About Darjeeling town :

Darjeeling : The town and hill station of Darjeeling lies in northern West Bengal, India. Darjeeling district lies between 26° 31' and 27° 13' north latitude and between 87° 59' and 88° 53' east longitude.

Altitude : Comprising mainly of mountain terrain, Darjeeling stands at a height of 2134m (7053 ft) on a mountain ridge.
Area : Darjeeling town covers an area of 11.44 sq. kms.
Population : About 100,000.

Languages Spoken : English, Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan and Bengali.

Climate : Almost every year Darjeeling's temperature drops below freezing during the Winter season, from November to February. In Summer, Darjeeling is delightfully cool with the maximum temperature reaching about 20°C.
Rainfall : Rain falls mostly during months from June to September. The annual recorded rainfall in Darjeeling is 320 cms.
Clothing : Light woollen for summer and heavy woollens for winter.
Best months to visit : March to mid-June and September to mid-December.

Transport and Communications :

Railway : Darjeeling Railway station is in Darjeeling town. Toy Train journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes about 8 hours.
New Jalpaiguri is the major railway station (88 kms about 3 hours drive) which is connected to all the major cities in India.
Airport : Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (90 km) which has flights connecting to Calcutta, Delhi and Guwahati. Drive from Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling takes about 3½ hours. Airlines bookings can be made from Darjeeling.

Roadways :
Darjeeling - Siliguri/Bagdogra airport (90 km )/New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (80 kms)
Darjeeling - Kalimpong 51 kms.
Darjeeling - Gangtok, Sikkim 115 kms.
Darjeeling - Pashupati (27 km) (Nepal border)(Not authorised entry point for foreigners, only Indian and Nepali citizens are allowed to enter from here)
Darjeeling - Kakarvita (117 km) (Nepal border)
Darjeeling - Phuntsoling (233 km) (Bhutan border)

Postal Service & Couriers : Darjeeling town has two Post Offices and also has offices of some courier services.
Telephone :International code for India - 91
Local code for Darjeeling - 0354
Darjeeling town has lots of STD/ISD booths scattered all over the town from where local and long distance calls can be made.
Email & Internet : Email and internet facilities are available. Compuset Centre's Internet & Email service is at Gandhi Road, (Near Bethany School), Darjeeling.
Other facilities :
Banks : ANZ Grindlays Bank and State Bank of India can exchange foreign currencies besides some major hotels and currency dealers in town.
Other Banks in town : Allahabad Bank, Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India, United Bank of India, UCO Bank, U. B. Khetriya Gramin Bank and Vijaya Bank.
Darjeeling produces the world's best aromatic tea. Presently Darjeeling has 86 tea gardens which produce about 10 million kgs of tea annually. Tea is grown in Darjeeling from a height of 100 mt. (300 ft.) to 2,000 mt. (6,000 ft). Output and the quality of tea varies with the altitude. Most of the Darjeeling tea estates have China or China hybrid plants, although some tea estates at lower elevations have Assam hybrids too. The China or China hybrid plant is small leafed and, therefore, difficult to pluck. Some 6,000 shoots of tea leaves and a bud from these bushes make about ½ kg. of tea, whereas a broad light leaf of Assam variety can produce the same quantity with about 3,000 shoots. All Darjeeling teas are hand plucked.
The average production in the hill per acre is almost half compared to the production in the warmer plains. It is this climate and high altitude affecting the slow growth of the tea leaf which help to give Darjeeling teas the flavour for which it is known. In other tea growing areas and other tea growing countries tea is produced throughout the year, but in Darjeeling it hibernates in dry and cold winter. Growth starts in Spring when the tea bushes of Darjeeling are covered with a mass of small soft shoots. This is the first 'flush' tea. After which there is a lull in the growth until the second 'flush' appears; the quantity of leaf on the bushes is not great but a unique flavour predominates in the first and second 'flushes'.
The monsoon starts in Darjeeling about mid-June and from July onwards the quality of tea (monsoon 'flush') is of standard character until the rains stop in October. Then for a short period until the end of the season in November, a small crop of 'autumnal' leaf is harvested which is flavoury but has 'thin' liquor.
Darjeeling tea's unique flavour is influenced by altitude, type of soil, slopes and the character of Nepali labourers who hand-pick these tea leaves.
Every tea garden has its tea processing factory. The hand picked tea leaves are brought to the factory and are spread out thinly on tiers of racks or troughs for 'withering'. This process reduces the moisture and makes the leaf flaccid within a period of about 18 hours. So the leaves plucked today is ready for final processing next day. The next stage is called 'rolling' where these limp and withered leaves are twisted and their cells ruptured so as to expose their juice in the rolling machines. The rolling process continues for 1½ hours. The leaf is then spread out for about 2 to 3 hours for 'fermentation' in rooms where the humidity is controlled to 95%. After this it is taken to drying machines (temperature 200° to 225° F). Then it goes to 'sorting' where different quality teas are sorted. The best quality tea comes from the 'leaf' grades ('broken' grade, 'fanning' grade and 'dust' produces lower quality teas). Of the total crops of 10 million kgs. the first and second flushes and the autumnal teas are highly prized. India alleges that Darjeeling produces only 10 million kgs. tea but about 40 million kgs of 'Darjeeling tea' is available in the world market every year. That is why the Tea Board is taking steps to protect the name 'Darjeeling Tea' against erroneous use.
The use of chemical fertilizers in tea gardens is being reduced to a minimum and some of the tea gardens have gone organic with no use of chemical fertilisers at all.
Inspite of the problems and the adversities in a fast changing world, Darjeeling tea estates are striving to maintain and indeed improve the unique quality which has made Darjeeling tea renowned as the finest in the world.

