Friday, November 26, 2010

Darjeeling Tourism | Tour Darjeeling | Darjeeling Tourist Attraction | Darjeeling Hill Station

Tiger Hill - Darjeeling | Darjeeling Tourist Attraction:


The highest spot in the area (2590m) is Tiger Hill, 11 kms from Darjeeling near Ghoom. The hill affords magnificient dawn views over Kanchenjunga and other eastern Himalayan peaks. Close by is Senchal Lake 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.

Tiger Hill is the summit of Ghoom, the highest railway station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for spectacular sunrise show over the Himalaya. Leveling out at 8,500 ft (2,600 m), Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surroundings. It is 11 km from town of Darjeeling and can be reached either by jeep or by foot through Chowrasta, Alubari (incidentally the oldest tea plantation in Darjeeling) Jore Bungla and then the incline up to the summit, which takes about 2 hours on an easy gait.

The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (29,002') is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. Makalu (27,799') looks higher than Mt. Everest, owing to the curve in the horizon, as it is several miles closer than Everest. The distance in straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is 107 miles.

On a clear day, Kurseong is visible to the south and in the distance, Teesta River, Mahanady River, Balasun River and Mechi River, meandering down to the south. Chumal Rhi mountain of Tibet, 84 miles away as the crow flies, looks like a great rounded mass over the snowy Chola Range. One comes face to face with this peak of superb beauty from Phari Jong which is 129 miles away from Darjeeling.

While at Tiger Hill, you can also visit Senchel sanctuary, which offers great picnic spots, and its two artificial lakes serve as a reservoir for supply of water to Darjeeling town.

You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/.


Images of Tiger Hill – Darjeeling:






















Batasia Loop | Batasia Loop and the War Memorial

The Batasia Loop was created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. At this point, the tracks spiral around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop.

Location:

It is 5 km from Darjeeling, below Ghum. There is also a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947.

From the Batasia Loop one can get a panoramic view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snowy mountains in the back-drop.

You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/.


Images of Batasia Loop – Darjeeling:














Siliguri | Siliguri And New Jalpaiguri | Siliguri - Darjeeling

Siliguri is a Metropolitan city in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken's Neck — a very narrow strip of land linking mainland India to its north eastern states. It is also the transit point for air, road and rail traffic to the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The town hosts over 500,000 domestic and 15,000 foreign visitors annually. It is the commercial nerve center of North Bengal.

Siliguri is situated in Darjeeling district, and though it is the district's largest city, the district headquarters is located at Darjeeling. Siliguri is a unique city as 15 out of 47 wards of Siliguri Municipal Corporation falls in neighbouring Jalpaiguri district. The Indian army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shashatra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Assam Rifles have bases around the city. The Bagdogra Airport is located within the Indian Air Force (IAF) cantonment area. Siliguri has an Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC) oil depot near the southern edge of the town. Siliguri is the second largest city of West Bengal after Kolkata and second largest urban agglomeration after Kolkata.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary, Sukna:

18 kms form Siliguri, a place, deep inside forest & nature a good picnic spot.

Madhuban Park:

A park, developed by Indian Army, is an excellent picnic spot.

Umrao Singh Boat Club, Sukna:

Umrao Singh Boat Club, Sukna, a Boat Club, developed by Indian Army. Different size & shapes of boats are available for tourists.

Passing through Tea Gardens:

The whole of sightseeing trip pass through tea gardens. If you are interested, you can tea processing also.

Salugara Monastery:

His eminence Kalu Rinpoche constructed a one hundred foot stupa, which contains five types of relics and is an object of veneration which will bring liberation to any one who sees it.

Kalchakra Monastery:

Kalchakra was 1st time organised in Salugara in December 96.

Teesta view Point, Sevoke:

The Teesta river is the life line of the Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas. Bird watching is possible.

