Darjeeling

Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.

Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill.

Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveller - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in ones memory - forever.

General Information

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 "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Batasia Loop: About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvellous 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. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.

Observatory Hill: Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who are worshipped here by the hundreds.

Museums, Parks, Gardens & Art Galleries

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Situated on 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.

The Snow Leopard breeding Centre: It was started in 1986 to breed Snow Leopards in captivity with the help of International Snow Leopard captive breeding project.

Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock: Situated at Lebong Cart Road. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock climbing on these Rocks.

Natural History Museum: Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum contains comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region.

Lloyds Botanical Garden: A colourful garden situated just below the Market Motor Stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The green houses are well worth a visit.

The Shrubbery: This beautiful garden is situated on the Jawahar Parbat behind Raj Bhawan. A magnificent view of Kanchenjunga Range and Singla Valley can be enjoyed from here.

STEP ASIDE: About 3 mins walk from Chowrasta will bring the visitors to the place where the famous Indian patriot Deshbandu Chittaranjan Das had passed away in 1925.

Ava Art Gallery: About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi.

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Of about seventy tea gardens in this hilly region, this is one of the nearest, about 3 km from the town. Here one can see the processing of the world famous Darjeeling tea.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway: At North Point about 3 km from the town. The first passenger ropeway in India.

Lebong Race Course: About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yds. Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.

Garg World Amusement Park: Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.

Barbotey Rock Garden: Situated 10 kms. from town it is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls.

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