Attractions in Darjeeling
Observatory Hill - Strolling up the Mall, past the quaint Tibetan
market, you arrive at the Observatory Hill, the popular meeting place for tourists as well as residents. It is a popular not only
for its religious importance but also for the picturesque views the place offers. The view of the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga
and the entire landscape beneath is a site worth seeing.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - Located
about two kilometres from the marketplace is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established after the conquest of the Everest in 1954
by the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. The institute has an interesting Everest Museum and also offers mountaineering
and adventure courses. Situated on the Jawahar Parvat, the institute is famous for its unique collection of mountaineering equipment
and findings.
Ghoom Monastery - No visit to Darjeeling is complete without a visit to Ghoom, which is six kilometres away from the
main town. The famous Yiga Choeling Monastery and a 4.5-metre tall image of the Maitreya Buddha dominate the hillock.
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Tiger Hill - A strategic point to watch the spectacular sunrise
is Tiger Hill. It offers a magnificent view of the rising sun over the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga and other great Eastern
Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, you can also witness some of the high Himalayan peaks from here.
Lebong Race Course - The Lebong Race Course, one of the world's highest racecourses, was laid out in 1885 as
a parade ground. |
Bhutia Busti - Situated at the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga,
this richly hued monastery is an important attraction of Darjeeling. Originally a branch of the Nygmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in
Sikkim, it was transferred to Darjeeling in 1879. The shrine was formerly situated on the Observatory Hill.
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Dhirdham Temple - The Dhirdham Temple is situated near the railway station and is accessible either by a lazy walk or
a jeep. The temple is similar in its architecture to the famous Pashupatinath
Temple of Kathmandu in Nepal.
Tea Gardens - While in Darjeeling get to know some little-known details the tea gardens that dot the entire
valley. In fact, the Darjeeling tea has attained for itself a name and a flavour that can neither be matched nor duplicated.
There was a time when Darjeeling tea was a brew against which all other brands of tea used to be graded. Even today,
connoisseurs fondly refer to it as the 'champagne of teas'. |
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Quick Getaways near Darjeeling
Takdah - Situated at a distance of 26 km from Darjeeling, the Takdah valley is famous
for the beautiful nurseries that contain some of the rare species of orchids and plants of Himalayan origin. Takdah also produces some of
the best-flavoured tea of the world.
Kurseong - Kurseong is a peaceful hill station surrounded by some beautiful tea gardens. The pollution-free climate and pleasing
atmosphere of Kurseong make it an ideal resort to beat the summer's heat. The Makaibari Tea Estate and Forest Museum on Dow Hills are its
main attractions.
Mirik - Set in scenic surroundings Mirik, 49 km from Darjeeling, is a place for those seeking peace and tranquility. The
Sumendu Lake at the bottom of Mirik Spur is the most dominating feature reflecting the magnificence of the eastern Himalayas. You can ride in
the colourful boats or cross the lake over an artistic bridge that leads you to a charming path through forests on the other side. Fishing is
a popular pastime here. Mirik is almost completely surrounded by some of the best tea gardens of the region. It is also the largest producer
of oranges in West Bengal.
Sandakphu - Sandakphu, 58 km from Darjeeling, is the only point from where you can see four of the five highest peaks of
the world, namely, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse. Popularly known as the "trekkers' paradise," Sandakphu offers you an
opportunity of trekking among the virgin forests and vales of the Himalayas with magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas, and other alpine flowers coating
the way.
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