Darjeeling's tea bushes run across a mythical landscape steeped with the religious, the sacred, and the picturesque. Planted at high elevation in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, in an area of northern India bound by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, and Sikkim to the north, the linear rows of brilliant green, waist-high shrubs that coat the steep slopes and valleys around this Victorian "hill town" produce only a fraction of the world’s tea, and less than one percent of India’s total. Yet the tea from that limited crop, with its characteristic bright, amber-colored brew and muscatel flavors--delicate and flowery, hinting of apricots and peaches--is generally considered the best in the world.
This is the story of how Darjeeling tea began, was key to the largest tea industry on the globe under Imperial British rule, and came to produce the highest-quality tea leaves anywhere in the world. It is a story rich in history, intrigue and empire, full of adventurers and unlikely successes in culture, mythology and religions, ecology and terror, all set with a backdrop of the looming Himalayas and drenching monsoons. The story is ripe with the imprint of the Raj as well as the contemporary clout of "voodoo farmers" getting world record prices for their fine teas--and all of it beginning with one of the most audacious acts of corporate smuggling in history.
Best places to visit in Darjeeling:
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which also famously known as the “Toy Train” is the most famous attraction in this region. The train runs between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on a narrow-gauge rail which is about 2 feet in width. Construction of the tracks began in the year 1879 and was completed in the year 1881.
In the year 1999, the UNESCO declared the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as a World Heritage Site which made it the second railway in the world to receive this honour the first being Simmering Railway in Austria. Darjeeling tourism definitely takes pride in this world-famous honour and hence travelling on the Toy train is a must experience activity on Darjeeling tour packages.
The jungles in the east are treasure houses to the most precious and strange flora and fauna. One such treasure in the east is Singalila National Park in West Bengal. Established in 1986, the park is one of the few places on earth where you will come across Red Panda.
The incandescent view of Kanchenjunga Massif adorn the clear blue skies above the park. Each and every turn unfurls a pleasant surprise of wilderness and scenic beauty. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, you get the virgin views of the mountains spanning from Nepal to Bhutan.
3. Neora Valley National Park
The Neora Valley National Park which is about 88 square kilometres in area is considered one of the richest biological zones in the north-eastern region of India. The Neora Valley National Park is home to the largest population of the Red Panda species in India. This park was founded in the year 1986 and has housed many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna from across the nation.
4. Aloobari Monastery
Built by Sangay Lama in 1914, the Aloobari Monastery is approximately 3 kilometers away from Darjeeling town. Its original name was Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery. It comprises bright red and yellow walls and maintains a prayer hall, statues of Lord Buddha, marvelous model of Padmasambhava and murals depicting the life story of Lord Buddha. Surrounding the monastery are several villages inhabited by Tibetan families. It is one of the must visit places in Darjeeling where you can get acquainted with the local culture and experience their hospitality.
This marvellous estate was established during the colonial period in 1854 by an Englishman, David Wilson. At the turn of the century, it was bought by T P Bannerjee, a rich Bengali man. In 1929, Bannerjee bought the adjoining Windsor estate and combined the two properties to create the Happy Valley Tea Estate.
At a magical altitude of 6,800 feet, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is a fine land expanse of about 437 acres, growing some of the finest shrubs of this delightful drink in the world. It is the second oldest tea estate in the tea-rich town of Darjeeling, with its origins being closely connected to the history of cultivating and producing the world-famous Darjeeling Tea. The endless expanse of lush plantations situated on a hilly slope combines well with the captivating aroma ensuing from within, mesmerizing travellers as they are treated to the charming nuances of producing tea.
Located below Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, on the slopes of Jawahar Parbhat, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park of Darjeeling is a 'one of its kinds' park in the entire West Bengal. It is situated at an elevation of 2133.5 meter and spread over an area of 44 hectares. Established on August 14, 1958, this zoo is one of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling. It attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year. Popularly known as Darjeeling Zoo, it falls under the supervision of Department of Education of the West Bengal Government
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is meant for studying and preserving Himalayan fauna. This zoo specially focuses on breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions. It has been successfully involved in the captive breeding of many critically endangered Himalayan species, like Snow leopard, Himalayan Wolf and Red Panda. This zoo also serves as the home for other Himalayan species, like Gorals (mountain goat), Siberian tigers and many endangered and exotic species of birds. It also serves as the core for Central Zoo Authority of India's Red Panda Project.
7.Shrubbery Nightingale Park
When the British were ruling India, it was the private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s bungalow. In the year 1934 when it was completely destroyed by an earthquake it was revamped and opened for the public again. After the re-designing of the park the walkways around the park crisscrossed each other in the park. It looks beautiful at the outset. Initially it became a place where the British women resident in Darjeeling would come here to have a cup of tea and chat with each other. So it was more like a women's meeting place.
