DARJEELING
Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. Flaming red rhododendrons, sparkling white magnolias, miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS. The crest of Kanchenjunga shining in the first dawn light truly supports the title.Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveller - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in the memory - forever.
ATRS & CULTURE
The culture of Darjeeling is quite diverse. Apart from the major Hindu religious festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Dussera, Holi, Ram Navami etc., the diverse ethnic populace of the town also celebrates several local festivals. The Tibetan ethnic groups like the Lepchas, Bhutias, Gurungs, and Tamangs celebrate New Year, also called Loshar, in January/February. Other festivals like Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen, Buddha Jayanti, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat, to name a few, provide the "regional distinctness" of Darjeeling's local culture from the rest of India. Darjeeling Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as The Darjeeling Initiative, is a ten-day carnival held every year during winter that especially portrays the rich musical and cultural heritage of Darjeeling Hills as its central theme.Traditional dances in Darjeeling include the jhaure dance, chutkay dance, maruni dance and Tamang selos, which find their origins in Nepal. Other forms of dance include the Tibetan Chaam performed with elaborate costumes and masks during the eve of Loshar, the Tibetan New Year.Undeniably, the most popular food of Darjeeling is the Momo. Momo's are steamed dumplings stuffed with either pork, beef or vegetables and served with a spicy chili and tomato paste along with soup. Another popular dish is the thukpa, which is a noodle dish with meat and/or vegetables in soup. Apart from these dishes, the restaurants in Darjeeling offer a wide variety of traditional Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines to cater to different palates.
DANCE
The Nepalese in Darjeeling are rich in folk culture. The hills and dales are the treasure house of songs and dances of the hill folk.The panorama of the Majestic Himalayan Mountains, its lush green hills and forests seem to have played a significant role in influencing the religion and culture. The folk songs and dances of the Nepalese people, inhabiting in and around the Himalayan regions have been influenced by the serene, romantic and poetic shades of the place. Even the two major religions viz. Hinduism and Buddhism seems to have influenced the Nepali culture, which is full of its rich folk songs and dances, to co-existing side by side.The earlier cave paintings, religious rites and temple songs and dances have also played a significant role in influencing Nepalese Folk songs and dances. Impressions of religious dances performed either to appease the Gods and Goddesses or to ward-off evil spirits, can also be seen distinctly in performing arts of the Nepalese people.
The following are some of the most popular Nepali folk dances.
Maruni Nach , Dhan Naach, Jhankri Naach, Jatra Naach, DamphuNaach, Khukuri Naach, Deora Naach, Panchay Naach, Dhimay Naach, Sanginy Naach,Balan Naach, Jhyauray Naach, Paschimay Chutki, Rodhighar Naach, Baton Naach, Jhumara Naach, Sakhia Naach.
ARTIFICTS
Among the artistic crafts "ornaments, trinkets and handlooms" are worth mentioning. One can also find fine craftsmanship in woodwork and bamboo fretwork. While the principal utility products are blankets, woollen knitted garments and woven fabrics, the artistic products are handbags, wall panels, fire screens, folding partitions, Bhutan paintings, cotton shoulder bags etc. Beautiful curios are made at Darjeeling and Kalimpong on copper plates studded with red and blue stones with engravings of replicas of deities. Wonderful Tankas with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha are also available. Woolen carpets are made in a combination of shades in vegetable and synthetic dyes. Bhutia chaddars in beautiful textures can also be found. Decorative Nepali khukris are made in Ghum. Bedroom slippers and rope-sole shoes, jackets, hats, hanzu coats made from handloom cloth and masks are among the many items that attract tourists and curio collectors.
FESTIVALS
TIBETAN NEW YEAR ( LOSHAR)
Festivals and Events in Darjeeling are reflections of the diverse Indian culture and tradition that has developed through ages. Since it is the homeland of many different religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity at the same time, many festivals take place throughout the year.The Tibetans, who constitutes a major part of the population, celebrate the Loshar Festival in Darjeeling with great flare and festivity. The end of January marks the end of the Tibetan Year. To avert the negativity of the old year, most of the monasteries in the area have Cham (Tibetan Dance) during this time of the year. Loshar Festival in Darjeeling usually falls in the month of February. It is an important festival in the Tibetan calendar year and its celebration continues for a week. The youthful Tibetans celebrates it with great enthusiasm and spirit. The youth take to the streets performing the traditional Yak dance dressed in multi coloured clothes. They walk down the street singing and dancing with sacred folk lores that fill the air making the atmosphere electrifying.
