Darjeeling Hill Stations | Darjeeling Himalayan | Darjeeling Travel | Darjeeling tours

Darjeeling Hill Stations | India Hill Stations

Fact about Darjeeling Hill Station:

District Location:

27 Deg. 13 Min. N to 26 Deg. 27 Min. N Latitude

88 Deg. 53 Min. E to 87 Deg. 59 Min. E Longitude

Area:

3,149 Square Km

Altitude(Darjeeling Town):

6710 Feet

Temperature (Darjeeling Town):

Annual Mean Max. Temperature 14.9 Degree Celsius

Annual Mean Min. Temperature 8.9 Degree Celsius

Lowest Minimum Temperature -5 D. Celsius on 11/02/1905

Rainfall (Darjeeling Town):

Average Annual Rainfall : 3092 MM

Best Season for Visit:

March to mid June & October to December.

Important Roads:

Siliguri-Mirik -Ghum -60 kms

Sevak-Tista bridge –Kalimpong -60 kms

Tista Bazar to Darjeeling -25 kms

Sukna- Pankhabari-Kurseong -25 kms

Siliguri Darjeeling NH 55 -76 kms

Important Rivers:

Tista, Great Rangit, Mechi, Balason, Mahananda, Lish, Gish, Chel,Ramman, Murti and Jaldhaka.

Clothing required:

Light woollens and tropicals in summer (umbrellas and raincoats are useful) and heavy woollens in winter

Language spoken:

Hindi, Gorkha, Bengali, Nepali, Tibetan and English.

Nearest Railway Station:

Darjeeling(Meter Gauge) & New Jalpaiguri(Broad Gauge)

Nearest Airport:

Bagdogra

Length of International & State Borders

Nepal Border (Partition River Mechi) - 62.75 mile or 101.02 km.

Bhutan Border (Partition River De Chu) - 18.75 mile or 30.18 km.

Bangladesh Border (Partition River Mahananda) - 12 mile or 19.32 km.

Sikkim Border (Partition Rangit, Teesta, Rangpo, River) - 33.75 mile or 54.33 km.

Bihar Border - 30 mile or 48.30 km.

Rainfall((Darjeeling Town):

Average Annual Rainfall : 3092 MM.

Average Number of Rainy Days : 126 Days.

Rainfall(Siliguri Town):

Average Annual Rainfall : 3620 MM.

Average Number of Rainy Days : 113 Days.

Density:

413 Persons Per Square Km.

Sex Ratio:

1:1

Birth Rate:

2.69% Per Annuam

Death Rate:

2.40% Per Annuam

Infant Mortality Rate:

67 Per 1000

Literacy:

57.62%

Geological Layout of Darjeeling:

The Darjeeling Hill area represents a unique geo- environmental perception. The area of study is primarily composed of erosional landforms produced by southerly flowing streams, which have exposed a full cross section of different tectonic units. The form units are, however approximately the same throughout the hill area, having more or less uniform lithology, structure, climate, soil and vegetative covers. According to Mallet (1875), Audent (1935) the tectonic units are found to be in the reverse order of stratigraphic superimposition, and is represented by Siwalik and Gondwana systems. Towards the inner Himalayas, the thrusted sheets of Daling and Darjeeling group of crystalline rocks succeed these. The contact between different groups of rocks is represented by thrusts, dipping at high angles towards north.You can know more about Darjeeling at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Climate of Darjeeling:

The amount of rainfall plays a very important role in causing instability of slopes. A very high intensity of rainfall within a short span of time is not uncommon in Darjeeling hill areas. It is found in the old records; that this natural phenomenon has occurred about 42 times during the period from 1891 to 1975 (Chatterjee 1982).

The isohyets, maps prepared on the basis of average annual rainfall during last 25 years in 3 subdivisions in Darjeeling hill areas, shows that the value increases from west to east, a maximum concentration of landslides fall between 210cm and 410cm of Isohyets.You can know more about Darjeeling Climate at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Forests in Darjeeling Hill Areas

The principal economy of Darjeeling Hill Area depends on tea production, horticulture, agriculture and forestry. The major portions of the forests are today found at elevations of 2000 mts and above. The area located in between 1000-2000mts is cleared either for tea plantation or cultivation.

