In the first article about Darjeeling we described basically the initial things important t travel Darjeeling like the transport system, whether,guiding instructions and cultures so far.Here you can get the first one which is important undoubtedly if you are interested to visit Darjeeling-The home of Beauty.
There are lots of magical and adorable places to visit in Darjeeling. After reaching to your dream land, now its the time to know the places where you can go to remark your trip as the best tour of life. lets start……
Tiger hill :
Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 13 kilometers from the 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.
Ava Art Gallery:Â
Situated about 4 km from the Market Square and on the National Highway, Ava.Art Gallery was established in 1965 by the Late. Bhopal Rao Sett and Ava Devi. It is the only Art Gallery of its kind in the Hills. A collection of 60 pieces of art work in water, oil and thread paintings are displayed in the Gallery. Visitors can travel on foot to get to the Gallery or simply hire a taxi. Entrance fees are not charged.
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 facilities and is endowed with great scenic beauty. Ample eateries are available for visitors to indulge in local delicacies 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.
Nightingale Park/Shrubbery Park:Â
It is about 2-5 km from Darjeeling Railway Station and walk able from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural programs performed daily during the tourist season and its opening time is 4.00 p.m. and closing time is 8.00 p.m. The park has recently been extensively re-developed, 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. Entrance fee is charged and nominal charges for photography may also be required to be made by the visitor.
Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car:
Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car is popularly known as the Rope way It is about 3 km north of the town and situated at what is known as the North Point. The Rope way is India’s oldest passenger rope way and connects Darjeeling with Sing-la Bazaar at the bottom of the valley. The present rope-way has been extensively modernized and visitors can now safely travel over the clouds to witness the aerial view of the lush green tea gardens below.
Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo):
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the Darjeeling Zoo is the home of various wildlife species. It is the new home of Siberian Tigers, Red Panda, Tibetan Barking wolf, Himalayan Pheasants (Kallis), Himalayan Deer, etc. Nearby the zoo there is a famous Snow Leopard breeding center Take a delightful walk for the mall road to the zoo which is just 2 km away from the mall road or the center of the Darjeeling.
Darjeeling Tea Gardens:
While in Darjeeling a visit to any nearby Tea Garden to watch the actual process of the manufacturing of Darjeeling Tea is worth it. Some of the Tea Gardens also sell their packet teas. There are about 70 tea gardens in this hill region and the most accessible one is the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is about 3 km from the town or within a walking distance of about 40 minutes (Closed on Monday).
Darjeeling Toy Train:
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train”, is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, the railway is about 86 kilometres (53 mi) long. Its elevation level varies from about 100 metres (328 ft) at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. Four modern diesel locomotives handle most of the scheduled services: however the daily Kurseong-Darjeeling return service and the daily tourist trains from Darjeeling to Ghum (India’s highest railway station) are handled by the vintage British-built B Class steam locomotive, DHR 778. The railway, along with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, is listed as a Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site. The headquarters of the railway is in the town of Kurseong.
Once in a lifetime, all of us must have experienced the joyful toy train ride in local fairs or in any amusement park. But, if you want to experience the real toy train, traversing through the zig-zag mountains paths and scenic beauty of Mother Nature, than you must visit Darjeeling.
Besides,we know Darjeeling has a respect for its religious value of Buddhist. There are lots of Monasteries in Darjeeling .Such as The Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery(Aloobari Monastery).Tashi Dargyalingh Monastery or the Tamang Ghumba, Druk Thupten Sangag Choling Monastery(Dali Monastery), Ghoom monastery.Those are also can be visited.
anika