A town of West Bengal in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is all surrounded by lush green tea plantations with a jaw dropping backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga, one amongst the highest peaks in the world.
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The rolling hills, the zigzag mountain roads, the shady pine trees, the refreshing mist that covers the mountains after a sunny spell and the occasional rhododendrons by the road, there is so much that Darjeeling has to offer.
Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. With history that can amaze to the scenery that can woo you, Darjeeling has many astonishing facts, have a look.
1. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo of Darjeeling is home to over 4,000 different flowering plants, 300 varieties of ferns, and tons of wildlife.
2. Darjeeling was developed by the British during the mid 19th century period.
3. The local languages spoken in Darjeeling are Nepali (Gorkhali), Hindi, Bengali & English.
4. Along with the Dorjees, Sherpas and Nepalis, Darjeeling is home to Tibetan Self Help Refugee Centre.
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5. Darjeeling originates from two Tibetan words: “Dorje” and “ling”. Dorje signifies thunderbolt and the word “ling” means an area or spot. So, the name Darjeeling signifies the ‘place where there is thunderbolt’.
6. Each year, tea plantations produce around 11,000 tons of tea in this small region, which makes an important part of the economy and the work is all done by hand.
7. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railroad is still functional and gives you a scenic view in the 12-stop, 54-mile route. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch who had won the heart of millions of fans for his on-screen portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, once taught English in a Tibetan monastery in Darjeeling.
9. Everest Museum is a unique Museum which showcases mementos and photos of all those people who had ever been ambitious enough to scale the Mount Everest.
10. One of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Darjeeling has no airports or rail stops. Isn’t it surprising?
11. The Darjeeling – Rangit Valley Ropeway is the largest ropeway ride in Asia.
12. If history fascinates you much, Darjeeling also offers a tour of churches and old bungalows built by Britishers, during their stay in Darjeeling.
13. The diversity in culture and religion of Darjeeling brings you some of the best souvenirs including local handicrafts, various clothes of existing cultures, Buddhist artifacts, Tibetan carpets and a lot more.
14. Darjeeling is fondly called as the queen of hills in Eastern India.
Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerizing sunrises, untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of past, and welcoming smiles of the local people - all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India.
Visit this beautiful town today!!