Darjeeling
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The “Queen of Hills” Darjeeling is nestled among the mountains with glistering Mt Kanchenjunga towering over azure sky. A perfect travel destination and ultimate getaway for those seeking relaxation & harmony in these peaceful landscapes of Darjeeling .British came to Darjeeling almost 150 years ago; they fell in love with its natural beauty and came back again and again to escape the unkind Indian heat.
They were the ones who turned these Darjeeling hills into Tea Gardens, and thanks to them, today Darjeeling Tea and its scenic beauty are world famous. Darjeeling is dominated by Legendary Gorkha Communities, who came to these hills many years ago in search of proper food and shelter. Other communities are; ever smiling Lepchas, the robust Tibetans and the enduring Sherpas.
Area 11.44 Sq. Kms Altitude 2134 metres (6800 feet) Population 1.7 Kakhs Winter Temp Maximum 12 C / Minimum 1.50C Rainfall 320 cms annual Clothing Heavy woolens Religioin Hindu, Christian, Buddhist & Muslim. Language English, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali STD Code 0354
History of Darjeeling
Until the beginning of the 18th century, the area between the present borders of Sikkim and the plains of Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, belonged to the kings of Sikkim. In 1706 the king lost Kalimpong to the Bhutanese. And control of the remainder was wrested from them by the Gurkhas who invaded Sikkim in 1780, following consolidation of the latter's rule in Nepal
These annexations by the Gorkhas, however, brought them into conflict with the British. A series of wars followed, eventually leading to the defeat of the Gurkhas and the ceding of all the land they had taken from the Sikkimese to the British. Part of this territory was restored to the king of Sikkim and the country's sovereignty guaranteed by the British in return for British control over any disputes which arose with neighboring states. One such dispute in 1828 led to the dispatch of two British officers to this area, and it was during their fact-finding tour that they spent some time at Darjeeling. The officers were quick to appreciate Darjeeling's value as a site for a sanatorium and hill station, and as the key to a pass into Nepal and Tibet. The officers' observations were reported to the authorities in Calcutta and a pretext was eventually found to pressure the king into granting the site to the British. The transfer, however, rankled with the Tibetans who regarded Sikkim as a vassal state. Darjeeling's rapid development as a trading center and tea-growing area in a key position along the trade route leading from Sikkim to the plains of India began to make a considerable impact on the fortunes of the lamas and leading merchants of Sikkim. Tensions arose and eventually the British annexed the whole of the land between the present borders of Sikkim and the Bengal plains, and withdrew the Raja's annual stipend. These annexations brought about a significant change in Darjeeling's status. Previously it had been an enclave within Sikkimese territory, and to reach it the British had to pass through a country ruled by an independent king. After the takeover, Darjeeling became contiguous with British territory further south and Sikkim was cut off from access to the plains except through British territory. This eventually led to the invasion of Sikkim by the Tibetans and the British military expedition to Lhasa.When the British first arrived in Darjeeling it was almost completely forested and virtually uninhabited, though it had once been a sizeable village before the wars with Bhutan and Nepal.Development was rapid and by 1840 a road had been constructed, numerous houses and a sanatorium built and a hotel opened. By 1857 Darjeeling had a population of some 10,000. The population increase was due mainly to the recruitment of Nepalese laborers to work the tea plantations established in the early 1840s by the British. Even today, the vast majority of people speak Nepali as a first language and the name Darjeeling continues to be synonymous with tea. The immigration of Nepali-speaking peoples, mainly Gurkhas, into the mountainous areas of West Bengal, eventually led to political problems in the mid-1980s. Resentment had been growing among the Gurkha over what they felt was discrimination against them by the government of West Bengal. Their language was not recognized by the Indian constitution and government jobs were thus only open to those who could speak Bengali.The tensions finally came to a head in widespread riots throughout the hill country which continued for several years, and in which hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands were mode homeless. Tourism came to a grinding halt. The movement was lead by the Gurkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), led by Subash Ghising, which demanded a separate state to be known as Gorkhaland. A compromise was eventually hammered out in late 1988 whereby the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) was given a large measure of autonomy from the state government and fresh elections to the council were held. Darjeeling remains part of West Bengal but now has greater control over its own affairs.
Brief History of Darjeeling Toy Train
- 1879 - Construction is begun by the Darjeeling steam Tramway Company for a narrow gauge (2ft/61cm) railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling closely following the route of the existing Hill Cart road.
- 1880 - Eight steam locomotives arrive from the works of M/s Shart Stewart Manchester, England. In March Loard Lytton, the Viceroy of India visits the line which opens to the public between Siliguri and Kurseong in August.
- 1881 - On 3 July the lines is officially opened to Darjeeling. It is 51 miles (82km) long and climbs from only 400ft (120m) at Siliguri to summit at Ghum (7407ft/2257m) before descending to Darjeeling (6812ft/2075m). The company is renamed the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Co.
