Summer Capital
Darjeeling was originally a few villages administered by either Nepal and Sikkim but was taken over by the British in 1849 because of the climate, they wanted to grow tea. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built in 1881 and the town became the summer capital for the Raj when Calcutta was the capital. Families were went to the hill station to get away from the heat and illnesses that killed many living in Calcutta. A victorian style town was created and you can still see some of the buildings today. The tea plantations are still in operation and you can stay or visit to see how the tea is produced.
How to get there and Transportation
By plane - Fly from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati to Bagdogra then get a private car, taxi or jeep.
By train - from Delhi and Kolkata
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs from New Jalpaiguri - book well ahead
By bus - from Siliguri to Darjeeling
Getting around:
Walking or taxis, it is small town.
Best time to Visit
April to June are the best months to visit.
June to July - summer season temperature around 25 degrees celsius
October to March - winter, no snow but temperatures can drop to minus 2 degrees celsius
Where to stay
The Elgin - heritage hotel
Mayfair Darjeeling - local brand hotel
Windamere Hotel - heritage hotel
Glenburn Tea Estate - luxury colonial tea plantation approximately one hour from Darjeeling
What to See
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Founded by Tenzing Norgay who conquered Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary, the institute displays records of expeditions . Open 9am to 4.30 pm There is also a zoo on site which is probably best avoided.
Tea Garden Tours
There are 80 estates in the area but the closest is Happy Valley Tea Estate - 5 minutes from town the estate dates back to 1850.
Buddhist Monasteries
Bhutia Busty is closest to town and there are number of others such as Yiga Choeling, Guru and Samten Choeling Gompa which has the largest Buddha statue in West Bengal.
Take Afternoon Tea at either The Elgin or Windermere Hotels and then walk it off along Mall Road.
Where to report animal cruelty in Darjeeling
Restaurants
Glenary’s - Bakery with restaurant above serving continental and asian dishes
Mamta Pizza - italian food
Kunga - Tibetan food
Park - north indian curries and Thai food
Shopping
Mall Road - lots of shops including the Oxford Bookshop.
Groom Monastery Market for Tibetan souvenirs
Nehru Road - stalls selling tea, crafts and souvenirs
Tips
Use caution when walking out at night, there are a number of street dogs which can be aggressive.
Darjeeling Tourist Board
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