Kali Mandir:

Kali Mandir, a Hindu Temple near Sevoke, an abode of the living goddess Kali. The famous Kali Mandir is frequented by newly wedded couples seeking the blessing of the Goddess Kali for an happy married life.

Monkey Point:

Before reaching Coronation Bridge, you will run into groups of friendly monkeys. These monkeys can be hand -fed bread, bananas or tid-bits.

Coronation Bridge:

Between Salugara & Kalijhora is the Sevoka Bridge, built in 1930, a relic of British Excellence in design & architecture. While crossing the bridge on foot cut out the nature adds colour to pleasure.

Hong Kong Market:

For purchase of foreign goods. For people, who cannot go to Dhulabari, Nepal, this is a market of great charm - a large variety of imported goods are available at reasonable prices. The prices are cheaper by 30% in comparison to Calcutta and 40% in comparison to Delhi and Bombay.

Consumer Goods Market:

Seth Srilal Market and Hill Cart Road have some big consumer goods shops, which stock large varieties of mercantile. The people of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh regularly visit Siliguri for Purchasing. Prices are competitive and bargaining is negligible.

Railway Exhibition:

For seeing Steam Engines of narrow gauge 'c' Class, a relic of British Raj, Siliguri JN is to be visited.

ISKCON Hare Krishna Mandir:

A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The ISKCON CENTRE in Siliguri is being labelled as the biggest Krishna Centre in the whole of the North East.

Lord Krishna had gone into hiding in the jungles of Baikunthapur with Rukmini at one time so Siliguri was the first choice of Iskon for making this biggest Krishna Centre in the Northeast.

You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/

Images of Siliguri | Siliguri And New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling:

























Hotels in Darjeeling | Resorts Darjeeling | Darjeeling hotels

Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful places in India to spend a holiday. Situated in the state of West Bengal, it is almost exclusively known as a hill station and for its tea industry.

Darjeeling has a moderate climate all round the year, with the maximum temperature being around 25 °C. Any time is ideal to visit Darjeeling, but depending on what you plan to do, you can narrow it down. February to March is the best time if you have a taste for scenic beauty, while September to November is the best for sightseeing tours.

Since Darjeeling is a popular destination, hotel booking will be difficult, and you must book your room well in advance, especially if you are visiting during summer. Darjeeling has many hotels that cater to your whims and fancies. Economy rooms start at Rs 1,075, while deluxe rooms start at around Rs 3,800. Owing to the climate, you most probably will not require an air-conditioned room.

The main city near Darjeeling is Siliguri, and Darjeeling is well connected by a network of roads, and jeep services ply around the city all the time.

Budget Hotels in Darjeeling:

  • Hotel Apsara, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Sunflower, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Ascot, Darjeeling
  • Pineridge Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Main Olde Bellevue Heritage Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Sailung Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Tshering Denzongpa, Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Aliment Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Bellevue Hotel The, Darjeeling
  • Alice Villa Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Park Lane Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Sanderling Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Broadway Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Traveller Inn Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Sonar Bangla Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Pagoda Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Shiker Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Ivanhoe Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Valentino Hotel, Darjeeling
  • New Vaisali Hotel Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Roma Holiday Inn, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Meghma Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Darjeeling Planters Club, The, Darjeeling
  • Sunflower Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Crystal Palace Hotel Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Fairmont Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Krishna Residency Aparments Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Mohit Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Swiss Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Viramma Villa Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Elgin Hotel Darjeeling, Darjeeling

Medium Range Hotels in Darjeeling:

  • Red Rose Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Darjeeling Palace, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Zodica, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Shambu Pvt Ltd, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Garuda, Darjeeling
  • Dekeling Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Hotel North Star, Darjeeling
  • Seven Seventeen, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Lunar Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Shangri-la Regency, Darjeeling
  • Retreat Hotel The, Darjeeling
  • Hotel Sinclairs Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Anand Palace Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Viceroy Hotel, Darjeeling
  • The Elgin Heritage Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Windamere Heritage, Darjeeling

Luxury Hotels in Darjeeling:

