India-Tourist-Places.com

Archive for the ‘Darjeeling Hill Station’ Category

We organize Darjeeling Tour Packages from Mumbai , Pune , Bangalore , Chennai , Hyderabad , Madurai , Coimbatore , Delhi , Ahmedabad , Kolkata , Cochin , Mysore , Chandigarh , Vadodara , Surat , Kanpur , Jaipur , Lucknow , Nagpur , Patna , Indore , Thane , Bhopal , Ludhiana , Nashik , Faridabad , Rajkot , Meerut , Varanasi , Aurangabad , Solapur , Kerala , Allahabad , Visakhapatnam , Jodhpur , Vijayawada , Gwalior , Karnataka , Bhubaneswar , Salem , Tiruchirappalli , Raipur , Gorakhpur , Warangal , Kolhapur , Guntur , Noida , Tirunelveli , Udaipur, Tirupur , Mangalore , Gandhinagar , Tirupati , Kochin , Trivandrum and many other cities in India and abroad. We also provide information about Darjeeling honeymoon package , Darjeeling tourism , Darjeeling tourism development corporation , Darjeeling tourism guide and Darjeeling tourist places. Darjeeling is a Himalayan town in the Indian state of West Bengal.

It is internationally renowned as a tourist destination, along with for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the headquarters of Darjeeling district. The town is located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya at an average elevation of 6,710 ft (2,050 m). The development of the town dates back to the mid-19th century, when the British set up a sanatorium and a military depot. Subsequently, extensive tea plantation was done in the region, and tea growers developed distinctive hybrids of black tea and created new fermenting techniques.

The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognised and ranks among the most popular of the black teas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India. Darjeeling also has several British-style public schools, which attract students from throughout India and neighbouring countries. The town, with its neighbouring town of Kalimpong, was a center for the demand of the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s. Come and explore the beauty of Darjeeling through our Darjeeling tour packages with great fun.

Darjeeling is also called ‘Queen of the hills’. This famous hill station in the state of West Bengal in India is one of the highlights of Indian tourism and West Bengal tourism benefits significantly from the vast number of Indian and international tourists that visits Darjeeling every year. The town is also the capital of the Darjeeling district which is the northernmost district of West Bengal bordering Nepal. The town offers fantastic vacations in summer as well as winter. The view of the Himalayas, particularly the magnificent view of the Kanchenjungha is one of the major attractions of Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the toy train, has become the symbol of Darjeeling .

Darjeeling is blessed with beautiful landscape and pleasant weather. Nestled amidst rolling mountains, the first sight of this serene city is enough to captivate a tourist. Boasting of a strategic location and unbound beauty, this place has been a major tourist destination of India since the British era. The cultural diversity, historical connexion, delicious cuisines, unique local market and fantastic trekking expeditions are some of the other reasons why tourists love exploring this beautiful hill resort. Darjeeling also offers them a large number of tourist attractions worth visiting, right from vantage points to war memorials, temples to monasteries and toy train to mountaineering institute. Given below is information on the places to see in Darjeeling city of West Bengal.

Places To Visit

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is one of the most popular vantage points in Darjeeling. From here, you can get to see world’s third highest peak, ‘Kanchenjunga’, easily. If you are exceptionally lucky, you can also get to see the highest peak of the world’ Mt. Everest’ from this place. Tiger Hill also offers some awe-inspiring views of surrounding mountains and valley.

War Memorial

The war memorial was built in Darjeeling, in the memory of those brave Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their life for their country, in all wars and operations that taken place since independence. It was constructed by the Zilla Sainik Board, in 1995. When in Darjeeling, you must visit this place to pay homage to those brave-hearts.

Dhirdham Temple

The Dhirdham temple in Darjeeling roughly resembles the famous Pasupathinath Temple of Kathmandu. The presiding deity of this temple is ‘Lord Shiva’. The temple’s ceiling reflects the influence of Tibetan architectural style. It was constructed by Rai Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan in 1939. It is situated near Darjeeling Railway Station.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was inaugurated in 1954, by India’s first Prime Minister, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first man to climb Mt. Everest, was the first Director of Field Training, at this institute. It is one of India’s finest mountaineering institutes, which also houses a mountaineering museum that boasts of a rare collection of historic mountaineering equipments.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Spread over an area of about 44 hectares, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is renowned for its successful captive breeding of several critical endangered species, like Snow Leopard and Red Panda. Situated at an altitude of 2133.5 meters, on the Birch Hill, this zoo now serves as home to many species of endangered animals as well as birds.

Darjeeling – Fast Facts

Area 10.57 sq km
Altitude 2,134 m above sea level
Population 73,062
Languages Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English
Religion Hindus (77.95%), Buddhist (11.95%), Others (10.1%)
Annual Mean Rainfall 3,200 mm
Maximum Temperature 14.89°C
Minimum Temperature 5°C
STD Code 0354

Darjeeling is a very popular hill station that stands at an altitude of 7000 feet. It is located in the Northern part of West Bengal and is famous world over for its tea estates. With Adventure Tours of India, you can not only enjoy a tour of its tourist spots but also try out many adventure sports, that the hill station has to offer. Come to Darjeeling and see the best ofeverything that nature has to offer with Adventure Tours of India.