The four major forest types according to altitudinal variation found in Darjeeling Hill Areas are:

Tropical moist deciduous forest (300-1000mts)

Tropical evergreen lower montane forest (1000-2000mts.)

Tropical evergreen upper montane forest (2000-3000mts.)

Temperate forest (3000-3500mts.)

Sub temperate forest (above 3500mts.)

About 30% of the forest covers found in the lower hills are deciduous. Evergreen forest constitutes only about 6% of the total forest coverage. You can know more about Forests in Darjeeling Hill Areas at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Present Status of Forests:

Prior to 1863 very little attention was paid to the conservation and afforestation programmes. Darjeeling district had 11,000 hectare of Reserve Forest up to 1879. But, after independence due to rapid urbanization, the upper belt of the forest was taken for commercial use. Much of the natural forests in the Senchal, Ghum-Simana and Takdah ranges have been converted. Some patches of natural forests are still found in Reshop, Bara Senchal, Lopchu, Rongbong and Durbin Gram Panchayats. On the difficult terrains, still a few natural forest patches are found. You can know more about Present Status of Forests at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Land- Use Pattern in the Darjeeling Hill Areas

The land use practices play the most important role in determining the stability factors in respect of landslide hazards. The land use map of Darjeeling Hill Areas explains that there are agricultural activities, tea and medicinal plant plantations, construction works along with forests, rivers, jhoras etc. You can know more about Land- Use Pattern in the Darjeeling Hill Areas at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Land Slide in Darjeeling Hill Areas

The Blockwise landslide affected areas explain itself the comparative intensity of landslides in the blocks. It appears that the Kalimpong I, Kalimpong II and Rangli – Rangliot blocks are comparatively vulnerable or severly vulnerable regarding landslides. The rate of vulnerability is also high in Kurseong and some parts of Bijanbari and Gorubathan blocks. But as a whole the condition is critical in Kalimpong sub-division, where the land under agriculture exceeds that of the area under plantation or forests. Moreover, these areas are cultivated with root crops like potato, ginger, cardamom and onions. These root crops are harvested just after monsoon in the months of September – October. This particular practice changes the cohesiveness of the soil and makes it vulnerable to erosion.You can know more about Land Slide in Darjeeling Hill Areas at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Accommodation in Darjeeling

There is no dearth of places to stay in Darjeeling - from charming mansions and modern hotels to homely Tibetan affairs and a youth hostel for budget travellers. Tariffs vary greatly depending on the season and the type of accommodation, but do remember to check the water situation!. You can know more about of place to stay in Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/hotels-in-darjeeling-resorts-darjeeling.html.

Weather & Best Season of Darjeeling:

Darjeeling has a moderate climate with all five distinct seasons in a year.

1. Summers (April to June) are mild with maximum temperature never crossing 25 °C. the pleasant climate attracts lots of tourists during this season.

2. Monsoons (July to August) are accompanied with intense torrential rain causing roadblocks.

3. Autumn (September to November) is accompanied with intermiottent showers and Darjeeling looks marvelous during this period.

4. Winters (December to January) have a cool climate within the average range of 5 °C to 7 °C. Minimum temperature this season can be freezing –2 °C. Snowfalls are not common during winters.

5. Spring (February to March) is charming with moderate climate. This season is best with scenic beauties

Best season to visit Darjeeling is from September to June, take woolen clothes in winters and may avoid chilly days in January.

1. September to Novemebr is ideal for sight seeing and outings.

2. Decemebr to January is perfect for those like chilly climate and is best period for honeymooners.

3. February to June is ideal for all tourist activities in Darjeeling.

Events & Festivals in Darjeeling:

1. July is the month for celebrations of Buddha Jayanthi, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. It is celebrated at various Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling.

2. October - November is the period of Durgapooja festivals. The festival accompanies with many fairs, celebrations and illuminations.

