The first that comes to the mind when you say ‘Darjeeling’ is tea. The Darjeeling tea is world famous (the vanilla jasmine tea) for its aroma and high and unmatched quality. This is what you would first observe in Darjeeling (during the best time for your visit, April-June or October-November) wherever you would look – tea gardens. Where the greenery is not a tea garden, then it would be a Bamboo enclave or Fern jungle.  Darjeeling is also known as ‘The City of the Celestial Thunderbolt”.

Darjeeling is natural beauty at its best. This is why it is one of the most sought after tourist spots both nationally and internationally. Sports enthusiasts would have plenty to do here as this place has a plethora of natural trails that you could trek and mountains that you could climb and enjoy the crisp and fragrant air of high altitude. Do not forget to pay a visit to the famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Museum. Here you would be privileged to see the equipment that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzong Norgay used when they climbed the Mt. Everest.

Another way to enjoy the wonderful altitude is with the cable car that runs between Darjeeling and Singla Bazaar. You will be able to see and savor the exquisite beauty of the Himalayas during the few hours hat you would have to travel by the cable car.

Some must-see sights for any tourist are:

1. The Mall – this is where you would find everything that you need to buy as souvenir; this is where you could do most of your shopping. The whole road is lined with cottage entrepreneurs selling different varieties of real and imitation antiques. You would also find an exceptional array of hand-knitted sweaters at reasonable prices. Remember, when you are here to check out the oil painting – some of them are simply stunning.

2. The Tiger Hill – You could see the famous Mt Everest from here, besides enjoying one of the most beautiful sunrise scenes over the mountains. The Tiger Hill is located some 13 kms outside the town, at an altitude of 8482 ft (2590 m).

3. Kanchenjunga View – Nature enthusiasts would have the choice of another exceptional treat by nature – the Kanchenjunga View. From here you can enjoy to your heart’s content the splendor of the Himalayas and the Kanchnjunga Peak which is the third highest peak in the world.

4. Chowrasta – situated at the end of The Mall, this is a continuous hub of activity. You will find here a good display of the eateries and wonderful souvenirs.  Some of the best handicrafts are available here.

Do no miss a trip on the Toy Train or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which would show you four mountains peaks besides the breath-taking natural beauty of Darkjeeling – Lhoste, Everest, Kanchenjunga and the Makalu.

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