Darjeeling : the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.

 Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendor, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. Flaming red rhododendrons, sparkling white magnolias, miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS. The crest of Kanchenjunga shining in the first dawn light truly supports the title.

Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveler - whether a tourist or a trekker, an ornithologist or a photographer, a botanist or an artist - will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in one's memory - forever.

O has declared the DHR as a World Heritage Site. The toy train approximately takes 8 hrs to reach. As per Guiness Railway Book referred to this train journey as one of the most spectacular in the world. The engineering excellence of the train route and during journey the valleys, lush green forests and tea gardens and other thing are visible while traveling to Darjeeling from Siliguri. The omnipresence of mighty Kanchenjunga Peak is felt everywhere in this hill station.

The Mall
The Chowrasta or the Mall is the heart of Darjeeling town. Located on top of Nehru Road, this is a nice flat land where tourists and locals come to lounge in the sun, take a seat on one of the many benches along the periphery, and watch the wonderful views of the mountain peaks and valleys all around and take the pony ride around the Mall. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open space and free from vehicular movements.

Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters and 13 km from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is also visible from here.

Shanti Stupa
Japanese Peace Pagoda is located on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill the pagoda can be reached by foot or on taxi. The Shanti Stupa was established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order. It also showcases the four avatars of the Buddha.
This stupa was constructed during 1972-1992. There is a buddha temple and a pillar. After the temple there is the beautiful stupa (Pagoda). The stupa is located at significant height and beautiful views of the surroundings and mount Kanchanjunga is visible from here. This is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

BATASIA LOOP
Railway Loop is feat of engineering 5 kms from Darjeeling, is a marvellous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train round the loop. Tahe town and glorious view of snowy peak can be seen from here. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different wars since 1947.

GHOOM
Ghoom is a small hilly locality in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region of West Bengal. Ghoom railway station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the highest railway station in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,258 mtrs (7,407 ft). The place is the home of the Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop, a bend of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Darjeeling (33 Pages)