- 1882 - Four loops and four reverse (zig-zags) are constructed between Sukuna and Gayabari to ease the gradient.
- 1885 - A short extension for goods traffic is opened to the bazaar at Darjeeling.
- 1891 - Darjeeling station is enlarged and rebuilt.
- 1896 - Kurseong gets a new station (previously the Clarendon Hotel had been used for this purpose) and storage sheds.
- 1914-15 - A branch line of the DHR opens from Siliguri (Panchanai) to Kishenganj. At Tindharia the railway works are relocated from behind the loco shed to a new and extensive site. With the continued growth in staff and business, the headquarters of the railways moves from Darjeeling to more specious accommodation at Kurseong.
- 1915 - Another branch - the Teesta Valley line - is opened from Siliguri to Kalimpon Road (Gielle Khola).
- 1919 - The loop at Batasia is constructed, eliminating problems by creating easier gradients on the ascent from Darjeeling. But the first sign of competition from the railway comes with the introduction of a bus service, making the journey in 3 and half hours. 1 hour faster than the train. The railways retaliates with the rail car in 1920 but it can carry only 9 passengers and is soon out of service.
- 1930 - Despite increasing competition from private cars and buses, the line continues to prosper with 258,000 passengers and 80,000 tones of goods,although earnings from both sources are declining.
Reaching Darjeeling
To visit Darjeeling, take a vehicle from NJP, Siliguri or Badogra, and insist on coming up to Darjeeling through the National Highway 55 (a.k.a Tenzing Norgay Road). You can stop at Kurseong or any other numerous stalls dotting the highway for refreshments. The journey through NH-55 will take approximately 3 to 4 hours. For those planning to visit Kalimpong from Darjeeling, regular jeep services on seat sharing basis are available. The bookings can be done from the Kalimpong Motor Syndicate situated at the Darjeeling Motor Stand (Super market complex). You can also hire a taxi to Kalimpong and stop at Teesta Bazaar for white water rafting. Shared taxis will not stop at Teesta bazar thus denying you to the opportunity for white river rafting.
Darjeeling Tea
First trial plantation seed was planted at an altitude of 700 ft. by Dr. A Campbell in 1845 an experimental nursery in Darjeeling was setup by the Government in 1847 the Government planted the nursery at Lebong and the rest, the rest is history… Today, there are 78 tea estates in Darjeeling , which provides stedy livelihood and other facilities like housing, statutory, benefits, allowances, incentives etc for the employees.
Places of Interests
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is just 13 Kms away from Darjeeling Town , at an altitude of 2590 meters, 8482 feet. Tiger hill is popular spot for most spectacular views, four of world's highest mountains all 8000 meters high towering over us at an incredibly close distance present a sight one can never forget. The contrast between Everest and Kanchenjunga is very much marked. Kanchenjunga is remarkable for it's imposing bulk and massive proportions while Everest soaring above the series of valleys and ridges, is more graceful and majestic. Snowy ranges occupy the space between the two. The entire ranges of Bhutan , Sikkim and Nepal are visible but the panorama is completely dominated by the Kanchenjunga and its neighboring peaks. The change in the color of mountains as the sun rises is never to forget experience.
Chowrasta
Chowrasta in Nepali means a place where four road meet. The promenade is also popularly known as “Mall”. Situated on the upper ridge of the town Chowrasta truly reflects the charm of this hill station. One will invariably find locals relaxing on the benches, gossiping and lazing around the square. A walk around the Mall road provides you a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga . The roads leading to Chowrasta are filled with shops of garments, curious & local handicrafts, information centre, studios, cafes and restaurants and also an arena for pony rides.
Observatory Hill
Also known as “Holy Hill”, it is just few minutes walk from Chowrasta and is situated on the highest ridge of the town. The Mahakal temple atop the hill is a revered place fro the locals and visitors will be surprised to find a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk sharing a common altar.
Dhirdham Temple
Dhirdham temple is modeled on the lines of the famous Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu and was built in 1939. It's a minute's walk from the Darjeeling Railway Station.
Japanese temple and the Peace Pagoda
The Nipponzon Myohoji Buddhist Temple, was set up in 1972. The peace Pagoda provides the perfect place to rediscover the serenity in your life and stunning view of the hills.
Lloyd's Botanical Garden
donated by an English gentaleman named Lloyd during the early century, the garden has a rich collection of plants collected from across the globe. Located below Motor stand, the forty-acre Lloyd Botanical garden is beautifully decorated with laid out terraces, green houses, ponds and walking paths.
Ava Art Gallery
A mare two kilometers from Darjeeling town, the Gallery is situated along the National Highway-55 and houses unique art and embroidery works of Mr. Ava Devi.
Rock Garden and Gang Maya Park
Situated at a distance of about 12 kilometers from Darjeeling town the garden has been construced through rocks and boulders as the name suggests. Once can also visit the Gangamaya park, about two kilometers from the Rock Garden. The park boasts of a small boating facility and one can enjoy the serene and cool atmosphere of the place.
