Darjeeling - The Queen of Hills

Darjeeling, the state’s most popular hill resort, 2,134 metres above sea level. Surrounded by tea gardens growing the prized leaf known as Darjeeling, the little town faces some of the Himalaya’s highest peaks. Darjeeling is an abrupt variation from the lowlands of West Bengal. Buddhism, being a major faith here, Darjeeling and the nearby town of Kalimpong have, between them, several Buddhist monasteries, chiefly of the Yellow Hat sect. It's blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. If you want to experience the thrill of an enchanting trip then you should travel to Darjeeling. Darjeeling, the Queen of the Himalayas is elegant, sophisticated and incredibly beautiful just as the Tibetan origin of its name suggests "the place where Indra's thunderbolt rested". 

Perhaps the most charming experience in Darjeeling would be the train trip on the almost legendary Toy Train, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which trudges up the hill from New Jalpaiguri all the way to Darjeeling. The excitement starts as soon as you leave the plains and take the uphill road to this beautiful hill resort in Beautiful Bengal. 

On either side there are eye-soothing sights of the flora of Darjeeling-brilliant red rhododendrons, charming white magnolias, majestic pines and lush green tea bushes covering the entire hill slope. And when you reach the summit the view is mesmerizing -rushing streams, gasping gorges and shimmering lakes all around and reflecting the azure blue of the sky, a rare moment when the hill and the valley seems to merge and become one. 

The attractions of Darjeeling range from the beautiful flora to adventure sports like river rafting and mountain treks. A nature lover will be delighted at the various species of animals and plants found here. The interesting sights in Darjeeling are the Tiger Hill, the Batasia, the War memorial, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Dhirdham Temple, the Mall and Chowrasta and Ava Art Gallery. While in Darjeeling it will be a unique experience to visit the nearby Tea Gardens, the home of the world famous Darjeeling has many important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, the oldest being the Yiga Chilling Monastery. 

While taking a walk in The Mall you can visit the Museum of Natural History, which exhibits a unique collection of the fauna of the Himalayan region, especially of the Eastern Himalayas. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding and Lloyds Botanical Garden are also worth visiting. Darjeeling is famous for its adventure tourism. Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway and Singalila Range Trek. 

Hotels in Darjeeling set in a picturesque and almost ethereal ambience make your stay in Darjeeling a memorable one. Shopping in Darjeeling  is a delight for tourists because here you will find a vast array of handicrafts and curios, ideal gifts to take as souvenirs from India. One can buy anything typically Himalayan from this beautiful Himalayan town-brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wooden carvings, woven fabrics and carpets. Those in search of spiritual equity the Buddhist Monasteries generate tremendous interest for their architectural extravagance and the spiritual message embodied. 

Yet another attraction of this region is Mirik. Mirik, a nest in the hills is a exotic  hill station.It is a summer resort set amidst a fabulous alpine setting. A canopy of flowers and a glittering lake reflects the magnificence of the Eastern Himalayas. The Sumendu Lake at the bottom of Mirik spur is the most dominating feature of this place

KURSEONG 
The Place originally called Kharsang after the wild orchids, gained prominence as a Tourist destination since the 1880.The Saint Pauls Church and Dow Hills School, Other attractions include Gidhapahar, Durgmata Mandir, Jagadish Mandir, the Ghumpha of Gautam Buddha at Dowhill , Juma Masjid at Hat Bazar and deer Park and Water falls . Spend a day or two to experience the best of Tea Garden atmosphere and take a dip into its serenity.

The Hills here are and abundance of resources ideal for adventure sports Trekking in the Singallila National Park and a visit to Sandalphu & Pahlut gives you breathtaking views of the Mountain ranges not to forget Mount Everest. Manebhanjang a small village located in the India Nepal Border ,is the starting point for the trek to Sandhakphu. Put in your trekking shoes on. It’s time to scale newer heights .The Land rover safari will also push your adrenalin and force you to make a promise of coming back again and again.

KALIMPONG AND LAVA, LOLEYGAON
Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the nation. The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road adding to the beauty of the scenery. The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes it’s name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region. Kalimpong has several monasteries and also a Kali temple. The Tibetan Monastery and curio center and Dr Graham's home are important tour stops.Lava- Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet,
 
Lava- is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and its beautiful view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Lava is about 32 km east of Kalimpong. Oak and fir trees welcome the visitor at rLava..Rishyap is also a fascinating destination and the Sunrise on days is said to be better than the one at Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.
Loleygaon- The small town is located at a distance of 12 km from Lava at an altitude of 5,500 ft. A spectacular view of the Himalayan snow will take you to a different world. Loleygaon offers panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga. The quiet and serene place is still not commercialized by large number of tourist influx. Nearby hilltop Jhandi Dara offers beautiful views at sunrise. 
 

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill is situated around 13 Km from the Darjeeling Town with a elevation of 8482 ft. Tiger Hill is famous for the magnificent view of Sunrise over Mt. Kunchanjungha . Not only Kanchendzonga, The world’s highest ... [+]

Batasia Loop & The War Memorial

Batasia Loop located 5 KM away from Darjeeling Town. This loop was commissioned in 1919 for the engineering requirement of the Toy Train. The Toy Train turns 360 °in this gigantic railway loops to reduce its gradient, ... [+]

Ghoom Monastery | Yiga Choeline monastery

Ghoom Monastery

Ghoom Monastery which is also of known as Yiga Choeline monastery of Ghoom and about 10 Km from Darjeeling is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of this locality and located at an altitude ... [+]