Darjeeling is a town in India's West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks.
What we can do?
Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Almost all the tourist attractions are located in 3-4 clusters of walking distance. Apart from sights within the town, there are plenty of trek options along the Himalayan ridges on the Indo-Nepal border near Darjeeling. The most popular one being the Singhalia Ridge Trail. Bookings for guides, porters and accommodation on the trail can be made in Darjeeling or in the nearby town of Manebhanjang, which serves as the trail-head. Be aware that from July to mid-September the Singalia park is closed, but because of the rain, clouds and fog it is less enjoyable anyway.
Shruberry Health Club. less visited but offers unique and charming views of Kanchenjunga. Few locals can been found jogging here and offering prayers to various deities.
Singalila National Park, (west of Darjeeling, adjacent to Nepalese border). Singalila is a trekking destination in the far northwest corner of West Bengal state. Kanchenjunga, the world's 3rd highest peak, is visible for much of the trek, to the north, on the Nepalese border with Sikkim. Usually the park is accessed from Maneybhanjang, approx. one hour, or 30 km. west of Darjeeling. The park can also be accessed from Rimbik, where many trekkers finish up, or from Bijanbari, with one extra day's walking. Trekkers must pay a 100rs fee to enter the park, and must hire a guide. Porters can also be hired in Maneybhanjeng. Many trekkers sign up for a 3, 5 or 6 day trek in Darjeeling, where various trekking companies make all of the arrangements. Passports must be carried, as the trek crosses briefly into Nepal, then back into India. Sleeping bags and layered warm clothing are a must, as the temperature dips well below freezing most nights. Overnight lodging is done at assorted huts or simple guesthouses along the way, and hot meals are available at the same. Starting from Maneybhanjang, most trekkers stay overnight in Gairbas or Kalipokhari, and press on to Sandakphu for the 2nd night. Sandakphu at 3636 meters, is a favorite spot to view the high Himalayan peaks of LLotze, Everest, Makalu, etc., in early morning when visibility is good. 3 day trekkers turn aside and head downhill to Rimbik for their final night, while others head further north for spectacular views from Sabarkum and Phalut, then downhill for Raman, and finish in Rimbik for the last night. For greater cash outlay, non-trekkers, or those pressed for time can hire a jeep as transport from Maneybhanjang to Sandakphu, and stay overnight to catch the sunrise views. The ideal time to visit is April or May, in spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom, but Singalila can also be done in the fall, after monsoon season.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways. It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km (53 mi) long. The elevation level is from about 100 m (328 ft) at Siliguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling. It is still powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is used for Darjeeling’s mail.
Mountain Biking,
Walk along trails northeast of the center,, (Starting at the south entrance of Chowrasta entrance, fork right, downhill, just behind the benches). Walking down the path one will encounter houses, great scenery, and local people walking about -- kids going home from school, women sweeping the trails, farmers transporting vegetables. The path goes downhill, the first sight is Bhutia Busty Gompa. Further down, forking left, is the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. Forking right leads to the public grounds (known as stadium by locals) in Lebong, near Hill Cart Rd. Cheap momos and thukpa can be had at a restaurant there. Shared jeeps are available to take you back up to Darjeeling via the main road for 16 rupees.
WE CAN EAT
Glenary's Bakery and Cafe, Nehru Road (The Mall). A good place for cakes, pastries, the ubiquitous Darjeeling cuppa, sizzerlers and North Indian fare. Offers nice views of Mt Kanchendjunga on clear days.
Hot Stimulating Cafe. On the way to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, on Hooker Road, is this lovely little cozy place with pictures of Bob Marley covering one whole wall. The Momos here are awesome! They even offer a Momo-cooking course! The guy who owns it can double up as your local guide, trekking along with you to some adventurous outings from Darjeeling.
Hotel Lunar, (Near the clock tower and the Dekeling Hotel). This is probably the best vegetarian restaurants in town where you can enjoy a great view and wonderful service.
Roly Poly PuddingThe food is authentically prepared porridge for breakfast" and "cheese & onion pie".
Hotel Lunar, (Near the clock tower and the Dekeling Hotel). This is probably the best vegetarian restaurants in town where you can enjoy a great view and wonderful service.
Hotel Chanakya. If you are looking for an authentic Bengali restaurant in town where you can enjoy both veg and nonveg dishes then this is the place where you should go.
