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Darjeeling
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.
Places Of Interest
THE TIGER HILL, about 11 kms from Darjeeling is at
an altitude of 2,555 mts and provides a fine view of the mighty
Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks.
GHOOM is the station close by, from where one can take
the toy train back to Darjeeling. The Senchal Lake close by
is the source of drinking water for the city.
THE LEBONA RACE COURSE, about 8 kms from the
centre of the city and some 325 mts below the town, is one
of the smallest and highest race course of the world. On BURCH
HILL to the north stands the ‘Shrubbery’ the residence of
the Governor of West Bengal.
THE LLOYD'S BOTTANICAL GARDENS, one of the oldest in the
region, is just below the main Market Motor stand. It has
rare collection of Himalayan flowers.
The nearby ZOOLOGICAL PARK specializes in high altitude
wild life - Yaks, Himalayan Black Bears, Pandas and also Siberian
Tiger. The tea estate of Happy Valley is one of the best in
Darjeeling.
The Darjeeling Ranjeet Valley passenger ropeway is
8 kms at the North point, about 3 kms from the town. The ropeway
connects Darjeeling to Singla Bazar on the Ranjeet river at
the bottom of the valley.
STD/ISD Codes
if dialing from India to Darjeeling --- 0354 (number)
if dialing from outside India to Darjeeling---- ++ 91-354
(number)
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, 90 kms away from Darjeeling.
Bagdogra is connected by Indian Airlines and some private
airlines from Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.
By Rail
The most convenient railhead is New Jalpaiguri, 8 kms away
from Bagdogra airport and it is connected by several fast
and superfast trains linking New Jalpaiguri to Delhi, Patna
and Calcutta. Rail journey in the "Toy Train" often crisscrossing
the motor road and passing through bazaars is a memorable
experience. This mini railway has been in existence since
1878, takes 8 hours to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri.
By Road
Darjeeling is accessible to all automobiles but in particular
the 80 kms drive to Darjeeling from Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra
through the picturesque road winding through the dense green
forests and terraced tea gardens, has the promise of a memorable
experience. There are regular bus services between Siliguri,
Calcutta, Patna and Phuntshoelling.
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