Shurberry Nightingale Park is an ideal place for a relaxing evening with your love ones when park is covered in beautiful colourful lights making it feel like a wonderland. Shrubbery Nightingale Park is open from Morning until 8pm. If you want to watch the cultural program, then come in the evening. There is a nominal entry fee.
8. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa in Darjeeling started building up in the year 1972 and finished in the year of 1992. Darjeeling Peace Pagoda or Darjeeling Shanti Stupa is the only one in East - Himalayas. This beautiful Stupa designed and built for the purpose of to provide a focus of peace to the people of all races and creeds in the world. The formation of Peace Pagoda was initiated by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist Monk from Japan and a founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist order. He was immensely inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and decided to promote non-violence and peace throughout the world and started constructing Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa as shrines for world peace.
Darjeeling shanti Stupa is situated just outside of the city of Darjeeling and the humming and the solemn chanting of prayers give to the place a spiritual air. Breath taking view of snowy peaks along with the mighty Khanchendzonga from this place is really breathtaking.
9.Darjeeling Mall and Chowrasta
At a distance of 1 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station, Darjeeling Mall or Chowrasta is located at the heart of Darjeeling town. It is considered as the hub for all type of activities in Darjeeling and also among the best places to visit in Darjeeling.
The word 'Chow' means four and 'Rasta' stands for roads, essentially means that the Mall is where four roads meet. Located on top of Nehru Road, This flat piece of circular land is the major shopping area and center for commercial activities. In olden days, this was the place where the Europeans came for their evening walks. Today, the locals as well as the tourists come here to lounge and relax. In a clear day, one can also have a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga from here.
There are benches all along the Mall Road for people to sit and enjoy the views over a cup of Darjeeling tea. Also, there are some of the old and heritage stores lined up and countless vendors selling artifacts, woollens and various figurines along the street. Besides shopping one can also go for a pony ride here. There is also a small open space auditorium here, where local rock bands often host performances. The temple of Mahakal is located on the hill top right at the center of the Mall and Chowrasta.
Taxis are not allowed in the Mall area. Taxis can only come up to the stand near the junction of Nehru road and Gandhi road, or up to the Windamere hotel on the Mall road from where it would be a shorter and easier walk to the Mall.
10.Tiger Hill
One of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling is the Tiger Hill, which is the highest point in the region. It stands at an elevation of 2,590 meters overlooking the spur of the snow capped mountain ranges of the Eastern Himalaya. The Tiger Hill is one of the two points in India from where you can capture the entire panorama between Mount Everest and Kanchendzonga along with other peaks like the Kabru, Rathong and Kokhtang on a sunny morning. The other point from where you can have a glimpse of a similar panorama is from Phalut, at 3,600 meters approximately, which can be only reached by trekking. The Phalut trekking route from Darjeeling starts from Manebhanjan and goes through Tonglu, Giribas, Kalapokhri and Sandakphu. The Singalila National Park that falls on the trekking route is yet another attraction in and around Darjeeling. Nonetheless, the Tiger Hill is best known for the amazing view of the Kanchendzonga peak at sunrise.
11. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo
The mighty Himalayas are every mountaineer’s ultimate dream. If you have the courage, the stamina and you want to try something different, you must check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) at Darjeeling. The HMI is one of the oldest mountaineering institutes of the country and has played a pivotal role in training mountaineers across the country.
The institute is situated on the western spur of Birch Hill and has a commanding view of Darjeeling’s tea gardens as well as the snow clad peaks of the mighty Kanchenjunga.
To give impetus to mountaineering as an organized sport in India and commemorate Norgay and Hillary’s historic conquest of the Everest, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was founded in Darjeeling with the personal initiative of Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
The HMI is renowned for its competent and star-studded faculty that included luminaries like Tenzing Norgay and winners of the nation’s highest adventure award winners. The Institute offers courses at highly subsidized rates along with excellent training and boarding facilities. Courses range from the basics to advance techniques of mountaineering.
12. Batasia Loop
A paradise for nature lovers, the Batasia Loop is specifically known for its spiral of a narrow gauge railway track on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the Toy Train makes a complete loop around a wonderful circular garden. It covers an area of 50,000 square feet and is dotted with several flowering plants. It also maintains an eco garden, Gorkha War Memorial, and many restaurants and eateries. The Batasia Loop is approximately 5 kilometers away from Darjeeling town and is close to Ghoom. If you are lucky enough then on a clear sunny day, you will get a jaw breaking view of the Kanchedzonga range.
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