Destination Darjeeling
Your World in a Tea Pot
Darjeeling captures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour,
a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas.
Darjeeling – the name is derived from the Tibetian word ‘Dorje’which means ‘precious stone’ or ‘ecclesiastical sceptre’, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Lord Indra, and ‘ling’– a place, hence the ‘Land of the Thunderbolt’. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at the place now called Observatory Hill.
Darjeeling beckons thousands today for a leisurely respite from the bustle of the madding crowd. The traveler – whether a tourist or a trekker, a bird watcher or a photographer, a botanist or an artist – will find in Darjeeling an experience which will remain etched in memory – forever.
General Information
- Area :11.44 sq.km
- Altitude :2,134 m.
- Population :3,45,669 (90-91)
- Language Spoken :Gorkha, Hindi, Bengali and English.
For more information visit: www.darjeeling.gov.in (Official Darjeeling District Website)
Location & Climate
The location is most convenient on Hill Cart Road, midway between Siliguri and Darjeeling (80 minutes by road). The nearest town is Kurseong (20 minutes away).
| Period | Temperature | Rainfall | Clothing |
| 16 March – June | 12 – 18°C | 240 mm | Spring / Summer |
| July – September | 15 – 20°C | 451mm | Summer / Rain protection |
| October – November | 7 – 13°C | 36 mm | Light Woollens |
| December – 15 March | 5 – 10°C | 0 mm | Heavy Woollens |
Tourist Information
Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from Darjeeling, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over “Kanchenjunga” range.
About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvelous feat of engineering.
On Jawahar Parbat about 2 km. from Chowrasta, this unique institution trains mountaineers.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) conducts courses on Rock climbing on these Rocks.
A colourful garden, having a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, including orchids.
At North Point about 3 km from the town. The first passenger ropeway in India.
Situated 10 kms. from town it is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls.
Himalayan village at 3636 Mts. can be reached by arduous 10 hour trek from Maneybhanjan or equally challenging 4 hours drive. It is the peak of the Singalila range – and offers stunning views of Mt. Kanchendzonga and Mt. Everest!