Tiger Hill : Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.), it is 15 km from Darjeeling town. An early morning trip to the Tiger Hill promises an unique experience. A view of the sunrise amidst the Himalayan range has earned it an international fame. From here you can get a glimpse of Mount Everest, the highest mountain and Kanchenjunga range.
The Observatory Hill : Apart from the magnificent view it commands, this hill atop the Mall also is attached with great religious importance as a revered temple complex for both the Hindus and the Buddhists.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Toy Train : This fascinating narrow gauge steam engine train still operates with the original steam engine and the loops and the zigzags along the route are remarkable feats of engineering. The journey from New Jalpaiguri may be a pleasant experience but it is the short ride from Darjeeling town to Ghoom, the nearest station, that becomes a joy ride in itself. The Toy Train is considered an engineering marvel and some prefer to call it one of the wonders of the world, to be preserved forever.
Batasia Loop and the War Memorial : About 5 kms. from Darjeeling, this railway loop is a marvellous feat of engineering and with its magnificent view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga mountain is worth an experience, whether aboard the Toy Train or just watching the Toy Train pass through this loop. The War memorial is constructed in the memory of the brave sons of Darjeeling who died for the country since Independence in 1947.
Tea Gardens : While in Darjeeling a visit to any nearby Tea Garden to watch the actual process of the manufacturing of Darjeeling Tea is worth it. Some of the Tea Gardens also sell their packet teas. There are about 70 tea gardens in this hill region and the most accessible one is the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is about 3 kms. from the town or within a walking distance of about 40 minutes (Closed on Monday).

