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 Darjeeling,
in North Bengal, is about 650 kms from Calcutta. The Tibetan
buddhist monastery, the Ghoom Monastery with a 15 - foot
high statue of Maitreya Buddha, is the most famous monastery
of the town. There is a Padmaja Naidu zoo, showing the
himalayan black bear, panther, leopard and the siberian
tiger among other animals. The Observatory Hill is a
vantagepoint for a grand view of the Kanchenjunga ranges.
Trekking In Darjeeling
One of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is
that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This
trekking route is best during the months of April, May,
October and November. As during these seasons the visibility
is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on
this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the
Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other
facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to carry
your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be
prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain
sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high
ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all types
of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but
there are some areas which have long stretches without any
water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are
available. Guides and porters can also be arranged.
Phalut is also called the view point of the Himalayas and is
one of the most important & famous treks in the region. The
trek starts with a small bus trip to Manaybhanjang. From
here the trek passes through the mountains to Sandakphu.
From here you can proceed further up or you can return via
Rimbik then to Darjeeling by Bus. One can also take a short
cut and not go to Ohalut. From Sandakphu backtrek to Bikhay
Bhanjang and cut across to Rimbik. But keep in mind that
this trek is a difficult one with no water or food in
between.
Batasia Loop
This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering.
At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This
loop is just five kilometer from the main town of
Darjeeling. This place also has a very good market where you
can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by
the local women at very reasonable price.
Bhutia Busty Gompa
With the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a
monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was
shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The
Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery
in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and
is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which
has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
Botanical Gardens
This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive
collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and
orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The gardens also
has a green house.
Chowrasta
This one of the important shopping places in Darjeeling .
Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each other.
The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible from this
place. Near Chowrata are several Hindu and Buddhists
temples. This place is over flowing with foreign tourists.
You can also enjoy a pony ride form this place.
Dhoom Gompa
About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Dhoom Gompa. Here a very
beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha ( prospective
Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved
some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.
Happy Valley Estate
Here the tea from the gardens is processed. One can spent a
few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have
permission from any officer of the estate.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West
Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training
mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of
mountaineering equipments which have been used in various
mountaineering expeditions and other wise. Specimens of
Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept here. The record of
attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the
Mt.Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on
mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks
through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja
by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this
institute for many years and he was cremated near the
institute after his death in 1986. Near the institute is
Srabri which gives a very good view of the Single valley and
the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit at Srabri and feel the
cool breeze from the valley.
Kanchenjunga View
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of
the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides
one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The
Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga
peak.
Kurseong
Kurseong is mid way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way
from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open through out
the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then
you can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful
and is full of natural splendour.
Natural History Museum
The museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen .
Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in
its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas
and in Bengal. Among the attractions are included the
estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good
collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various
stones are displayed in a very attractive manner in the
museum.
Observatory Hills
This point provides one of the breathtaking views of
Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred for the
Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and the
monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with
the colourful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some
these are very aggressive.
Passenger Ropeway
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the
ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects
the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The
rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. The seats in
the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets
in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any one
visiting Darjeeling.
Rungli Rungliot
Where the road from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes its great
bend high above the Teesta river, directly opposite
Kanchenjunga, a Buddhist monk many years ago is believed to
have proclaimed "Rungli Rungliot" This pious benediction
which, literally translated, means "thus far and no further"
is alive and well today in the shape of one of the most
celebrated tea gardens in the Darjeeling hills. The village
is steeped in legend.
Senchal Lake
A scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has
popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists. The
lake supplies drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.
Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the
departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North Eastern
States. Being the nodal point this place has become very
busy and crowded. This area has got population over 2.5 lakh
people. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal.
This place is not very pleasant to stay as there are always
long lines of buses and trucks. These trucks and vehicles
might be good for business but they provide very ugly sight.
Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to
change bus or catch trains. If you have time then visit the
almost forgotten wild life sanctuary of Jaldhapara. The best
season to visit this park is between October and May. This
the time when the new grass has come up and animals are out
there. The sanctuary has elephants, dears, tigers and other
animals but the main attraction is the Rhinos which are
threatened by the poachers. Elephant Safari can be taken
from Hollong.
Snow Leopard Breeding Programme
Nowadays the zoologists and the environmental scientists are
trying to protect the endangered species by breeding them in
captivity. Following this trend is Kiran Moktan who has
devoted his life in breeding program of snow leopards. The
snow leopards are not known to have bred in captivity but in
this center thanks to the efforts of Kiran Maktan these
animals have given birth in captivity. Snow leopards are
animals who have to be kept in large enclosures. Visitors
are allowed in the center but they have to watch the animals
in utter silence.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 was established a center for the refuges who had
fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion.
This self help center has been developed as workshop for the
manufacture of handicrafts. The fine and superb carpets,
woollens, woodcarvings and leather work form this center has
been very popular among the tourists. The money collected
after the sale of the products goes to the Tibetans who work
here. The variety Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting
the visitors in a big way. This center has established it
self in the International scenario as place for hard work,
self esteem and truth.
Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This
zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals
and birds. This is only zoo in India having the Siberian
Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there.
The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the
animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers. The
entry in the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the
natural history museum and the mountaineering institute &
museum.
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