Darjeeling Tourism
Jaw-dropping locales,
mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the
old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local
people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill
stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain
ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling
stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting
of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the
perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700
kilometres away from Kolkata.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
A respite from the hot and
humid summers of India, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination
in North-East India. Providing a heady mixture of splendid tea
gardens on rolling mountain slopes, meandering toy train rides
through the picturesque city, and delectable traditional Tibetan
cuisine, Darjeeling works wonders to cater to the gorgeous panorama
of the Himalayas.
There is a reason the city
is known as the 'Queen of the Himalayas'. The lush green slopes
dotted with women plucking tea leaves is a sight as mesmerising as no
other. There are over 86 tea estates in Darjeeling that are
responsible for producing the worldwide famous 'Darjeeling Tea'. Have
a cup of locally brewed chai at the tea estate, or get down amidst
the plantations to pluck a few tea leaves yourself, you are free to
take your pick!
A previous summer capital of
India under the British Raj, Darjeeling has come off age as one of
the most sought after hill stations in India. Famous for its
beautiful tea plantations and the quality of Darjeeling tea,
Darjeeling is a delight for all kind of tourists. The toy train
established back in 1881, still runs in this part and is also one of
the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful colonial architecture
including mansions and churches dot this little beautiful town.
Filled with people from Tibet, Nepal, nearby Indian states and the
Gorkhas, Darjeeling is brimming with cultural diversity. The third
highest peak in the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga
peak is clearly visible from here and you can enjoy a panoramic view
of the peak. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include
monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet
Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car which happens to be the longest
Asian cable car. Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around and
explore the tea estates, villages, and markets.
Top things to do in Darjeeling
Top things to do in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is the most adored and one
of the most beautiful hill stations of India. Apart from the engaging
scenery and panoramic vistas, there are also a plethora of activities
and things to do in Darjeeling. From walking down the tea estates, to
trying the ropewat, riding the Toy Train and trekking the forests,
there is no dearth of sightseeing and things to do in Darjeeling. You
can also browse the markets or just go on a nature walk on your own.
Other than that, one of the most exciting things to do in Darjeeling
is river rafting in the Teesta which you must definitely experience.
Have a look at the several things to do in Darjeeling given below.
Top 5 tourist attractions to see in Darjeeling:
1. Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway
2. Tiger Hill
3. Darjeeling
Ropeway
4. Nightingale Park
5. Batasia Loop
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Darjeeling Overview
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also referred to as the DHR, and lovingly called the 'Darjeeling Toy Train', is a 2 feet narrow gauge train that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, in West Bengal, India. The construction of this 88-kilometre long railway line took place between 1879 and 1881, and a ride on this train route has been a coveted experience ever since. A journey in the Darjeeling Toy Train has amazing sights with pleasing mountain views and pass by villages and local shops on the way, with children merrily waving at them.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway provides significant transport links between various parts of the Darjeeling hills and lower plains and is a piece of sheer engineering inventiveness and vision. How else can a small steam engine pull mini coaches up the steep mountains by overcoming almost unfeasible curves and gradients? This is perhaps why the Darjeeling Toy Train was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 December 1999. Later on, two more railway lines were added, and the site came to be known as the Mountain Railways of India. A ride on such a heritage transport is no doubt a relaxing and charming one but is also prestigious because this train is what once provided the first and most important mountain transportation link in the country.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway provides significant transport links between various parts of the Darjeeling hills and lower plains and is a piece of sheer engineering inventiveness and vision. How else can a small steam engine pull mini coaches up the steep mountains by overcoming almost unfeasible curves and gradients? This is perhaps why the Darjeeling Toy Train was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 2 December 1999. Later on, two more railway lines were added, and the site came to be known as the Mountain Railways of India. A ride on such a heritage transport is no doubt a relaxing and charming one but is also prestigious because this train is what once provided the first and most important mountain transportation link in the country.
Lying at an altitude of 2590 meters and
a distance of 13 kilometres away from the Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is
most famous for its splendid sights of sunrise from where you can see
the peaks of Kanchenjunga illuminate before the sun is seen at lower
elevations. The magnificent view of snow-capped mountains sitting
amidst cotton clouds attracts tourists to Tiger Hill from all over
the country. Interestingly, this is also the summit of Ghoom, which
is the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Darjeeling Ropeway,
Darjeeling Overview
Darjeeling is renowned across the world
as one of the most picturesque hill stations, where one can witness a
myriad of exquisite landscapes, from the glorious snow-capped
mountains to the charming valley replete with verdant tea estates.
For this reason, the Darjeeling Ropeway finds itself as a prime
attraction of Darjeeling, giving its passengers an array of divine
panoramic views as they travel across the magical valley.
Established in 1968, the Darjeeling
Ropeway is India's first cable car system, set up to cater to the tea
gardens in the valleys which did not have easy access. Today, it
serves as a coveted tourist hotspot, attracting scores of tourists
all year round to experience the beauty of Darjeeling's scenery in
the best way possible. With 16 cable cars, each car accommodates 6
people as it travels from the North Point in Singamari to the Singla
Bazaar, situated by the banks of the enchanting Ramman river,
transporting passengers at an altitude of 7000 feet. The view of the
numerous tea estates of Darjeeling, the cascading waterfalls, and the
majestic Kanchenjunga makes this experience an essential to every
tourist in Darjeeling. The gondola moves at a moderate speed,
allowing travellers some good opportunities for some brilliant photo
opportunities. At the bottom end of the trip, the cable car halts for
a while, where travellers may explore the lovely tea gardens, or
relax at the small mountain cafe, before proceeding back to the
Singamari base station.
Nightingale Park, Darjeeling Overview
Located in the mesmerising hill station
of Darjeeling, the Nightingale Park is a public park area frequented
by the tourists and locals to relish gorgeous views of the
Kanchenjunga ranges. It serves as an ideal place to unwind and
recharge amidst lush greenery and soothing winds. This park was
earlier called 'The Shrubbery' when it was a private courtyard of Sir
Thomas Tartan's Bungalow, during the British reign. Flanked by a
covered archway, the entrance leads you to pebbled walkways around
this oval-shaped park. Since the Nightingale Park is at a slighted
elevated terrain, you need to climb a few steps to reach the entry to
this green haven. The park was closed for renovation for about four
years and has reopened for the public since 2011. There is a giant
statue of Lord Shiva, a musical fountain along with the great
scenery.
Batasia Loop,
Darjeeling Overview
Perhaps one of the most picturesque
train routes in all of Darjeeling, the Batasia Loop is a lush green
toy train pathway that is meant to minimise the elevation of the
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The unique design of this magnificent
attraction allows the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop
tunnel. One of the most enchanting aspects of the Batasia Loop is its
unmatched natural beauty which is a wonderful sight to behold.
Located on Hill Cart Road (NH 55), you can enjoy a panoramic view of
the Darjeeling in all its verdant glory.
Situated in Ghoom which is about 5
kilometres from Darjeeling, the motive behind creating the
magnificent pathway of the Batasia Loop was rooted in easing
navigation around the terrain of Darjeeling. It rises from the midst
of emerald carpets of mountain vegetation and overlooks the snowy
peaks of Kanchenjungha on one side as well. Endearing flowers line
the way, which makes a trip through Batasia Loop a must after you
have witnessed the fascinating sunrise of Tiger Hill. The view of the
train tearing past the white of the clouds and deeper into the green
beauty of the terrain is a refreshing and enchanting expedition which
should not be missed.
Source :
holidify.com
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