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Archive for the ‘Darjeeling’ Category

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)

General Information

Darjeeling – The queen of all hillstations,famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air,year round plesent weather and above all, the ever smiling and welcoming local people.The 3rd highest pick in the world,mount Kanchenjunga is very close to this lpece and also gives the clearest view.Darjeeling is widely known as visitors paradise because every day it offers something new to everyone ,may be the first time visitoe and may be the regular one.The morning bell comes to the vewers when the firts ray of sun touchesthe mountaina pick.This is tiger hill,a steep ride of five kilometers from Ghoom, is the place where one can witness this hevenly feelings.Here the air is chilly ,but unique to get an experience.Here the new day starts with the world famous blend of tea,foggy and smokky weather,mountain view and smiling face of local Gorkhi people. Darjeeling is also a place to know Tibetan culture,Himalayan Tribal Life, and to see the Tibetian Monasteries, Pine Trees,Tea garden etc.very closely.