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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. |
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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. |
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