The development of the town dates back to the mid-19th century, when the colonial British administration set up a sanatorium and a military depot. Subsequently, extensive tea plantations were established in the region, and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermentation techniques. The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognised and ranks among the most popular of the black teas.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.
Darjeeling has several British-style public schools, which attract students from India and neighbouring countries. The varied culture of the town reflects its diverse demographic milieu consisting of Nepalese, Tibetan, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups. Darjeeling, with its neighbouring town of Kalimpong, was a centre of the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s. The town's fragile ecology has been threatened by a rising demand for environmental resources, stemming from growing tourist traffic and poorly planned urbanisation.
Flora and fauna
Darjeeling is a part of the Eastern Himalayan zoo-geographic zone.Flora around Darjeeling comprises sal, oak, semi-evergreen, temperate and alpine forests. Dense evergreen forests of sal and oak lie around the town, where a wide variety of rare orchids are found. The Lloyd's Botanical Garden preserves common and rare species of plants, while the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park specialises in conserving and breeding endangered Himalayan species. The town of Darjeeling and surrounding region face deforestation due to increasing demand for wood fuel and timber, as well as air pollution from increasing vehicular traffic.
Wildlife in the district is protected by the wildlife wing of the West Bengal Forest Department. The fauna found in Darjeeling includes several species of ducks, teals, plovers and gulls that pass Darjeeling while migrating to and from Tibet. Small mammals found in the region include civets, mongooses and badgers. The nearby Jaldapara National Park consists of semi-evergreen and sal forests. Animals found here include the one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, leopard and hog deer, while the main bird species include the Bengal florican and herons. As of 2009, work was in progress for setting up a conservation centre for red pandas in Darjeeling.
destinations of this place are:
Darjeeling Toy Train
It is the name given to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway famous for 2 feet narrow gauge train. This is among the most famous attractions of Darjeeling which is visited by scores of tourists because its ride that takes them to some of the enchanting destinations of this place. This 2 feet narrow gauge train is an UNESCO World Heritage. The serpentine railway track of this train passes over the hilly slope, several waterfalls, verdant Himalayan forests, tea plantations which fascinates every passenger. This joyride is the best way to experience the serene and scenic beauty of Lesser Himalayas. During the joyride tourists can closely encounter the panoramic views of snowcapped lofty mountains and landscapes. The Batasia Loop and Ghoom are the two stoppages where on boarders get maximum excitement and thrill.
Kalimpong
This is a sleepy town located on the slope of lush green Himalayan Mountains at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. The quiet atmosphere, peaceful ambience and natural vistas are the striking features of this place. The Durpin Dara Observatory situated at an altitude of 1402 meters above sea level is the foremost attractions of this place. This observatory provides breathtaking views of the snowcapped Himalayan Ranges and awe-inspiring view of sunrise over the Mt. Kanchenjungha. The well-known tourist attractions of this place also include Orchid flower nurseries, Mangal Dam, Pedong Monastery and many more. It is also a major center for traditional handicrafts, known for its wood carving, thanka paintings, metal crafts, Tibetian and Leptcha jewelry.
Happy Valley Tea Gardens
The green verdant tea plantation is a most popular attraction of this region which was established in 1854 by David Wilson. The bushes of this tea garden are old, some says the minimum age of tea bushes present here is 80 years and some are even 150 years old. During the visit to this place tourists can pluck tea leaves from the garden and can also see tea processing inside the factory. Miles stretched tea gardens and aromatic ambience make this place a soul stimulating tourist destination of Darjeeling.
The Lloyd's Botanical Gardens
This beautiful botanical garden spreads over an area of 40 acres which was established in 1878 by Mr. W. Lloyd with a motive to preserve the native floral species. In this garden one can see 150 species of cacti and succulent which is the main attraction of this place. During the flowering season it is the most visited place because of a wide variety of Orchid collection.
Victoria Falls
It is the famous picnic spot of this place which is known for its breathtaking beauty of gushing waterfalls which rushes down to the valley through deep ravines from 100 ft. There is ferro-concrete Bridge over the stream which gives soul stimulating view of this place.
Passenger Ropeway
One of the most sought after attractions of Darjeeling. The passenger ropeway starts at North Point, about 3 km from town. This ropeway is 5 kilometers long and connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar. This ropeway passes over Ranjit River at the bottom of the valley.
Some other known attractions of this Darjeeling are Kanchenjunga, Sandakphu, Everest Museum, Bengal Natural History Museum, Aloobari Gompa, Ghoom Monastery and many more.
How to Reach Darjeeling
By Air - The nearest airport in Darjeeling is at Bagdogra. There are regular flights that connect Bagdogra with Kolkata.
By Rail - The nearest railhead is Siliguri. The Toy train run from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri is the best way to reach this beautiful destination of India.
By Road - Regular bus services connect Darjeeling with many cities in and around Darjeeling. Siliguri, Kurseong, Gangtok and Kalimpong are well-connected by private vehicles also.
Darjeeling - Best Time to Visit
Best season to visit Darjeeling is from September to June, take woolen clothes in winters and may avoid chilly days in January. September to November is ideal for sight seeing and outings. December to January is perfect for those like chilly climate and is best period for honeymooners. February to June is ideal for all tourist activities in Darjeeling.
Where to Stay in Darjeeling
Hotels abound in Darjeeling which ensures best stay opportunities to the travelers. With the five-star hotels of various groups there are many luxury hotels in Darjeeling which provide outstanding services and give grand hospitality to their guests. All hotels in Darjeeling ensure an easy access to view the various fascinating diversities of the city.
Shopping in Darjeeling
Shopping in Darjeeling delights tourists because here they will find a vast array of handicrafts which are ideal for gifts or as souvenirs of this place. Here tourists can buy beautiful Himalayan artifacts like town-brass statues, religious objects, jewelry, wooden carvings, woven fabrics and carpets.
No comments:
Post a Comment