Darjeeling-The Queen of Hills

Darjeeling Tea

We always insist on sitting on the window seat when we travel anywhere. Then why not a car, bus, train, or flight. Everyone loves to sit by the window and watch the scenes unfold before their eyes. The mind is especially overwhelmed by the colors of nature. Even if there is a proximity to the Himalayas, the clouds are walking along with you, the tall trees are swaying and making you say ‘Hi Hello’, it seems that nature has started its music. It seems that the mind has reached the realm of imagination … so this imagination is not a fact. Filmed on Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore and sung by Kishore Kumar, ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu’, if you have seen this song, you will know where we are going to catch a window seat today. If you haven’t understood yet, there is a song by Saif Ali Khan in the movie ‘Parineeta’, ‘Kasto Maza’. Both of these songs are enough to appreciate the beauty of mountain train travel. Darjeeling’s Himalayan toy train becomes a paradise for anyone who is fond of traveling with a window seat.

Today we will travel to Darjeeling, known as The Queen of the Hills. First of all, I informed you about the nearest airport and railway station from which you can start your beautiful Darjeeling vacation or honeymoon. 

  • Darjeeling is located in the state of West Bengal.
  • The distance between Gangtok to Darjeeling is around 100 km by road.
  • The distance between Gangtok to Darjeeling is around 48 km by flight.
  • The travel time from Gangtok to Darjeeling by road is approx 2:20 hrs.
  • The travel time from Gangtok to Darjeeling by flight is approx 40 minutes.
  • The nearest airport in Gangtok is Bagdogra airport (27.34, 88.61)
  • The Darjeeling nearby airport is Bagdogra airport (27.04, 88.26)

If we talk about the Darjeeling weather, During the winter season around October to April the Darjeeling temperature goes up from -18 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. After that, the Darjeeling temperature fluctuates between 1 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.

There is no doubt that this hill station, which is part of the Shivalik Range in the Himalayas to the north of West Bengal, has a unique beauty. Many people may have wondered where the Himalayas came from in West Bengal. See the geographical location of this hill station on the map.

Himalyan toy train darjeeling
Himalayan toy train, Darjeeling

There are many specialties here, but we will start with its Himalayan toy train. What is special is that this Himalayan toy train here has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, how interesting! The tag line here is something like, ‘Take a toy train ride to the clouds! An experience beyond journey! ‘ The toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling explores the treasures of nature. The lush greenery and the vast tea gardens on the slopes of the Girivar Himalayas in the distance bring freshness to the body and mind. The railway station here is counted among the highest heritage railway stations in the world. If you like railway travel then you need to travel by Himalayan toy train here. Nearby is a Ghoom Railway Museum. If you want to know the history of the Himalayan Railway and like to see all the gadgets used in earlier times then definitely go here.

Darjeeling tea garden
Darjeeling tea garden | Credit – gettyimages.in

Darjeeling can be enjoyed with friends, family, or alone. Tea is praised all over the world. You can sit in an attractive tea stall here and enjoy a sip of tea from Rs 10 to Rs 5,000. Whether with family or loved ones, the Himalayas will never leave you alone. Anyone who is fond of drinking tea must come here. The taste of the tea here is something that hut. It is a privilege to visit the tea garden here. If people who weave tea leaves look at their life, it will happen in their minds about who really lives a happy life. Looking at the view here, it is clear that Darjeeling is not just called ‘The Queen of Hills’. Especially should come here once with family. Another popular destination in Darjeeling is Tiger Hill. Lucky to see the sunrise here. The golden rays of the sun falling on the white surface of the distant Kanchenjunga mountain create a scene that makes the viewer speechless. Crowds are always seen here to watch the sunrise. The chance to see this sunrise can also be said to be due to luck. The sunrise is visible only if there is clear weather if the kingdom of clouds is covered.

The Peace Pagoda darjeeling
The Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling

Many places associated with Buddhism can be seen here. One can experience immense peace by visiting the monastery here as well as seeing and experiencing Buddhism up close. The Peace Pagoda here is the main one. This very high place seems to be a fountain of peace flowing from within. Surrounding views add to the beauty here. The Peace Pagoda has four huge statues depicting the four stages of the Buddha’s life, including the Maitreya Buddha. This was built by a Japanese Buddhist monk.

Kanchenjunga mountains, Darjeeling
Kanchenjunga mountains, Darjeeling

Here you can see the view of Majestic Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. It is an unforgettable experience if you go here during the prayer. There is also a Ghoom Monastery. It looks white on the outside and colorful and vibrant on the inside. Different types of Thangka paintings, carvings, and huge sculptures of the Buddha with compassionate eyes create a different atmosphere there.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Standing anywhere on the streets of Darjeeling, you will see beautiful little houses and huge tea gardens perched on the lap of the hills. River rafting can be done on the river Teesta for ‘adventure holic’. If you want to do rock climbing, here is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where courses like mountain climbing, etc. are done. There are also many trekking routes here. Street shopping can also be filled. Samples of local handicrafts, statues of the sleeping Buddha, warm clothes, and much more… as well as local food.

Momos
Momos |Credit – Photo by rajat sarki on Unsplash 
Thupka
Thupka | Credit – Photo by Deepal Tamang on Unsplash 

The local dish here is momos and thupka. Another thing is that coming to Darjeeling without taking tea here is said to be full of mistakes. An abundant variety of tea can be found here. There is also a passenger ropeway facility. There is a Mahakal temple located here. This Mahakal temple with a colorful prayer flag and prayer wheel is very beautiful and positive.

Mahakal temple darjeeling
Mahakal temple, Darjeeling

 

Mahakal temple, darjeeling
Source – Alamy.com

It looks like a sack that encloses with a drawstring. He also needs to visit. This Mahakal temple is located on an observatory hill. The magic of Kanchenjunga can be seen from these hills. You have to go to Tiger Hills at four o’clock in the morning to watch the sunrise and it is very crowded.

Embed from Getty Images

Kanchanjagha can be seen from here instead. Kanchenjunga is of special importance to the people here and Sikkim. That is his magic. There is a lot of talk about Darjeeling. Its beauty is also incomparable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *