Darjeeling – A Summer Resort Discovered By British

By Author: surendra rawat
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A holiday celebrated in Darjeeling is truly energizing, refreshing and rejuvenating. This verdant hill station was discovered by British and converted into a summer resort. True to its history, Darjeeling still offer succor to millions who want to escape the scorching summer of plains and taste the heavenly atmosphere which is revitalizing for body and mind.
Darjeeling is part of state of West Bengal of India. Although part of Bengal, Darjeeling holds a distinct language and culture. It is situated in the foot hills of Mount Kanchen Junga with a average elevation of two thousand and five hundred meters above sea level.
You can have the view of towering peak of Mount Kanchen Junga from throughout the town. Reaching Darjeeling travelling the serpentine path with glimpse of Mount Kanchen Junga in the horizon and manicured tea gardens on the sides is in itself a memorable experience of Darjeeling tour.
Darjeeling Tourism receives impetus from tourists who are lured by the exoticism of Darjeeling Himalayan railway. Darjeeling Himalayan ...
... railway is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Starting from New Jalpaiguri and ending in Darjeeling hills, the trains of Darjeeling Himalayan railway are run on meter gauge and pulled by steam engines. The train is nicknamed “Toy Train”. Toy train run in a sluggish pace letting tourists savor the wayside treats to the fullest, which are many.
Another important part of Darjeeling tour packages is the opportunity to witness sunrise from atop Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is the summit of “Ghoom” which is the highest railway station of Darjeeling Himalayan railway. Tourists have to undergo a two hours climb to the pinnacle where they have to wait for the sunrise. It is a magnificent sight to behold the first hesitant rays of sun cast its magic on twin peaks of Mount Kanchen Junga painting it pink. Then the sky is turned to magenta, crimson and then, gold.
Batasia Loop is about five kilometers away from town. It is a gigantic railway loop where the toy train takes a three sixty degree turn which assists it in its ascension. Batasia Loop offers a strategic view point which provides for a panoramic view of Mount Kanchen Junga.
Denas evergreen forests of sal and oak lies around the town. In these forests are found rare orchids. Animals like one- horned rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, leopard, red pandas and hog deer are also found in the forest. The main bird species of Darjeeling include Bengal floricans and herons.
Various delicacies like “momo”,” thukpa”, “alu dum” and” shaphalay” form parts of scrumptious cuisine of Darjeeling. The echoes of colonial architecture linger in the many structures of Darjeeling like residences, Gothic Churches, Raj Bhawan, Planter’s club etc.
You can relax and unwind with a sip of tea in Chowrasta which is the center of Mall Road. Mall Road is where you can have a stroll and shop for various artifacts. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park is a popular picnic spot endowed with natural waterfall. There is provision for boating which you can engage in savoring the scenic beauty that it is blessed with. One can have a visit to Peace Pagoda and Ava art gallery.
Lloyd Botanical Gardens homes many exotic species of flora. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park holds many endangered animals. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is another important institution in Darjeeling.

Surendra Rawat is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for Tour packages to North East and Darjeeling tour .