Red Panda, Darjeeling Zoo

May 6th, 2016 by Abhijit Chakraborty

Darjeeling is one of the most sought-after Himalayan destinations in India. Read on to discover what makes it a favorite among tourists.

Tea Plantations, Darjeeling
Tea Plantations, Darjeeling

The Tea

It is common knowledge that Darjeeling grows probably the best tea in the world. Tea isn’t merely a beverage here; it is a lifestyle. From the first tea plantation in 1845 to the 80 odd plantations today, Darjeeling and tea have had quite a history together. The wide variety of tea grown here will leave you amazed and make you ask for a cuppa yourself. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or not, do not forget to revel in the aroma of this fine brew.

Freshly Harvested Darjeeling Tea Leaves
Freshly Harvested Darjeeling Tea Leaves

The best thing about Darjeeling tea is that it is probably the love of the people of this region that mingles with the taste and aroma of the tea here. The tea leaves are still hand plucked, by mostly the girls and women of the region. Two leaves and a bud- nothing but the best of will do and the scene has become truly iconic. The tea here is also brewed with various fragrances, with the Orange Flush and the Jasmine tea being very popular blends. Almost all the restaurants here serve only the very best Darjeeling tea.

So when you visit Darjeeling, do not forget to make a tea tour. It will be one of the best things you have done and will prove to be very educational as well. Yes, some of the tea plantations here are closed due to internal problems, but there are others who take in visitors from time to time and you will get to witness the entire process firsthand.

The Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (or the ‘Toy Train’ as it is popularly known as) is a sight straight out of a fairytale. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the Toy Train runs its picturesque route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling Bazaar. Hop on and hop off at your will because this steam-engine is about as fast as a snail. Feel like Gulliver in Lilliput as this tiny train takes you on an enormously beautiful experience.

The Toy Train has become a symbol of Darjeeling and it is hard to find something else which is so integral to the region, apart from tea. Tourists come various parts of the world to be part of this iconic ride and it is truly amazing how this little train, only two feet wide, makes its way through the mountains. Hence, it will be a good idea not to visit the hill city during the monsoons because the toy train rides are often shut down in case of landslides, which are frequent at this time of the year. You should also make your toy train reservations through IRCTC before you arrive as there is heavy rush for the seats as well.

The toy train has also become a part of the popular culture in India, and has been a part of many films and a part of many writings as well. The Indian railway pays special attention to the toy train and this has now become a part of the Indian psyche.

The Visual Beauty

Darjeeling In The Fog
Darjeeling In The Fog

Lush green hills visible outside, the delicious fragrance of tea in the air, an omnipresent cool breeze ruffling your hair, the grounds brimming with delightful flora and fauna – everything that dreams are made of! Plus, the schools, mostly built in the familiar colonial style of architecture, look insanely pretty as well.

The places to walk around Darjeeling are mesmerizing and one can start walking towards the Observatory and once you get out of the main city, the views around start to change drastically with every step. It seems that you are almost in the mountains and visiting this hill station during the winters can also give you the joy of witnessing snowfall. The winding roads through the pine trees will really make your senses come alive.

You are sure to come by the local people making their way through the hill tracks and you might also go higher from here, into the upper Himalayas, right up till Sandakphu. The scenic beauty here will completely make you fall in love with nature anew. Darjeeling is home to a number of birds as well as you may hear them as soon as you get out of the main city and walk through the trees lining the roads. And you must not miss the sunrise from the Tiger Hill, because it is one of the most heavenly sights you will ever come across.

The Monasteries

Ghoom Monastery

As Buddhism is the second-most widely practiced religion here, you’ll get the rare opportunity to witness some beautiful Tibetan-style monasteries here. The Bhutia Busti Monastery, the Old Ghum Monastery, The Dali Monastery are some notable mentions. Spend some time in the company of the wise monks and rejuvenate your soul. The view of the surrounding countryside works wonders, too.

What is wonderful about the monasteries here is that while they all have their own rules and religious beliefs, the monks here are not rigid and they mix with the locals with ease when they step out of the monastery for their daily chore. Not all of them allow visitors, while some of them allow visitors only to the outer quarters. The grounds of the monasteries are always well maintained and the architecture is one of the things to study when you are in Darjeeling.

The Old Ghum Monastery is located at a height of 7407 feet and the formal name is Yiga Choeling Monastery and is about 7 km away from the main town. Built in 1850, the monastery s built in the shape of a yellow hat, the traditional Tibetan hat, known as Gelupka. The statue of Buddha always finds two huge lamps burning day and night before it.

