How many times have you heard of people asking for that ‘special Darjeeling tea’? And Indians can’t surely miss the number of times they have seen Indian actors dancing atop Darjeeling’s Toy Train. Darjeeling is not just the tea capital of India. It is an assortment of colourful culture, interesting history and soulful scenarios.
The temperate climate of Darjeeling made it the summer retreat of British in India in the 19th century. It was their destination to take a vacation from work. The development of Darjeeling as a sanatorium and health resort was done by the British. In 1848, a military depot was set up for British soldiers. Commercial cultivation of tea began in 1856, which induced many British planters to settle there. Scottish missionaries constructed schools and welfare centres for the British residents, laying the foundation for Darjeeling’s notability as a centre of education. The opening of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in 1881 accelerated the development of the region.
The green cover around Darjeeling comprises dense sal, oak, semi-evergreen, temperate and alpine forests. Plenty for backpackers to explore! The abundant fauna in Darjeeling includes several species of ducks, teals, plovers and gulls that pass Darjeeling while migrating to and from Tibet. Small mammals found in the region include civets, mongooses and badgers. The nearby Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary includes one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, leopards and hog deers. Main bird species include Bengal floricans and herons. Darjeeling is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.
HOW TO REACH
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station. It is 88 kms from Darjeeling.
By Road: Regular bus services connect Darjeeling to towns like Siliguri, Mirik, Kalimpong. Private cabs are also available from these places.
By Air: Bagdogra, the nearest airport, is about 90 kms from Darjeeling and connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati by regular flights.
You can use taxis, small vehicles and jeeps for intra-city movement.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: If you want to take in Darjeeling’s breathtaking natural beauty, then hop aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. More popularly known as the Toy Train, it shows some stunning vistas of the splendid hills, mountain ranges, and the local flora and fauna. Now listed under UNESCO’s world heritage sites, the toy train touches areas around the town and crosses Jalpaiguri, Ghoom, Siliguri and Mahanadi Bridge. An engineering marvel, the toy train uses loops and zigzags to attain elevation and move around in circles. The ride offers beautiful views of rolling green tea gardens, the Batasia Loop and the War Memorial on its way.
Darjeeling Tea Estates: Need we say it? Stretches of lush tea plantations cover this beautiful hill town. It is a must to take a round of tea gardens. You can even witness the production of some of the most exotic varieties of tea. Collect fresh tea leaves as some tea gardens sell them. Some of the must-see gardens are Happy Valley Tea Estate (closed on Mondays), Dooteriah, Alubari (near Darjeeling town), Makaibari (near Kurseong town), Tukvar, Moondakothi, and Margaret’s Hope.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Constructed in the memory of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first men to climb Mount Everest in 1953 along with Edmund Hillary, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts. Enjoy the rare collection of mementos from the Everest expedition at the museum inside the institute.
Tiger Hill: Famous for its spectacular sunrise, watching the sun come out of the clouds at Tiger Hill leads to some cherishing moments. Many hotels arrange morning trips to Tiger Hill. It also offers spectacular views of Mount Everest and the Kanchenjunga range from an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.).
Lloyds Botanical Garden: A colourful treat to the eyes, don’t miss the variety of local flowers displayed at the Llyods Botanical Garden. Apart from the eastern Himalayan flower collection, the garden has some rare species of Alpine flowers and medicinal plants.
Himalayan Zoological Park: The town zoo or Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park exhibits some of the most exotic species of Himalayan fauna like barking deer, Himalayan black bear, Tibetan wolf, Siberian tiger, snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan pheasants and many more. Snow leopards have a breeding ground just near to the zoo at the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre.
Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries: Monasteries are the soul of Darjeeling, so make sure to visit them when you are here. The oldest monastery here is Yiga Cholling which is located about eight kilometres from Ghoom. Constructed in 1875, the monastery has an idol of the ‘Coming Buddha’ or the Maitriya Buddha. Some other beautiful monasteries are the Drukpa Kargyud Monastery, also known as Dali Monastery (five kilometres from the town) and the Samten Cholling Monastery. The Bhutia Busty Monastery is situated at C.R. Das Road and is about a 15 minutes walk from the Mall. You can also visit Yiga Cholling Monastery in Ghoom.
Japanese Peace Pagoda: Darjeeling is a confluence of Buddhist and Japanese architecture. Constructed by Japanese monks, The Nipponzan Myohoji gives a spectacular view of the Himalayan range.
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway: Situated about three kilometres from the town, the ropeway offers a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range, Rangeet River and the hills in Sikkim. So don’t miss this chance to get a fantastic view of the hill station.
Netaji Museum: History reverberates at the Netaji Museum. This four-room museum houses a gallery with pictures and documents related to important events. Sarat Chandra Bose stayed here while Subhash Chandra Bose was taken under house arrest here during the fight for independence.
The Mall and Chowrasta: Take a leisurely walk or just relax while looking at the magnificent view of the town, mountain range, local trees and old hill houses at the Mall road. It starts and ends at the Chowrasta. You can take a stroll till the Museum of Natural History that houses unique collection of the fauna from the eastern Himalayan region.
CULTURE AND CUISINE
Apart from the major religious festivals of Diwali, Christmas and Dussera, the diverse ethnic population of the town celebrates several local festivals. The Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate new year in January, while Tibetans celebrate their new year in February-March. Dalai Lama’s birthday is celebrated in mid-June with processions. Nepalis celebrate Maghe Sankrati, the first day of Nepali month Magh, by eating only Tarool or tuber of various edible species of Dioscorea or yam. At the end of January, Tibetan monasteries organise 'cham' or Tibetan dance to mark the end of Tibetan year. If you chance on visiting the Thupten Sangag Choling Monastery, also known as Dali monastery, you can witness the Chakrasambhara (Mandala) prayer. Budhha Jayanti is celebrated in the month of April when lamas (Tibetan monks) take out a musical procession with the idol of Lord Buddha and the Buddhist holy book around the town.
A popular food item in Darjeeling is the Tibetan momo, a steamed dumpling containing meat cooked in a doughy wrapping and served with soup and achar. A form of Tibetan noodle called thukpa, served in soup form, is also popular. Another commonly eaten dish is shaphalay, Tibetan bread stuffed with meat. Fermented foods and beverages are consumed by a large percentage of the population. It includes preparations of soyabean, bamboo shoots, milk and Shol roti, which is made from rice. Tea is the most popular beverage. Alcoholic beverages include Tongba, Jnaard and Chhaang. These are variations of a local beer made by fermenting finger millet.
ADVENTURE SPORT
Trekking: This section will truly interest backpackers. The beautiful Himalayan town offers challenging trekking paths and stunning views of the mountains, flora and exotic species of birds. So gear up with some tough shoes if you plan to explore those rough paths.
White water rafting: Darjeeling also gives the opportunity to make your way through some high rapids. From an amateur to a rafting pro, river Teesta and Rangeet offer the right mix of adventure sport and natural surroundings. Carry a set of dry clothes, sneakers, sunblock cream and some antiseptic cream with you. You can also enjoy a day of hill sport at the Teesta Bazar. Foreign tourists are required to carry their passport as this has to be produced while signing the “Assumption of Risk and Release” bond and also before crossing the Teesta Bridge.
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