DARJEELING : QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS

Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breath-taking 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 traveller - 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.

Art & Culture

The culture of Darjeeling is quite diverse. Apart from the major religious festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Dussera, Holi, Ram Navami etc., the diverse ethnic populace of the town also celebrates several local festivals. The Tibetan ethnic groups like the Lepchas, Bhutias, Gurungs and Tamangs celebrate New Year, also called Losar, in January/February. Other festivals like Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen, Buddha Jayanti, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat, to name a few, provide the "regional distinctness" of Darjeeling's local culture from the rest of India. Darjeeling Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as "The Darjeeling Initiative", is a ten-day carnival held every year during winter that especially portrays the rich musical and cultural heritage of Darjeeling Hills as its central theme.

FESTIVALS:

TIBETAN NEW YEAR (LOSAR)

Festivals and events in Darjeeling are reflections of the diverse Indian culture and tradition that has developed through ages. Since it is the homeland of many different religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity at the same time, many festivals take place throughout the year.

The Tibetans, who constitutes a major part of the population, celebrate the Losar Festival in Darjeeling with great flare and festivity. The end of January marks the end of the Tibetan Year. To avert the negativity of the old year, most of the monasteries in the area have Cham (Tibetan Dance) during this time of the year. Losar Festival in Darjeeling usually falls in the month of February. It is an important festival in the Tibetan calendar year and its celebration continues for a week. The youthful Tibetans celebrate it with great enthusiasm and spirit. The youth take to the streets performing the traditional Yak dance dressed in multi coloured clothes. They walk down the street singing and dancing with sacred folklores that fill the air making the atmosphere electrifying.

ORANGE FESTIVAL:

To promote the Samsing-Jaldhaka area in the foothills of the Bhutan Himalaya under Darjeeling hills as a major orange-growing landscape, the Orange Festival takes place every year. This festival is organized mainly to promote community based tourism, ecological conservation, Indo-Bhutan friendship and peace.

WATER RAFTING

The White Water Rafting on the river Teesta and Rangeet (Triveni), the scenic beauty of the banks, surrounding hills, its flora and fauna and sighting of several varieties of fishes is simply enchanting. A river trip is often an adventure. An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it.

TREKKING

Trekking in the Darjeeling Hills began almost a century ago. In fact, the first organised trekking route in India was setup here along the Singalila range. The trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjan, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut.

There are trekker huts under the management of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department all along the route to Sandakphu. For further information contact Tourist Bureau, Darjeeling.

TOY TRAIN (DHR)

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as the 'Toy Train' is one of the main attractions of the region. The track on which the train runs is only 600 millimeters wide. The size of the train is commensurate giving it the name 'Toy Train'. Narrow Gauge trains are used in parts of India to travel to hill stations. The most magnificent train journeys through the narrow gauge are the gorgeous terrain. UNESCO has declared the DHR as a World Heritage Site.

Nearest Station: New Jalpaiguri

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra

Best time to Visit : October to March: October is when the monsoon season ends and a slight chill is observed in the weather. Winter season begins in full swing and it is during the months of mid-November to January, when the average temperature ranges between 7 and 5 degree Celsius. Snowfall is rarely seen in Darjeeling.