Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal,often known as the "Queen of Hills", comfortably laid in the Lesser Himalaya at an elevation of 6,700 ft.World famous for its is famous tea industry,the spectacular views of Kanchenjunga range and the famous "toy train" a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district covering about 1144 sq km, attracts millions of tourists every year for the variety of attractions it offers.
The hill rise from the `Terai` and `Dooars` plains of Bengal and reaches an altitude of more than 12,000 feet. Three divisions of the district, namely Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong constitute the hilly areas and the Siliguri subdivision is in the plains. To the north of the region is the Indian state of Sikkim, it borders Nepal on the West, and Bengal plains in the South and East.Darjeeling locals identify themselves according to their ancestry: Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan or Lepcha's, but would like to call themselves as "Gurkha" a sign of unity among the locals.
|
Mahakal Mandir - Observatory Hill
This place is located on a hill top is one of a greatest tourist spot in the Queen of Hills. The best place to view the panoramic view of the mountain range and it also has a temple famously known as the "Mahakal Temple".
As you take the mall road from the right side of Chowrasta Mall, about 100 yards away you will find flights of stairs that lead towards the Observatory hill and the Mahakal temple.It takes approximately 15 minutes uphill walk (might be tiring but worth every second).
|
Tiger Hill
Rise early for the breathe taking view which you wouldn't want to miss at any cost.
To watch the dawn breaking through over a spectacular 250Km stretch the Himalayan horizon, including Everest, Lhoste and Makalu to the far west, rise early and start early before 4 am. This daily morning spectacle is a major tourist attraction. Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482ft.)and its 14Km away from the town.
This spots has earned an international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over “Kanchanjunga” and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountain.
|
Batasia Loop
The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling.Its 5Km from Darjeeling,below Ghoom. This Railway Loop is considered amongst one of the best architectural feats of the country, this was inaugurated in the year 1995 to commemorate the valor and courage of our soldiers who lost their lives in struggle post Indian independence, hence the War Memorial in the center of the Batasia Loop dedicated to our Heroes.
When you take a ride to Darjeeling in the train, you can enjoy breathe taking panoramic views of Darjeeling.
|
HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE
HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE : Of about seventy tea gardens in this hill region, this is one of the nearest, about 3 km. from the town. Here one can see the processing of the world famous Darjeeling tea.
|
TIBETAN REFUGE SELF HELP CENTRE
Tibetan refugee self help centre was established on 1st October, 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetans who had followed His Holiness the Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. These centres produce excellent carpets, woollen good, wood work, leather work etc. The Tibetan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre
|
zoo
Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, there is high altitude wild life park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds. (The Snow Leopard breeding Centre was started on 1986 to breed Snow Leopard in captivity with the help of international Snow Leopard captive breeding project)
|
ENCHEY MONASTERY : gangtok
This 200 year old monastery is famous for the mask dance called 'Cham' performed in the month of January. An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it. Monasteries in Sikkim.
|
FLOWER EXHIBITION CENTRE
Located near the White Hall Complex of Gangtok this place houses a variety of orchids, seasonal flowers as well as bonsai. It is open between April to June and September until the end of November. In recent years, this show has become quite popular and famous, as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.
|