Darjeeling
The enchanting town, also known as the “Queen of Hills” lies nestled in the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains and lush green tea gardens. A holiday resort during the British rule, this town still exudes its past grandeur, charm and majesty, attracting a lot of visitors. Tucked away in the Himalayas, south of the state of Sikkim, Darjeeling at an altitude of almost 7000ft is situated in West Bengal, sharing its border with Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. Darjeeling derives its name from the local Tibetan name ‘Dorjee-ling’, meaning ‘Place of the Thunderbolt’.

Kalimpong is a small sleepy hill resort at an altitude of about 4000 ft and is cradled on a saddle between the Durpin Hill and Deolo Hill. Kalimpong meaning ‘Fort of the King’s Minister’ was once the hub of the trade of India with Tibet, but now attracts a lot of visitors looking for a quiet holiday.

Darjeeling internationally acclaimed as one of the best hill resorts is also a paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places where nature is yet in her premival majesty. It brings one face to face with sublime grandeur of the Himalayas.

The region abounds in rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns of numerous varieties. About six hundred different species of birds inhabit the green forest on the slopes of the mountains.

GENERAL INFORMATION

VISA AND PERMITS
 Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess an Indian visa. No special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Darjeeling. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when required.
Transport is providing by buses, four-wheel drive and smaller vehicles. Local taxis are also available for hire for getting around.

ACCESS
From Kathmandu, take the one-hour flight to Bhadrapur (the nearest Nepalese airport to Darjeeling), drive to Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border, 34 km), to Siliguri (36 km) and to Darjeeling (77 km, 2 hours 30 minutes). Darjeeling is also connected by road with Sikkim (120 km) and Bhutan (about 200 km). Darjeeling town is 90 km from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, where scheduled flights operate from New Delhi, Kolkota and Guwahati. The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (88 km), which is, connected Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and other major Indian cities. From Siliguri, buses, taxis and the famous toy train (8 hours) leave for Darjeeling.

SEASON
March-May and September-November are the best times to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer (maximum temperature 16 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens in winter (minimum 1.6 degrees).

ADVENTURE
Trekking, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and rock climbing.