Darjeeling City Guide
Darjeeling is the legendary British hill station perched in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located in the northern extreme of the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is just east of Nepal, just south of Sikkim, and a bit west and south of Bhutan. It is most famous for its once magnificent tea estates.
Darjeeling is one of the most spectacular hill stations in India. Discovered by the British, Darjeeling is almost completely surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which pulls thousands of tourists every year. You can experience the fun through 'Toy Train', which hike up the hill from New Jalpaiguri all the way to Darjeeling. Travel Darjeeling and enthralled by the eye-soothing sights of the flora of Darjeeling including beautiful red rhododendrons, charming white magnolias, magical pines and lush green tea bushes covering the entire hillslope. Visit Darjeeling and view the mesmeric streams, gasping gorges and sparkling lakes all around.
Timber, tea, and travel are the flourishing sectors of the economy of Darjeeling. The tea plantations were originally developed by the British. Oranges and cardamom are also available in plenty.
Where and What to Shop
Most curio shops are on Chowrasta and along Nehru Rd. You can buy thangkas, brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wood carving, woven fabrics, carpets etc. Most of the shops accept international credit cards.
A packet of Darjeeling tea is a great gift for your loved ones back home as a token of love. A good place is Nathmull's Tea Merchants, near the post office on Laden La Rd.
What to See
Lloyds Botanical Garden : A colourful garden situated just below the Market Motor Stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The green houses are well worth a visit.
Garg World Amusement Park : Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.
The Shrubbery : This beautiful garden is situated on the Jawahar Parbat behind Raj Bhawan. A magnificent view of Kanchenjunga Range and Singla Valley can be enjoyed from here.
Happy Valley Tea Estate : From about seventy tea gardens in this hilly region, this is one of thenearest, about 3 km from the town. Here one can see the processing of the world famous Darjeeling tea.
Dhirdham Temple : Built in the style of Katmandu's Pashupatinath temple adds to the varied religious architectural styles of Darjeeling. It is near the railway station.
The Mall : The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is streamed with Tibetans selling hand-knitted sweaters and gift shops full of Himalayan artifacts and both real and imitation antiques.
Adventure Sports in Darjeeling
Senchal Golf Course : This 9-hole Golf Cource is one of the highest Golf Cource in the world (altitude 8,150 ft). It is near Tiger Hill and has a Club House and a Tourist Lodge.
Lebong Race Course : About 8-km from the town, it is one of the smallest and highest Race Course in the world. Races are held during Spring & Autumn season under the management of local Gymkhana Club.
Trekking : Trekking begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut.
Things to see