Kunga's, 51 Gandhi Road (Very close to the clock tower and the Dekeling Hotel). An excellent Tibetan place, situated just above the clocktower. It serves superb Tibetan food, including hearty Tibetan soups (Thentuk is recommended). It is, however, tiny, hence often full and crowded.Visit with a bit time in your hand and enjoy the delicious food.
The Park, (50 meters from the clock tower). Located near the clock tower, this restaurant is especially popular with tourists. They have two menu cards, one Thai and the other Indian, and the cook mastered both cuisines. The Thai cuisine is quite excellent. Try their Thai style chicken rice noodle. Rs 90-150.
Keventers, (Nehru Road (The Mall)). This place with it's awesome western delicacies and cool view was featured in a number of movies and books. Don't forget to try the chicken sausages and the chocolate milk shake.
Kanika's (Veggie Lovers), H.D. Lama road, A small but artistically designed hotel with lot of intersting painting. For vegetarians good place to eat with North and South Indian dishes, Chinese. One must taste Thupka (soupy noodles) here. If you play guitar just pick the guitar keep in the reception and start playing it! Medium range.
Golden Tips Tea Cosy, Chowrasta, The Mall, The finest collection of Darjeeling Tea in loose (estate) & handcrafted Gift Packaging. Over 250 varieties - Darjeeling Black, Green, Oolong, White, Flavored, Herb Teas. Gourmet Tea sit in service with a handsome and well presented range of snacks and eatables. Tea Menu with almost 75+ kinds of different hot & iced teas, tea mocktails. Tea Paraphernalia like metal /' silver tea sets & pots, strainers, infusers, spoons, tea cosies, etc. Rs. 300-12,000-00.
Nathmull's Tea Cosy, The Rink Mall (Opposite General Post Office), also another location at Chowrasta, A great place tastefully done up with an amazing ambience and collection of hundreds of varieties of the finest Darjeeling Teas. Serving almost 100 varieties of tea & tea mocktails from a Tea Menu. A large collection of tea accessories such as silver tea pots & sets, tea cosies, tea strainers & infusers books on teas & other paraphernelia Rs. 20 to Rs. 12000-00.
Boney's Snack Bar, Capital Market, Ladenla Road (Opp Clock Tower, Near Hayden Hall). Serves very good grilled sandwiches, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and even pastas.
Cake Lady, Cake Lady makes cakes, muffins and brownies to order and even delivers them free of charge to your hotel or home in Darjeeling town. The cakes are a taste of home using quality ingredients (sourced locally and organic wherever possible) and are known to be the best in town! Just call 0091 9547457734 and order the day before. She does not have a retail outlet.
Boney's Snack Bar, (30 meters from the clock tower). Located in the market building near the clock tower, it is very easy to miss the place. They have a mind boggling variety of sandwiches, out of which one must try the Grilled Chicken Salad Sandwich. Portion size is massive. Also of note are their Chinese recipes and French Fries
Food stands south of Chowrasta. There' a bunch of food stands that sell momos, egg rolls (a flour tortilla with an egg fried over it, then stuffed with vegetables. It's possible to add extra eggs and cheese), steamed buns, chowmein, oily deep fried stuffs (chicken legs, meat stuffed puris) and more. 30 rupees for 5 chicken momos and 5 rupees for chai at the two northmost stalls. Not the greatest quality food, but it's fresh and cheap. Except the fried things; They're terrible.
Tibetan family-run joint, (Across from the food stands south of Chowrasta there are three restaurants, this one has no curtains, no signs, and some incense stocked in front of the store window). They begin making and selling meat momos at around 12pm. It comes with some broth. They sell thukpa and large pork baozi too.
Kalden Cafe, (nestled between the food stands below Chowrasta). The soup (Gyanthup?) is delicious. There's a choice of vegetable, chicken, or beef. It might be possible to mix them. They also sell a hot ginger lemon tea, which is fun to drink.
The Chinese Sausage place, Near Joey's pub, opp rink mall (The old wooden house situated between Beni's cafe and Union Bank). If you love them chinese sausages, this is the place to be. The chinese lady here nicknamed "aunt" makes the best ever chinese pork sausages. Its a place which reminds of the colonial past of this beautiful place.
Mohan daju's, old club stand (below what used to be the boat restaurant). If you want to try authentic nepali food at minimum cost this is the place. In fact its not about the cost. This is one of the very few places that serves you authentic nepali cuisine. This isnt a fancy place but the food here is really good. It is a family run business. Dried beef curry is a must try.
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