[ Edit ] Overview

Darjeeling, located in the State of West Bengal in North East India, is one of the most beautiful Hill Stations in the country. It is called as the Queen of Hills and is a part of Mahabharata Range or Lesser Himalayas

Once a sleepy little village under the control of the royalty of Sikkim, Darjeeling became one of the primary summer getaways for the British troops after the King of Sikkim gave it to them as a present.  

Darjeeling is gateway to many places and many wonders. One gets a view of Mount Kanchenjunga, India's highest and the world's 3rd tallest peak at 8,598 meters along with other ranges of the Himalayas from here. Darjeeling is famous for the Tea Estates (famous for producing the popular Darjeeling Tea) most which date back to the 19th century and were a part of the British development of this area.The tea planting was started in Darjeeling by Dr. Campbell of Indian Medical Services.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO are some of the primary attractions of Darjeeling. Others are Tiger Hill, from where one gets to view the best sunrise as early as 3 or 4 in the morning, the Singhalia National Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which trains people in the art of mountaineering etc. These places apart there are many more interesting places to visit.

Trekking is one of the most pleasurable activities to enjoy the clear mountainside air and from Darjeeling one can  visit to the charming and melting pot of cultures including Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet.

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[ Edit ] History

In 1835, Darjeeling was presented to East India Company by the King of Sikkim. The town was developed as a recreational centre for the British troops and for the elite British residents to escape the heat of plains during summer. It was thus also referred to as the Summer Capital. Even today the town still retains many of the legacies of the British Government.

Tea planting in Darjeeling began in 1841 by  Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service. Dr. Campbell used tea seeds from China to begin experimental tea planting in the regoion.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

West Bengal, India

[ Edit ] Location

Darjeeling is in the northern tip of West Bengal (Darjeeling District), close to the Indian State of Sikkim, and the Indian / Nepal border.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Darjeeling is between April and mid-June - summer months.  The temperature during this season is lovely with an average maximum temperature of around 15C. October to December are also great months to visit Darjeeling.

During the monsoon season (June to September), clouds obscure the mountains and rain is heavy - on average 320 cms / year.  Trekking is also difficult during this period.

Winters are cold with average temperatures during this season ranging from 2C - 9C (December through March).  

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

0354

Sightseeing

Batasia Loop & War Memorial

Bhutia Busty Gompa

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car (Ropeway)

Dhirdham Temple

Drukpa Kargyud Monastery

Ghoom

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

Himalayan Zoo

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Lloyd Botanical Gardens

Senchal Lake

Singalila National Park

Tea Estates of Darjeeling

Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival

Tiger Hill

Victoria Falls

Yogachoeling Gompa

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 25	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 25	HIGH: 32

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