Darjeeling (Nepali: दार्जिलिङ Dārjiliṅ, Bengali: দার্জিলিং Dārjiliṁ) is a Himalayan district of West Bengal. Famous for its tea gardens, the region provides scenic views of hills and mountains, including Mt Kangchenjunga.
Cities
[edit]
- 1 Darjeeling — a beautiful hill station, headquarters of Darjeeling district
- 2 Kurseong — home to some of the most expensive teas in the entire world. Some popular tea gardens, such as Ambotia, Makaibari and Castleton, produce special aromas which are difficult to cultivate elsewhere
- 3 Mangpoo
- 4 Mirik — a picturesque location with its natural beauty, climate and easy accessibility
- 5 Sevoke
- 6 Siliguri — the gateway to the hills and a major commercial and shopping hub
- 7 Sukna
- 8 Takdah
Other destinations
[edit]- 1 Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary — a habitat of some high-altitude animals like the Himalayan Salamander, locally known as 'Gora'
- 2 Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary —
- 3 Singalila National Park — a popular trekking destination with Mt Sandakphu, the tallest peak of West Bengal
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]Darjeeling used to be a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim. It grew in prominence during the mid-19th century when, because of its climate, the British established a hill station there.
Later, it was discovered that the area was particularly well-suited for tea plantations and Darjeeling tea is still exported worldwide. In 1849, the British annexed the area, and Darjeeling became a part of British India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was opened in 1881 (it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Many Tibetan refugees moved here after Tibet was annexed by China. They co-exist with the descendants of the many Nepalese who once came to the land as soldiers of Prithvi Narayan Shah and settled down there to work as labourers in the tea plantations.
There has been intermittent political action from Gorkha groups demanding an independent state (Gorkhaland). In June 2008, a strike paralysed the area, with closed hotels, restaurants and shops, and the accompanying protests even turned violent a couple of times. Though inconvenient, tourists generally are not at risk, but you should check the status before going there.
Geography
[edit]The hills start abruptly up from the Terai region near Siliguri. The region is further divided into two parts: the Singalila and Darjeeling ranges. The Singalila range is located along the border of Darjeeling and Nepal.
Talk
[edit]Nepali is the main language spoken in Darjeeling. However, as the state's official language, Bengali is also understood in the region.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Bagdogra International Airport (IXB IATA) in Siliguri is the main airport serving the region.
By train
[edit]New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri is the nearest broad-gauge station on the main inter-city line. Direct trains to NJP run from Delhi several times daily. From NJP, the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) completes the journey to anywhere in the district.
Get around
[edit]By train
[edit]- Main article: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling, run by the Indian Railways. It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km (53 mi) long. The elevation level is from about 100 m (328 ft) at Siliguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. There are both steam and diesel engines serving the route.
The steam 'Joy' train operates from Darjeeling to Ghum via the Batasia Loop, four times a day – enquire at Darjeeling station. Steam trains cost ₹2200 and diesel trains cost ₹1200. See the DHR website[dead link].
There is also a daily 'School Train' departing Kurseong at 6:15AM and arriving at Darjeeling at 8:45AM. It leaves Darjeeling at 4PM and arrives at Kurseong at 6:30PM. This is still hauled by a steam engine and is one of the world's last 'day-to-day' steam trains. Its schedule is frequently changed, and it often runs hours late.
See
[edit]The Darjeeling Hills are known for the picturesque beauty of the Himalayas.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) — a narrow-gauge heritage railway service from Siliguri to Darjeeling, run by the Indian Railways. It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km (53 mi) long. It is powered by steam and diesel engines and offers panoramic views while climbing up the mountains. Listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, this route is popular with tourists as it passes through picturesque mountain scenery. - Sandakphu–Phalut Trek — Sandakphu (3,636 m) is the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600 m) is the northernmost point of West Bengal. The trek combines both these points offering great views of Kangchenjunga and several other snow peaks, including Mount Everest.
Do
[edit]There are also plenty of trek options in Darjeeling, with the most popular one being the Singalila Ridge Trail. Bookings for articles, porters and accommodation on the trail can be made in Darjeeling or in the nearby town of Manebhanjang, which serves as the trailhead. From July to mid-September, Singalila National Park is closed, and because of the rain, clouds and fog, it is less enjoyable anyway.
Eat
[edit]All the better hotels have their own restaurants. And of course, there is so much of that street food called "momo" that you can find just about anywhere in Darjeeling.
Drink
[edit]Darjeeling is famous all over the world for its teas, which are very aromatic and have a delicate taste.