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West Bengal About West Bengal Places to Visit   Darjeeling   Climate Getting there What to see Where to stay Adventure Useful Links Darjeeling Darjeeling, in North Bengal, is about 650 kms from Calcutta. The Queen of Indian hill stations, it has it all - scenic beauty, great weather throughout the year, interesting shopping, and the best tea you'll get to sip anywhere in the world. Considered the abode of the Gods by the locals, Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of 2,185 metres, giving it some of the most spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks including Everest and Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling is also known for its "Toy Train." This famous narrow gauge steam railway makes its way from Siliguri in the plains up to Ghoom and Darjeeling in the hills. The people here consist of the Gurungs from Western Nepal, other Gurkhas races from eastern Nepal, Bhutias and Lepchas from Sikkim and Dukpas from Bhutan. Climate The best time to visit Darjeeling is from February to May or September to early December. Tourists may not enjoy the cold rainy weather which normally begins in May as they are compelled to stay indoors most of the time. The minimum temperature in winter is about 2 to 10 degrees. Getting There The nearest airport is at Bagdogra which is 90 kilometers from Darjeeling. The nearest railhead is Siliguri. The Toy train plies from New Jalpaiguri and is a journey through picturesque landcapes. There are taxis available from Bagdogra, Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. What to See Castleton Estate, Margaret's Hope, and Happy Valley Tea Estate Darjeeling is known the world over for its fragrant teas, and these tea gardens are definitely worth a visit. The Ghoom Gompa and the Bhutia Busty Gompa These are fine Buddhist monasteries. The Ghoom Monastery houses a 15 - foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha. Padmaja Naidu Zoo This zoo breeds the rare snow leopard. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute This was established in 1954. Tenzing Norgay was its first Director. The Observatory Hill This is a great place from where you can get a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga ranges. The Museum of Natural History Lloyd Botanic Garden The Darjeeling-Rangit Valley ropeway The longest in Asia, it offers some spectacular views. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center Offering speciality Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work and ethnic Tibetan art. The Chow Rasta Darjeeling's traditional bazaar is a place where you can have a field day shopping for souvenirs, local garments, trinkets. The delightful little restaurants must be visited. Tiger Hill Tiger Hill is 11 kms from Darjeeling near Ghoom. Tourists can get an amazing view of the beautiful Kanchenjunga ranges. There is also the Senchal which, at a height of 2448m, supplies Darjeeling with its domestic water. It is a particularly scenic area and popular as a picnic spot with Indian holiday-makers. Where to stay Mayfair Hill Resort: This Resort was once a summer palace of the Maharaja of Nazargung and so is designed in the colonial style of the British era Hotel New Eligin: Offering a panoramic view of the Himalayas, this hundred and twenty years old Colonial bunglalow has a distinctive "Old Raj". Situated at 32 H.D. Lama Road, Darjeeling. Hotel Cedar Inn: At a fabulous location, this hotel offers you a visual treat of spectacular mountain vistas, with the ridge that defines Darjeeling stretching away below. The view is without doubt one of the most memorable in the world. Hotel Sinclairs: From here, you can get a spellbinding view of the magnificent Kanchenjunga and the Darjeeling township. Hotel Windermere Hotel Chancellor Hotel Mohith Central Hotel Hotel Seven Seventeen Apsara Hotel Hotel Central Executive Hotel Lunar Pineridge Hotel Hotel Shambhu Adventure Trekking For adventure travellers, Darjeeling offers many interesting treks. There are two trekking seasons in Darjeeling. One that begins in the middle of March and closes in the first week of June. The second season begins around the last week of September and continues till December. The view is better enjoyed at this time and many regions experience snowfall too. The 'Singalila Trek' as it is popularly known enables trekkers to discover the Himalayas. White Water Rafting This sport has been introduced in the early 90s. White Water Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni) is an experience worth enjoying by professionals as well as amateurs with a keen sense of adventure. The scenic beauty of the hills enhances the ride. Kayaking and Canoeing Mountain Biking The Himalayan Run & Trek is an international event staged every year. This consists of the "Himalayan 100 mile Stage Race" and the "Everest Challenge Marathon". Long distance runners and bikers the world over come down for this event.