History of Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of India’s most famous holiday destinations and is affectionately known as the “Queen of the Hills”. It is a hill-station located in the northern part of West Bengal. Until the fag end of the 18th Century, the city was largely under the Kingdom of Sikkim. With the steady conquest of the British East India Company, it came under the British rule in the mid-1800s. It saw development under the British rule with the constructions of many roads, railroads, schools hospitals and churches.

People and Culture of Darjeeling

A Darjeeling tour is essential to truly experience the city. Tourism and the tea industry are the major contributors to the economy. The population comprises of a mix of many ethnic groups such as Magars, Gurung and Tamangs. There is also a significant population of the Ghorka tribe. Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism are the major religions practiced here. The spoken languages include Nepali, Hindi and Bengali.

Culturally, Darjeeling is very diverse. As the city has many indigenous groups, the festivals are also varied. Dasain, Saga Dawa and Lhabab Dhuechen are a few of the major festivals along with Diwali and Durga puja.

Things to Do in Darjeeling

There are innumerable things to do in Darjeeling from sightseeing to trekking on the Kanchenjunga Mountain. Sightseeing in Darjeeling is an absolute delight with lush green hills riddled with cotton-like clouds. The important places to visit in Darjeeling include the Tiger Hills and Happy Valley Tea Garden. Darjeeling sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to the famous Rangit Valley and a ride on the cable car. Some of the famous places in Darjeeling are the monasteries particularly the Ghoom Monastery and the Peace Pagoda. Tourists may visit the architectural masterpiece of Kali temple.

One of the main Darjeeling attractions is the Toy Train, which is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other Darjeeling tourist places are the Lloyd Botanical Garden and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to experience the unique flora and fauna of the lesser Himalayas. With so many Darjeeling places to visit, tourists must keep in mind to plan their trips in advance so as to have ample amount of time.

Food and Shopping in Darjeeling

A trip to Darjeeling is unfinished without a taste of its unique cuisine. The food is heavily influenced by Nepali, Chinese and Bengali cuisine. Some of the must-have dishes here are Momo, Thukpa, Sarl Roti and Gundruk. Chhaang and Thomba are the popular alcoholic beverages found here.

Some of the best places to visit in Darjeeling and to shop are the main city itself. Fresh and organic tea are a given. Other items to look out for are Tibetan masks, jewellery, scarves, shawls, a traditional Khukri (Ghorka Knife) and more. One can find these at Chowk Bazaar.

Accommodation in Darjeeling

Tourists wanting to know how to reach Darjeeling can find choose between road transportation and trains. With so many places to see in Darjeeling, it is imperative to find good accommodation. Choose from a large number of budget hotels in Darjeeling such as Mayfair Hill Resort Hotel, Viceroy Hotel and Sinclairs Darjeeling Hotel where one can find a comfortable stay.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling Video Reviews

Very good view & amazing place

A beautiful place to relax

Latpanchar forest, Darjeeling

A wood at the lap of Himalaya

Ahaldara, sunrise view point

Mahananda wild life Sanctuary

Coronation Bridge

A bridge near siliguri

Darjeeling mall 360 view. Popular as chourasta

Nipponjan Myohoji Buddhist temple

Top Attractions in Darjeeling

Kanchunjunga

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Tiger Hill

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Sandakphu

Rock Garden And Ganga Maya Park

Peace Pagoda

Happy Valley Tea Gardens

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car

Know 4 Best Places to visit in Darjeeling

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