Druk Thoptsen sangag Choling Monastery (Dali Monastery)
This monastery is situated at Dali, about 4 kms away from Darjeeling town. This is one o the most famous monasteries belonging to Kargyapa sect. The pioneer of this monastery was Thuksay Rempoche, who died in 1983 at ladakh. This monastery is the headquarters of Drukchen Rimpoche XII, the supreme head of the Kargyapa lineage.
Ghoom Monastery
built in 1875 by lama Sherab Gyatso, this ancient monastery is said to have been blessed by renouned Toma Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet . The specialty of this monastery is that it contains the statue of the “Future Coming Buddha” known as Maitreya Buddha. The monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. You could visit the monastery on your return journey to Darjeeling from Tiger Hill.
Tashi Dargyalingh Monastery or the Tamang Ghumba
The Tamangs are also sub community of the Gorkha / Nepali and mostly belongs to the Nyingmpa sect. Established in 1826 this is one of the oldest monasteries of the community.
The Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhism Monastery 9Aloobari Monastery
Situated on the Old Military Road commonly known as the Aloobari Road , the Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery was founded by it's Ven. Sangay Lama, the head priest who originally hailed from Nepal . This construction of the monastery coincided with the beginning of the First World War in 1914. The monastery was therefore named Mag-Dhog and warding off the war and is dedicated to the cause of world peace. The statues of Lord Buddha depicting different forms and statue of Padma Sambhava at this religious place are stunning. The painting on the wall are said to be done with the help of herbs and are amazing work of art. Other interesting features of the monastery are the valuable ancient scriptures lying inside the monastery.
Shrubbery Park
The park has been recently renovated by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and is now major attraction in town. One can witness different cultural programmes organized by DGHC, Department of Culture and information every evening. The park is situated close to the PNH Zoological Park but tourists are advised to visit the park during the evening.
Happy Valley Tea Garden
Happy Valley tea garden is located just 1 kilometer away from the town and is situated along 18 lebong Cart Road (Very near to the district Magistrate's office) and offers tourist a refreshing ambience far from the otherwise noisy town. Once can soak in the ambience of the tea garden and take a walk through the carpeted garden. You can take a pony from chowrasta and merely walk down the hill to reach the factory. The garden is presently closed but the residents are running it through a cooperative.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Established on 14 th August 1958 the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21 st November 1975 . Considered on of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the Tibetan wolf in captivity. Breeding programs for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the Siberian tiger also carried out a PNHZP. The zoo is open on all days except on Thursday and other national holidays.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police
- Suptd. of Police (SP) Phone : +91 354 2254270 / 2254277
- IC (Police Station) Phone : +91 354 2254422
- DSP Phone : + 91 354 2252250
- Traffic Phone : + 91 354 2258625
Hospital & Nurshing Home
- Planter's Phone : +91 933 2490262
- Mariam Nurshing Home Phone : +91 354 2254637
- Eden Hospital Phone : + 91 354 2252131
- Yuma Nurshing Home Phone : + 91 354 2257651
- (Blood Bank) Eden Hospital Phone : + 91 354 2252784
- (Ambulance) Red Cross Phone : + 91 354 2256352
- (Ambulance) Bitta Phone : + 91 354 2256079
- (Ambulance) Sangh Atma Bodhi Phone : + 91 354 2253203
Administratoin
- DGHC Principal Secretary Phone + 91 354 2254434 / 2254888
- District Magistrate Phone + 91 354 2254233 / 2256182
Tourism Offices
- Tourist Center(Siliguri) Govt. of West Bengal, Siliguri. Phone 2511974 / 2511979
- Tourist Information Center (Bagdogra), Govt. of West Bengal, Bagdogra, Phone : 2551794
- Tourist Bureau (Kolkatta), Govt. of West Bengal, Phone : 222488271/222488272
- Tourist Information Center (Delhi) Govt. of West Bengal, New Delhi - 110001
Hotels In Darjeeling
Darjeeling provides you with a range of hotels where modern comforts, please check out the list below.
- The Elgin, HD Lama Road Ph. +91 354 2254041
- Mohit, HD Lama road Ph. +91 354 2254723
- Windamere Hotel, Observatory Hill, Chowrasta, Ph. +91 345 2254041
- Apsara, Ladenla road +91 354 2252983
- Mayfair Hotels and Resorts, The Mall, Ph.+91 354 2256376
- Amba Palace, NC Goenka Road, Ph. +91 354 2253288
- Cedar Inn Jalapahar Road, Ph. +91 354 224446
- Anand Palace Opp. Rink Mall, Ph. +91 354 2258544
- Viceroy Gandhi road, Ph. +91 354 2256165
- Ascot Ladenla Road, Ph. +91 354 2259514
- Sinclairs Gadhi road Ph. +91 354 2256431
- Capital Gandhi Road, Ph. +91 354 2254160