**********************DARJEELING – “QUEEN OF HILLS********************** At a Glance The name ‘Darjeeling’ came from the Tibetan words ‘dorje’ meaning thunderbolt(originally the scepter of Indra) and ‘ling’ is a place or land, hence ‘the land of the thunderbolt’. The topography of Darjeeling District is unique in many respects. The district comprises of four Sub-Divisions out of which three, viz., Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong are covered by hilly terrain and mountains. On the contrary, Siliguri Sub-Division comprises of plain areas, which is totally different from the above three Sub-Divisions in respect of topography, climate and population. Darjeeling also known as the “Queen of the Hills” has some of the most attractive touristattractions which results in inflow of large number of tourists each year to enjoy a vacation in this beautiful city in West Bengal. Darjeeling owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun. A steep ride, five kilometers form Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The visitors gasp at the magnificent sight. As the fog lifts in the slowly penetrating sun, the town gradually comes alive. A midst brewing of tea, the sing-song Gorkhali which is the local dialect, rises and falls like music. Darjeeling also has its name listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its Himalayan Railways. The Darjeeling Himalayan railway is the first, and still the most outstanding example of a hill passenger Railway. Open in 1881, it applied bold and ingenious engineering solution to the problem of establishing and effect rail link across a ,mountainous terrain of great beauty. It is still fully operational and retains most of its original features intact.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has out-standing universal appeal. As one of the outcomes of the Industrial revolution and based on its unique features, it is considered to be a lasting significant to mankind. It must be saved for posterity. These are all the criteria necessary for World Heritage. National Rail Museum (India), the focus of India’s Rail heritage, submitted a proposal to UNESCO on 29th June 1998 for inscribing the Darjeeling Himalayan railway (DHR) as a World HERITAGE Site. Accordingly, UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee inscribed DHR as a World Heritage Site on 2nd December 1999. The DHR has popularly known by the name as ‘Toy Train’ which is in fact was never an official term it is just a popular expression found in literature. Darjeeling tea, which is one of the most exported items from Darjeeling, occupies a place of pride in the entire world for its fresh aroma and taste. The history of tea production in Darjeeling dates back to1841 when Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service, was transferred from Kathmandu to Darjeeling in 1839 as Superintendent of this new territory and of the Sanitarium. Dr. Campbell brought China tea seeds in 1841 from the Kumaon region and started growing tea on an experimental basis near his residence at Beechwood, Darjeeling. This experiment was followed by similar efforts by several other British. The experiments were successful and soon several tea estates started operating commercially. Darjeeling stands today one of the quality tea producer in the world. PLACES OF INTEREST Tiger Hill : Situated at an altitude of about 2590 m (8482 ft.) and 13 Kms from town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the “Kanchenjunga” and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is visible from here. The hesitant rays of the early morning sun paint these peaks in pale gold. Batasia Loop and the War Memorial : The Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town is a gigantic railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. It was basically built to make it possible for the Toy Train to cut the deep ascend. Strategically located the Batasia Loop offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga Range. A War Memorial constructed in the memory of the brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives in the different wars since the independence of the nation adds to its attraction. There is also a well furbished market where visitors can buy locally made purses, bags and other decorative items. Chowrasta and Mall : Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lines with shops andrestaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place ofthe Mall Road. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park : Established on the 14th of August, 1858, the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21st November, 1975. Considered as one of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the Tibetan wolf in captivity. Breeding programmes for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the Siberian tiger are also carried out at PNHZP. The zoo is open on all days except on Thursdays and other national holidays. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : It is the oldest Mountaineering Institute and was set up following the successful ascent of the Mt. Everest by local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edumund Hillary on 28th May 1953. The mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu (the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth a visit. Nightingale Park / Shrubbery Park : It is about 2-5 kms from Drjeeling Railway Station and walk able from the Chowrasta, It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programmed performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. the prk has recently been extensively re-developmed, and now comprises of a giant Statue of Lord Shiva, a temple, and provisions for live interactive entertainment. The best time to visit the park is in the evenings. Botanical Garden : It is the oldest Botanical Garden names as Lloyd Botanical Garden with varieties of flora and is famous for two living fossils. It is located just below the Eden Sanatorium (Saheed Durga Malla District Hospital) on an open slope covering an area of about 40 acres. Lloyd Botanical Garden is open seven days a week. There are no entrance fees. A camera, a small note book for a botany enthusiast and couple of hours tospare, is a must. Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park : Situated 10 km from town, Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park has now developed into a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The park offers boating facilitates and is endowed with great scenic beauty.Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local and one can even buy souvenirs. No fees are charged for taking photographs. Visitors are however,required to make arrangements for transportation. A two way travel arrangement is advisable. Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Cable Car : Popularly known as ropeway, it is situated at North Point. The oldest passenger ropeway connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley. The present ropeway has been extensively modernized and visitors can now safely travel over the clouds to witness the aerial view of the lust green tea gardens below. Other important sites in Darjeeling include the Raj Bhawan, Ava Art Galley, Senchal Lake, Peace Pagoda, Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple, Dhirdham Temple, Ghoom Monastry, Happy Valley Tea Garden, and other Monasteries.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 07:03:45 +0000