The secret behind the charm of Darjeeling

Darjeeling in West Bengal is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Lying amidst the lesser Himalayan ranges, the hill station is located on a height of 2,042 meters above sea level. The snowy peaks of the Kanchenjunga Range and the bright green tea plantations growing on the hill slopes comprise of the two main attractions in Darjeeling. Owing to its beautiful panoramic views, Darjeeling is referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’.

The best hotels in Darjeeling offer a charming view of the vast expanses of tea gardens against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. The high altitude, cool climate and the optimum rainfall received make these Himalayan slopes ideal for tea cultivation. Commercial tea production in Darjeeling was started in the early 1800s during the British rule. Today, Darjeeling Tea is regarded as one of the finest brews of tea produced in the world. There are several tea estates in the region, some of them dating back to the colonial time.

Darjeeling has a lot of heritage. It is home to some ancient Buddhist monasteries. A famous tourist attraction is the Ghoom Monastery, the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region. Another famous legacy of Darjeeling is the very popular Toy Train Ride. Officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Route, this narrow gauge train runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling covering a distance of 88 km daily. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paving its way through the twists and turns of these hills, the Toy Train ride offers some breathtaking views of the Himalayan region.

Something you absolutely cannot miss on your Darjeeling trip is watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill. Known for its majestic views of the Kanchenjunga, it is about an hour’s drive away from Darjeeling. To catch the sunrise on time, one must start their day before dawn. The best hotels in Darjeeling will arrange a jeep ride up to Tiger Hill for their guests. The earlier you can reach, the better view point you can claim for yourself. As the sun rises, the sky becomes a bright canvas of reds and oranges. On clear sky days, you can even catch a glimpse of the Mt. Everest.

Accommodation in Darjeeling has many options. From five-star hotels and luxury resorts to cosy home stays, there are plenty of choices. While summers are pleasant, winters can be very cold and freezing. The best hotels in Darjeeling will have 24/7 warm water supply and electric room heaters at the bare minimum.

Darjeeling is a popular tea tourism destination. There are many tea estates in the region offering guest bungalows inside their property especially for tourists. It gives them a chance to witness the entire process of tea manufacturing. Tourists can participate in tea plucking activity, get a chance to talk to the local tea farmers and learn more about tea cultivation. As part of tea tourism, resorts also provide complimentary tea tasting sessions to their guests. In some cases, guided tours to a tea factory are also arranged. Staying at a tea estate gives tourists a chance to be close to nature. It is the best way to experience the natural charm of Darjeeling.

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Created on Oct 17th 2019 03:18. Viewed 304 times.

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