The success of the hill stations of western India had induced the Government to do something for the citizens of Calcutta and the Bengal Presidency. An experimental station for ailing troops was opened at Cherrapunji in Assam, but it proved to be a wash-out-literally- as it turned out to be one of the wettest places in the world. But the government continued to look for an alternative place, and asked G.W.A.Lloyd to follow up the recommendation of J.W.Grant, the Commercial Resident at Malda, an enthusiastic explorer of the Himalayan foothills. The place Llyod and Grant inspected in 1829 was an old and deserted Gurkha military station 'Dorjeeling' or 'Darjeeling'.
When to Go
September to May
Famous Tourist Attractions
Dhiram Temple
Located near the Darjeeling Railway Station,Dhirdham Temple was built in 1939.The Temple was constructed by Rai Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan and the architect was Beg Raj Sakya.
Lord Shiv's statue outside the main temple depicts "Pancha Bakram Tri Netram" meaning five different facial expressions of Lord Shiv in different moods and the Third Eye. The style of the roof shows that of a Tibetan influence. Every morning Aarti is held at 8.00 am and at 6.00 pm in the evening.
Tiger Hill
Passing through primitive forests of Oak , Magnolia etc. with beautiful ferns ablaze with colour , adorning the hill-sides is the steeply ascending road to Senchal , running through Ghoom on its way to Tiger Hill , 11 kms from the town and at an elevation of 2,590m (8482 ft).
To the summit of this internationally famous 'Hill' journey - mountain and nature lovers to view the world's most majestic mountains- "Khang- Chen-Dzod-Nga" of mighty Kanchenjunga, the king of them all.
Mount Everest , 225 kms away rarely deigns to come out of the cloudy mists , with its two other peaks Mahakalu (27,769ft) and another peak on both sides.About 125 kms away is Tibet's Chomol Hari mountain , said to be the world's most beautiful peak.
Happy Valley Tea Estate
The Happy Valley tea estate is around 3 kms away from the main town (Chowk Bazar), towards the North. If you walk there, you will get a magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, provided the day is sunny and you are lucky. Also on the way, you will come across the crematorium of some world famous personalities.
The estate stretches to many kilometers and you can hardly see its end. The estate produces world class Darjeeling Tea. It is one of the oldest and most renowned tea estate in Darjeeling. Tea picking, manufacturing and processing of tea can be seen here. Do not forget to buy a pack of tea from here on your next visit to this lovely estate.
Barbotey Rock Garden
Situated 10 km from town, is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The Rock Garden was constructed by The Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department. The road to the garden is a steep and winding one almost touching the plain. But the sight of the natural waterfall makes you forget all the pain and weariness.
Just below the Rock Garden is the recently constructed Gangamaiah park .Tourists enjoy the beauty of this park as much if not more than that of the Rock Garden. Taxis are easily available to reach you to this location. However local people prefer walking and usually go there for picnics. Outside the garden are available some lovely souvenirs of Darjeeling.So don't forget to take one at your next visit.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The hill station has a small number of lounge bars, with most of them located in the star rated hotels in the city. Rates for alcohol are pretty reasonable here.
Fast Facts
Full Name
East of West Bengal
Aiport
Peking, Shanghai
Area
10.57 sq km
Altitude
2,134 m above sea level
Population
73,062
Languages
Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English
Religion
Hindus (77.95%), Buddhist (11.95%), Others (10.1%)