  • Sinclairs Retreat Dooars, Darjeeling
  • Cedar Inn Darjeeling, Darjeeling

Resorts in Darjeeling:

  • Dekeling Resort, Darjeeling
  • Sterling Resorts Darjeeling, Darjeeling
  • Darjeeling Gymkhana Resort, Darjeeling
  • Fortune Resort Centrak - By Welcomegroup, Darjeeling
  • Himalayan Resort, Darjeeling
  • Mayfair Hill Resort, Hotel, Darjeeling
  • Dekeling Resort, Darjeeling

Homestays in Darjeeling:






  • Snowlion Homestay, Darjeeling







  • Other Hotels in Darjeeling:

    HOTEL WINDAMERE, DARJEELING
    Observatory Hill, Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    38 rooms. Downtown 1 km.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    HOTEL CHANCELLOR DARJEELING ***
    5.DR.S.M. Das Road, Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    52 rooms. Downtown 1/4 kms.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    HOTEL MOHIT, DARJEELING***
    Mount Pleasant Road, Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    29 rooms.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    CENTRAL HOTEL, DARJEELING **
    Robertson Road, Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    52 rooms.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    HOTEL SEVEN SEVENTEEN, DARJEELING**
    H.D. Lama Road , Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    15 rooms.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    APSARA HOTEL, DARJELLING
    61, Laden-La Road
    Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    33 rooms.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    HOTEL CENTRAL EXECUTIVE, DARJEELING
    A.J.C. Bose Road
    Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    10 rooms. Downtown 1 km.
    Multicuisine.

    *******************************

    HOTEL LUNAR, DARJEELING
    51, Gandhi Road
    Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    15 rooms.
    Multicuisine.

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    PINERIDGE HOTEL
    The Mall, Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    40 rooms. Downtown 5 kms
    Multicuisine

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    HOTEL SHAMBHU, DARJEELING
    73, Gandhi Road
    Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    20 rooms.
    Multicuisine

    *****************************

    HOTEL SINCLAIRS, DARJEELING
    18/1, Gandhi Road
    Darjeeling
    WEST BENGAL
    54 rooms. Downtown 0.5 kms
    Multicuisine

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    You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/.

    Images of Hotels in Darjeeling:































    Hotels in Darjeeling, Resorts Darjeeling, Darjeeling hotels and more

    Darjeeling Trek | Darjeeling Trekking | Trekking in Darjeeling

    It is said that trekking in India originated in Darjeeling. These date as far as eighty years ago, pioneered by Jesuit Rev.Fr Macdonald. Darjeeling has perhaps one of the most spectacular treks to offer, along the beauty of its magnificent hills. The 'Singalila Trek' as popularly known, enables one to discover the passion of the Himalayan region some of which is unmarred by humans.

    Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places from where one can feel the proximity of the stars and is still in its premival majesty. It brings one face to face with the snow-capped mountains with the sublime grandeur of the Himalayas. The region abounds in rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns of numerous varieties. About six hundred species of birds inhabit the emerald green forests on the slopes of the mountains.

    The hilly destination of Darjeeling is blessed with well defined forest trails along the Nepalese border that afford views of Kanchenjunga and glimpses of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Just like the geographical location the climate of Darjeeling is also pretty similar to that of Nepal.

    It is said that trekking in India originated in Darjeeling. Infact, the first organised trekking route in India was established here along the Singalila range. The Sandakphu trek begins in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang, Tonglu, Sandakphu and ends in Phalut. The alluring natural beauty is replete with countless varieties of rhododendrons, magnolias, orchids and wild flowers. The dense forests, the verdant meadows, the savage mass of Mt. Everest, the everlasting beauty of Kanchenjunga, the rugged Lhotse or the mysterious Makalu - all in one sweeping glance, present an experience that can never be equaled.

    Darjeeling has perhaps one of the most spectacular treks to offer, along the beauty of its magnificent hills. The 'Singalila Trek' as popularly known, enables one to discover the passion of the Himalayan region some of which is unmarred by humans.

