Nestled in the laps of nature and towered by the majestic Kanchenjunga peak, the queen of hills Darjeeling is an ultimate hideaway in West Bengal. The name Darjeeling is derived from a Tibetan word 'dorje' meaning the thunderbolt scepter of the Hindu deity Indra. Earlier, Darjeeling was inhabited mainly by the Britishers in a large number, who built magnificent architectural marvels. Due to this, most of the old buildings humbly reflect the charm of British architecture. On the other side Darjeeling is blessed with abundant natural ambiance that includes the lush ranges of Kanchenjunga, pristine waterfalls, wide lakes and profuse green tea plantation that spread their fragrance in the atmosphere lying in 2 kms near it. Taking a stroll in Darjeeling is an experience in itself, so this guide will surely help you to visit the remarkable destination there.
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Lying in the lesser Himalayan range and standing majestically at a height of 28,209 ft., the Kanchenjunga mountain is the 3rd largest peak in the world. It partly lies in Nepal and Sikkim and adds a picturesque background to the areas it is spread in. This peak is considered as pristine by the locals of Darjeeling and Sikkim and is worshipped regularly. Trekking is not allowed in the nearby area of this mountain range.
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Formerly known as the Himalayan zoo, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan zoological park is the zoo on the highest altitude in India. It was established by Padmaja Naidu, former governor is a haven for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. PNH zoological park is known for the breeding and conservative programs and is a residence to a variety of animals including some endangered species.
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Popular as HMI, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the sole institute in Darjeeling that encourages mountaineering as an organized sport in India. The first director of the institute was a well known face and ace mountaineer Tenzing Norgay. HMI regularly conducts basic, advanced and adventure levels of mountaineering courses.
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An epitome of preaching humanity among the races and creeds, Japanese Peace Pagoda is located in the hilly region of Darjeeling. The pagoda, that has a Japanese architecture, stands 94 ft. tall with a diameter of 75 ft. and was constructed under the guidance of Japanese monks Nichidatsu Fuji and Nippozan Myohoji. Daily prayers are conducted here by the monks.
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The emerald green plantations that spread across 437 acres and elevated 2100 meters above the sea level, Happy Valley tea estate is the second largest tea plantation in Darjeeling. More than 1500 plantation workers are employed here. It had a working factory that has been turned into a museum. Presently, it is owned by the Ambotia Tea group that has rebuilt the entire area.
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Standing on an altitude of 2590 meters in the foothills of lesser Himalayas, Tiger Hill is a peak that provides a panoramic view of the nearby snow-capped mountain ranges including Mount Everest. The color of Tiger Hill peak turns from white to burning yellow when the rays of sun fall on the twin peaks that make a perfect view of sunrise.
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As the name includes loop, the Batasia loop is a small spiral railway that was created for minimizing the elevation of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station. It is located on hill cart road and offers a 360 degree view of the mesmerizing landscape of Darjeeling and nearby mountain ranges. The toy train descends a 140 ft. fall spirally and crosses its own tracks under the tunnels.
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Mahakal Temple is a shrine in Darjeeling dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the top of a hill and has a sanctum cave where the holy Shivlinga is placed. The Shivlinga is locally known as the Durjay Linga meaning Shiva ruling the Himalayas. Interestingly, the devotees tie up bells here to get their wishes and prayers fulfilled.
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Barbotey rock garden is a major tourist attraction in Darjeeling. Shrouded with the beauty of nature and boasting a waterfall, the place has a calm ambiance for enjoying a picnic. Not a rock garden in conventional sense, it is a multi level ground terraced around a natural waterfall and lake. The visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature in Barbotey Rock Garden.
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a narrow gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. It was built between 1879 & 1881 and the first locomotive was a steam engine that pulled the train snaking over the hilly terrains. DHR is bestowed as a UNESCO world heritage site and has the popular toy train running on a snail pace and passing through breath taking panoramic vistas.
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Displaying an amalgamation of Indo-Tibetan architecture, the Ghoom Monastery, elevated at 8,000 ft., is a popular monastery in Darjeeling. It was constructed by the Tibetan monk and astrologer Sherab Gyatso. The Ghoom Monastery has the largest idol of Maitreyi Buddha, or future Buddha, in Darjeeling. The idol is entirely made up of Tibetan clay and has 2 oil lamps that burn throughout the year.
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A never to be missed experience is something that is offered by the toy train of Darjeeling. This toy train runs on a snail pace and offers the magnificent views of exuberant landscapes by overcoming impossible curves and blends. Darjeeling toy train is a UNESCO world heritage site and fascinates locals as well as the visitors.
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Himalayan Tibet Museum is museum that is dedicated to Tibetan community. Unlike other Tibetan museums that primarily focus on the religious aspects, this museum has an aim to deliver the historical, heritage and cultural aspects of Tibet. It is full of priceless exhibits and artifacts as the Dalai Lama has himself contributed articles to this museum including a statue of Buddha.
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Providing an enchanting view of lush green landscapes with a background of snow-capped Kanchenjunga peaks, the Observatory Hill is a hill stretched on the Mall road of Darjeeling. The hill has a tranquil atmosphere with a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a monastery where many devotees gather daily.
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Also known as the shrubbery park, Nightingale Park is a popular garden nestled in the alluring landscape that lies between HMI and Chowrasta in Darjeeling. This park boasts a variety of flowers, pine trees, a waterfall and temple of Lord Shiva. Even the view of majestic Kanchenjunga peak is visible from Nightingale Park that adds more marks for being a popular tourist destination.
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Noted as the national park with the highest elevation of more than 7,000 feet, Singalila National Park is a part of eastern Himalayas. Concealed with an enchanting background of Himalayan peaks the Singalila National Park is an abode to various mountainous mammals, birds and reptiles including endangered Himalayan salamander.
Darjeeling, the queen of hills, is shrouded with majestic Kanchenjunga peaks of the lesser Himalayan range and has mesmerizing landscapes, serene surroundings, historical temples and monasteries, educational institutions, museums and many other tourist attractions. People from different parts of the country visit Darjeeling for holidaying close to nature. It is a place that lies in the state of West Bengal and there are no doubts that it is well connected via all three modes of transportation. Darjeeling has facilities of accommodation like guest houses and hotels that can be rented for a stay. There are many restaurants that serve different delicacies so that visitors can treat their taste buds. Visiting Darjeeling is once in a life time experience where an individual gets rejuvenated in the laps of nature.
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