DALAI LAMA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
During the months of July and August, the people of Darjeeling celebrate the birthday of Dalai Lama. They make this occasion very illustrious with processions.
ORANGE FESTIVAL
To promote the Samsing-Jaldhaka area in the foothills of the Bhutan Himalaya under Darjeeling Hills as a major orange growing landscape, the Orange Festival takes place every year. This festival is organised mainly to promote community-based tourism, ecological conservation, Indo-Bhutan friendship and peace.
BUDDHA JAYANTI
Buddha Jayanti is to celebrate the Birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Prayers are sung and the Buddhists offer worship in all the major Buddhist shrines such as Tamang Buddhist Monastery, Dali Monastery, Aloobari Monastery etc. The next morning a giant figure of Lord Buddha is displayed to all the followers and hundreds of small shrines are visited and worshipped. Large groups of people parade through the streets praising the Lord and his teachings. Special flags usually red, blue, yellow and white are raised high above all the Buddhist households.
TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
TOY TRAI (DHR)
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as the 'Toy Train' is one of the main attractions of the region. The track on which the train runs is only 600 millimeters wide. The size of the train is commensurate giving it the name `Toy Train`. Narrow Gauge trains are used in parts of India to travel to hill stations. The total area of the Narrow Gauge in India is about 4500 kilometers. Arguably, the most magnificent train journeys through the narrow gauge are the 88 kilometers through the gorgeous terrain to Darjeeling from Siliguri.
TREKKING
Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills began almost a century ago. In fact, the first organised trekking route in India was setup here along the Sangalila range. The trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut.There are trekker huts under the management of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department all along the route to Sandakphu. For further information contact, Tourist Bureau, Darjeeling.
WATER RAFTING
The White Water Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni), the scenic beauty of the banks, surrounding hills, its flora & fauna and sighting of several varieties of fishes is simply enchanting. A river trip is often an adventure. An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it.Bookings: Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC): 0354-2254214, 033-22821715
BIRDING TOURS
Eastern India is home to more than 850 species of birds and is considered as being the richest birding area in the country. The abrupt juxtaposition of many different biotopes or life zones – ranging from almost plains level to over 6000m, and from tropical heat to arctic cold, has given to the Eastern Himalayas a flora and fauna that for richness and variety is perhaps unequalled in the world. Sheltered in the rain-shadow lie dry practically rainless valleys adds to the ecological complexities of the jumbled habitats and make the area rich in birds, plant and insect life.Anybody who wants to start birding in the north-eastern India, could find birds such as the Eurasian Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, Himalayan Griffon, Common Kestrel, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-chinned Minivet, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Plain-backed Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Golden Bush Robin, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Buff-barred Warbler, Grey-hooded Warbler, White-throated Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Red-billed Leiothrix, Blue-winged Minla, Gould’s Shortwing, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Black-throated Parrotbill, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Maroon-backed Accentor, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Gold-naped Finch. Tours are offered covering the best birding areas in Lava, Neora Valley National Park, Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Sandakphu, Singalila National Park, etc.
BUTTERFLYING TOURS
Eastern India is home to more than 1200 species of butterflies and is considered as being the richest butterflying area, not only in our country but in the entire oriental region.Butterflying Tours are offered covering the best possible areas to: Lava, Neora Valley National Park, Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Sandakphu, Singalila National Park.
CHOWRASTA & MALL :
Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open space and free from vehicular movements from where one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take a charming stroll at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road.
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 also 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 wars since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.
PEACE PAGODA
The Japanese Peace Pagoda was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The pagoda is the highest free structure in the town. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.
OBSERVATORY HILL
Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the Observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who worship here by the hundreds.
HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.
PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLAGICAL PARK
Adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it is a high altitude wildlife park and new home for Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Birds. The Snow Leopard breeding centre was started in 1986 to breed Snow Leopards in captivity with the help of International Snow Leopard captive breeding project.
RAJ BHAWAN
Raj Bhawan is the summer residence of the Governor of West Bengal. The fantastically developed mansion with perfectly manicured lawns, lush gardens, surrounding forests and British Bungalows overlooks the Darjeeling Lebong spur and commands a magnificent close-up view of the snow capped Kanchanjunga Range. Being a high security zone, visitors are no longer allowed to venture inside its precinct. A walk around it through the dense forest is however, most charming. Visitors can experience the entire Sikkim-Jorethang crest unhindered.
DARJEELING-RANGIT VALLEY PASSENGER CABLE CAR
Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is popularly known as the Ropeway. It is about 3 km north of the town and situated at what is known as the North Point. The Ropeway is India's oldest passenger ropeway and connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley. The present ropeway has been extensively modernized and visitors can now safely travel over the clouds to witness the aerial view of the lush green tea gardens below.
