Travel Darjeeling - West Bengal, Tourist Places, Darjeeling Travel Attractions

Darjeeling - This is Northern part of West Bengal. Darjeeling is tiny Himalayan Region with an area of 663 sq. km. Before Nepal was opened to the outside world, all expeditions to Everest used to start from here. Darjeeling the name derives from "Dorje Ling', meaning the place of the Dorje' the Mystic. It was the name given to what was one's the Buddhist Monastery atop Observatory Hill, around which the town has been built. Around Darjeeling are Ghoom Monastery, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Natural History Museum and Lloyd Botanical Gardens. For a view of Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga Peak.

The best period of visit Darjeeling is between September to Mid-November. Mid0June to end-August is the rainy season which makes it impossible to enjoy the mountain scape, though rail and road communications remain open. The temperature varies between 8 degree Celsius and 16 degree Celsius in summer and between 1.5 Degree Celsius and 6.5 Degree Celsius in Winter.

Tourist Places Darjeeling

Tiger Hill - Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.

Batasia Loop - About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvellous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different action since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.

Lloyds Botanical Gardens - A colourful garden situated just below the Market Motor Stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The green houses are well worth a visit.

The Shrubbery - This beautiful garden is situated on the Jawahar Parbat behind Raj Bhawan. A magnificent view of Kanchenjunga Range and Singla Valley can be enjoyed from here.

Happy Valley Tea State or Garden - Of about seventy tea gardens in this hilly 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.

Rangeet Valley - At North Point about 3 km from the town. The first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact Officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Phone: 52731. Regular share taxi service available from Market Motor. Stand to the Ropeway Station. Fare 5.00.

Dhirdham Temple - Built in the style of Katmandu's Pashupatinath temple adds to the varied religious architectural styles of Darjeeling. It is near the railway station.

Lebong Racecourse - About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yards Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.

Amusement Park - Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.

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