Darjeeling is one of the most famous hill stations in West Bengal. It is situated at a height of 6700 feet in the Lesser Himalayas region. It is an ideal collage of mighty and snowy Himalayan ranges, stunning toy train, windy walking tracks, old monasteries, and pristine valleys. Between the green-grey mountains, scenic views, and serene vegetation, it guarantees a vacay that you will cherish forever. This hill station is a paradise and heaven for people looking for a tranquil and calm vacation.
Well known as the Queen of Himalayas, this picture-perfect hill station is an ideal getaway for honeymooners and tourists. Darjeeling is a famous tourist destination in West Bengal due to its great views of Kangchenjunga, tea industry, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The verdant slopes filled with women who pluck tea leaves are an excellent sight which is quite mesmerizing. Sitting in the foot of the majestic Himalayas with snow-covered peaks of the Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is a tourist spot that allures travelers from around the world.
Darjeeling, the name of the city, has come from two Tibetan words Dorje and Ling. Dorje is the thunderclap insignia of Indra, the Hindu deity and long means land or place.
Darjeeling history is entangled to the history of Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and British India. The hilly regions around Darjeeling were ruled by the Kingdom of Sikkim until the 19th century. Starting from 1780, Gurkhas made many attempts to seize the whole area of Darjeeling. By the starting of the 19th century, they were successful in overrunning Sikkim till the Teesta River and captured Terai as well. The entire area came under Nepal. The British Army in the meanwhile tried to stop the Gurkhas from capturing the entire northern frontier. In 1814, the War of Anglo-Nepalese started and lead to the Gurkhas defeat and signing of the Sugaili Treaty. As per this treaty, Nepal was made to surrender al the territories that they captured from the Sikkim’s Chogyal to the British. In 1817, the Sikkim’s Chogyal were reinstated by the British East India Company (BEIC) with the Titalia Treaty.
A delegation of BEIC officials in 1828 on way to the border of Nepal-Sikkim decided to stay in Darjeeling and found that area to be appropriate for the British soldier’s sanatorium. They even negotiated the area’s lease from the Sikkim’s Chogyal in 1835. The Sikkim Chogyal imprisoned the superintendent and the explorer of BEIC in 1849. So, a force was sent by the BEIC to free them. The British in1850 captured 640 sq. miles of territory during constant friction between the Sikkim and BEIC authorities. Finally, a war was broken between them, concluding in a treaty and capturing the region present on the east of the Teesta river. In 1866, the district of Darjeeling took its present size and shape with an area of nearly 1234 sq. miles.
When this place was under the British Raj, the salubrious climate of Darjeeling resulted in its great development as a famous hill station for the British looking to get rid of the scorching summer heat. Lieutenant Robert Napier and Arthur Campbell were the ones who established this hill station. A sudden increase in population was seen from 1835 to 1849 in Darjeeling. By 1842, the first road that connected the town with plains was ready. Soo, a military depot also was established for the British soldiers in 1848. Cultivation of tea also started here in 1856. In 1864, this place became the summer capital of the Bengal Presidency. Finally, after India’s Independence in 1947, Darjeeling was included in West Bengal.
You will find a lot of places to explore in Darjeeling. Here is a complete list of all the tourists’ places to visit in Darjeeling:
River Rafting: If you are an adrenaline junkie, river rafting in Darjeeling can offer you an out-of-the-box experience. This activity is filled with many rapids of different intensities that range from Grade one to grade four.
Trekking: If you’re looking to indulge yourself in a more adventurous activity in Darjeeling, take up a trekking trip. It offers a great opportunity for all the adventure freaks along with offering the best picturesque views.
Toy Train Ride: You should definitely take the toy train ride when you are in Darjeeling. During the trip on this train, you will enjoy a breathtaking vista of the surrounding mountains that will take you in a great world of romance.
Explore Wildlife: Get ready to witness the endangered wolf of the Himalayas, snow leopards, Red Panda, and more. The popular town of Darjeeling offers you a chance to explore many different species of wildlife.
Explore Tea Gardens: Visit the tea gardens in Darjeeling that are world-famous. It is another great thing to do in Darjeeling. You will see the straggling beauty yourself and also sip the refreshing Darjeeling Tea. The lush green bushes will make you witness a magical view that you’ll never forget.
Relish Local Food: Answer your food carvings when in Darjeeling with the mouth-watering variety of food on offer by the street joints.
Shopping: Darjeeling has some of the best markets to shop for woolens like gloves, sweaters, mufflers, woolen caps, and more at throwback prices.
Yak ride: Take a ride on a yak along the very beautiful lake and get ready to indulge yourself in the remarkable hilly landscape to get an exclusive perspective of this area.
Darjeeling is well-connected to all the nearby cities by roads. The New Jalpaiguri railway station is the closest railway station from the town. It’s located 62 km away from Darjeeling. The nearest airport from Darjeeling is the Bagdogra Airport which is located at a distance of 38 km away from Darjeeling.
Darjeeling has everything that is needed to offer you an ideal break from your everyday life. Plan a trip to Darjeeling once in your life to experience everything in Darjeeling!