Darjeeling - West Bengal
Discover Darjeeling
Located in India’s West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling occupies a privileged position on a ridge some 2,100 metres above sea level. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it provides a refreshing location with clear blue skies for much of the year.
Fondly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Hills, Darjeeling is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for harmony with nature. You’ll find this beautiful location amongst rolling mountains, vibrant green tea plantations and under the shadow of the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga.
It’s famed for its green hillsides and lush tea plantations that dot the surrounding slopes. While to the north the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest peak, glistens beautifully in the background.
Darjeeling remains the terminus of the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or ‘toy train’, which was completed in 1881 and still offers visitors a memorable journey with breath taking views.
Things to do in Darjeeling
- Visit a Darjeeling Tea Plantation. Darjeeling is home to the musky sweet flavoured Darjeeling tea which is sometimes referred to as the ‘champagne of teas’. The tea is processed as black, green, white and oolong tea, and yields a light-coloured, thin-bodied infusion with a floral aroma when properly brewed. Most Indian teas are brewed from the large-leaved Assam plant, but Darjeeling tea is usually made from the small-leaved Chinese variety of Camellia Sinensis Var.
- A visit to the beautiful Puttabong Tea Estate gives you the opportunity to see one of the oldest and largest tea estates in the area that produces some of the highest quality Darjeeling tea.
- Take a trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. A visit to Darjeeling wouldn’t be complete without a voyage on the famous Darjeeling Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantastic way of seeing the sights. This almost 140-year-old narrow-gauge steam train began its journeys in 1881 and rises a whopping 6500 feet in 30 miles. Take the two-hour round trip to Ghoom, the world’s highest railway station and enjoy a slower pace of life as you watch the world go by.
- Enjoy Mountain views. Darjeeling is famed for its amazing mountain views and beautiful green hillsides dotted with tea plantations. On a clear day, head to Tiger Hills early in the morning to see the sunrise over the mighty Himalayan peaks of Mount Everest, and Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s 1st and 3rd highest peaks.
The best way to see Darjeeling
If you would like to visit Darjeeling, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays? Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you. Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.
