Darjeeling is the Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable beauty. A Victorian town of old world charm 'discovered' by the British, it is almost completely surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. These are in turn interspersed by untamed jungle of Fern and Bamboo, groves of sweet smelling Coniferous trees and hamlets lost and which may be the finest this earth has to offer, It hits one like Darjeeling's true name, "Dorje Ling", or 'Place of the Thunderbolt'.

Part Victorian holiday resort, part major tea-growing centre, Darjeeling straddles a ridge 2,200m up in the Himalayas and almost 600-km north of Kolkata. Its been more than 50 years since the British departed, still the town remains as popular as ever with holiday-makers from the plains, and promenades such as the Mall and the Chowrasta still burst with life.

Darjeeling is a fascinating tourism place rich in natural beauty and surrounded by the Buddhist monasteries. Its beauty surpasses any other hill station of India.

Adventure Sports in Darjeeling

Trekking

Singalila Treks:
Treks in the eastern Himalayan region are organized through both high and low altitude areas. The most popular of treks is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling, which starts from Maneybhanjang, goes to Meghma, Toughu, Gairibas, Sandakphu, and Phalut.The fourth and last day is the return trek to Darjeeling, which may be taken along the same route or via Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

Kalimpong Treks:
Another adventurous high altitude trek done in Darjeeling is in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest point in the areas, Rochella at 3,400m. From here it is a steady descent to Tangta, Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. Trekkers can enjoy the natural panorama of exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife that can be seen along this route.

Darjeeling-Batast-Tonglo-Sandakphu-Return
This is a 6/7 days moderate trekking from Maneshanjang, which is 26-km by road from Darjeeling and ideal for views along a standard trail. The route trek is famous for its views of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest and Rhodendrons from Phalut and Sandakphu.

Hand Gliding / Balloning

Dhoteria
Both these sports have been experimentally introduced at Dhoteria in Darjeeling district, during the Tea & Tourism festival in Nov-98. The topography with its high ridges, cliffs and deep-down valleys, is an ideal venue for such sports.

Golf

Senchal Golf Course
This 9-hole Golf Cource is one of the highest Golf Cource in the world (altitude 8,150 ft). It is near Tiger Hill and has a Club House and a Tourist Lodge.

Lebong Race Course
About 8-km from the town, it is one of the smallest and highest Race Course in the world. Races are held during Spring & Autumn season under the management of local Gymkhana Club

Bungee Jumping

Ghoom
Ghoom, as the town's name seems to suggest, is gloomy and dank with perpetual fog. At this Tibetan village, which is at an altitude of 2,276 m (7,470 ft), one can hear the foghorn-like sounds of Buddhist monks blowing their giant Gyeling pipes from the rooftops of the nearby Yiga-Choling ' Yellow Hat' Buddhist Temple.

Ghoom is the jumping off point for an excursion to Tiger Hill, which should not be missed if the weather co-operates. For a truly magnificent view of the Himalayas, one must arrive before the sun rises and the clouds roll in. Inky darkness gives way to a gauzy mauve dawn and the peaks are unveiled in all their glory. Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makaly, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu and Chomolhari can all be seen with the forbidden peaks of the Tibetan Trans-Himalayan as a backdrop.

Places of Interest in Darjeeling

Tiger Hills
Tiger hills 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.

The Mall
The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling hand-knitted sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both real and imitation antiques. Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well as specialising in hand-painted black and white prints with glowing oil colours. The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand, a pony riding arena for children and a haven for lovers.

Chowrasta
The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial activity. The Mall Road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta. This is the heart of Victorian Darjeeling. Here hotels, restaurants and shops brush against each other. The shops and stalls are a veritable paradise for souvenir collectors. The Bhutanese sellers display their wares. Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available in some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 was established a center for the refuges who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self help center has been developed as workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. The fine and superb carpets, woollens, woodcarvings and leather work form this center has been very popular among the tourists. The money collected after the sale of the products goes to the Tibetans who work here. The variety Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting the visitors in a big way. This center has established it self in the International scenario as place for hard work, self esteem and truth.

Suggested Himalaya Tour Packages

Cultural Trek Duration : 11 Days Places Covered : Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa - Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing - Bumthang - Punakha - Paro Day to Day Itinerary | Ask for Detail

Nepal Jungle Safaris Duration : 08 Days Places Covered : Kathmandu-Pokra-Chitwan--Kathmandu Day to Day Itinerary | Ask for Detail

Skiing Tours in Auli Duration : 07 Days Places Covered : Delhi- Haridwar - Rishikesh - Joshimath - Auli - Haridwar - Delhi Day to Day Itinerary | Ask for Detail

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