Darjeeling (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) in northeast India provides the perfect ambiance of a hill resort with its mild climate and laid back charm (Its verdant hills and valleys mare steeped in color, and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. President over all these is the 8,856m Mt. Kanchenjunga looming over the northern horizon, giving a magical aura to the land that entices thousand to its environs and leaves all the senses intoxicated.

Darjeeling is hemmed in by Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. Darjeeling town, Kalimpong and Kurseong are the major urban centres. Heavy influenced by British India, Darjeeling still carries imprints reminiscent of its colonial past. The toy is on of the most striking examples of Darjeeling 's British Raj influence.

ACCESS

By Flight : Darjeeling town is 90 km from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, where scheduled flights operate from New Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. You can also fly from Kathmandu and take the one-hour flight to Bhadrapur (the nearest Nepalese airport to Darjeeling ). From Bhadrapur a 34 km drive will take you to Kakarbhitta (Nepal - India border, ) and then after covering 36 km you will reach Siliguri, the gateway city to the tourist destinations of Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan.

By Road : From Siliguri buses and taxis leave for Darjeeling ( 2 hours 30 minutes) which is at a distance of 77 km. Darjeeling is also connected by road with Sikkim (120 km) and Bhutan (about 200 km).

By Rail : The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (88 km) which are connected to Calcutta, New Delhi, Guwahati and other major Indian cities. From Siliguri you can take the famous toy train (8 hours) to Darjeeling.


BEST SEASON TO VISIT

march-may and September November are the best times to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer (maximum temperature 16 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens in winter (minimum 1.6 degrees)


ADVENTURE SPORTS

Trekking, white water rafting, Kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and rock climbing.


ACCOMMODATION

There are modern hotels and restaurants in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and comfortable lodges in Kurseong and Mirik.


TRANSPORT

is provided by buses. Vehicles are also available on hire.Darjeeling is a hill top town overlooking hills and valleys below.



PERMITS

Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess and Indian visa. No permits is required for those coming to Darjeeling by air through Bagdogra airport, and proposing to stay in Darjeeling town for not more than 15 days. However, they need to repot to the Foreigners Registration Office at Bagdogra airport on arrival and at the time of departure and get their passports endorsed.

Those travelling by rail or road are required to obtain Restricted Area Permit before entering Darjeeling . To visit Kalimpong, this permit has to be endorsed at the Foreigners Registration Office in Darjeeling or, alternatively, at the office which issued it.
No permits is required for trekking trip to Sandakphu and Phalut provided trekkers inform the Foreigners Registration Office in Darjeeling at least 24 hours in advance and also report on arrival at Sandakphu and Phalut checkposts.

DARJEELING PLACES TO SEE

Darjeeling town (elevation 2,134 m) is located on a spur with houses hugging the hillside.

The places to visit are

Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants

Mall Road, starting and splendid views

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park which has the Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear, red panda, snow leopard and many other animal and bird species, and the nearby snow leopard breeding centre

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training centre for mountaineers which also houses the Everest museum

Natural History Museum, with its fine display of Himalayan wildlife.

Observatory Hill which has Hindu and Buddhist shrine

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, a major center for the production of Tibetan carpets, woodwork and leather goods.

Thupten Sangag Choling (Dali) and Yiga - Choling(Ghoom) - the Buddhist monasteries of Bhutan Busty

Batasia Loop, a marvelous feat of railway engineering
Tiger Hill for its renowned sunrise view over Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalayan.

Japanese Peace Pagoda, established by the Japanese Buddhist order, Nipponzan Myohoji; and Lloy's Botanical Garden which has a varied collection of Himalayan flora.

Visitors can also stake a ride in the Darjeeling - Rangit valley passenger cable car or hop on the toy train which wheezes and winds all the way from Siliguri to Darjeeling town via Kurseong.

KURSEONG
Kurseong( elevation 1,458 m) is a quaint little town about 30 km to the south of Darjeeling on the way to Siliguri. The market consists of rows of shops lining the main road which is crisscrossed at several points by the railway tracks of the toy train.

The places to visit here are

Eagle's Crag which has a park from where glorious views of Kanchenjunga on one side and the southern plains on the can be taken in;

Dow Hill which has the forest museum

Deer park a water reservoir, all set amidst moss-laden conifers and Chimney, a serene, open meadow.

MIRIK
Mirik (elevation 1,765 m approx) is another tiny hill resort easily accessible from Siliguri, Kurseong or Darjeeling. The centerpiece of the town is the Sumendu lake where boating under the serene gaze of Kanchenjunga makes for a most relaxing pastime. Tameeta Danda and Deosi Danda are two elevated points near the lake from where the view all around is terrific.