Buddhist Monasteries : In and around Darjeeling there are important and interesting Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. The oldest one is called the Yiga Cholling Monastery which is situated about 8 kms. from the town at Ghoom and enshrines an image of 'the Coming Buddha' or the Maitriya Buddha. It was constructed in 1875 and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. The Samten Cholling Monastery is another interesting monastery nearby. The Drukpa Kargyud Monastery, also known as Dali Monastery, is a big monastery located 5 kms. from the town. It belongs to the Drukpa Sect and the Drukchen Rimpoche resides here. The Bhutia Busty Monastery is situated at C.R. Das Road and is within 15 minutes walk from the Mall.
Japanese Peace Pagoda : The Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist inaugurated the Japanese Peace Pagoda in 1992. It is a recent landmark constructed by Japanese Monks and commands an excellent view of the town and the Himalayan Range.
Dhirdham Temple : Situated just below the Railway station the temple is a structural replica of the famous 'Pashupatinath' temple of Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Mall and Chowrasta : The Mall road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta which is the hub of Darjeeling town, a square on the ridge of Darjeeling town and a good place to sit and relax. It is ideal for a leisurely walk around a setting that is perfect. A walk around The Mall is a must just at any time of the day with the pleasant view of the mountains, valleys with rhododendron trees and old houses.
Natural History Museum : While taking a walk in The Mall a visit to the Museum of Natural History which lies closeby is worthwhile. This fine small museum exhibits an unique collection of the fauna of the Himalayan region, especially of the Eastern Himalayas.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : It was founded in 1954 after the historic conquest of Everest on the 29th of May in 1953, when two people set foot atop Mount Everest. They were, Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa) from Darjeeling and Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand. As an honour to the great Sherpa this Institute was formed with the aim of imparting mountaineering skills to all the enthusiasts. Tenzing Sherpa himself was one of the founding members and also the Field Director of the Institute. It is situated on Jawahar Parbat and adjoins the Zoo. This Institute also houses a museum which holds a rare collection of mementos from various Everest expeditions. Nawang Gombu, the first man to have climbed the Everest twice is presently the Chief Advisor for the Mountaineering Training.
Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Centre : A high altitude wild life park and new home of the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer etc. , Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the town Zoo exhibits some rare Himalayan Fauna including the Snow Leopard, Red panda, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Pheasants, etc. It is a treat for all wild life enthusiasts. Just nearby is a very successful Snow Leopard Breeding Centre.
Lloyds Botanical Garden : This is a colourful garden situated just below the market. In 1878 Mr. W. Lloyd gifted 40 acres of hillside to make a garden with local plants and flowers. It still has the most varied collection of rhododendron, magnolia, orchids, etc. of the Eastern Himalayas. It also has a glass-house full of alpine flowers and also features an Orchidarium and a collection of medicinal plants.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway : This Ropeway is in one of the most beautiful part of the town and is situated at North Point about 3 kms. from town. The cable car ride takes 6 passengers at a time and it passes over the lush green tea gardens with breathtaking view of the mountains (Kanchenjunga) and provides an experience that cannot be easily forgotten. The valley has glorious views of Sikkim and the river Rangeet.

Handicrafts : Darjeeling has some interesting places to watch the local handicrafts being made as well as a various range of choiced handicraft souvenirs. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is a self-supporting Centre for Tibetan refugees which manufactures some intriguing Tibetan handicrafts. Established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees who had followed the Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. It offers a wide choice of Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan woollen carpet is very popular. Hayden Hall, a Roman Catholic social service centre also has a handicraft section with the purpose of helping the local poor people.
Handmade items are available for sale at reasonable prices. The Manjusha Bengal Emporium offers prominent hill handicrafts, handloom and silk products of West Bengal for display and for sale. It is situated at Nehru Road. Gram Shilpa is another such showroom displaying Khadi handloom silk products and set up by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Govt. of India. It is situated in Chowrasta.
Ava Art Gallery : Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the motor stand, it is just below the main road on the way to Ghoom. This gallery houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is lovingly called the "Toy Train". The Toy Train ride is a romantic approach to the Himalayas, a mysterious region. The landscape can only be described as spectacular and the views of the Himalayan peaks breathtaking. The Darjeeling Toy Train is one of the most famous narrow (2 feet ) gauge trains.
This joy ride begins at New Jalpaiguri, a busy railway station in the plains. The plains are much more warmer than the hills and as the train climbs up the mountains the climate gets much colder. Therefore it is advisable to keep warm clothes handy as one needs them. Leaving New Jalpaiguri station the train passes through the outskirts of Siliguri town and reaches Siliguri station. After a short halt the train leaves Siliguri station and crosses the Mahanadi bridge over the Mahanadi river which flows from the Himalayan foothills.

