Straddling a ridge at 2134 m and surrounded by Tea Plantations on all sides, Darjeeling has been a popular Hill Station since the British had established it as an R&R centre for their troops in the mid-1800.

These days people come here to escape from Heat and Humidity of the Plains. Outside the Monsoon Season ( June to September), the views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchanjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valley bottoms are magnificent. Darjeeling is a fascinating place where you can see Buddhist monasteries, visit a tea plantation, go for ride in the chairlift, spend the day hunting for bargains in colourful markets and handicraft shops, or go trekking to high altitude spots.

People
Although the Buddhists, with their monasteries at Ghoom and Darjeeling, are perhaps the most conspicuous religion group, they constitute only a minority of the population - about 14 %. The majority of the inhabitants are Hindus, reflecting their origins in the Northern Indian states and Nepal. Christians and Muslims comprise little more than 3 % each of the district’s total population, although there are numerous churches scattered around Darjeeling dating mostly from the British period. The main language spoken is Nepali, however Hindi and English is understood by everyone.

ATTRACTIONS

Jawhar Parbat (formerly Birds Hill)
It was planted by a former British Governor and it is behind the Raj Bhawan (Governor’s residence), northwest of the town square. From here you will get a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Singla Valleys.

Natural History Museum
Established in 1903, a comprehensive collection of Himalayan and Bengali fauna is packed into this interesting museum. Amongst the 4300 specimens is the estuarine crocodile, the animal responsible for the greatest loss of human life in Asia. It is walking distance from the Chourasta.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Located adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is a high altitude wild life park and a new home for the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Deer, Deer Panda, Llama and birds.

Step-aside
About 3 minutes walk from the chaurasta will bring you to this place where the famous Indian patriot Deshbandhu Chittranjan Das had passed away in 1925.

Lloyds Botanical Garden
It's a colourful garden situated just below the Market motor stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The hot houses are well worth a visit.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
It is situated on Jawahar Parbat about 2 Km from Chourasta. Established in 1954, this unique institution trains mountaineers. It has a museum containing an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment.

Ghoom Buddhist Monastery
A typical Tibetan Monastery situated about 8 km from the town. It enshrines of the Maitryee Buddha (the coming Buddha) - 15 feet tall. Foreign tourists are allowed to enter.

Observatory Hill
It is situated above the Windamere hotel. There's a Kali Shrine and apart from the magnificent view it commands, great religious importance is attached to the Observatory hill by both Hindus and Buddhists, who worship here by the hundreds.

Dhirdam Temple
Situated just below the railway station, it is built on the style of the famous "Pasupatinath" temple of Kathmandu (Nepal).

Aloobari Monastry
Nearer Darjeeling, on Tenzing Norgay Rd, this monastery welcomes vistors and the monks often sell Tibetan and Sikkimese handicrafts and religious objects (usually hand bells). If the monastery is closed ask at the cottage next door and they'll let you in.

Bhutia Busty Monastery
Not far from Chowrasta is this colourful monastery, with Kunchenjunga providing a spectacular backdrop. Originally a branch of the Nygmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim, it was transferred to Darjeeling in 1879. The shrine here originally stood on Observatory Hill. There's an old library of Buddhist texts upstairs.

Ava Art Gallery
It is about 2 km from the town on the way to Ghoom. It houses fine art and enbroidered work of Mrs. Ava Devi.

Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2590 m (8,482 ft.) and 11 km from the town, the Tiger Hill has earned international fame for the fabulous view of the Sunrise over “Kanchenjunga” and the great Eastern Himalayan peaks that can be seen from here. The golden glow of the rising Sun changes the colour of the snow capped peaks to crimson, pink and shining gold as one watches from the observation desk.

Tenzing’s House
The home of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay who scaled Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953 and become the first to do so. Tenzing was also the first Principal of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

Batasia Loop
It is about 5 km from Darjeeling and 3 km from Ghoom. This railway loop is a marvellous feet of engineering. It is delightful to see the trains as it winds it away round the loop. It is a pleasant and delightful descent from Ghoom - highest railway station in the world.

The Ropeway
The Darjeeling - Rangeet Valley Passenger Rope way is situated at North Point which is 3 km from the town . This is the first passenger Rope way in India. It is 8 km long and connects Darjeeling and Singla Bazar. A beautiful Picnic and Fishing spot.

The Mall
This is an important meeting point for all tourists. Restaurants, Cafetarias, and shops full of woolen goods and curious are main attraction. The view of Kanchenjunga is marvelous.

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