An Insight:
Darjeeling is a hill station in the state of West Bengal in North Eastern
India. Also called the queen of hill-stations, at an altitude of 2134 m. or
7000 ft, it is a famous hill resort offering a breath taking sight of the
numerous peaks of the majestic Himalayas. The clouds seem to whisper to one
another here and from horizon to horizon stretches the Kanchanjunga, covered
with snow from the head to foot all round the year. The views of
Kanchanjunga and Mount Everest are particularly inspiring. And viewing Sun
rise is wonderful from the famous Tiger hill. The Himalayan physiography of
lofty mountainous terrain and cascading rivers, offers adventure sports
trekking, mountaineering and river rafting.
Lets Explore The Hill Stations of Darjeeling :
» Tiger Hill - Tiger hill is the highest point in
the area which provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. >From
this place the other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen. On a clear
day the sight of Mt. Everest is just enthralling.
» Dhoom Gompa - About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the
Dhoom Gompa. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha (
prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved some of
the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.
» Batasia Loop - This railway loop is an
interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very
unique turn.
» Happy Valley Estate - Here the tea from the
gardens is processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed
to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.
» Kanchenjunga View - From Darjeeling one can have
the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta
Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The
Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.
» Observatory Hills - This point provides one of
the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred
for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and the monasteries at
this place. .
» Bhutia Busty Gompa - With the back drop of the
Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This
monastery was shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The
Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The
monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It
also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
Botanical Gardens -This place is worth a visit for its
exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers
and orchids.
Where is Darjeeling?
» By Air - The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 90
km away from Darjeeling. Bagdogra is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati
and Kolkatta.
» By Rail - New Jalpaiguri is the nearest mainline
railhead for Darjeeling. From here, the toy train starts its picturesque
journey to Darjeeling.
» By Road - 90 kms from Bagdogra, and a little over
a 100 kms each from Gangtok and Kalimpong, Darjeeling is well connected to
the other Eastern Hill-stations.