Flora and Fauna in Darjeeling Hill Station:

The forests in and around Darjeeling have delightful flora and fauna. It is a plantlover's paradise. Four thousand species of flowering plants, three hundred varieties of ferns, including tree fern and countless types of flowerless plants, mosses, algae, fungi, birches, and of course, the prize orchids, wild and cultivated. There are oaks, chestnuts, cherry, maple, birch, alder-all fine and large trees of excellent growth. In the upper hills areas and the alpine zone are the magnolias, buck-landias, pyrus and conifers such as webb, Himalayan firs, English yews, Sikkim spruces, larch, which is the only deciduous conifer, weeping tsuga brunoniana and junipers lvy is common. You can know more about Flora and Fauna in Darjeeling Hill Station at http://darjeelinginformation1.blogspot.com.

Floriculture in the Darjeeling hills:

Darjeeling hills are the natural home for countless orchid species like Cymbidiums, Vandas, Dendrobiums, Paphiopedilums, Lycaste, Odontoglossum, Phaius, Arundina etc. the list being endless.

In the past several decades the nurseries of Kalimpong area was very much involved and buzzing with floricultural activities and developed their own techniques in tissue culture propagation of orchids and other related floricultural plants. In Kalimpong itself we have about four nurseries propagation. Exports from these hills also started 5-6 decade back. For the unlimited scope in the present multi-million dollar floriculture industry, these hills are the natural habitat for innumerable plant species and thus much has been achieved till date by our floriculturists. However, this region still has enormous potential. With the global floricultural trend these hills have limitless scope for production of Gladioli cut flowers to cater to the demand of both the domestic as well as the export market. Cut flower started trade over three decades back. Today other cut flowers, besides Gladioli are anthuriums, Orchids particularly Cymbidiums, bulbous flowers of lilies, ornithogalum and other flowers like gerberas, carnations and greens like ferns are under production.

56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500ft. panoramic views of Kanchanjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over Kanchanjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara. . You can know more about Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/

Darjeeling Teas:

Darjeeling Tea occupies a place of pride for the whole of India. The aroma and taste of Darjeeling orthodox tea is unparalleled in the world. There are a total of 78 tea estates in Darjeeling hills which have been accorded the status for its produce, as Darjeeling Tea by the Tea Board of India. These estates cover over 17,500 hectares producing over 9 million kg of tea engaging about 50 percent people of the district.

The Darjeeling Tea industry is the mainstay of the economy up in the hills and provides a rewarding life to its workers by way of a steady livelihood and other facilities like housing, statutory benefits, allowances, incentives, creches for infants of working monthers, children's education, integrated residential medical facilities for employees and their families and many more. You can know more about Darjeeling Teas at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/darjeeling-tea-garden-darjeeling-tea.html.

Trekking In Darjeeling:

One of the famous Darjeeling 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 backtrek 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. You can know more about Darjeeling trek at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/sandakphu-trek-darjeeling-darjeeling.html

Places of Interest in Darjeeling

Entering Darjeeling is like travelling back in time to the days of the British Raj, a vertical Victorian London - like town populated with oriental faces. Church spires and brick chimneys dominate the skyline.

Dhoom Gompa, Darjeeling

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

The Mall, Darjeeling:

The Mall is Darjeeling's popular commercial street. It is lined with Tibetans selling hand-knitted sweaters and souvenir shops chock-full of Himalayan artifacts and both real and imitation antiques. Photo shops carry turn-of-the-century photos as well as specialising in hand-painted black and white prints with glowing oil colours. The Mall leads to Chaurasta, a square, which doubles as a bandstand, a pony riding arena for children and a haven for lovers.

Chowrasta:

The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial activity. The Mall Road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta. This is the heart of Victorian Darjeeling. Here hotels, restaurants and shops brush against each other. The shops and stalls are a veritable paradise for souvenir collectors. The Bhutanese sellers display their wares. Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available in some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.

Obeservatory Hill:

The oldest site in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill, known locally as “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan”. According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot. The Nepalis destroyed it in the 19th century. The Shivas and Buddhists share the temple that stands there today.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:

A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights. A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife such as yaks, Siberian tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:

At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact - officer in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point, Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service is available from Market Motor and Taxi Stand is to the Ropeway Station.

