Darjeeling, " Queen of the Hills "

Quick Facts about the City

INTRODUCTION: Darjeeling is popularly known as the "Queen of the Hills" and produces the famous Darjeeling Tea, one of the world's finest teas. It is also home to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a World Heritage Site. Darjeeling with its natural beauty provides a wide variety of activities from liesurely scenic walks to more gruelling activities such as trekking and river rafting for the adventurous ones.
LOCATION : The town and hill station of Darjeeling lies in northern West Bengal, India. Darjeeling district lies between 26° 31' and 27° 13' north latitude and between 87° 59' and 88° 53' east longitude.
Altitude : Comprising mainly of mountain terrain, Darjeeling stands at a height of 2134m (7053 ft) on a mountain ridge.
STD CODE : Country Code: 91 City Code: 0354

State
Darjeeling is a district in the state of West Bengal in India. It has three
hill subdivisions - Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong

General Info & History
Area : Darjeeling town covers an area of 11.44 sq. kms.
Population : About 100,000.
Rainfall : Rain falls mostly during months from June to September. The annual recorded rainfall in Darjeeling is 320 cms.
Clothing : Light woollen for summer and heavy woollens for winter.

History
Years ago the mountain spurs, on the slopes of which the hill station of Darjeeling now stands, formed a part of the independent kingdom of Sikkim and was covered with dense forest. The town of Darjeeling alone now has thousands of people belonging to different creeds and races, but there were not more than two hundred inhabitants when the East India Company, which then controlled British interests in India, first came into contact with it. This was in 1814 when the Company intervened in favour of Sikkim as against the war-like Nepalese, who would otherwise have absorbed the whole of the little State of Sikkim and annexed it to their own territory. The Nepalese were repulsed in the war that ensued, and the Raja of Sikkim was reinstated in possession of his kingdom. Sikkim, including Darjeeling became a buffer state between Nepal and Bhutan. In 1828, a frontier dispute occurred between the Sikkimese and the Nepalese. This was referred to the British Government according to the terms of the treaty signed at Titalya on February 10th,1817. Lt. Gen. C.A. Llyod and Mr. J.W. Grant, I.C.S., the Commercial Resident at Maldah, were deputed to settle the internal factions between the Nepal and the Sikkim States. While settling the internal feuds between these two States, principally in matters relating to the settling of the boundary between the two territories, they were struck with the suitability of the hills as a sanitarium for the British troops, on a summit of which they could spy from a distance the few lowly huts of the village of Darjeeling encircled by the forest. In the long run, being deputed by the Court of Directors of the East India Company, Lloyd started negotiation with the Maharaja of Sikkim for ceding the mountainous region, now going by the charming name, Darjeeling, in lieu of money or land. Lloyd with his imposing personality succeeded in making the negotiation fruitful.

And so in 1835, we find the East India Company obtaining the lease of a small strip of country in the south of the Sikkim Himalaya for the purpose of a sanitarium and an outpost of strategical importance on the northern frontier of India. A member of the Indian medical Service, Dr. Campbell, was appointed Agent of the tract leased, and Lieut. Napier (afterwards Lord Napier of Magdala) set to work to fell the forest and lay the foundations of the hill station of Darjeeling . In return the Maharaja was allowed a subsidy of Rs. 3,000/- a year for, what was then an uninhabited tract of land. In 1845, it was raised to Rs. 6,000 per annum. At that time this territory yielded a pepper-corn revenue never exceeding Rs. 20/- per annum from the village of Darjeeling. There were then, only 20 mud huts around the Mahakal Observatory, the population was mere 100. The little town founded by the two officers (Dr. Campbell and Lieut. Napier) of Government grew very rapidly, natives of the surrounding country were quick to avail themselves of the blessings of life under the ægis of the Pax Britannica, and within ten years, between 1839 and 1849, the population rose chiefly be immigration from 100 to about 10,000 persons, a truly remarkable tribute to the East India Company and the administration of their officers. This rapid growth, however, excited the jealousy of the Maharaja of Sikkim, or rather of his Prime Minister, and when Dr. Campbell and the eminent explorer and naturalist, Sir Joseph Hooker, were touring in Sikkim in 1849, with the permission of both Governments, they were suddenly seized and imprisoned. Many indignities and even severe insults were thrust on the British Agent during weeks of meaningless detention, and as a result the usual expeditionary force had to be sent to teach good manners to the uncivilized authorities in Sikkim. Fortunately there was no necessity for bloodshed, and after the Company's troops had crossed the Rangeet river into Sikkim hostilities ceased. Consequently on this trouble, and further ebullition of misconduct on the part of the Sikkim authorities a few years later, the mountain tracts now forming the district of Darjeeling became a portion of the British Indian Empire, and the remainder of kingdom of Sikkim became a protected State. When India became independent, Darjeeling remained a part of West Bengal. From 1986, a powerful agitation began in the Darjeeling hills seeking an independent state in the Indian Union. The agitation ended with the establishment of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council under the Chairmanship of Mr. Subash Ghissing and has been given considerable autonomy in administrative matters.

Best Months to Visit: March to mid-June and September to mid-December.

