Darjeeling
Information
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
