to experience a true value destination.
Darjeeling Fact Sheet
General Information
Altitude:
2134 Meters
Climate:
Summer: Max: 14.8* C Min: 8.5* C
Winter : Max: 6.11* C Min: 1.5*C
Rain fall:
320 cms annually.
Beast Season:
March to mid June & September to mid December.
Access
Airlines :
The nearest airport Bagdogra is primarily for Darjeeling hill areas. Bagdogra is 90 kms (56 miles) from Darjeeling. Journey Time - about 3 hours. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Air Deccan operate regular Services to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.
Rail :
The two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India. Some Direct Train services from New Jalpaiguri . The town of Darjeeling can be reached by the 50 miles (80 km) long Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (nicknamed the "Toy Train") from Siliguri.
Road :
Regular bus services and hired vehicles connect Darjeeling with Siliguri and the neighboring towns of Kurseong, Kalimpong and Gangtok. Four wheel drives, including Land Rovers, are the most popular means of transport.
Places of Interest
Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "KANCHENJHANGHA" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.
About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvelous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different action since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place.
HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE & PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Situated at Jawahar Parbat about 2 km from Chowrasta, this unique institution trains mountaineers. It has a museum containing an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment. Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it is a high altitude wild life park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds. Timings: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Thursday.
Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock
Situated at Lebong Cart Road. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock climbing on these Rocks.
Ava Art Gallery
About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi. Timing 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
This is the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. A mono cable type, with one rope acting both as tractor and carrier, the ropeway travels at a speed of 6.5 km an hour. One can avail fantastic joy ride over lush green tea gardens and have a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range. Bookings in advance during season.
Ghoom Monastery
On the way back from Tiger Hill one can visit monastery on the Ghoom spur. One of the oldest Buddhist Monastery in India. It houses a 12 ft. height statue of Lord Buddha. Nearly 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Ghoom Monastery or Gumpha. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha is established. Several monasteries like Ghoom Monastery, Bhutia Busty monastery and Mag-Dhog Yolmowa preserve ancient rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.
Lloyds Botanical Garden
A brilliant garden with rare specimens of plants and orchids. One of the gifts of the Englishman, whether he traveler, settler or colonizer, is that he always carries a 'bit of England' with him wherever he goes. Wrapped in mists and clouds. A garden with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and a host of other flowers. The varied collection of orchids has developed 50 rare varieties, the Orchidarium housing 2,500 plants.
Rock Garden
Its a new tourist spot worth visiting. An ideal place for picnic. There is a natural waterfall named Chunnu Falls and from there 5 minutes you come to Munnu Falls where you can go for boating.
Tibetan Refugees Center
Established in 1959 a center for the refugees who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self help center has been developed as workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. For gift items and souvenirs you may pick up Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work. Tibetan Refugee Center offers one a view and sale of wide range of Tibetan handicrafts. One popular item is the Tibetan carpet.