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Over 150 years ago, Darjeeling was established as “Health Station”, after it was gifted to the British by the Sikkim ruler. It grew into one of the most famous hill stations in India; regularly drawing people for is cool climate, the fantastic backdrop of some of the highest snow – clad peaks of the Himalayas, and a very gracious life – style. Not only did people flock to Darjeeling, to escape the heat of the plains during the summer months, but also to celebrate winter. The neglected Rainy season has its own unique charms with mists and clean landscapes giving a totally different perspective to Darjeeling’s Delights

Toy Train
It is quite amazing to know that the 83-km stretch between Siliguri and Darjeeling can be covered by boarding on a Toy Train in about 8 hours. The journey to the hilltop is just breathtaking and cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world in-spite of the narrow-gauge line. Construction of the railway line up to Darjeeling was completed by July 1881 and was named as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Darjeeling Toy Train now a 117 years old fantasy- turned out to be much a pioneering work of appreciation.

The curved railway tracks connecting Siliguri in north Bengal with Darjeeling is a prodigy of tiny rail engine with its commodious coaches. The technique of constructing the track on hilly terrain was adopted from the ways of an Australian specialist whose work assisted the engineers in avoiding the requisiteness to dig tunnels, by extending the tracks through loops.

This railroad constructed on cutout track of the Himalayan Hills and the loops named Sensation Corner are one of the best viewing site over the down valley. There are no tunnels through out the entire passage, facilitating the passengers to enjoy the voluminous vista of the miraculous hill topography.

Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea has traditionally been prized above all other black teas, especially in the UK and the countries comprising the former British Empire. It comes from Darjeeling in West Bengal, India. When properly brewed it yields thin-bodied, light-colored liquor with a floral aroma a tinge of astringent tannic characteristics and a musky spiciness often referred to by tea connoisseurs as "muscatel." A sweet cooling aftertaste should be felt on the mouth. Most Darjeeling teas are made into black teas, however Darjeeling oolong and green teas are becoming more commonly produced and are easier to find.

Jawhar Parbat (formerly Birds Hill)
It was planted by a former British Governor and it is behind the Raj Bhawan (Governor's residence), northwest of the town square. From here you will get a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Singla Valleys.

Lloyds Botanical Garden
Its a colourful garden situated just below the Market motor stand. It contains a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids etc. The hot houses are well worth a visit.

Ghoom Buddhist Monastery
A typical Tibetan Monastery situated about 8 km from the town just below Hill Cart Road and the railway station near Ghoom. This is probably the most famous monastery in Darjeeling. It enshrines of the Maitryee Buddha (the coming Buddha) - 15 feet tall. Foreign tourists are allowed to enter.

Natural History Museum
Established in 1903, a comprehensive collection of Himalayan and Bengali fauna is packed into this interesting museum. Amongst the 4300 specimens is the estuarine crocodile, the animal responsible for the greatest loss of human life in Asia. It is walking distance from the chowrasta.

Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2590 mt. (8,482 ft.) and 11 km from the town, the Tiger Hill has earned international fame for the fabulous view of the Sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan peaks that can be seen from here. On a clear day even Mt. Everest is visible. The golden glow of the rising Sun changes the co lour of the snow capped peaks to crimson, pink and shining gold as one watches from the observation desk.

The Ropeway
The Darjeeling - Rangeet Valley Passenger Rope way is situated at North Point which is 3 km from the town. This is the first passenger Ropeway to be constructed in India. It is 5 km long and connects Darjeeling and Singla Bazaar. A beautiful Picnic and Fishing spot.

Kanchenjunga View
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the world’s third highest peak. Bhanu 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.

Kalimpong
Kalimpong is within Darjeeling province and is a sub-division of Darjeeling. It is 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 settled down with West Bengal.

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.

Mirik
Mirik is 52 kms from Siliguri and 55 kms from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. Mirik is being developed as a new hill station in the mountains. Mirik is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations. It has all the facilities to fulfill the needs of a tourist.

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.

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