Darjeeling - the queen of hills
Darjeeling one of the most famous hill station in India, is located in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling (Alt. 2134m), the quintessential hill station is draped over the ridge with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Its undulating hills are covered with tea plantations, which has a reputation for producing best tea. The word Darjeeling has come from Tibetian means A Place Of Thunderbolt. It has also made a name for itself as a desirable destination for the nature lovers tourists. A well developed tourist infrastructure an high light such as the view of the mount Kanchenjunga range and mount Everest attract travelling from all around the world.
The area of what is now the province of Darjeeling was once a much fought-over strip of land that often changed hands. Before come under British rule it was governed by the king of Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal. Like many a place along the Himalaya chain Darjeeling's location made it a place of refuge for the British troops who were plagued by heat an disease. By the 19th century the town already had a permanent population 10,000 of which the majority were Nepalis who worked on the newly established Tea plantations. Much later on this migration let to great tensions between their descendants and the west Bengal Govt. the majority of the Nepali speaking population.
Visit the region in spring will have the good fortune of witnessing the magnificent Rhododendron and Magnolia blossom. There are countless tourist places here including great viewpoints, monasteries & religious shrines, tea estates, museums, art galleries, parks & gardens, waterfalls and lot more. Take a look at the ones that we love to visit.
It's the highest point in the Darjeeling area at an altitude of 8482 feet (or 2590 meters). The best season to see the dazzling snow covered peaks as the sun rises. From Tiger Hill you will get almost 360 degree view of the Darjeeling area including that of the entire Eastern Himalayan range. If you look towards north, you will see the landscape of Darjeeling Town. And in the background is the stupendous snowy range. Just before the sun comes up, the peaks begin to emerge. On a clear day if the mist doesn't play foul, you can even see the world's highest peak Mount Everest 29,029 ft (8,848 meters) which lies in Nepal and also the Mount Makalu 27,769 ft (8,464 meters). in the Tibet's Chomol Hari Mountain which is said to be world's most beautiful peak.
There are bells, ornate thanka scrolls and drums inside the monastery. Like many other monasteries in and around Darjeeling, this gompa is also a storehouse of some rare Buddhist manuscripts. Located at a distance of about 8 km south from the main town of Darjeeling, this gompa has become a destination for people seeking peace and serenity. The gompa is located nearby Ghoom station. One can also reach the gompa from Hill Cart Road as it is situated just below the road.
Commissioned in the year 1919,Batasia Loop Batasia Loop commands wonderful view of the serene surroundings with snowcapped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas. There is also a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947.
Himalayan Mountaineering InstituteThe institute has an interesting Everest Museum and also offers some mountaineering and adventure courses. Situated on the Jawahar Parvat, the institute is famous for its unique collection of mountaineering equipment and findings. 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 Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.
