Nestled in the towering snow-capped mountains with Kanchenjungha dominating the sombre, snowy sentinels, is the most beautiful hill station of West Bengal, Darjeeling -- graceful, elegant, sophisticated and beautiful. The name Darjeeling has Tibetan origins and means a place where Indra’s thunderbolt or sceptre rested, (Dodi - thunder bolt, Ling - place). In Sanskrit, it is transcribed as ’Durjay Linga, ’ and refers to the Lord Shiva. To local people, “Darjeeling” means the abode of God Durjay linga.
Tea plantations in the area are an added attraction and produce a substantial part of the world’s tea. At an altitude of 2, 590 m (8, 482 ft) stands the Tiger Hill, 11 km off the town. Pass through the dense forests dotted with oaks, magnolia, rhododendrons, primulas and other alpine flowers which lead to the road to Senchal, running through Ghoom upto Tiger Hill. Watching the sun rise from behind the Tiger Hill is a heavenly experience. Conducted tours often take tourists on trips to the Tiger Hill and the local Buddhist monastery. About 225 km off the hill town stands Mt. Everest.
Tibet’s Chomol Hari mountain, often described as the world’s most beautiful peak, is about 135 km off the town. Kanchenjunga stands 28, 146 ft tall, Kabru at 24, 000 ft and Janu at 25, 300 ft, and all the three look conical. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world.