TENZING ROCK AND GOMBU ROCK
Situated at Lebong Cart Road, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock Climbing.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum which contains a comprehensive collection of fauna of the region. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LLOYDS BOTANICAL GARDEN:
The oldest Botanical Garden in Darjeeling named as Lloyd Botanical Garden. It has a varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium(Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. There are no entrance fees. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and a couple of hours to spare, is a must. Timing: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
THE SHRUBBERY
It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmes performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a giant Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple and provisions for live-interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is during evenings. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor.
STEP ASIDE
About 3 mins walk from Chowrasta will bring the visitors to the place where the famous Indian patriot Deshbandu Chittaranjan Das had passed away in 1925.
AVA ART GALLERY :
About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi. Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
GHOOM MONASTERY :
Also called Sakya Monastery, this monastery in Ghoom is located 8 km from Darjeeling. Sakya monastery is a historic and significant monastery of the Shakya Order. The original monastery was built during the early twentieth century.The monastery can accommodate around sixty monks. The statue of Maithreya Buddha which is 4.57 meter high, of this monastery is of interest here. The monastery also preserves some of the rarest Buddhist manuscripts.
HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE :
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. Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays (afternoon) and Mondays (full day).
LEBONG RACE COURSE :
About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yds. Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.
GARG WORLD AMUSEMENT PARK :
Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.
ROCK GARDEN & GANGA MAYA PARK
Situated 10 km from town, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park has now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however, required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable.
TIBETAN REFUGEE SELF HELP CENTRE :
Tibetan refugee self help centre was established on 1st October 1959 to rehabilitate displaced Tibetians who had followed His Holiness, The Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. This centre produces excellent carpets, woollen goods, wood work, leather work etc. The Tibetan craftsmen can be seen at work at the centre. It is closed on Sundays.
HAYDEN HALL :
Woollen carpets, cotton shoulder bags, table mats, hand knitted pure woollen sweaters and caps are available for sale at reasonable prices. The items are woven by the local ladies.
EXCURSIONS , PICNIC SPOTS & SHORT - TREKS ,SENCHAL LAKE :
A favourite picnic spot about 10 km. from the town. Senchal Lake provides water supply to Darjeeling town.
SINGLA :
Altitude 244 metres or 800 ft. (approx.). This attractive picnic spot near Rangeet River has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism, DGHC for a water sports complex.
AJITAR :
21 km. from Darjeeling by road (jeep able), it is a magnificent picnic spot.
BIJANBARI :
38 km. from Darjeeling by road (motor able). Situated at an altitude of 762 metres or 2500 ft. This beautiful picnic spot is near the Little Rangeet river.
ATRS & CULTURE
The culture of Darjeeling is quite diverse. Apart from the major Hindu religious festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Dussera, Holi, Ram Navami etc., the diverse ethnic populace of the town also celebrates several local festivals. The Tibetan ethnic groups like the Lepchas, Bhutias, Gurungs, and Tamangs celebrate New Year, also called Loshar, in January/February. Other festivals like Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen, Buddha Jayanti, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat, to name a few, provide the "regional distinctness" of Darjeeling's local culture from the rest of India. Darjeeling Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as The Darjeeling Initiative, is a ten-day carnival held every year during winter that especially portrays the rich musical and cultural heritage of Darjeeling Hills as its central theme.Traditional dances in Darjeeling include the jhaure dance, chutkay dance, maruni dance and Tamang selos, which find their origins in Nepal. Other forms of dance include the Tibetan Chaam performed with elaborate costumes and masks during the eve of Loshar, the Tibetan New Year.Undeniably, the most popular food of Darjeeling is the Momo. Momo's are steamed dumplings stuffed with either pork, beef or vegetables and served with a spicy chili and tomato paste along with soup. Another popular dish is the thukpa, which is a noodle dish with meat and/or vegetables in soup. Apart from these dishes, the restaurants in Darjeeling offer a wide variety of traditional Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines to cater to different palates.
DANCE
The Nepalese in Darjeeling are rich in folk culture. The hills and dales are the treasure house of songs and dances of the hill folk.The panorama of the Majestic Himalayan Mountains, its lush green hills and forests seem to have played a significant role in influencing the religion and culture. The folk songs and dances of the Nepalese people, inhabiting in and around the Himalayan regions have been influenced by the serene, romantic and poetic shades of the place. Even the two major religions viz. Hinduism and Buddhism seems to have influenced the Nepali culture, which is full of its rich folk songs and dances, to co-existing side by side.The earlier cave paintings, religious rites and temple songs and dances have also played a significant role in influencing Nepalese Folk songs and dances. Impressions of religious dances performed either to appease the Gods and Goddesses or to ward-off evil spirits, can also be seen distinctly in performing arts of the Nepalese people.
