Darjeeling / Kalimong / Kurseong

Darjeeling

The toy train coming from Siliguri is some thing which is liked by the elders and the children equally. The real fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy train. It takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 kms and the slow speed gives you enough time to watch and appreciate the beauty which nature has provided it. This train passes through the Forests, waterfalls, over deep valleys and through the mountains and tunnels.

Trekking in Darjeeling

One of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is best during the months of April, May, October and November. As during these seasons the visibility is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all types of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but there are some areas which have long stretches without any water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are available. Guides and porters can also be arranged.

Phalut is also called the view point of the Himalayas and is one of the most important & famous treks in the region. The trek starts with a small bus trip to Manaybhanjang. From here the trek passes through the mountains to Sandakphu. From here you can proceed further up or you can return via Rimbik then to Darjeeling by Bus. One can also take a short cut and not go to Ohalut. From Sandakphu back trek to Bikhay Bhanjang and cut across to Rimbik. But keep in mind that this trek is a difficult one with no water or food in between.

Prime Attractions of Darjeeling

Batasia Loop
This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer from the main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a very good market where you can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by the local women at very reasonable price.

Bhutia Busty Gompa
With the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery called the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was shifted from the observatory hills to the present place. The Gompa is a branch of the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which has a copy of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Botanical Gardens
This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The gardens also has a green house.

Chowrasta
This one of the important shopping places in Darjeeling . Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each other. The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible from this place. Near Chowrasta are several Hindu and Buddhists temples. This place is over flowing with foreign tourists. You can also enjoy a pony ride form this place.

Dhoom Gompa
About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Dhoom Gompa. Here a very beautiful statue of the Maitrayie Buddha ( prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.

Happy Valley Estate
Here the tea from the gardens is processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of mountaineering equipments which have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. Specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept here. The record of attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept in the Mt. Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this institute for many years and he was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986. Near the institute is Srabri which gives a very good view of the Single valley and the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit at Srabri and feel the cool breeze from the valley.

Kanchenjunga View
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.

Kurseong
Kurseong is mid way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then you can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendor.

Natural History Museum
The museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen . Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various stones are displayed in a very attractive manner in the museum.

Observatory Hills
This point provides one of the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place is also very sacred for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and the monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with the colorful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some these are very aggressive.

Passenger Ropeway
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. The seats in the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any one visiting Darjeeling.

Rungli Rungliot
Where the road from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes its great bend high above the Teesta river, directly opposite Kanchenjunga, a Buddhist monk many years ago is believed to have proclaimed "Rungli Rungliot" This pious benediction which, literally translated, means "thus far and no further" is alive and well today in the shape of one of the most celebrated tea gardens in the Darjeeling hills. The village is steeped in legend.

Senchal Lake
A scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.

Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure point to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. This area has got population over 2.5 lakh people. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal. This place is not very pleasant to stay as there are always long lines of buses and trucks. These trucks and vehicles might be good for business but they provide very ugly sight. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. If you have time then visit the almost forgotten wild life sanctuary of Jaldhapara. The best season to visit this park is between October and May. This the time when the new grass has come up and animals are out there. The sanctuary has elephants, dears, tigers and other animals but the main attraction is the Rhinos which are threatened by the poachers. Elephant Safari can be taken from Hollong.

Snow Leopard Breeding Program
Nowadays the zoologists and the environmental scientists are trying to protect the endangered species by breeding them in captivity. Following this trend is Kiran Moktan who has devoted his life in breeding program of snow leopards. The snow leopards are not known to have bred in captivity but in this center thanks to the efforts of Kiran Maktan these animals have given birth in captivity. Snow leopards are animals who have to be kept in large enclosures. Visitors are allowed in the center but they have to watch the animals in utter silence.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 was established a center for the refuges who had fled Tibet with the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self help center has been developed as workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. The fine and superb carpets, woollens, woodcarvings and leather work form this center has been very popular among the tourists. The money collected after the sale of the products goes to the Tibetans who work here. The variety Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting the visitors in a big way. This center has established it self in the International scenario as place for hard work, self esteem and truth.

Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers. The entry in the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the natural history museum and the mountaineering institute & museum.

