Darjeeling
Famous for its Tea, Mt Kanchenjunga views, and British style houses, Darjeeling is the 3rd most googled destination in India.
Darjeeling or Dorjeling (Place of Thunderbolt) originated as a summer retreat during the British Raj in the 19 th Century. The town is still dotted with colonial buildings and Churches. It is interesting to know how the British East India Company got the land as a gift from Raja of Sikkim in exchange for one double-barreled gun, one rifle, one 20 yards of red-broadcloth, and 2 pairs of shawls.
Darjeeling is 2134 meters above mean sea level with a temperate climate, and the best way to explore this hill town is on foot. One can visit the Museum at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The museum houses outfits and equipment used by Tenzing Norgay, who climbed Mt Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmond Hillary. The town has a good population of Tibetan refugees too. A visit to the Tibetan refugee self-help centre gives you insight into their lifestyle and the opportunity to buy their handicraft and help the community.
The most popular attraction of Darjeeling is the Toy train. Darjeeling Himalayan railways is a UNESCO declared a world heritage site. The toy train is still pulled by a steam locomotive (built in the 19th Century) between Ghoom and Darjeeling. One can experience this forty-minute journey. Today Darjeeling Tea is a global name, and one can visit or stay in one of the Tea plantations on the outskirts of town.
Darjeeling’s vibrant local markets are an essential part of the town’s character. Chowrasta, the town square, is a lively hub where visitors can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
If you’re planning your trip between October and March, you’ll be visiting during Darjeeling’s festival season, when the town comes alive with vibrant celebrations.
Darjeeling is 2134 meters above mean sea level with a temperate climate, and the best way to explore this hill town is on foot. One can visit the Museum at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The museum houses outfits and equipment used by Tenzing Norgay, who climbed Mt Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmond Hillary. The town has a good population of Tibetan refugees too. A visit to the Tibetan refugee self-help centre gives you insight into their lifestyle and the opportunity to buy their handicraft and help the community.
The most popular attraction of Darjeeling is the Toy train. Darjeeling Himalayan railways is a UNESCO declared a world heritage site. The toy train is still pulled by a steam locomotive (built in the 19th Century) between Ghoom and Darjeeling. One can experience this forty-minute journey. Today Darjeeling Tea is a global name, and one can visit or stay in one of the Tea plantations on the outskirts of town.
Darjeeling’s vibrant local markets are an essential part of the town’s character. Chowrasta, the town square, is a lively hub where visitors can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies. The region’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its cultural influences.
Darjeeling’s vibrant local markets are an essential part of the town’s character. Chowrasta, the town square, is a lively hub where visitors can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies. The region’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its cultural influences.
No mention of Darjeeling would be complete without its world-famous tea. Known as the “Champagne of Teas,” Darjeeling tea is renowned for its delicate flavor and aroma. Visitors can explore one of the many tea estates that dot the hills around Darjeeling, such as Happy Valley Tea Estate, to learn about the process of tea cultivation, plucking, and production. Many of these estates also offer homestay options, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of tea gardens while enjoying the tranquility of the hills.
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