Darjeeling
the 'Queen of Hills', is arguably the most popular tourist destination
in northeast India. Situated at an altitude of 2134m, Darjeeling, with
its exquisite scenic beauty, attracts travelers of varied interest. Darjeeling
is the Abode of Lord Shiva and offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga
and the hospitality of colorful Himalayan people. Darjeeling and all her
tea plantations lie under the shadow of this snowy Himalayan giant. Darjeeling
is just 78 km from
Siliguri (the major rail
and road head) and is well connected by Bus & jeep.
Darjeeling town (population 83,000 and elevation 2,134
m) is located on a spur with houses hugging the hillside. The places to
visit are Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and
restaurants; Mall Road, starting and finishing at Chowrasta, for a leisurely
stroll amidst peaceful surroundings and splendid views; Padmaja Naidu
Himalayan Zoological Park which has the Siberian tiger, Himalayan black
bear, red panda, snow leopard and many other animal and bird species,
and the nearby snow leopard breeding center and the Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute, a training center for mountaineers
which also houses the Everest museum' Natural History Museum, with its
fine display of Himalaya wildlife; Observatory Hill which has Hindu and
Buddhist Shrines; Dhirdham, a pagoda style Hindu temple; Tibetan Refugee
Self-Help Center, a major center for the production of Tibetan carpets,
woodwork and leather goods; the Buddhist monasteries of Bhutia Busty,
Thupten Sangag Choling(Dali) and Yiga-Choling (Ghoom); Batasia Loop, a
marvelous feat of railway engineering; Tiger Hill for its renowned sunrise
view over Khangchendzonga and the eastern Himalaya; Japanese Peace Pagoda,
established by the Japanese Buddhist order, Nipponzan Myohoji; and Lloyd's
Botanical Garden which has a varied collection of Himalayan flora.
