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Darjeeling, a hill station in West Bengal at an elevation of 2,134 meters, is still known as the ‘Queen of Hills in India’. In 1829, the ancient Gorkha of Darjeeling bewitched Loyed and Grant, British commanders. After the King of Sikkim gave it to Governor Bentink out of goodwill in 1835, Darjeelingbecome a British sanatorium.
When you depart the lowlands and begin climbing, you are bound to see tall green promontories ahead of you. You can enjoy a trip on the famous toy train, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It sighs and blows its way up the steep incline without the assistance of cogwheels, as some other hill trains do. Franklin Prestige finished it in 1881. This is the nation's most picturesque railroad. The train climbs to Ghoom, the highest point on the rail route at 7,407 feet, before gliding down to the queen of hills Darjeeling.
Here's why Darjeeling is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and rightly so
1. Home to picturesque hill resorts in India
Darjeeling is a large and planned hill resort. Darjeeling's location is at such a high altitude that it is sure to enchant you. Contributing to this is the hills station's rich flora and fauna, as well as her cold weather, which has earned her the title "The Queen of Hills."
2. The view of the highest peak in India
From Kurseong, you can enjoy views of Himalayan peaks and valleys. Along with other summits, you can also see Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain.
The Darjeeling Rangit Valley Cable car, one of the largest in Asia, is 13 kilometres from Darjeeling and a steep journey of 5 kilometres from Ghoom. It takes you to Tiger Hill, where you can see the sunrise over the Himalayas. Mt. Everest's summit can be explained, and you may also visit Mt. Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Janu, and the lower peaks in pale gold.
3. One of the best tourist places in India
Mirik, a little hill district with a pristine lake surrounded by hills on all sides and pure air, feels like a home away from home—but up in the mountains. You can make a trip here on a brilliantly-coloured boat or motorboat. Trust us, you will be charmed by the experience when sitting in the tranquillity of a lakeside garden.
Kurseong—"The Place of White Orchids”—is a lovely tea garden, woodland, and greenery on the hill slopes located on the road to Darjeeling from Siliguri. A breathtaking vista of the mountains and plains below is a sight to behold. Through this hill village, the DHR toy railway track runs parallel to the road.
Kalimpong is a little town around three hours by car from both Darjeeling and Siliguri. There are several sights with beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga, as well as monasteries, temples, heritage buildings, playgrounds, orphanages, historical institutions, and humanitarian institutes to enjoy here.
4. The Rangeet Valley Ropeway
This five-kilometre-long ropeway (2.5 km each way) is a popular tourist attraction in town. It has sixteen carriages and runs from Darjeeling's "Northern Point" to Singla on the banks of the Ramman river. The ropeway ride provides views of the hills and valleys surrounding Darjeeling. The ropeway, which began in 1968, consists of a single shuttle. This cable car drops from a height of 2,134 m (7,001 ft) in Darjeeling's North Point (Singamari) to 244 m (801 ft) at Singla on the banks of the Ramman River, which links the Great Rangeet with Little Rangeet. It takes 45 times to arrive at Singla Bazar, which is eight kilometres away, after stopping at Tukver, Burnesbeg, and Singla Tea Garden. The ropeway winds its way through lush woods, mountain ranges, waterfalls, flowing rivers, verdant valleys, and tea plantations.
5. The trekkers’ soul
If you want to get a better sense of the city, hiking in Darjeeling is the ideal way to do it. Various routes will allow you to view and learn a lot more about this beautiful city.
Here are the top three routes for trekking in the queen of hills Darjeeling:
- Trek to Tonglu: This two-day walk will take you to some of the most breathtaking vistas you've ever seen. Tonglu, located on the Singalila Ridge, is one of the higher peaks and a minor waterfall inside the Singalila Nature Reserve.
- Trek to Gorkhey: Gorkhey is a tiny and lovely hamlet in West Bengal, located in the Darjeeling district. This hamlet, located in a valley between Sikkim and Darjeeling, serves as a stopover for one of Darjeeling's most famous hiking routes.
- Trek to Sandakphu: The Sandakphu-Timburey trek lasts four days and begins at Manebhanjan. Sandakphu also called Sandakpur, is the highest point on the Singalila Mountain in Darjeeling.
6. Perfect-date like weather
During the winter months, the average temperature in Darjeeling ranges from 1 to 6 degrees celsius. The weather remains nice and chilly all year, you must carry plenty of woollens when visiting.
Nestled among the undulating mountains, hill queen Darjeeling's splendour is beyond description. Darjeeling, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Hills," offers an ideal entrance for individuals seeking to be in one with nature environment, with hills reaching beyond the sky.
Photo: Shutterstock