 Darjeeling
is famous for its tea. It's a hill resort in West-Bengal, and for those who
are a bit tired of the hustle and bustle of Calcutta it is the ideal place
to go. Old colonial style mansions and lush green hills are waiting for you.
Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful Hill Stations in India coming under
the state of West Bengal. The view of Kanchenjunga, and other ranges of
the Himalayas is the attraction of this little city. Darjeeling can be
reached either by Air and the nearest Airport is Bagdogra. By train, you
will have to travel overnight from Kolkatta at alight at New Jalpaiguri,
then take the famous Toy Train which is running for more than a Century.
Winding itself into the hills there is a fantastic history behind the
laying of tracks for this rail route. Darjeeling can also be reached on
road by jeep, van or car. But the rail route is the most enjoyable.
We were told by the Railway authorities that during the British period
in India, Darjeeling was their attraction to spend in summers and they
decided to lay the railway track from the plains to the hill top. The
distance was less and the height disproportionate. The Engineer behind the
construction and planning the rail route lost all hopes of laying the track
and frustrated, he sent a telegram to his wife in England. She replied him
saying "GO BACK" meaning dont give up. This word struck his mind and he
lay the route succesfully. That is why when one travels in this train would
suddenly find himseld or herself going on reverse and then forward again.
When the train goes on reverse, it also covers a height of 12-15 feet and
then forward again. Hence, he finally succeeded in laying the track and it
is being maintained as the most precious piece of engineering.
Well, the train goes slowly along the road and many Hindi movies are
picturised for the scenic beauty of the hill and the train and road routes
going hand in hand. There are many small stations in between like Kurseong.
Until you reach Ghoom (meaning round), once cannot see the city of
Darjeeling. After the train takes a 360 degree round, you see the beautiful
hill station lit up because the train reaches late evening it appears like
lakhs of Fireflies flying in the air.
In Darjeeling, you have many places to visit. The famous Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Foot Ball Playground, Buddhist temples, Japanese
Styled Buddhist Temple, The Rock Garden, innumerable Tea Estates, a park in
memory of the Soldiers, and the Tiger Hills a spot where people go to watch
the sunrise from below the mountains and before it actually rises, there is
a ray of golden shine on the snow covered Himalayas giving a feast to the
eyes of the nature lover. One cannot also, miss to visit the House of
Tenzing Sherpa, the first man to conquer Mount Everest. There is a famous
lake called the MIRIK, almost on the border of India-NEPAL, one can go
boating too in the calm atmosphere.
The native of this place are called the Ghurkhas. They are mongoloid
like, very affectionate and loving. We coiuld see small little children
attired from head to toe from the freezing cold walking along the ups and
downs of the city to reach their school in the morning. They look like toys in
motion. Jeeps are available for local sight seeing at a very reasonable
rate. Though this Station is also getting crowded during the seasons, it is
a beautiful Hill Station to be visited for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Obviously, it is one of the precious jewel of India, with a touch of the
British influence. |
Home
