I went to Darjeeling last year before diwali with my family. My first impression of Darjeeling was a beautiful hilly place with smiling and helpful people.
But as the journey went on my perspective on the people remained little or more the same but the take on the place had changed because of the congested area it had turned into as we entered the main city parts.
Darjeeling is a beautiful place with a lot of natural gifts and has some really good people. But the one problem they have been facing must be the one with the population and the small congested area.
The hospitality we received all across Darjeeling was exceptional too as we went on to try different Tibetan and Nepali dishes as well. The area was dominantly covered by people with Nepali decendent and Bengali people.
Overalll this is the place for you if you are trying to get a glimpse into a new culture and forget the hassle of you daily lives. Even with all the conflicts relating to the Gorkhaland movement Darjeeling has become a peaceful part of the country again.