    Season for Trekking In Darjeeling:

    There are basically two trekking seasons for trekking in Darjeeling. The first one begins early or mid of March and closes around first week of June. One has to be always prepared for occasional showers, which is very refreshing. The flowers in bloom compensate the summer haze. The post-monsoon season brings clear days in the months of October and November with warm temperatures, especially in the valley region. The daytime temperatures in the Darjeeling drop to 0°C in December and January, although trekking from lodge to lodge still makes the trek interesting and enjoyable. Still the best time to trek in Darjeeling is the spring season when days are longer and flowers are in full bloom. Among the major and relatively easy trails of Darjeeling are Sandakphu and Phalut, providing magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges.

    ITENARARY

    DAY 1- (11km), Darjeeling to Maneybhanjyang to Tonglu:

    Early morning one has to drive from Darjeeling to Manebhanjyang (one and half hours by bus) or by shared jeeps (45 minutes). From Manebhangyang one starts to trek to Tonglu (3070m) which provides a breathtaking view of the mountains, Mt.Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. We also get a lonely view of Darjeeling, Kurseong dotting in the green hills.

    DAY 2 - (20km),Tonglu to Sandakphu:

    This trek leads through the forest. There are two ways to reach Gairibass the first one is the jeep able road a bit longer and the second one is the more commonly used one i.e. through Jobber, a small village inside Nepal (no visa required). One can stop in Gairibass for a while, as the steep climb begins towards Kalpokhri. Kalpokhri as the name suggests is a dark lake. Here one can have lunch. We have another steep climb of two and a half km and a walk downhill for one and a half km to Bikheybhangyang (10,200ft), meaning a place with poison plant. From here the trek to Sandakphu is the most challenging in terms of steepness. It really tests your physical cum mental strength. The climb is through Rhododendrar and Magnolia forest. As one reaches the highest part of the trek, Sandakphu (3535m or 12,000ft) one encounters the nature's pristine glory at its magnificent best. From here one can view four of the world's highest mountain Everest, Mahakalu, Lhotse and Kanchenjunga.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:
    One has to carry pack lunch from Sandakphu as there are no places to eat in-between. While trekking one may come across many pathways, one should avoid taking the one which leads to the left as we may be inside Nepal and be wasting precious time.

    DAY 3 - (21km) Sandakphu to Phalut:

    The walk is relatively easier trek-wise and the distance to be covered is 21km. In terms of scenic beauty it is the most fascinating with view of the snow-clad mountains and Rhododendrar of different trees, Magnolias, chestnuts, oaks and silver oaks. The final stretch is almost barren, that's why Phalut gets its name, the denuded peak. Phalut is the trijunction of Nepal, Sikkim and West-Bengal.

    DAY 4: (14km) Phalut to Ramam:

    This trek is through rugged terrain to Gorkhey and Samarden better known as the lost village as it is a fertile village which stands at a plateau in the middle of dense forest. Another 2 km from Samarden brings one to Rammam.

    NOTE:
    The trekkers hut comes earlier than the village, though there is a small hotel in Rammam.

    DAY 5 - (19km) Rammam to Rimbick:

    The first 9km is through level path through forest of flowering trees. This stretch is well known for birds. One can relax and have lunch at a place called Sri Khola, by the riverside.From this point the road runs uphill at a gentle gradient through forest and fields till one reaches a small village called Rimbick. One can have a nice hot water bath and relax here.

    Day 6 -Rimbick to Darjeeling:

    One can catch early morning bus (6hrs) or jeep (4-1/2 hrs) drive to Darjeeling.There is a most suited trek itinerary but if one has fewer days then alteration can be made. For those who are too old or have difficulty trekking, they can do what we call a jeep trek. Jeep trek is nothing but taking people by vehicles (4-wheel drive) to Sandakphu and returning the next day.

    You can know more about of Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com/.




    Images of Darjeeling trek: