Darjeeling, a famous hill station in
West Bengal, borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. It occupies a ridge 2200 m high and is located about 600 km north of
Kolkata. Well-known for the quality of its tea, Darjeeling
offers fabulous views of lush, sprawling tea-estates and the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga.
This popular Victorian-style holiday resort, much-liked for the numerous trekking opportunities it offers, is best visited in April-June and September-November. Darjeeling-
Sandakphu is one of the best trekking routes in Darjeeling. Tiger Hill - the highest point in the area,
Passenger Ropeway - the first ropeway in India,
Happy Valley Estate, Natural History Museum,
Senchal Lake, Zoological Gardens, and Dhoom
Gompa are the major attractions.
The Gangasagar Mela, the largest fair in West Bengal, is conducted here in mid-January every year. Handicrafts, gorgeous silks, Thangkas, brass statues, religious artifacts, jewelry, wood carvings, and woven fabrics from the Himalayan region are available here.
The temperature ranges from 15 to 1.5oC.
Civil Enclave Bagdogra is 96 km from Darjeeling. The nearest railhead is the
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station (80 km).