Darjeeling-Tourist Places in and around Darjeeling

When you are in Darjeeling, you can visit the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery, where you can take a look at the images of Maitreya Buddha. There are also many old manuscripts, in Tibetan script that are very interesting.

You can also tour the Museum of Natural History, which is a favorite among tourists to Darjeeling. The museum has an extensive collection of Himalayan reptiles, animals, birds and insects.

The Lloyd Botanical Garden is where the tourists can check out orchids and various kinds of Flora. There is also the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which boasts of being the only center in India for the breeding of the snow leopard. One can see the Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear at this zoo.

Not too far from the zoo, is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. This was established in 1954, by Jawahrlal Nehru. Tenzing Norgay was the first director of this institute and remained an advisor till he expired.

While in Darjeeling, one must ride the Darjeeling-Rangit valley ropeway, which is the longest ropeway ride in Asia. People ride this mainly to get a better view of the beautiful scenery around town. Visitors to Darjeeling can also visit the tea gardens and the Mall.

Other few places, worth a visit are the, Bhutia Bustee Monastery, Dhirdam temple, Ava Art gallery and Aloobaari Monastery.

There are several places around Darjeeling too, that are worth a visit. For instance, one can take a tour to The Tiger Hill. It is at a distance of 11 kms from the main town and stands at an altitude of 2,590 meters. People say it is the best place to watch the sun rise over the Himalayan peaks.

One of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is best during the months of April, May, October and November. As during these seasons the visibility is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all types of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but there are some areas which have long stretches without any water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are available. Guides and porters can also be arranged. Phalut is also called the view point of the Himalayas and is one of the most important & famous treks in the region. The trek starts with a small bus trip to Manaybhanjang. From here the trek passes through the mountains to Sandakphu. From here you can proceed further up or you can return via Rimbik then to Darjeeling by Bus. One can also take a short cut and not go to Ohalut. From Sandakphu backtrek to Bikhay Bhanjang and cut across to Rimbik. But keep in mind that this trek is a difficult one with no water or food in between.

Climate

The best season to visit Darjeeling is between April and June. The weather during this period is generally clear and the chilling biting cold gets subsided. But one can also go to Darjeeling between September and November. During these months the mountains are clearly visible and one can enjoy the golden sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. Being a mountain city Darjeeling experiences rains throughout the year. Often heavy down pours wash away the roads and the place is totally cut off from rest of the country. The temperature range is not very large here with the maximum in summers being 15 degrees and 1.5 degrees in winters. This place requires warm cloths any time of the year and do not forget to carry a umbrella to this place.

Shopping Mall

Mall is the place where the visitors can give the finishing touch “shopping” to there visit. This is basically a comercial center of this valley.Here one can find hand knitted sweaters,hand painted wall hangings,fancy bags, himalayan and tibetian antique , and specially tibetian theme based oil paintings of black&white in colour.Here the local people also appear with some traditional food like momos etc.

Mall leads to Chowrasta which is also popular and crowdy like mall for shopping purpose. Here hotels, restaurants and shops are plentily availabale in wide and different range.Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers arewidely available here.Some shols offers foriegn goods.But the two places, Mall and Chowrasta deserves shopping after huge bargaining.

Prime Attractions of Darjeeling

Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling. From here one can see the peaks of the Kanchenjunga and on a clear day the Everest looms into view. Close by, at a height of 2448 m is the Senchal Lake, which is a popular picnic spot. The Observatory Hill is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists for there is a Kali temple here and a multitude of prayer flags.

Batasia LoopThis 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. Bhutia 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 Gardens This place 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 gardens also has a green house.ChowrastaThis one of the important shopping places in Darjeeling . Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each other. The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible from this place. Near Chowrata are several Hindu and Buddhists temples. This place is over flowing with foreign tourists. You can also enjoy a pony ride form this place. Dhoom Gompa It 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. Happy Valley Estate The tea from the gardens is processed out here. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.Kanchenjunga View From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of mountaineering equipments which have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. Specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept here. The record of attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the Mt.Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this institute for many years and he was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986. Near the institute is Srabri which gives a very good view of the Single valley and the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit at Srabri and feel the cool breeze from the valley. Passenger RopewayAnother tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was 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. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any one visiting Darjeeling. Zoological Gardens The zoo 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.

