Best Time To Visit Darjeeling (India)

Darjeeling

The name 'Darjeeling' came from the Tibetan words, 'dorje' meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra) and 'ling' a place or land, hence 'the land of the thunderbolt'. A land-mark year in the History of Darjeeling was 1835, but it would be appropriate to trace its History before that. Prior to its acquisition by the East India Co. in 1835, Darjeeling formed a part of Sikkim and for a brief period of Nepal. However neither the history of Sikkim, nor the history of Nepal furnish any account of its early history. Warmheartedly referred to as "Queen of the Hills", Darjeeling is an arresting town in the Indian state of West Bengal. This amazing town is nestled among the rolling mountains with the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling comes under the administrative district of Darjeeling and is located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalayas. This town is spread over an area of 1, 200 square miles at an average elevation of 2050 m above the sea level. Due to its location, this small town is blessed with picturesque landscapes, spectacular natural beauty and a temperate climate. This kind of climate includes soothing summer and cold winters; however the ideal time to explore Darjeeling is in the month of May to June & September to November. Darjeeling is world renowned for its tea industry and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

1. Attraction:

• Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill

While we always talk about the sweeping views of sunrise from Tiger Hill and the view of the colossal Kanchenjunga with many other snow clad eastern Himalayan peaks from here, but we hardly talk about the summit of Tiger Hill itself. True that the blaze of rapidly changing colors of the snow peaks as the sun strikes is an awesome view, but Tiger Hill is great even otherwise. It's a destination by itself offering not just great views during sunrise, it's a place where you can soak yourself with Himalayan serenity anytime during the day.

• Batasia Loop

Batasia Loop

If you’re travelling on the toy train, or walking back from Tiger Hill, look out for this famous railway loop that goes around the open-air Gorkha War Memorial , erected in honour of the brave soldiers from the region who laid down their lives in WWI and WWII. Some tours stop here after the sunrise trip to Tiger Hill. The views are almost as good and the atmosphere much more serene.

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The most famous attraction in Darjeeling, theDarjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is also known as the ‘Toy Train’. It is a narrow gauge rail that is 2ft in width and runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and was built in the years between 1879 and 1881. In 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making DHR, the Second railway in the world to have such an honor after Semmering Railway, Austria.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the oldest railway in operation at present and operates both diesel and steam driven engines. One section of the DHR operates from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back while one operates till Siliguri, when feasible. The DHR is truly history come to life as one can sit and watch oldest railway in the world in action. The trains are well maintained and a treat to ride in them. View along the way is amazing.

• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir EdEdumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Minstry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.

• Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park

Rock Garden

it is most beautiful and artificial scene. It is cut and made into a wonderful Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park are very good. Flowers are different types and different colour, it is most attractive, good atmosphere and very silent. Situated 10 km from town, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park has now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however, required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable.

• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological park

Known for its famous Red Panda and Snow Leopard breeding program, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is spread in an area of 67.56 acres. The zoo is located at an average elevation of 2,134 meters above sea level and is the largest high altitude zoos in India. Some of the rare and endangered species in the zoo are snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Salamanders, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan mountain goat and Siberian tigers.

• Japanese Peace Pagoda

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Built during 1885-1985 by a Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fuji, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a part of 30 such structures across the world. The Buddhist shrine is located amidst some really enticing locations and is built in a beautiful white structure with golden colored sculptures. The structure is 23 sq meters wide and 28.5 meters high.

2. Accomodation:

Mayfair Darjeeling

The Elgin, Darjeeling 

windamere-hotel

1. Mayfair Darjeeling
2. The Elgin,Darjeeling
3. windamere-hotel,
4. Central Heritage Resort and Spa,Darjeeling
5. Hotel Polynia,Darjeeling
6. Cedar Inn,Darjeeling and many more.

3. Shopping: 

Darjeeling is one of the topnotch tourism destinations in India. The snow-capped mountains along with orchid gardens and scented tea valleys are good enough to transport you to a fairyland. This charming Victorian town never seems to sleep and for shoppers, Darjeeling is an absolute haven. The shops flanked across the city lanes are loaded with some incredible and breathtaking souvenir shops. After an exhaustive shopping, look around for local eateries and eat to your heart's content. Some of the must-try dishes are thupka, momos, wai wai and churpees. After blissful gorging, wash the fare down with a cup of spicy Darjeeling tea and get ready to go for another round of shopping spree. Visit Darjeeling in the month of March-May or September-November to get the most of this town. So, if you are planning a visit to this wonderful place, it's best to keep yourself informed about the shopping places in Darjeeling. Compiled below is the list of top shopping spots in Darjeeling.

4. Transport:

• By Air:

Darjeeling does not have an airport of its own. The closest airfield is located in Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is 90 km away from the hill-station. The airport is connected to the cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Patna by domestic airlines like Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Spice Jet, Kingfisher and Air Deccan. International travelers can avail connecting flights from Kolkata or Delhi. Once you arrive at the airport, you can board a local bus, hire a taxi or rent a jeep that will take you to Darjeeling in matter of two or three hours. Although commuting through air may seem to be an expensive affair as compared to traveling by road, nevertheless boarding a flight would make your journey hassle-free.

• By Rail:

The nearest railhead to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station that is situated just 88 km away from the city. Apart from that, Darjeeling is also connected to Siliguri railway station. If you plan to commute through rail, then you can take any train that makes a halt at New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri railway station. On reaching either of the stations, you can hire a taxi to reach Darjeeling. However, if you wish to be a little more adventurous and explore the scenic landscape of Darjeeling as you travel along, then boarding the toy train that plies regularly from Darjeeling to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri would serve your needs.

• By Road:

Although the place does not have great transport facility, the roads connecting Darjeeling are well maintained and connect the hill-station to different towns in West Bengal. Both state and national highways interlink the city to tourist hotspots and important cities nearby. In order to promote tourism, there are several buses and taxis that shuttle from Darjeeling to Siliguri, Kurseong, Kathmandu, Gangtok, Bagdogra on a regular basis. Does not matter if you prefer rail or airway to road, nothing can match the absolute thrill of driving down the scenic routes in Darjeeling.