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Darjeeling is nested on the crest and slope of a long ridge, known as the Himalayan ridge. During the British era in India, this town was used by the British as a Hill Town or Hill Station.
They used Darjeeling town as their place to spend their summer vacation to escape the heat of summer in the flatlands of India. This trend begun to develop and later on, most British residents in India had their own summer houses in the township of Darjeeling. Soon enough, the township had been converted by the British as their summer vacation place.
Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the highlands, approximately 7,000 ft above sea level. Darjeeling can be reached through the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This railway, which has been declared as a World Heritage Site in 1999, is one of the last surviving steam engines in the world. You can also travel by car to reach Darjeeling. Tourist and travelers going to Darjeeling by rail will be treated to pass a steep incline with the highest point at 7,407 ft. before it begins its travel downwards passing through the Batasia Loop, a British Engineering marvel where tourist and visitors alike will be treated to a spectacular view of the Darjeeling town
History of Darjeeling
Darjeeling was once a part of the independent kingdom of Sikkim. The British owned and controlled the East India Company, which helped the kingdom fought the Nepalese when they tried to take control of the kingdom. The Nepalese were repulsed and the kingdom was preserved. In 1835, East India Company obtained a lease of a large track of land area located in the South of the Sikkim Himalaya where they constructed a sanitarium and an outpost on its hilly part. Soon enough, the population around the environs of the sanitarium have grown to become the town of Darjeeling. Because of its beautiful surroundings, Darjeeling became known as the Queen of the Hill Stations. When India gained Independence, Darjeeling was already a part of West Bengal.
Special Attractions in Darjeeling
- Natural History Museum: This is where you can find an almost complete collection of fauna that abounds in the Himalayan region. From the ordinary to the rare species of birds, reptiles and other kinds of animals that can be found on the region are displayed here.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: This zoo houses the Tibetan Wolf, Snow Leopard, and even Siberian Tiger aside from the many colorful and exotic animals that roam the Himalayas. This zoo is internationally recognized for having bred in captivity the Snow Leopard and the Red Panda.
- Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway: The longest in Asia, you can have a thrilling ride in the ropeway cart, over and above the vast fields of tea bushes plantations with your ride ending in the valley of Rangit, a fishing spot
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling and Clothes to Wear
Best time to visit Darjeeling will be from September to December and then from March to June. Because of the cool temperature, it is suggested you wear woolen clothes.
Location of Darjeeling and Nearest Town or City
Darjeeling is located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Siliguri is the nearest town to Darjeeling with a distance of 80 kms
How to Reach Darjeeling
You can reach Darjeeling from Siliguri by means of a taxi, jeep or bus. You can also take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway train, which is also known as the toy train. The nearest airport is located in Bagdora, 96 kms from Darjeeling. From the airport, you can take a taxi direct to Darjeeling. From Siliguri it will take you an average of 5 hours to reach Darjeeling. Taxi, Jeeps and Buses have their own terminals for tourist and visitors going to Darjeeling. Fares from Siliguri to Darjeeling are cheap.
Other Attractions near Darjeeling
Japanese Peace Pagoda: On the outskirts of Darjeeling. This Pagoda was built by Japanese Monks
Senchal Lake: Popular picnic spot, 10 kms away from Darjeeling
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Darjeeling Tourist Information
For more information, you can contact through mail the Tourist Bureau at their address:
Tourist Bureau
Gov’t of West Bengal
Nehru Road, Darjeeling 734101
Or you can call them through their telephone no. 91 0354 2254050 or Fax them at 91 0354-2254102
If you have any photos / travelogues of Darjeeling, we would be happy to upload them on this page with due credits given to you as photographer/author. Contact Us
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