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Fast Facts
| Area |
10.57 sq km |
| Altitude |
2,134 m above sea level |
| Languages |
Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, and English |
| Religion |
Hindus (77.95%), Buddhist
(11.95%), Others (10.1%) |
| Population |
73,062 |
| Annual Mean Rainfall |
3,200 mm |
| Maximum Temperature |
14.89°C |
| Minimum Temperature |
5°C |
| STD Code |
0354 |
Darjeeling Introduction
Affectionately called the "Queen of Hill Stations", Darjeeling with its verdant hills, majestic mountains, inviting scenic beauty is one of the most seductive spots in India. Its rich past is evident across the hills resort. Its mesmerizing strategic location and valuable tea trade has made this hill resort in India a much sought-after destination.
Darjeeling History
It was thanks to the efforts of Lloyd and Grant, two British officers that the Darjeeling came into being as a summer retreat for the employees of the Raj to escape from the heat and dusts of Calcutta now called Kolkata. The two officers who visited the area in 1829 were very much captivated by the beauty of the place and decided to set up a sanitarium for employees of the British Raj.
Darjeeling Sites to Visit
The hill resort of Darjeeling caters to visitors looking for a tranquil setting. Dotted with several places of tourist interest, Darjeeling attracts visitors in greater magnitude.
One of the major attractions for the tourists in the hill resort of Darjeeling, the Yiga Choeling Monastery of Ghoom is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha. The monastery also entices those having a penchant for the past. The palm leaf and paper manuscripts found in the monastery is of special significance to the historians.
Another major tourist attraction in Darjeeling is the Natural History Museum, which is a treasure trove of Himalayan mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and butterflies of the region.
Darjeeling is a Mecca for the botanists, animal lover and nature lovers. The hill resort is home to the Lloyd Botanical Garden, which was fine collection of several species of alpines and orchids. The garden is named after William Lloyd who donated the site in 1878. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has the distinction of being the only center in India where the rare snow leopard is bred. The zoo is also the habitat of the Ussurian tigers, Himalayan black bears, Red Pandas and the Llama of the Andes.
In close proximity to the zoo is Himalayan Mountaineering Institute inaugurated by in 1954 by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to commemorate the conquest of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary and to give training for mountain climbing. Tenzing Norgay was its first Director and Advisor till his demise. The institute has also a museum, which has climbing archives.
At a distance of 1 km is the famous attraction of the Darjeeling-Rangit Valley ropeway, which offers the incredible view of the Kanchunjungha Peak and bird's eye view of the Darjeeling. This is the longest ropeway in Asia.
Tea plantation is the main livelihood of the people of Darjeeling. No visit to Darjeeling is complete without making a trip to these tea gardens. Added to this, feel the superb ambience of an evening at the Mall in the center of Darjeeling.
Located below the railway station is the Dhirdham Temple, a replica of the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. Some of the other places of interest in Darjeeling are the Observatory hill, Aloobaari Monastery, Bhutia Bustee Monastery and the Ava Art Gallery. 
Darjeeling Site Near By
Though Darjeeling is full of many incredible tourist attractions, but within a short trip from this hill resort there are many other outstanding places well worth a visit.
Situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters and 11 kilometers from Darjeeling lies the famous spot of Tiger Hill, which offers the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. You can also view other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas such as Mt. Everest, Jannu and Kabru
Set in the lap of Dedo and Durbindra Hills across the Teesta River at a height of 1,250 meters, the dream destination of Kalimpong is noted for its spectacular scenery breathtaking underwater scenery as well as beautiful flower nurseries, monasteries and the handicrafts industry.
Situated at an altitude of 1,458 meters, Kurseong is another hill resort, which is frequented by the visitor while on their way to Siliguri from Darjeeling. The picturesque resort of Mirik lies mid-way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Located at an altitude of 1,767, Mirik is known famous for its lake, boating facilities and sprawling plantations of pine, cardamom, and oranges.
For the thrill seekers a trip to Phalut, situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters, is a must. The trekkers can have a soul, stirring views of the Himalayas from Phalut.
Darjeeling What to Buy
There is not a shadow of doubt that Darjeeling is a shoppers' paradise. The hill resort is home to Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center the pace where you can purchase gift items and souvenirs.
Darjeeling Adventure Sports
There's a wide choice of Darjeeling holidays for people seeking adventure and action.
Darjeeling has the distinction of being the first hill station where was organized trekking by Dr. Hooker in the 1840s. The spectacular panoramic views of Everest and Kanchenjunga peaks have been tempting adventure seekers from different parts of the world. 
Darjeeling How to Reach
Bagdogra is the nearest airport as well as the railway station to the hill resort of Darjeeling. Bus service connects Darjeeling with Siliguri. There is an excellent network of roads linking Darjeeling to Kalimpong and Bagdogra. The nearest bus station to Darjeeling is at Siliguri.
Darjeeling Best Time to Visit
The months of March-May or September-November are the best time to visit Darjeeling.
Darjeeling Where to Stay
An extensive range of accommodations awaits the visitor in Darjeeling from the exclusive luxury hotels with all the modern comforts, to budget hotels and intimate inns.
Darjeeling offers good and hygienic food at affordable price. The hill station is home to a large number of restaurants and eateries that suits to requirements of the tourists.
Darjeeling Fairs and Festivals
The Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated with much fanfare in Darjeeling during the months of December-January.
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