Darjeeling JomJomat

“The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.”

                                                   -John Muir 

Located at 6700 feet, North Bengal’s “Darjeeling”, the queen of hills is  one of the most sought after tourist spot in the world. Every year, from February to May, a huge number of tourists from around the world are attracted towards the lustrous beauty of one of the oldest hill stations in India. As Darjeeling is close to Calcutta, every year during the summers, a chunk of Calcutta’s population flock towards Darjeeling to escape from the scorching summer heat. It was rightfully the Summer Capital of India in the British era.

Apart from its nature, weather, and beauty there’s another greatest attraction i.e, the ‘TOY TRAIN’. That 88 kms journey from NJP to Darjeeling is something one can’t explain in words. Trust me it's an experience in itself ( REMEMBER PARINEETA? ) .The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a 600 mm (2 ft) narrow-gauge railway that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 for being "an outstanding example of the influence of an innovative transportation system on the social and economic development of a multi-cultural region". It will take approximately 7 hrs to reach the destination. 

“Tiger Hill” is another fascinating place just 13 kms from the town situated at an altitude of 2590 mts. The Tiger hill offers a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains.  If you manage to wake up at 3 am and travel 13 kms uphill, then you’re on course for an experience of a lifetime. As the first rays of the sun kiss the Kanchenjunga, she turns pink. Gradually the Kanchenjunga looks resplendent in golden hue. Going through this color carnival is one of those rare moments of sheer bliss.

THE FAMOUS GLENARIES

“THE MALL” is one great  place for the shopaholics. Hand- knitted pullovers from Tibet, local handicrafts, the world famous Darjeeling tea, everything is found here and in plenty. Want to take back something for your friends and relatives? Well "THE MALL" won't disappoint you! It's one such place which has found repeated mention in literature and movies over the years ( Feluda's most favourite place in Darjeeling ) much like London's Hyde park. And if you are a foodie? DO NOT forget to try out the Fish and Chips in The Glenaries along with a few chocolate muffins, and a hot cup of delicious chocolate coupled with a burger at the famous Keventers! A cup of green tea from Nathmulls to end the fabulous eating spree will just make your day!

THE KEVENTERS

ACCOMODATION :- 

There are hundreds of hotels catering to all kinds of budget in Darjeeling. Hotel Shangri-La, Cedar Inn, and Viceroy comprise some of the very prominent and luxurious ones, while the Seven Seas, The Bellevue and the Highlanders Inn are some of the more budget friendly places to stay.


 If you are planning to visit Darjeeling during the vacations, make sure you reserve a room prior to your visit, unless you do not want to go rummaging for an hotel through the streets of this cold, vast city.


HOW TO REACH :–

The nearest airport from Darjeeling is Bagdogra which is approximately 90 kms away from the city. . From the airport, one can reach the city by hiring taxis. It will take almost 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from the airport. Regular trains are available from Howrah railway station to New Jalpaiguri, from where ample transport is available.

SO? GOT SOME TIME ON YOUR HANDS? PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP? PACK YOUR BAGS, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND LET THE ECSTASY LEAD YOU TO THE QUEEN OF HILLS. 

 About the author :- 

 Sneha Choudhury, who is pursuing her graduation in Mass communication from S.A. Jaipuria College is an avid traveler, a bibliophile and has a great passion for dance. She is a travel columnist for ExPRESS MAGAZINE.