Exploring Mandi & Parashar Lake: A
Nov 15, 2024
Darjeeling is a beautiful city located in the eastern Himalayas of the Indian state of West Bengal. It was once identified as a potential summer retreat for British officials, soldiers, and their families. If you’re someone who only knows this township for its tea after reviewing thoroughly this tour guide, your minimal options to explore this teapot of East will turn into a plethora.
History & Culture of Darjeeling: Submerge yourself into it.
The original inhabitants of the Darjeeling Hills were Lepchas or Rongpas as they prefer themselves to be known. Though their origin is obscure, they are decidedly Mongolian in feature. The Khampas, another native are recent immigrants from Tibet, the greater bulk of the people in the hills are Gorkhas. The short Mongolian type, Nepalese, the Gorkhas are renowned for their military prowess over the world and were the first to be decorated with the coveted Victoria Cross. The panorama of the Majestic Himalayan mountains, its lush green hills and forest plays a significant role in influencing the religion and culture including the folk songs and dances of the Nepalese people.
Here are a few places to checklist when you plan a trip to Darjeeling:
1.)Tiger Hill: A Morning in the Hills
Once you reach start your tour with sunrise with the peaks of Kanchenjunga illuminated. .From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest is also visible but it is the Kanchenjunga which appears even taller than Mt.Everest, owing to the curvature. If you go there on a clear day, Kurseong is visible to the south, and in the distance, along with the Teesta River, Mahananda River, and Mechi River meander down to the south.
2.) Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary – Another stop that is close to Tiger Hillst the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Here plan a visit well before sunrise(around 4:00 AM or earlier depending upon the season) due to high footfall however, the experience is well worth the start. This Hill is named after a Tiger who is said to have once roamed the hills in this region. Historically it also played an important role during the Anglo-Nepalese War in the 19th century, with strategic influence of colonial rule. It also provides you with trekking opportunities as you can visit nearby spots such as Batasia Loop, which features a spiral section of the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
3.)Batasia Loop: Enchanting Loop for Visitors.
In another 20 minutes from Tiger Hills via car or taxi is this memorial which was commissioned in 1919 by British officials. However, the original purpose of this spot was an engineering need of the hour, where the toy train that connects Darjeeling from NJP was to be tested while moving downwards on a steep gradient from Ghum to Darjeeling. The need was to reduce the sudden fall of the train tracks to 140 ft & so Batasia Loop was created to confront this sudden descent. It is from here that the toy train takes a circular loop, crossing its track through a tunnel below. It’s an essential part of the Darjeeling Toy Train route, which is a heritage railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The train ride is an unforgettable experience for visitors so hop on to the joy ride to understand the intricate design of the railway system.
4.)Mall Road: A Stroll through the Bazaars and Local Markets
As the town stirs to life, the bustling markets of Mall Road and Chowk Bazaar become the heart of Darjeeling. The streets are lined up with small shops selling everything from woolen shawls to handicraft Tibetan artifacts. The local people are mostly of Nepali, Tibetan, and Bengali descent & can be seen as gas shopkeepers. While you are at Mall Road, do not forget to visit the Bhutia Monastery nearby to experience some quiet time and soak in panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills.
5.)The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(HMI): A Quest of Adventure
It is one of the most renowned institutions in India for mountaineering and it offers courses that attract adventures from all over the world. Its foundation was laid by Sir Tenzing Norgay and you would be surprised to know that it also houses a zoo & a Museum which just adds options for you to explore. Buying a ticket will cost you Rs.60 per person into this mountain zoo where animals are kept in a natural yet protected way. You will find mountaineering equipment ranging from the oldest to modern rucksacks, trekking gear, etc..You can also seek information and assistance for mountaineering and adventure activities via the museum desk at HMI.
Kurseong: Major Tourist Attractions
It is a charming hill station located before Darjeeling and is known for its serene environment, tea gardens, and historical significance. It’s a perfect retreat for travelers looking for tranquility in the Himalayan foothills. Visit the following spots for a quick experience:
1.Margaret’s Deck Kurseong is known for its sprawling tea estates. The Ambootia Tea Garden, Makaibari Tea Estate, and Castleton Tea Garden are popular spots where you can take a walk through the plantations while learning the making process and sampling fresh tea. A visit to Margaret’s deck will take you to the roof of the tea estates & become an experience in itself.
2. Eagle’s Craig- This is a popular viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of Kurseong, the surrounding mountains, and the vast valleys below. It’s an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
3. Dilaram Bazar- Any trip is incomplete without shopping and this local market offers a sense of local lifestyle and is an excellent spot for strolling in this Land of White Orchids.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tip: It’s advisable to book a flight that arrives by midday so you have ample time for the onward journey to Darjeeling.
Upon arrival at Bagdogra, you’ll need to take a taxi or a private car to reach Darjeeling. The drive takes approximately 3 hours, and the route offers breathtaking views of the foothills of the Himalayas.
Note: Trains to New Jalpaiguri can be booked via IRCTC or any major railway ticket booking platform. You should try to book at least a few weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Estimated Total Travel Time:
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Darjeeling offers a variety of local transport options to help you explore its hilly terrain and charming streets:
2. Accommodation
3. Places to Eat
Vegetarian Restaurant
Non-Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegan Options
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