Darjeeling (Queen of Hills)
- Altitude: 2143 mts. / 7000 ft.
Darjeeling is hemmed in by Sikkim in the north, Nepal in
the west and Bhutan in the east. Darjeeling town, Kalimpong
and Kurseong are the major urban centers. Heavily influenced
by British India, Darjeeling still carries imprints reminiscent
of its colonial past. The toy train is one of the most striking
examples of Darjeeling's British Raj influence. Darjeeling
conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped
in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the
majestic Himalayas.
Darjeeling in northeast India provides the perfect ambiance
of a hill resort with its mild climate and laid back charm.
Its verdant hill and valleys are steeped in color, and are
interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens.
Presiding over all these is the 8,586-m Mt. Kanchenjunga
looming over the northern horizon, giving a magical aura
to the land that entices thousands to its environs and leaves
all the senses intoxicated. The flaming red rhododendrons,
the sparkling white magnolias, the 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 THE HILLS.
Summer Temperature: Max. 17° Celsius.
/ Min. 8.59° Celsius.
Winter Temperature: Max. 6.11° Celsius.
/ Min. 1.5° Celsius.
Best Season : March - May & October
- Mid December.
Clothing : Light woolens and tropicals
during summers and heavy woolens during winters.
Other Important towns : Kalimpong , Kurseong
, Mirik and Siliguri.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY:-
Darjeeling is well connected by all weather roads to all
the parts of the state and the state of Sikkim.
Air Connections : Bagdogra is the nearest
Airport with flights from Kolkata, Delhi and other major
destination within India. Bagdogra Airport is a mere 2 hour
drive from Darjeeling or from Kalimpong.
Rail Connections: N.J.P. and Siliguri
are two nearest Railway Stations. Trains for all the important
cities of India can be availed from these stations. Tickets
for Air and rail can be booked in advance from the out agencies
in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.
Local Transport: Four Wheel Drive Jeeps
/ Taxis and Luxury Coaches.
Entry Formalities : Currently permits are not required
to visit Darjeeling. If you are flying straight into Darjeeling
your passport is automatically stamped at Bagdogra Airport
station Office. Extension to permits can be obtained through
Foreigner's Registration Department in Darjeeling.
