Darjeeling Information

Location: Located 90 Km from Bagdogra, West Bengal.
Tourist Attractions: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Natural History Museum, Sister Nivedita Memorial, The Lebong Race Track, Sree Mandir, Lloyd Botanical Gardens, Victoria Falls, Ava Art Gallery, Tiger Hill, Senchal Lake, Jalapahar.
Best Buys : Curios, Carpets, Darjeeling Tea.
Best Activities : Stroll around in the natural surroundings and watch the magnificent sun rise from the Tiger Hill.
Nearest Tourist Destinations : New Jalpaiguri, Sikkim.
When to Visit: April to Mid-June and Mid September to November

About Darjeeling
The 'Dream-land of the East', Darjeeling gets its name from Dorje (Thunderbolt) and Ling (Place). One of the most popular hillstations of India, Darjeeling is strategically very important due to its proximity with Nepal and Bhutan borders. The hill station was popularised from the times of British rule. Every year at the start of summer, the Viceroys of India would move to Darjeeling. The British developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. The tea plantations started here in 1840s. Covering an area of 1,200 sq. miles and surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, its a fascinating place rich in natural beauty. Some of the most beautiful tea estates are here. The Kanchenjunga peak can be seen from the town. There are many Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. A trekkers paradise, The Gorkha hill council has provided ample trekking facilities for the adventure lovin tourists.

Major Tourist Attractions near Darjeeling
Natural History Museum
The Museum, contains a comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region. The specimens of all birds' species, reptiles and animals found here are displayed. The butterfly and beetle section merits a special mention.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Institute is one of the most visited places in Darjeeling. The institute was started after Tenzing Norgay conquered Mt. Everest in 1953 and mountaineering got recognition as a serious sport. It commands a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga.

The Lebong Race Track
8 Km from Darjeeling, this race course is the highest and smallest track in the world. Under the management of the Gymkhana Club, races are held here during the military parades.

Tiger Hill
11 km from the Darjeeling and at an elevation of 2,590 meters, lies the famous Tiger Hill. The view of sunrise from the top of hill is an unforgottable scene. It also provides a fine view of the mighty Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks.

Activities
Trekking and rock-climbing are among the most favourite activities of the tourists here. River Rafting got started here in 1991 in the icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta River. Or one can go for jungle safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary or Rain Forests of Dooars, which are home to the Asiatic Elephants and Rhinos.

Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 90km from Darjeeling. This airport has good connectivity with other Indian airports.
Rail: Nearest major stations are New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. From there Toy-train can be boarded, which takes around 7 hrs to reach Darjeeling.
Road: Darjeeling is connected via all weather motorable road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok.

Accommodation
Darjeeling has a good number of hotels around the town. The hotels offer luxurious as well as economy stay. There are some 3 and 4 star rated hotels as well.