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Darjeeling name is derived from the monastery of Dorje Ling (meaning Place of the Thunderbolt) that once stood on Observatory Hill. The city is nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt. Kanchenjunga towering over the sky. Darjeeling is fondly called as `Queen of the Hills’. It is noted for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is a three hour drive up a winding road from Bagdogra airport near Siliguri. It is an abrupt change from the plains. The British chose this sunny, west facing ledge of the Himalayan foothills to build a sanatorium in the mid-19th century. Later it became Bengal’s summer capital and the government would move up here when the plains grew too hot.
The Japanese Peace Pagoda on the slopes of Jalaphar Hill is a short distance from the town and showcases the four avatars of Buddha, including the Maitreya Buddha. Four statues of Buddha glistening with gold polish and eight sandstone carvings depicting the different stages of Buddha s life adorn the walls of the Pagoda. The Japanese Peace Pagoda was made under the supervision of a devout Japanese monk called Nichidatsu Fujii (1885-1985). The pagoda took about 20 years to build; i.e. from 1972 to 1992. The pagoda stands as the symbol of spirituality and peace. Spend a few quiet moments here as you listen to the low hum of the monks chanting the mystic peace mantra.
Established in 1854 located below Hill Cart Rd is Darjeeling's oldest tea estate. It is spread over 437-acre, situated at a height of 6,800 ft. (2,100 m) above sea level. It is a pleasant tea garden and worth visiting especially when the plucking and processing are in progress (March to November). A person will guide through the aromatic factory and its withering, rolling, fermenting and drying processes and also explaining how green, black and white teas all come from the same leaf.
Salugara Monastery located in Bagdogra town is one among those places which are renowned for their monasteries and monks. These beautiful monasteries can be visited by tourists. Salugara Monastery lies about 13 km away from Bagdogra and is famous for stupas of Buddha. The monastery was built by Buddhist monks who are the followers of His Holiness- The Dalai Lama. The Stupa which is 110 feet tall is the most important attraction of this monastery and was founded by the Tibetan Lama, Kalu Rinpoche. According to an ancient belief, the monastery is surrounded by hills which protect it.
The best point in Darjeeling for watching sunrise is Tiger Hill, located at a height of 7,407 feet above sea level. The hilly trails through the mountains lead to the hill top. It is at a distance of 11 km from the main city of Darjeeling. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light on the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. On a clear day, the entire Himalayan range can be seen, including spectacular views of the mighty Everest.
Darjeeling,India
Windamere is situated on historic Observatory Hill where Darjeeling began, and overlooks the Chowrasta, the town's exclusive promenade. Established in the 19th century as a cozy boarding house for bachelor English and Scottish tea planters, it was converted into a hotel just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Acco...
Darjeeling,India
Glenburn is a heavenly little plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas, overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain range. Guests are accommodated in one of our two bungalows, each comprising four suites and common areas, gardens, verandahs and terraces accessible t...
Darjeeling,India
The heritage hotel reflects the old heritage charm of exotic summerhouse of Maharaja of Nazargunj; while the blissful hill resort amidst snow-capped mountains and heavy green foliage make it a must-to-stay resort in Darjeeling. The rooms are adorned with exquisite woodwork and highly sophisticated furnishing, these guest rooms a...
Population: 1,846,823
Average Climate:
Summer: 12° C – 20° C
Winter: 2° C –9° C
Best time to visit: March to May
September to November