Darjeeling Tours: They’re Awesome

By Author: Noshir Lavangia
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Darjeeling isn’t a strange town to anyone who has grown up in India. For years, you’ve probably heard fellow travellers wax eloquent about the rolling hills of West Bengal’s most famous hill station, of the lovely tea that grows on these hills and of the charming women who harvest this tea by hand. If fact, no matter where in India you live, you’ve probably sampled a cup of fine Darjeeling chai. But of course, there is a lot more to explore in Darjeeling than just the tea. Here are some other things that Darjeeling tours include:

• Tea
When we say there’s more to Darjeeling than the tea, we don’t mean you should ignore the tea. You should drink it. In fact, you should visit one of the several; established plantations, or tea gardens as they are called, and sign up for the full tour. You’ll be able to experience everything, from picking the tea to smelling it and, yes, drinking it as well.

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
There’s nothing technologically advanced or special about this railway system. In fact, you should visit it for the exact opposite. Constructed all the way back in ...
... the 1870s, this narrow gauge steam railway is surprisingly still operational. It runs between the stations of New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, and is colloquially referred to as Darjeeling’s “toy train”. Among the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s fleet is also a vintage, British built steam locomotive that plies to the town of Kurseong, where the railway’s headquarters are located. The DHR also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Tiger Hill
If you’re a mountain person, then you can’t not go to Darjeeling and visit Tiger Hill. One of the several “lookout points” that Darjeeling – and most other popular hill stations in India – are famous for, Tiger Hill is the often spoken about destination from where you can view the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga in the distance. Make sure that you arrive at Tiger Hill in the wee hours of dawn, in time to watch the sun rise up from behind the Himalayas. It’s a breathtaking experience.

• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! Darjeeling happens to be home to the prestigious Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, responsible for breeding some of India’s most skilful and revered mountaineers. Don’t worry though, because you can avail of the HMI’s educational facilities even if you don’t plan on taking up mountain climbing professionally. The Institute offers a wide range of courses for beginners as well as advanced candidates. Get those adventure juices flowing!

Regardless of what kind of traveller you are, Darjeeling is one of those special places in the world that will arrest your senses in only a short while. Even naysayers will be hard-pressed to deny the sheer natural beauty of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. If you’re a serious traveller, if you love the mountains and adventure, then seriously, book yourself one of those travel packages to Darjeeling and brace yourself.

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Ninad Chaudhari works as a Web UI Designer / Developer with Cox & Kings. In his spare time, Ninad is an ardent photographer and loves the opportunities that travel packages to various destinations can give him time to pursue his passion. His albums are replete with amazing pictures of his recent tours to Darjeeling.