Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day.Darjeeling owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and
above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Darjeeling offers all that is
precious in nature-the hush of the hills, the green depth of the forest and the majesty of
the mountains. It is a tradition while visiting Darjeeling to go to the Tiger Hill before daybreak to see the first rays of the sun strike the mountains. Darjeeling is well linked
by Air, Road and Rail network. There are flights from Calcutta to Bagdogra which is 90
kilometers from Darjeeling. The nearest railhead is Siliguri. The Toy train runs from
New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri. Darjeeling owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh
mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. A steep ride,
five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers
to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp.Darjeeling is famous for its flavoured
tea all over the world. The brew is often compared to champagne and the tea gardens that
dot the slopes are witness to this mammoth industry.
Darjeeling is well linked by Air, Road and Rail network. There are flights from Kolkata or Calcutta to Bagdogra, which is 90 kilometers from Darjeeling. The nearest railhead is Siliguri. The Toy train runs from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri. Darjeeling is well connected by road.
If one has never been to Darjeeling and believes that real holidaying lies in the enjoyment of experience, then one should take the mini train from New Jalpaiguri. Completed way back in 1881 by Franklin Prestage, the mini train is the best way of traveling to the old Gurkha station of Darjeeling.
Special Feature: Journey By Toy Train
The narrow gauge railway lines fondly called the ’toy train’ extend to over 4, 500 kilometers mostly in the hilly regions of India. Among these one of the best known is the 83 kilometers long, 610 mm gauge ’toy’ railway spanning the gorgeous terrain between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Nestled in the serene Himalayan splendor, the zigzag railway passing through a variety of foliage, linking Siliguri in north Bengal with Darjeeling, is a marvel of miniature rail engineering. The train girdles along streams and tea gardens on the way to Sukana, up a spur of the Singalele range from where the ascent of the line begins.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a paradise for trekkers. You can, if you wish, go on short or long treks, depending on your stamina and enthusiasm.The Tibetan Self-Help Centre has a range of carpets for sale in their showroom, woven with dexterity on the premises by refugees who fled their land with the Dalai Lama. Take a look, if not a pick.
Observatory Hill
Strolling up the Mall, past the quaint Tibetan market, you arrive at the Observatory Hill, the popular meeting place for tourists as well as residents. It is a major tourist spot of Darjeeling, not only for its religious importance but also for the picturesque views the place offers. The view of the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga and the entire landscape below is a site worth seeing.
Tiger Hill
A strategic point to watch the spectacular sunrise is Tiger Hill, located at an altitude of 2, 590 metres above sea level. It offers a magnificent view of the rising sun over the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga and other great Eastern Himalayan peaks. You can also witness some of the high Himalayan peaks from here on a clear day.