The lush greens, the lofty mountains, the cascading rivers, the view of views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest pass by your the gradually chugging train.  That is the queen of the hills for you at its natural best when you are onboard the toy train. The world famous hill resort on the foothills of the Himalayas is the paradise of the plant and adventure lovers. The vegetation comprises of fir, pine and birch. The animal lovers flock to the natural habitat of the monkeys, wildcats, leopards and jackals. You may indulge is sports and activities like trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.
The most important and organized hill resort in Eastern India is Darjeeling which lies 686 kms from Calcutta perched at a height of 2134 meters with a backdrop of the mighty snow clad Himalayan Peaks. The mighty Kanchenjunga peak overlooks the town from where one can get a clear view of the peak on a sunny day. The world's highest peak The Everest can also be seen from near the town. Re-discovered by the British in Calcutta, every year at the beginning of summer, the Viceroys of India and after 1911 the Lieutenant Governors of Bengal would move lock, stock and barrel to Darjeeling. Its the British who rapidly developed Darjeeling into a pleasant resort. In the 1840’s Tea Plantation was introduced in the area. Darjeeling "orthodox" tea is now famous and among the most expensive in the world.
Darjeeling is an abrupt change from the plains and Calcutta. The population is Nepali, Lepcha, Tibetan and Bhutia. Surrounded by Tea Plantation a popular hill station since British established it as a rest and recreation centre for its troops in mid 1800.
The hill resort that means the 'place of the thunderbolt' in Tibetan dorje ling has become the most desired holiday destination with innumerable tourists who throng it. Amongst the must visits are the Buddhist monasteries and the Hindu temples. The list of must haves is topped by the finest blend of tea that makes good souvenirs too. The curio carpets and pieces of Himalayan handicrafts closely follow it. Visit the dreamland of the East and for sure many of your dreams will realize. A tourism experience with a difference is Darjeeling. |
