Darjeeling India

Darjeeling is located in West Bengal, India at an altitude of 7,100 feet. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this city is cool almost throughout the year. Known as the heaven of clouds, Darjeeling is recognized worldwide for its natural beauty, tea and railways. Thousands of tourists flock to Darjeeling every year to witness the incomparable beauty of Kanchenjunga and the sunrise at Tiger Hill, as well as numerous sightseeing spots.

Since the British rule, Darjeeling has been known as an ideal vacation spot due to its beautiful scenery and favorable climate. Not only the natural beauty but the various educational institutes located in Darjeeling also attract students from Asia.

Tiger Hill : The sunset from Tiger Hill is a sight to behold. And tourists do not easily miss the opportunity to see the magnificent view of Mount Everest and Kanchanjunga from the top of this hill. By 5 am, the tourist crowd can be avoided.

Batasiya Loop : Batasiya Loop is one of the scenic train routes in Darjeeling, located just 5 km from Darjeeling city. The train journey through the mountain top tunnel is a thrilling experience for any tourist. The natural beauty here is also impressive.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ): The small steam engine driven train traveling from New Jalpaiguri in India to Darjeeling through the hilly winding roads and turns is one of the main tourist attractions in Darjeeling. This railway was once the first and most important transport system of the country. Also known as “Darjeeling Toy Train”, this train journey is an enchanting experience in Darjeeling. Many people will have seen the wonderful scenes surrounding this train in Kolkata and Bollywood movies.

Darjeeling Zoo : This park of about 67.56 acres is also known as Himalayan Park. Located in the hills, the park is home to rare animals like snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, clouded leopard, black bear and red panda, along with birds and reptiles of the Himalayan range. The Wildlife Museum of this park is another special attraction for tourists. The entrance fee to this park is 60 rupees and additional 10 rupees for the camera.

In addition, there are several parks in Darjeeling such as Nightingale Park (Nightingale Park, Nepali cultural programs are held here during the tourist season), Darjeeling Rock Garden located next to the fountain and Singalia National Park.

Happy Valley Tea State (Happy Valley Tea State) : Established in 1854, the second oldest tea garden in Darjeeling city. A panoramic view of the entire city can be seen from this beautiful tea garden. By spending 100 rupees, you can see the entire tea plantation through the guide. If you want, there is also an opportunity to buy tea leaves here along with tea.

Bengal Natural History Museum (Bengal Natural History Museum) : A beautiful place to visit with the whole family. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is located within this museum. Various animals and birds can be seen in this museum. There is also an opportunity to take pictures in traditional clothes by spending 100-150 rupees.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Himalayan Mountaineering Institute) : Recognized as one of the world's mountaineering centers, the primary aim of this institute was to encourage common people about mountaineering. Numerous climbers from around the world come here to develop their skills. And now this institute has gained enough popularity as a tourist spot as well. The view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, from this institute is truly mesmerizing.

Pagodas and monasteries: Among the pagodas and monasteries of Darjeeling, Ghum Monastery is notable. Situated at an altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level, this ancient temple has a 15 feet tall Buddhist statue and a beautiful sunrise. The Peace Pagoda of four Buddhist statues known as a symbol of peace will be very interesting. In the Japanese Buddhist Temple, you will have the opportunity to see several temples and pagodas built in the traditional Japanese style.

Also if time allows Tenzing-Rock Monument to the first Everest conqueror, Refugee Center Tibetan Self Help Centre, Darjeeling Gorkha Stadium at 800 feet height, Darjeeling Museum, Ava Art Gallery, Centenary Old Dirdaham Temple, Gangamaya Park, Himalayan Kanya Kanchan-Jongha and Victoria You can also visit places like falls.

Special attractions of Darjeeling: Darjeeling Ropeway (16 km long cable car ride over tea plantations from 5500 feet), River Rafting in Teesta and Trekking.

The weather in Darjeeling is best during the months of April to June and October to December. And so these six months are the best time to visit Darjeeling.

By bus from Dhaka : If you want to go by road, it will depend on the port through which your visa is applied. If the visa is issued through Phulbari, after the immigration process at the Banglabandha border in Panchagarh from Dhaka, you have to take a bus from Phulbari to Siliguri Junction. If the visa is issued through Chengrabandha, from Dhaka to Burimari border at Lalmonirhat, finish the immigration process and come to Siliguri from Changrabanda by bus. Either way, you can get Darjeeling-bound Tata Sumo or Commander Jeep tickets from Siliguri Jeep Station directly to Darjeeling. It takes two and a half hours to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri.

By Air from Dhaka: If you want to go by air from Dhaka, you have to take Dhaka – Kolkata – Bagdogra flight. Bagdogs can reach Darjeeling by taxi from the airport.

Kolkata to Darjeeling : If you want to go to Darjeeling by train from Kolkata, collect the ticket from the tourist counter at Fairly Palace. The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The distance from this railway station to Darjeeling is 88 km. Darjeeling mail train departs from Kolkata's Sealdah railway station at 7.15 pm. Next day train will arrive at New Jalpaiguri station at 10 am. From Jalpaiguri station, you can reach Darjeeling by rickshaw from Siliguri jeep station, Darjeeling bound Tata Sumo or Commander jeep.

A small and low cost tour plan idea to explore Darjeeling:

The cost usually depends on what time you go, how long you stay, what kind of hotel you stay in, how much you spend on food. On many such subjects. If you think about the rough budget, it can cost 15,000 to 18,000 taka per person for 5 nights and 4 days (3 nights stay in Darjeeling) for traveling from Dhaka to Darjeeling, accommodation, food. And if you want to travel at a low cost, if you group together and travel by shared jeep, sharing hotel and food, you can travel beautifully within 10-12 thousand taka per person. If you stay for 2 nights instead of 3 nights, the cost will be reduced further.

There are various quality residential hotels and homestays in Darjeeling. Among the budget hotels, you will get a room for two between 600-800 in hotels like Hotel Tower View, Dejong Retreat, Everest Glory, Ki Kiba Dhi, Hotel EV Castle, Hotel Everest Glory, Pahari Sol, Benu's.

Again, in a slightly higher budget, two people can stay between 900-2000 rupees in homestays like New Singalia Park Homestay, Himshikha Homestay, Fraterniti Homestay, Mountain Homestay, which are popular among tourists.

Check sites like booking.com, hotels.com, expedia for online room booking. You will find many hotels according to your needs. You can check the reviews and various facilities of these sites to know more about any hotel.

Locals of Darjeeling love to eat beef and lentils with rice. Among the restaurants, restaurants like Kunga, Hasty Tasty, Penang, Sonam's Kitchen, Caventer's, Glenaris, Shangri La, Caventer's, Lunar offer local cuisine of Darjeeling as well as Thai, Indian or Bengali cuisine. And popular local dishes include gundrak (fermented mustard leaves), mum (a pita-like dish with meat or vegetables), thupka (thick soup made with meat, noodles, egg and vegetables), alu dum, naga platter and chang (local beer). you will see And of course don't forget to eat Darjeeling special tea and Darjeeling oranges in small clay cups.

Laden-La Road in Darjeeling city has several small and big markets and shops. From these markets you can safely buy essential winter wear, gloves, mufflers, sweaters, leather jackets, Nepali shawls, sarees, leather shoes and gift items for loved ones. One can buy souvenirs among other things from several local shops in Tiger Hill. And when it comes to buying good tea leaves, it is better to buy from a good tea estate rather than from a local store. You will find cheaper prices and different grades of tea leaves.

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