New Delhi: A small town, spread over the steep Himalayan mountain range, amidst lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling is a must visit hill station in West Bengal. An amalgamation of the cultures of the people of Sikkim, Nepal, British India and Bengal, Darjeeling is a town which attracts thousands of foreign tourists from all over the world.Let us watch the beautiful hill station in pictures: 1. Darjeeling is famous for colonial architecture due to the British rule in India. The British used to spend vacation to escape the hot summer months in the cities. 2. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, a kaleidoscopic multi-hued sunrise from the Tiger hill looks spectacular. 3. The toy train crosses Batasia loop and offers amazing views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The ride from Darjeeling to Ghum is fun. The vintage British-built B Class steam locomotive, DHR 778 transports one to the old era. The railway, along with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, is listed as a Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site. 4. The scenic beauty of tea gardens and natural landscapes are the best to capture the eternity of nature. The Tukver tea estate is the first commercial tea gardens to be established in the region famous for Darjeeling tea. The Darjeeling tea is famous for its aroma and flavor. 5. Since, Tibetan culture is also imbibed in the place; the peace pagoda was built in 1972 by Nichidatsu Fujii, by a Buddhist monk. People of all religions can visit the pagoda and experience peace and tranquility. 6. Whitewater River rafting on River Teesta is a not to miss experience if you are an adventure buff. 7. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: The species of flora and fauna re astounding from tigers, snow leopards, red panda and Himalayan Bear, one can find a wide variety of animals and birds in the park. 8. Boating on the serene Mirik lake in the midst of beautiful scenery and tea estates is an amazing experience. 9. If you want to eat the amazing and different roadside eateries, then going to Sonam's kitchen is the best option. The ‘omelet noodles', coffee and pancakes are delicious. And all this at a fare price.
Updated on: February 10, 2014 6:40 IST
