At this loop the Toy Train takes a very unique turn.This is an interesting example of Engineering.The loop is 5 km from the main town of Darjeeling.
Darjeeling literally means the land of thunderbolt and is one of the most sought after tourist destination in north east India. This beautiful town is located in West Bengal and is visited by tourists from all over the world. Tour to Darjeeling offers an incredible opportunity to see the and explore the beauty of the world famous hill station enveloped by all the impression of natural beauty. This place is famous for its Darjeeling Tea and also Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
The scenic city of Darjeeling is not just known for its rich aromatic tea,it is also known to be a hamlet for those looking out for a refuge from maddening crowds in the metro cities. The beauty of snow capped mountains and fascinating Buddhist monasteries make this place known as the eastern beauty. You never miss the toy train ride from Siliguri to Darjeeling. This train is nick named as toy train, this narrow guage is a part of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The journey will take about 7 hours to cover 82km giving you the panoramic view of the nature. This train passes through verdant forests, deep valleys, lush tea plantations and you may see gurgling water falls and a little of local life.
Darjeeling id the post modern era comprises six T’s -Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Trekker’s Paradise.
How to Reach at Darjeeling:
Nearest Railway Station –
Darjeeling(narrow guage) & NJP (Broad Gauge)
Air Port –
Bagdogra (88km from Darjeeling)
By Road –
Nearest bus station is Siliguri
Spots to Visit in Darjeeling:
Shrubbery Park
It is about 4-5 km from Darjeeling Railway station. This park is very beautiful and a package of cultural programmes performed daily during tourist seasons. We can see a great statue of lord Shiva, a temple and provisions for live interactive entertainment.
Tiger Hill
This hill is 11 km from the town of Darjeeling and can reach by Jeep. It is famous for spectacular sunrise view over the Himalayas. The dawn view from the Kanchenjunga, the highest mountain after Mount Everest and K2 and other eastern peaks of the Himalaya is excellent. On a clear day, Mount Everest which is around 225 km from Tiger Hills, can also be seen. One must get up at 4 A.M. to be able to be there to watch the sunrise. As the sun rises, the color of the mountains change, which is an amazing sight.
Natural History Museum
This museum displays a huge number of Himalayan fauna. This museum was established in 1903. The popular displays at the museum includes fish, insects, birds, bird’s eggs, reptiles, butterflies and a large number of herbariums. This museum houses a rare variety of crocodiles called Estuarine Crocodile.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
This zoological park was established in 1958.this is considered as one of the best zoo’s in the country. In this zoo , there is a special breeding programme for the snow leopard, critically endangered Himalayan wolf and Red Panda.
Botanical Garden
This garden is in 40 acres of land and is inaugurated on 1878.This is a colorful garden located in the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling. It contains a vast collection of rare Himalayan plants, flowers, orchids and many more.
Batasia Loop
At this loop the Toy Train takes a very unique turn.This is an interesting example of Engineering.The loop is 5 km from the main town of Darjeeling.
Happy Valley Estate
Here the tea from the garden is processed. One can spent a few hours in this garden by the prior permission from any officer of the estate.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
This Institute is on West Jawahar Road. The Institute runs courses for training mountaineers and has a good collection of mountaineering equipments. This institute also shows short films on mountaineering. You can also view the Himalayan peaks through Zeiss Telescope. The record of attempts made to conquer Mt.Everest has been kept in the Museum.
Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the Ropeway.This was the first ropeway in India.This ropeway covers 8 km in 45 minutes.The seats in the ropeway is limited and and is better to get tickets in advance.The ropeway is unique and exciting for anyone visiting Darjeeling.
Monasteries
Located 8 km from Darjeeling at a place called Ghoom, situated the Guru Shakya Monastery captures the eyes of all visitors .Another monastery is the Dali Monastery and it is the only monastery in the eastern side to have disciples and monks from Himalayan region. At present there are about 210 monks . The other important monasteries are Bhutia Busty Monastery and Ghoom monastery.
The Japanese Temple
This is one of the most beautiful Buddha Temple in Darjeeling. The temple is located near the peace Pagoda. This temple is built in pure Japaneeese architectural form. If you really want to know the meaning of peace and experience it then the Japaneese temple of Darjeeling is the best place to visit.
Shopping at Darjeeling
Shopping is one of the best options to take a break from the usual sight seeing. Shopping here will be an experience to remember, as Darjeeling is packed with shops and malls. Most curio shops are on Chowrasta and along Nehru road. Brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wood carving, woven fabrics, carpets, handicrafts, silk, woollen items are very cheap in these markets. The other important places for shopping are Hill Cart Road, Hayden Hall, Chowk Bazar, Ladenla Road and Mahakal Market. For getting Darjeeling Tea, Nath Mull’s Tea Room is very popular with over 50 varieties of Tea powder. You can ask for a tasting also.
With the majestic Himalayas in the North, Darjeeling is undoubtedly, a traveler’s paradise. Darjeeling in other words is all about soothing greenery of terrace farmed hills, the scented tea gardens, and the mountains blanketed in snow. Steeped in magnificence of natural beauty, the serenity of hills is a treat to both eyes and the spirit. The hues of greenery everywhere and blueness of clear sky are ever inviting. Darjeeling tourism is a flourishing industry and the people from all over the globe, come here to experience its charming beauty. Sight seeing in Darjeeling is a memorable experience……
Source: http://www.uniquetimes.org/the-queen-of-hills-darjeeling/