5 Most Sought After Experiences in Darjeeling
From eras immemorial the grand township of Darjeeling, nestled in the Lower Himalaya, has always drawn the attention of tourists from all over the globe. This town holds the conventional Gorkha tradition and is recognized for its charming colonial atmosphere. Also, this hill station in India is the entrance to a popular trek in the Indian Himalayan region. Further more, the rejuvenating ambiance covered with numerous tea estates and luscious forested acres, purely delivers a vacation and is perfect for lively nomads. Here are a few exciting activities to try out during your visit to Darjeeling.
If Darjeeling can be described as a bit of paradise, then the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway certainly is the terminal to the paradise. Lovingly called the 'Toy Train', this steam engine train moves between Darjeeling-Siliguri and wraps up a track of around 88 km with numerous fascinating turns and loops.
Slowly and steadily, this ride will engross you in the exceptional appeal of Darjeeling, its encircling hills, mountains and forests. The charm of this Toy Train was such, that it is depicted in dozens of Bollywood movies. Its a must not miss experience, whenever you get to visit Darjeeling.
The Toy Train Ride
The Enchanting Sunrise over Kanchenjunga
Get up early morning at around 3:30 a.m. and go for a drive to the Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. If you find people on your way telling you that you are about to watch one of the the most amazing views in your life, do not underestimate the statement ! With the golden sun rays hitting against the snow-capped peaks of the huge Kanchenjunga Range, a magical spell is bound on the viewers. The colour of the atmosphere changes from dusky grey to pink, and then to golden orange, and the sunrise amazes anyone with its miraculous beauty. Finally once when the makes it to the skyline, one can relish the most astounding view of the Mt. Everest, the third highest peak in the world. A visit to the Tiger Hill once, will make you feel why it is the rarest experience in Darjeeling!
Nothing better to start the day than a Cup of Darjeeling Tea
A sip from a cup of Darjeeling's black tea, and it will make you forget about anything else to sip again! Yes, that’s the taste of Darjeeling Tea. If you get to visit this panoramic hill station, do not miss out the chance of tasting some of the finest quality of ‘black teas’ in the world. In case, you skip this chance on your visit to darjeeling, regret the trip! Darjeeling is the dwelling to countless tea gardens and is one of the largest producer of black tea. The pleasing weather and the natural slopes add an unmatched flavour to the Darjeeling Tea. Not just the black tea, this hill station is also popular for its savoury fuses of tea leaves.
The Inspiring Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The world knows about the two most famous mountaineers - Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, the duo who triumphed the accomplishment of climbing up the Mt. Everest. The glorious stories and memories of these mountaineers continue to echo in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling since 1953 . The institute developed in the remembrance of the two triumphant mountaineers on the Birch Hill (Jawahar Road) is worth a visit . During the visit to the museum, you may get to see some of the rarest wild animals like red panda, snow leopards,Tibetan wolf and many others.
At the highest with the Sandakphu Trek
Fall in love with the high rising mountains and the tempting snows. And of course, if these get mixed with the magical view of four highest peaks on earth, no one can resist the temptation! You will be reaching the highest point of West Bengal at the Sandakphu trek in Darjeeling.