Resorts In Darjeeling

Windamere Hotel ( 4 Star Hotel )
Address: Observatory Hill, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Heritage Hotel
The Hotel is located in a commanding position in the heart of Darjeeling, Windmere was originally a 19th century boarding house, built for bachelors and British & Scottish Tea Planters. It was converted into a hotel in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War second. The hotel consists of two sections, the first is ” The Windamere” which is furnished in traditional colonial style. This wing includes a honeymoon cottage. “Little Windamere” on the other hand has all modern facililties and decor.
Accessibility: Airport: 90KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $90 – $150 (Rs. 4500 – 7500)

Fortune Hotels ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: Robertson Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Heritage Hotel
Set against the majestic backdrop of the mighty mountains, Darjeeling is called the “Queen of the Hills”. Darjeeling is well connected to most cities and towns in India, through Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station. Beginning with an experience of India”s heritage, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the sight of the snowcapped range of Kanchanjunga. There is no better place for a holiday than this unique “Blend of grandeur and beauty”.
Accessibility: Airport Domestic: 86KM., Airport International: 650KM., Railway Station: 80KM., Bus Stand: 0.5KM., Shopping Centre: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $40 – $100 (Rs. 2000 – 5000)

Hotel Mohit Private Limited. ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 31, H.D. Lama Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Hotel Mohit is located on the main promende near the shopping area and the Mall overlooking the panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is the latest enterprise providing the finest standards of luxury elegance and comfort.
Accessibility: Airport (Dom.): 80KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Bus Stand: 0.1KM., Shopping Centre: 0.1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $75 – $150 (Rs. 3750 – 7500)

Hotel Sinclairs ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 18 / 1, Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Situated near the main mall, the point of convergence, Hotel Sinclairs Darjeeling is a fine hotel in Darjeeling offering comfort, service and cuisine of the highest standards along with the fascinating view of the Himalayas.
Accessibility: Air (Dom.): 100KM., Railway station: 100KM., Bus stand: 2KM., City center: 0.5KM., Shopping center: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $46 – $95 (Rs. 2300 – 4750)

Hotel Swiss ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: Situated at Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: Suburban
Property Type: Resort
Hotel Swiss is situated at Gandhi Road. The resort offers every modern comfort to make your stay pleasant and memorable.
Accessibility: Air (Dom.): 100KM., Railway station: 100KM., Bus stand: 2KM., City center: 0.5KM., Shopping center: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $30 – $100 (Rs. 1500 – 5000)

Mayfair Hill Resort ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address:The Mall Opp. Governor House, DarjeelingLocation: City Center
Property Type: Resort
The Mayfair Hill resort located opposite the governor’s house, just 30 yards away from the Main Gate, about 88 Kms away from Badgogra airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and about one and half km from Darjeeling Railway Station and just half a Km from Chowrasta-The main shopping Mall.
Accessibility: Badgogra Airport: 88KM., New Jalpaiguri Railway Station: 87KM., Darjeeling Railway Station: 1.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $40 – $80 (Rs. 2000 – 4000)

Cedar Inn ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: Jalpahar Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
High above the main township, nestling amidst groves of evergreen trees is serene environs, is Darjeeling’’s landmark of luxury – Cedar Inn. The hotel’’s location is arguably its greatest asset, setting it above and apart from the hustle and jostling tourists downtown and offering a visual treat of spectacular mountain vistas, with the ridge that defines Darjeeling stretching away below. The view is without doubt one of the most memorable in the world.
Accessibility: Bagdogra Airport: 85KM., Siliguri Rail Station: 80KM., City Centre: 1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $35 – $50 (Rs. 1750 – 2500)

New Elgin Hotel ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 18, H.D. Lama Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Heritage Hotel
The Elgin is a Elgin Heritage Group of Hotels at Darjeeling in the Himalayas. As you enter, the heritage – The Elgin, warmth greets you. A silken Khada is drapped around your neck as a traditional Himalayan welcome, as sparkling cherry liquor spreads a Warm glow within. The phrase ‘old world charm’ is a palpable feeling of being snug and cozy in this quaint and charming 120 year old residence reminiscent of the heydays of the Raj.
Accessibility: Airport: 105KM., Railway Station: 0.5KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $60 – $100 (Rs. 3000 – 5000)

Hotel North Star ( 3 Star Hotel )
Address: 11-H.D., Lama Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Hotel North Star is a five storied magnificent building having 21 rooms 51 beds in total. 15 rooms are on the Kanchenjungha View Side and 6 rooms on the Darjeeling Town View Side. It is situated in the heart of Darjeeling and just five minutes walk from the Mall Road.
Accessibility: Airport: 90KM., Railway Station: 102KM., Bus Station: 0.5KM.
Approx. Price Range: $30 – $35 (Rs. 1500 – 1750)

Hotel Lunar ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
Address: 51, Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Set against the majestic backdrop of the mighty mountains, Darjeeling is called the “Queen of the Hills”. It glorifies the rich Indian heritage and the beauty this vast country offers. A perfect hill station to spend your summers.
Accessibility: Airport-Domestic: 90KM., Railway-Station: 90KM., Bus-Stand: 1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $25 – $35 (Rs. 1250 – 1750)

Hotel Shambhu ( 3 Star Equivalent Hotel )
Address: 73, Gandhi Road, , Darjeeling
Location: City Center
Property Type: Business And Leisure Hotel
Accessibility: Airport: 90KM., Railway Station: 0.2KM., Bus Station: 0.1KM.
Approx. Price Range: $20 – $34 (Rs. 1000 – 1700)