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Darjeeling

''Darjeeling , the queen of all hill stations and also the 'Dream-land of the East', famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air, year round plesent weather and above all, tea estates and the famous Darjeeling Tea...
Darjeeling gets its name from Dorje (Thunderbolt) and Ling (Place). One of the most popular hillstations of India, Darjeeling is strategically very important due to its proximity with Nepal and Bhutan borders. ''

The hill station was popularised from the times of British rule. Every year at the start of summer, the Viceroys of India would move to Darjeeling.

Covering an area of 1,200 sq. miles and surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, its a fascinating place rich in natural beauty. Some of the most beautiful tea estates are here. The Kanchenjunga peak can be seen from the town.

PLACES AROUND DARJEELING

Natural History Museum - The Museum, contains a comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region. The specimens of all birds' species, reptiles and animals found here are displayed. The butterfly and beetle section merits a special mention.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - The Institute is one of the most visited places in Darjeeling. It commands a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga.

Tiger Hill - Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day you can even see the mount Everest from here.

Batasia Loop - Batasia Loop as the name suggests, is a loop or a spiral of a narrow gauge railway track where the Toy Train negotiates a sudden sharp descent from Ghoom. It's a wonderful viewing place with manicured gardens, streams and falls, from where you can get a wide range view of the Darjeeling's landscape, Kanchenjunga and the other Eastern Himalayan peaks.

Darjeeling Ropeway - you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. Get off at a lower station and enjoy the tea estates, walk through the tea gardens, or just relax and enjoy the view around. It's hard to find all these together in one place.

Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park - Rock Garden is all about terraced gardens at different levels that have been cut through the rocks having a waterfalls with nice seating arrangements. Ganga Maya is more spread out and has a beautiful stream flowing through it on a valley, has flower gardens, fountains and more.

Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda - the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga.

Best time to visit Darjeeling

Darjeeling experiences a pleasant weather throughout the year but the ideal time to visit the hill station is from February to May and September to November. Its average temperature during winters varies between 2 to 10 degrees C and the maximum summer temperature can only go up to 15 degrees C. But the region receives heavy rainfall throughout the year.

Visitors are adviced to carry rain wear in all season and light woolen clothes in summer also.