Visiting Darjeeling a Hill Station in Gorkha Land

Darjeeling- A Boon For Sikkim Tourism

Darjeeling is the home of the Gurkhas. Earlier it was a part of Nepal, but it had to cede Darjeeling to the English after losing the war with them. The British developed Darjeeling and what ever we see there now, is courtsey the British and the Raj.


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Darjeeling is the home of the Gurkhas. Earlier it was a part of Nepal, but it had to cede Darjeeling to the English after losing the war with them. The British developed Darjeeling and what ever we see there now, is courtsey the British and the Raj.

Darjeeling is connected by a narrow gauge rail line to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. Often referred to as the 'Toy Train', the rail link is recognized as a heritage rail line by UNESCO.The rail is unique as it winds up the hills,crossing Kuseong and other stations on the way.At one point it makes a180 degree turn called 'Ghoom'which is an engineering marvel. Siliguri is connected by rail to Kolkutta and Delhi. Direct flights also operate beteeen the airfield at Baghdogra and Delhi , Gauhati and Kolkutta.

Thus reaching Darjeeling is not a problem.

Darjeeling is in the center of the tea gardens that abound there. As the train pulls up ,you will witness the lush tea gardens. It is a sight you cannot see anywhere else in the world. Darjeeling itself is a modern town and at all corners the mark and hand of the English is visible.There is an excellent Mall road and a string of hotels that suit all pockets.There is also the five star Oberai, which is the best place to stay.


The best period to visit Darjeeling is from February to May and then from August to October.Though these days tourists travel all the year round. Hoever it does not snow in Darjeeling. This is perhaps  something to do with its location. But it is a city that gives a panaromic view of the Himalayas, when the weather is clear


Women and girls in Darjeeling are very fashion concious and it is not uncommon to see even tea garden workers decked up with lipstick and make up. Though there is a political agitation on by the Gorkha National front for a seperate state, yet the general atmosphere is peaceful. I will certainly recommend a visit to Darjeeling to any tourist who has a love for the mountains.


 

Madan G Singh

An early retired Gp Capt from Air Force who is an Executive Director in the Corporate world. Loves to write fiction and articles. Published over 60 short stories and his novel" Romance of the Frontier" is published from Notion Books.His second novel is on way for publication. The author also has close to 10,000 articles on the b net with millions of views


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