The following are some of the most popular Nepali folk dances.
Maruni Nach , Dhan Naach, Jhankri Naach, Jatra Naach, DamphuNaach, Khukuri Naach, Deora Naach, Panchay Naach, Dhimay Naach, Sanginy Naach,Balan Naach, Jhyauray Naach, Paschimay Chutki, Rodhighar Naach, Baton Naach, Jhumara Naach, Sakhia Naach.
ARTIFICTS
Among the artistic crafts "ornaments, trinkets and handlooms" are worth mentioning. One can also find fine craftsmanship in woodwork and bamboo fretwork. While the principal utility products are blankets, woollen knitted garments and woven fabrics, the artistic products are handbags, wall panels, fire screens, folding partitions, Bhutan paintings, cotton shoulder bags etc. Beautiful curios are made at Darjeeling and Kalimpong on copper plates studded with red and blue stones with engravings of replicas of deities. Wonderful Tankas with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha are also available. Woolen carpets are made in a combination of shades in vegetable and synthetic dyes. Bhutia chaddars in beautiful textures can also be found. Decorative Nepali khukris are made in Ghum. Bedroom slippers and rope-sole shoes, jackets, hats, hanzu coats made from handloom cloth and masks are among the many items that attract tourists and curio collectors.
FESTIVALS
TIBETAN NEW YEAR ( LOSHAR)
Festivals and Events in Darjeeling are reflections of the diverse Indian culture and tradition that has developed through ages. Since it is the homeland of many different religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity at the same time, many festivals take place throughout the year.The Tibetans, who constitutes a major part of the population, celebrate the Loshar Festival in Darjeeling with great flare and festivity. The end of January marks the end of the Tibetan Year. To avert the negativity of the old year, most of the monasteries in the area have Cham (Tibetan Dance) during this time of the year. Loshar Festival in Darjeeling usually falls in the month of February. It is an important festival in the Tibetan calendar year and its celebration continues for a week. The youthful Tibetans celebrates it with great enthusiasm and spirit. The youth take to the streets performing the traditional Yak dance dressed in multi coloured clothes. They walk down the street singing and dancing with sacred folk lores that fill the air making the atmosphere electrifying.
DALAI LAMA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
During the months of July and August, the people of Darjeeling celebrate the birthday of Dalai Lama. They make this occasion very illustrious with processions.
ORANGE FESTIVAL
To promote the Samsing-Jaldhaka area in the foothills of the Bhutan Himalaya under Darjeeling Hills as a major orange growing landscape, the Orange Festival takes place every year. This festival is organised mainly to promote community-based tourism, ecological conservation, Indo-Bhutan friendship and peace.
BUDDHA JAYANTI
Buddha Jayanti is to celebrate the Birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Prayers are sung and the Buddhists offer worship in all the major Buddhist shrines such as Tamang Buddhist Monastery, Dali Monastery, Aloobari Monastery etc. The next morning a giant figure of Lord Buddha is displayed to all the followers and hundreds of small shrines are visited and worshipped. Large groups of people parade through the streets praising the Lord and his teachings. Special flags usually red, blue, yellow and white are raised high above all the Buddhist households.
TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
TOY TRAI (DHR)
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as the 'Toy Train' is one of the main attractions of the region. The track on which the train runs is only 600 millimeters wide. The size of the train is commensurate giving it the name `Toy Train`. Narrow Gauge trains are used in parts of India to travel to hill stations. The total area of the Narrow Gauge in India is about 4500 kilometers. Arguably, the most magnificent train journeys through the narrow gauge are the 88 kilometers through the gorgeous terrain to Darjeeling from Siliguri.
TREKKING
Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills began almost a century ago. In fact, the first organised trekking route in India was setup here along the Sangalila range. The trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut.There are trekker huts under the management of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department all along the route to Sandakphu. For further information contact, Tourist Bureau, Darjeeling.