Leisure

Shopping
Apart from tea there are many items which Darjeeling offers in its shopping malls. Tourists love taking home the curios and carpets from here. The shops for curios and carpets are on Chowrasta and Nehru road. These shops also sell thangkas, brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wood carvings, woven fabrics and many other items from the Himalayan region. The Bronze items and wooden carvings give you good value for your money. Thangkas are impressive at the first sight but the require a closer look if you want to buy them. The West Bengal's Manjusha Emporium has a good collection Himalayan handicraft, silk and handloom products. The woolen garments can be bought from the markets on Hill Cart road. The bamboo items are collectors delight from the region. Hayden Hall is a place to look for the exclusive Tibetan Carpets. The women's cooperative is also a place worth checking out.

How to get there
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is the Bagdogra airport. Bagdogra is 10 kms from Siliguri and is an important military installation. From Bagdogra one can take a bus or taxi to Darjeeling. Darjeeling has a railway station but only the toy train from Jalpaiguri and New Jalpaiguri comes here. The major trains connecting the place with all the major places in India come to Jalpaiguri or New Jalpaiguri. From here again you have to take the toy train or a bus or taxi to Darjeeling. The place is well connected by roads. The state transports run buses from Calcutta and other nearby places. The private operators also have their buses and the fair does not vary much in the state or in the private buses.

Climate
The best season to visit Darjeeling is between April and June. The weather during this period is generally clear and the chilling biting cold gets subsided. But one can also go to Darjeeling between September and November. During these months the mountains are clearly visible and one can enjoy the golden sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. Being a mountain city Darjeeling experiences rains throughout the year. Often heavy down pours wash away the roads and the place is totally cut off from rest of the country. The temperature range is not very large here with the maximum in summers being 15 degrees and 1.5 degrees in winters. This place requires warm cloths any time of the year and do not forget to carry a umbrella to this place.

General Information

Languages spoken
Gorkhali, Hindi, Nepali, Bhutani, Bengali, Assamese and English.

A Word of Caution
To all tourist - beware of touts, if new to the place.

Kalimpong

A small but bustling town in the Himalaya foothills of West Bengal- Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1250 meters. This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it became a part of West Bengal. Kalimpong is famous for its monasteries, Churches and a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, culture etc.. This place also has the Sericulture centre and the orchid nurseries and of course the place provides some beautiful sights of the Himalayan range. Though not all travelers visit this place which demands some attention. The journey from Darjeeling along the Teesta River is very interesting.

The Thongsa Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery was established in 1892. The Tharpa Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa is five kms from the city and was established in 1970. This Gompa has impressive wall paintings in the prayer hall and a rare three dimensional mandala upstairs. Good view of the mountains can be taken from the Durpin Dara Hill.

Kalimpong has some of the best Gladiolis and orchid producing nurseries. The flowers grown at these nurseries are exported to other countries as well as to the Northern cities in India. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise in Cacti. The Sericulture Research Institute breads silkworms and silk is produced here. Through the stands of bamboo you come to the Dr. Graham's Home this school is spread over 193 hectares and houses 1300 students. The school was established in 1900. The Nature Interpretation center is working to conserve soil and forests of the area. It has some fine illustrations and demonstrations on the effect of human activity on the environment.

Kalimpong also offers some good items to be purchased. The Kalimpong is famous for the tapestry bags and purses, copperware, scrolls and paintings from Dr Grahams house. Shops selling Tibetan Jewellery and art effects can be found in the streets to the east of Dambar Chowk.

Kurseong

Kurseong is a quiet little town on the Darjeeling-Siliguri Toy Train’s route. It is noted for its secluded charm and Eagle's Crag, which offers a commanding view of the undulating plains below. The word Kurseong means - the place of White Orchid. Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and very healthy climate throughout the year.

It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate of Kurseong, that attracted many a great person to this place. Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore and the great composer Atul Prasad Sen got inspiration for some of their famous works around Kurseong. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda made Kurseong her home.

The rich flora of Kurseong town and surroundings is fascinating, and it has aptly been described as a 'Botanists' Paradise'. With the first showers in May, after a relatively dry winter and spring, the river beds glitter in the light of the sun like silver lines, while the sunlight and dappled shadows play hide and seek on the higher slopes of the valley. Sometimes on a clear day, one can see the clouds piling up in the plains and advancing slowly but relentlessly to cover the foothills.