Nearby Attractions from Darjeeling

Tibetan Refuge Camp:

The area in and around Darjeeling is a treasure chest of interesting destinations. The Tibetan Refugee self-help scheme produces traditional artifacts, jewellery and carpets for tourist consumption.

Lloyd's Botanical Garden:

Lloyd's Botanical Garden displays a fine collection of Himalayan fauna for those with an interest, and for punters there is horseracing at Lebong, the smallest and highest racecourse in the world.

Tiger Hill, Darjeeling:

Situated at an altitude of 2,590m (8,482 ft.) and 13-km from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. You can know more about of Tiger Hill, Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/darjeeling-tourism-tour-darjeeling.html

Phalut & Sandakphu:

A week's smallest-trip of Phalut and Sandakphu will get one within reach of the high peaks; for the onlooker it affords a more spectacular panorama than at Tiger Hill. Giant flowering Rhododendron trees, a pointillism of reds pinks and whites Dwarfs comprise of the en route trail. On attaining heights of over 3,048m, one is surrounded by skeletal trees devoid of leaves and branches, which are especially eerie when the clouds roll in and envelop the area. You can know more about of Phalut and Sandakphu, Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/sandakphu-trek-darjeeling-darjeeling.html.

Pashupati:

Further afield, in Pashupati on the Nepal border, one can purchase foreign goods at reasonable prices, view wildlife such as the endangered one-horned Rhino, Deer, Gaur, and wild boar while seated atop an Elephant's back at Jaldapara Game Park; learn of the Lepcha legend at the confluence of the Teesta and Ranjeet Rivers; relive Kalimpong's past glory as a trading post by visiting the market filled with traditional Tibetan medicine, spices, musk, wool and silk; or for the truly adventurous-hire some ponies and a crew and take to the hills.

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 one can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.

Mirik:

Mirik is 52-km from Siliguri and 55-km from the nearest Airfield of Bagdogra. Mirik is being developed as a new hill station in the mountains. Tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations surround Mirik. 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. Siliguri also acts as a transit point for Nepal. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. You can know more about of Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/siliguri-siliguri-and-new-jalpaiguri.html

Kalimpong:

Kalimpong is within Darjeeling province and is a sub-division of Darjeeling. It is a small but bustling town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal - Kalimpong is at an altitude of 1,250m. 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.

Batasia Loop, Darjeeling

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. You can know more about of Batasia Loop, Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/batasia-loop-batasia-loop-and-war.html

Happy Valley Estate, Darjeeling

We all start our day with tea but we seldom know how the tea is processed. Here one can watch the tea from the gardens being processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer of the estate.

Natural History Museum, Darjeeling

A great place to be at, for all those who have great interest in knowing about the history.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.

Kanchenjunga View, Darjeeling

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. You can know more about of Kanchenjunga View, Darjeeling at http://tourismofdarjeeling01.blogspot.com/2011/01/darjeeling-to-kanchenjunga-trekking.html

Darjeeling Zoological Gardens

The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden of Darjeeling houses some of the rare species of animals and birds. This is the 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.

Observatory Hills, Darjeeling

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 monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with the colorful flags. Be aware of the monkey groups as some them are very aggressive.

Botanical Gardens, Darjeeling

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 Darjeeling taxi stand. The gardens also has a green house.

Monasteries in Darjeeling

Monasteries in DarjeelingMonasteries in around Darjeeling generate tremendous interest among visitors, be it in the form of architectural extravagance or the spiritual message embodied in them.

Bhutia Busty Monasteries, Darjeeling

Founded in 1879, this monastery follows the Vajrayana school of both Kargyud and Nijingmapa order, known as red hat.

Samten Choling Monasteries, Darjeeling

This Monasteries belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the yellow hat. This is the seat of ven. Dromo Geshe rinpoche, the second. A 26 ft. tall stupa has been built recently in memory of Lama Anagarika Govinda, a great scholar from Germany well known for his book on Buddhism.

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