WATER RAFTING
The White Water Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni), the scenic beauty of the banks, surrounding hills, its flora & fauna and sighting of several varieties of fishes is simply enchanting. A river trip is often an adventure. An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it.Bookings: Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC): 0354-2254214, 033-22821715
BIRDING TOURS
Eastern India is home to more than 850 species of birds and is considered as being the richest birding area in the country. The abrupt juxtaposition of many different biotopes or life zones – ranging from almost plains level to over 6000m, and from tropical heat to arctic cold, has given to the Eastern Himalayas a flora and fauna that for richness and variety is perhaps unequalled in the world. Sheltered in the rain-shadow lie dry practically rainless valleys adds to the ecological complexities of the jumbled habitats and make the area rich in birds, plant and insect life.Anybody who wants to start birding in the north-eastern India, could find birds such as the Eurasian Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, Himalayan Griffon, Common Kestrel, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-chinned Minivet, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Plain-backed Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Golden Bush Robin, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Buff-barred Warbler, Grey-hooded Warbler, White-throated Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Red-billed Leiothrix, Blue-winged Minla, Gould’s Shortwing, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Black-throated Parrotbill, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Maroon-backed Accentor, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Gold-naped Finch. Tours are offered covering the best birding areas in Lava, Neora Valley National Park, Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Sandakphu, Singalila National Park, etc.
BUTTERFLYING TOURS
Eastern India is home to more than 1200 species of butterflies and is considered as being the richest butterflying area, not only in our country but in the entire oriental region.Butterflying Tours are offered covering the best possible areas to: Lava, Neora Valley National Park, Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Sandakphu, Singalila National Park.
CHOWRASTA & MALL :
Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open space and free from vehicular movements from where one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take a charming stroll at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road.
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 also 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 wars since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.
PEACE PAGODA
OBSERVATORY HILL
Apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the Observatory Hill by both Hindus and Buddhists who worship here by the hundreds.
HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit.
PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLAGICAL PARK
RAJ BHAWAN
Raj Bhawan is the summer residence of the Governor of West Bengal. The fantastically developed mansion with perfectly manicured lawns, lush gardens, surrounding forests and British Bungalows overlooks the Darjeeling Lebong spur and commands a magnificent close-up view of the snow capped Kanchanjunga Range. Being a high security zone, visitors are no longer allowed to venture inside its precinct. A walk around it through the dense forest is however, most charming. Visitors can experience the entire Sikkim-Jorethang crest unhindered.
DARJEELING-RANGIT VALLEY PASSENGER CABLE CAR
TENZING ROCK AND GOMBU ROCK
Situated at Lebong Cart Road, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts preliminary course on Rock Climbing.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Within walking distance from Chowrasta, this interesting museum which contains a comprehensive collection of fauna of the region. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LLOYDS BOTANICAL GARDEN:
The oldest Botanical Garden in Darjeeling named as Lloyd Botanical Garden. It has a varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium(Saheed Durga Mall District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. There are no entrance fees. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and a couple of hours to spare, is a must. Timing: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
THE SHRUBBERY
It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmes performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, and now comprises of a giant Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple and provisions for live-interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is during evenings. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor.
STEP ASIDE
About 3 mins walk from Chowrasta will bring the visitors to the place where the famous Indian patriot Deshbandu Chittaranjan Das had passed away in 1925.
AVA ART GALLERY :
About 2 km from town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi. Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
GHOOM MONASTERY :
HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE :
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. Timing: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Sundays (afternoon) and Mondays (full day).
LEBONG RACE COURSE :
About 8 km from the town, it is the smallest race course in the world. The complete lap is only 480 yds. Long. It was laid out in 1885 as a parade ground.
GARG WORLD AMUSEMENT PARK :
Situated at a distance of about 4 km. On Gandhi Road it is a new amusement park with a variety of attractions.
ROCK GARDEN & GANGA MAYA PARK
Situated 10 km from town, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park has now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however, required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable.
TIBETAN REFUGEE SELF HELP CENTRE :
HAYDEN HALL :
Woollen carpets, cotton shoulder bags, table mats, hand knitted pure woollen sweaters and caps are available for sale at reasonable prices. The items are woven by the local ladies.
EXCURSIONS , PICNIC SPOTS & SHORT - TREKS ,SENCHAL LAKE :
A favourite picnic spot about 10 km. from the town. Senchal Lake provides water supply to Darjeeling town.
SINGLA :
Altitude 244 metres or 800 ft. (approx.). This attractive picnic spot near Rangeet River has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism, DGHC for a water sports complex.
AJITAR :
21 km. from Darjeeling by road (jeep able), it is a magnificent picnic spot.
BIJANBARI :
38 km. from Darjeeling by road (motor able). Situated at an altitude of 762 metres or 2500 ft. This beautiful picnic spot is near the Little Rangeet river.
How to Reach There ?
Visit : FINE Yatra Tours & Travels
Call:- 044-65623741, +91-90920 26222
+91-99765 58789, +91-96057 65125
+91-90922 81222, +91- 98408 16508
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