After six miles train reaches Sukna station from where the real ascent begins. Here the train normally stops for the engine to take water. The traveller can now notice the change of local people who have sharp mongoloid features and are mostly Nepali. From here the blue mountain ranges of the foothills are visible and the train quickly rises from the plain passing through tea gardens and forest of teak and sal. The train now passes through Rangtang station (1404 ft/430 m) and a little further away the train may stop for water again. From here the view of wooded mountains is really beautiful. The train moves on with the view of tea gardens, tea factories and forests. It then passes Chunbhati. Before the railway line was built, there was a bungalow here where the travellers travelling in palki (palanquin) used to rest for the day. The train is now fairly among the mountains and a panoramic view of the deep valley and higher range of mountains is visible. Then the train passes the Tindharia Railway workshop to reach Tindharia station (2,822 feet/860m). Tindharia, in the old times, was the spot where travellers used to stop for tea. From here one can get an extensive view of the hills. Leaving Tindharia one can see the jagged rock-faced mountains up ahead called Giddapahar (Eagle's Craig) which the train later has to pass through. Using "zig-zag reverses" the train leaves Gayabari station (3,400 feet/1040m).
After this station the train stops for water near Pagla Jhora (Mad Torrent). During the monsoon this small stream swells up and is big enough to wash away the road and railway line. Shortly after this the train reaches Mahanadi Bazar station (4,000 ft/1,225m). Just near this town is the source of the Mahanadi river which the train had earlier crossed shortly after leaving Siliguri. Leaving Mahanadi the train travels west through Gidhapahar (Eagle's Craig) with an excellent view of the valley, the hills and tea gardens and reaches Kurseong station (4,864 feet/1485m).
Kurseong is a thriving little hill station. Here one can get the first glimpse of a hill town and the hill people. Leaving Kurseong the train passes through Kurseong bazar and goes on in its journey. The sight of Tibetan prayer flags as the train passes over Hussel (whistle) khola (stream) makes the traveller feel that he is now truly in the mountains. The train passes through small forests of maple, chestnut, pear, cherry, criptomeria (introduced from Japan), etc. and cardamom plants.Now the train reaches Tung (5656 ft/1725m) which gives us an excellent view of the Kurseong ridge. As the train passes along the road, one may notice by now that through the journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling there are over 100 road crossings and most of the time the train runs along parallel with the cars and other vehicles. The journey new leads through Sonada (6552 ft. /2000m). As the train passes through Sonada bazar, one can get a glimpse of Tibetan chorten (stupa) on the way. Now the train passes through Senchel Reserve forest with oaks, chestnuts, walnuts, magnolias, rhododendrons, etc. During spring one can see the bright blooms of rhododendrons, cream magnolias and orchids in this moss-laden forest. On top of this hill is a famous tourist spot Tiger Hill with a unique view of the Himalayas and also of the sunrise. This forest region is well known worldwide for bird-watching.
The train now passes through a small town called Jorebunglow. The road here is very narrow and often there are traffic jams since all the traffic in and out of Darjeeling pass this point. This must be the only place where the train may have to stop for a while in case of a traffic jam or have to back up a bit to ease the traffic. The train now reaches Ghoom (7407 ft/2260 m) the highest point of the journey. Leaving Ghoom the train descends towards Darjeeling. On the way the train passes through Batasia Loop with its memorial to the Gorkha soldiers. From the Batasia Loop you can get a spectacular view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snowy mountains in the back-drop. From now onwards uptill Darjeeling, the snowy peaks are in full view for the travellers' eyes. Finally the train enters the Darjeelins Station, the destination of the journey. Darjeeling, a town with all its charm and beauty awaits the weary traveller.