The Dali Monastery is more or less recent, built around 1971, but has a number of followers. It is located about 5 km from the main town and belongs to the Kargyupa sect.

The Bhutia Basti Monastery was originally built in 1761, but since then has been plundered and destroyed by invading enemies and earthquakes quite a few times. It was restored and has finally the monastery that we see today has been built. The monastery is only 1.5 km away from the main town and is a blend of Tibetan and Sikkimese architecture.

The Samten Choling monastery is on the way to the Ghoom monastery and is known for the enormous 26 feet statue of Buddha inside it. The morning and evening prayers here are extremely venerable.

People

Prayer Flags & Bells, Darjeeling
Prayer Flags & Bells, Darjeeling

The population is as diverse as it can get. Be it Nepalis or Tibetans, Sikkimese or Bengalis, Bhutanese or Europeans—Darjeeling has them all. Consequently, the culture of Darjeeling is a celebration of this amazing diversity. The 10-day annual Darjeeling Carnival is an unadulterated fiesta of art, music, cuisine, and most importantly, unity, with the Darjeeling Hills as the central theme. An extraordinary variety of sects and communities has been living here in blissful harmony for hundreds of years!

The people of Darjeeling are among some of the warmest people you will ever meet and they are always and exuberant and welcoming. Although they are very particular about their own cultures and traditions, they share it gladly with the tourists who descend upon the hills each year and they seem to have a special bond with Bengalis in particular, because of the huge number of them that continue to come to the hills. It is a truly cosmopolitan crowd and everyone is welcome.

The Buddha Purnima is, of course, the most eagerly anticipated festivals of the hills. People come from far and wide to witness the procession and the hills are packed from the week ahead. You would do well to book your rooms well in advance as there is always a very high demand for rooms at this time of the year.

The Food

Momos With Spicy Sauces
Momos With Spicy Sauces

The delectable Himalayan cuisine makes this a great place for food lovers. From popular snacks such as the classical steamed momos that are sold in every corner of the town to the filling thukpa soup that contains noodles, vegetables, meat and eggs and typically served in a large bowl, the town has a host of delicious dishes that will have you craving for more. Many eateries in this town also serve authentic Bangla, Naga and Nepali cuisine. Do not forget to take home a big jar of the tangy pickle that is made of spicy chilies and mustard oil.

What makes the food extra special is that the food is mostly home-cooked- even the food that is available in the food stalls is almost always cooked at home and then brought in containers and sold outside. This is why the food is free from excessive oil and spices and why it tastes so good no matter how many times you come back.

Among the popular eateries here are Glenary’s and Keventer’s and both these places have gained cult status. The food here is amazing especially here the pastries and the English breakfast. The sausages, bacon, and eggs are the freshest you will come across and you will have to wait in queues during the peak seasons before you can gain entry into the restaurants.

The Flora & Fauna

Red Panda, Darjeeling Zoo
Red Panda, Darjeeling Zoo

The district boasts of lush green tea gardens, more than 400 species of birds and 600 varieties of orchids, rhododendrons, magnolia, primula, and the icing on the cake, the red panda! Grab your rucksack and boots, pack a lot of energy food, and set off on any of the fabulous treks that these mountains have to offer. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, jump into a jeep and drive to the nearest wildlife sanctuary or lake to immerse yourself in the gorgeous flora and fauna of the place. The Batasia Loop, the Darjeeling Zoo and the Senchal Lake are some great options.

One can find a number of varieties of orchids here and it is where one can see the Cryptomeria Japonica, locally known as Dhupi. The rhododendrons are a visual treat and during the spring months of February to April, the trees here are lush with ripe fruits like peaches and cherries. The beautiful pink flowers known as Prunus Cerosoides are sure to brighten your day. Marigolds are seen in the month of October till winter. More than 7000 species of plants have been discovered in the mountains in this region.

The Best Stay Options In Darjeeling

OYO Premium Robertson Road, Darjeeling
OYO Premium Robertson Road, Darjeeling. Book it here.

With 33 hotels in Darjeeling, OYO offers a great range of options to choose from. These hotels can be booked here or using the OYO app.

OYO Premium Robertson Road, Darjeeling. Book it here. OYO Premium Mall Road Entrance, Gandhi Road, Darjeeling. Book it here.

There you go. Enchanting Darjeeling, the little hill-station with a big heart. 

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