Darjeeling
The former
summer capital of Bengal, Darjeeling is picturesquely situated on the south-eastern flank
of the Himalayas. Often described as the Queen of Hill Stations, it offers some of the
most magnificent mountain views in the world. Activities here include horse-riding,
trekking, golf and fishing. One of Darjeeling's many attractions is the lovely toy train
that takes you from Siliguri to Darjeeling, passing through beautiful tea country, as it
winds its way up from the plains.
The train is truly the darling of the local people and the delight of tourists. But, by far, the most rewarding experience is a pre-dawn trip to Tiger Hill (2590 meters), which most tourists to Darjeeling consider a must. And rightly so. For, on a clear morning, it can provide the visitor a never to be forgotten experience the magnificient sight of the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga peak and the distant Mt Everest.
ACCESS
The nearest airport is Bagdogra (90 km) which is in turn connected to Calcutta, and New Delhi. New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri Junction at the base of the Darjeeling hill area, has direct railconnections with Calcutta, Delhi, and Guwahati.
Darjeeling is connected by road with Calcutta and other major cities of India.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Bombay Loop (en route to Darjeeling by train), Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway, Dhirdhaum Temple, Ghoom Buddhist Monastery, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Lebong Race Course, Lloyds Botanical Garden, Observatory Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Step Aside (near Chowrasta, the place where the great nationalist Deshbandhu Chittaranj-an Das died in 1925), Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, and Tiger Hill.
EXCURSIONS
A trek to Sandakphu and Phalut (11,811 ft), 78 km from Darjeeling. Trips can also be made to Rangoon, Rambi, Takdah, Mungpoo, Kalimpong and Gangtok (60 miles).
ACCOMODATION
Sinclairs, 18/1, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling-734 101. Phones: 56431, 56432. Fax: 0354-54355.
Windamere (4-star Deluxe), Observatory Hills, Darjeeling-734 101. Phones: 54041, 54042. Fax: 0354- 54043, 54211.
Chancellor (3-star), 5, Dr. S.M. Das Road, Darjeeling. Phones: 52935, 54582; Fax: 0354-54582.
Mohit (3-star), Mount Pleasant Road, Darjeeling. Phones: 54723, 54351; Fax: 54351, 54706.
New Elgin (3-star), 32 H.D. Lama Road, Darjeeling. Phones: 54114, 54267; Fax: 0354-54267.
Seven Seventeen (2-star) H.D. Lama Road, Darjeeling. Phone: 0354-54717;
Bellevue (2-star), The Mall, Darjeeling 734101. Phones: 54075, 54130. Fax: 54330.
Central (2-star), Robertson Road, Darjeeling-734 101. Phones: 54480, 56049, 56050. Fax: 0354-54480.
Sterling Holiday Resort, Old Monastery Road, Ghoom, Darjeeling. Phone: 52691; Fax: 54696.
Tourist Lodge (WBTDC), Bhanu Sarani (Mall Road), Darjeeling.
Maple Tourist Lodge, Kutchery Road. Phone: 54413.
Tiger Hill Tourist Lodge, Senachal, P.O. : Ghoom.
Government of West Bengal Yoth Hostel, Dr. Zakir Hussain Road.
Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourist, Lowis Jubilee Complex, Dr. S.K. Paul Road. Phone: 56395