Perhaps the prettiest page in the Kurseong fairytale is a ride on the famous Toy Train as it chuffs valiantly along its route from Darjeeling to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. The Toy Train was commissioned in 1881, a shiny blue and silver steam locomotive whose novelty has still not worn off after 120 years! The Toy Train is miniature – a tiny engine that heroically pulls 4-5 compartments on a narrow gauge rail. The train braves hills and valleys, weaving around waterfalls, rivers and forests on its 8 ½ to 10-hour journey.

Apart from the charm and beauty that nature has bestowed upon Kurseong, the tourism infrastructure in Kurseong is fast developing. Besides that, the people of this place are joyous and fun loving and welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality.

Kurseong has many good boarding schools of which the Dow Hill Public School has a beautiful campus. To name a few others, there is Goethal's Memorial School(boys), St. Helen's Convent(girls), Victoria Boys School, Himali Boarding School(co-ed), St.Anthony's School(coed), St.Alphonsus School(co-ed) and St. Joseph School(girls).

How to Get to Kurseong:
Foreigners visiting Kurseong must possess an Indian visa. No special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Kurseong. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when required.

LOCAL TRANSPORT: Private taxis, jeeps and landrovers are available for local sightseeing in and around Kurseong. Buses, cars, tourist mini coaches and taxis are available for transfer of passengers between Kurseong and Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra.

AIR CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra at a distance of 60 km( 2 hours drive).

RAIL CONNECTIONS: Kurseong is connected to New Jalpaiguri( 59 km) and Siliguri(51 km) by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. From there, visitors may proceed to Kurseong by bus or taxi or land rover.

ROAD CONNECTIONS: Kurseong is connected with all weather metal road with Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kalimpong, Mirik, Gangtok etc.

Where to stay in Kurseong:
You can take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Kurseong. The various hotel packages offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet.

Where to Eat :
For the vegetarians, Shyam's Restaurant, Jeet Restaurant and Batloi's are the best. Other visitors can take their pick from a range of way side restaurants in the town offering momos, thukpha and other meals.

Places to visit in and around Kurseong:
Eagle's Crag - This popular landmark is one km uphill from Kurseong Railway station is Eagle’s Crag from where amazing views of the Teesta River and the dense evergreen forest of Darjeeling valley. At the summit there is a Tourist complex with a Garden and observatory Netaji Kothi, "Once a summer home of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose but now a Ruined Bulding". Quite a few trekking trails lead off into the surrounding mountains and forests. You can see the Khangchendzonga, Jannu and Kabru peaks as they loom up in the distance.

Tea Estates - A tea plantation town, the rich green tea estates like Ambotia, Castleton, Springside, Makaibari, Jogmaya, Ghoomtee stretch across the hillsides.

St.Mary's Hill - Nearly 4 kilometers from Kurseong Railway Station surrounded by deep woods lies an elegant mansion which houses the Eastern Forest Rangers' College (EFRC). Earlier the campus was the sight of St. Mary's seminary, the first such seminary of the east of Suez. A statue of Jesus and Mary and the newly built Jt. John's Church, an example of modern architectural excellence, are also located on the same hill.

Kettle Valley Picnic Spot - Outing at Kettle Valley Picnic Spot at Dilaram Tea Estate on the banks of the river Rinchengtong offers you a rare opportunity to play in its crystal clear waters in the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.

Dow Hill - The Deer Park, the Forest Museum, the mini amusement park and the water reservoir all set amid moss-laden conifers of Dowhill is worth a visit.

A one kilometre ascent takes one to the top of Dow Hill where a well-developed tourist complex is situated. Standing here on a clear day, one can have a sweeping view of the plains in striking contrast to the hills around. All around are the ubiquitous tea plantations. The Castleton Tea Estate, which produces the world's most expensive tea, is nearby.

Ambotia Shiva Mandir & Gidhapahar Mandir - If you are religious and would like to pay a visit to the temples you can visit the Ambotia Shiva Mandir and the Gidhapahar Mandir in town.