Climate:
The main seasons are :
Spring (Feb-March end) is one of the blissful seasons one can imagine. The temperature is slightly warmer than the winters, with a maximum temperature of 18-degree Celsius. This season is best suited to those who wish to explore.
Summer (April - May end) with cool winds, bright blue sky and a majestic view of mount Kanchenjunga, a certain thrill entices the visitors in the spell of the warm sunshine. The maximum temperature is between 20 -24 degrees Celsius (approx.). This season is best suited for holidays, honeymoon, leisure trips etc.
Monsoons (July - Mid Sept) with misty weather it experiences one of the heaviest rainfalls in the whole of the Indian sub continent. This season is not suitable for travelling.
Autumn (Mid Sept - Oct end) is perhaps the best time of the year to visit, with Hindu festivals taking place and having the best temperature reading. During this time, all the streets and houses are lit up in the spiritual glow of the diyos (Oil lamps). The temperature is in between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Winter (Dec - Mid Feb) is cold with frequent hailstorms and occasional snowfall. This season is ideal for those who wish to experience typical chill of this snowy paradise.

Rainfall - The precipitation during the south west monsoons constitutes about eighty percent of the annual rainfall. July being the wettest month and there are about 120 days of rainfall.
Temperature The highest ever temperature witnessed in Darjeeling town was 26.7 degree Celsius i.e. 80.1 degree Fahrenheit on 23rd August 1957. The lowest ever temperature recorded in the district was minus 5 degree Celsius i.e. 23 degree Fahrenheit on 11th February 1905.
Humidity During the rainy season the humidity is up to 90 to 95 percent. During March - April the humidity is up to 40 to 45 percent.

Climatically the condition of Darjeeling is well compared to that of the United Kingdom.
Local Language: English, Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan and Bengali.

Transport & Communication
LOCAL TRANSPORT: Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers are available for local sightseeing in and around Darjeeling.

AIR CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra Airport is 90km (3hours) from Darjeeling.

LOCAL AIRLINES: Indian Airlines, Jet Airways.

ROAD CONNECTIONS: Darjeeling is connected with all weather mettaled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc.
• Darjeeling - Kalimpong...51 km
• Darjeeling - Siliguri....90 km
• Darjeeling - Gangtok.....115 km (via Lopchu Tea Estate)

RAIL CONNECTIONS: Out-station trains (Indian Railways) generally come into either New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. From there, visitors may proceed to Darjeeling by "Toy-Train" (journey time 6.5 to 7 hrs) or bus or taxi, Limo Van or Land Rover (journey time 3 to 3.5 hrs) to Darjeeling.

TOURIST CARS/BUSES: Tourist Cars, Tourist mini coaches and Taxis are available for transfer of passengers between Darjeeling and Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri Junction/Bagdogra, and also for sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Darjeeling.

Accomodation
There are many accommodation choices which can be made while in Darjeeling but to name few of them,one can try with the following hotels:

• aliment hotel
• alpine hotel
• bellevue hotel
• crystal palace hotel
• darjeeling gymkhana resort
• darjeeling tourist lodge
• fortune resort central
• alice villa hotel
• anand palace hotel
• apsara hotel
• broadway hotel
• cedar inn hotel
• conclave hotel
• dekeling hotel

Festivals
Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity, remain the predominant religion and Nepali, Hindi, Bengali and English are the prevailing languages. The Nepali culture is rich with hidden cultural treasures. It has various castes and each cast has a set of their own language apart from the common Nepali which is used for conversation. Tibetan is used by the refugees and some other tribal people. Owing to the diversity of the population of Darjeeling, some festival or the other is celebrated almost every month. Most of the Hindu and Tibetan festivals follow the lunar calendar and so the date of the festival does not fall on the exact date the next year. Also a public holiday means that all the Government offices and Banks remain closed that day. In addition to Durga Puja, Diwali, Saraswati Puja and Shivratri etc. there are local festivals peculiar only to the area. The Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate the New Year in January, while the Tibetans have their Devil dances to celebrate their New Year in their monasteries from the last week of February to March. As in the Chinese tradition, the snake or dragon dances curl through the streets. In February the Pedong Mela and agricultural fair is held in Kalimpong; along the banks of the confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet held the large fair called Makar Sankranti and in the second week of January the Beni Mela is celebrated in the streets of Teesta Bazar when folk dances fill the air with joy and music. In mid June processions, celebrate the Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Religious Shrines
Ghoom Monastery:
The monastery is said to be built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It is considered to be one of the holiest monasteries as this was personally blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. It is also said that the monastey keeps rare books on Buddhism . The monastery has a statue of the ‘Coming Buddha’ known as Maitreye Buddha.

The Mag - Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery (Aloobari Monastery):
The Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery was founded by its Head Priest, Ven. Sangay Lama who hailed from Yolmo in Nepal. The construction of the religious building co-incided with the beginning of the First World War in 1914. The monastery was therefore name Mag-Dhog or warding off the war and dedicated to the cause of world peace. One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling is worth a visit. A queer sense of inquisitiveness arises in anyone who visits the monastery. The statues of Lord Buddha depicting different forms is just beyond words of description. The statue of Lord Buddha and Padma Sambhava has a unique place in the history of architecture. The paintings on the wall are said to be done with the help of herbs and grass - an amazing work of art. The embossed images on the paintings can be felt with the very touch of the visitor and just makes one wonder how patient the painters must have been to paint all of the walls that too with minute details. Each painting depicts a story or teaching about life. Another interesting and the most valuable are the ancient scriptures lying inside the monastery.


Druk Thupten Sangag Choling Monastery (Dali Monastery):
This monastery is at Dali , about 4 kms away from Darjeeling town . This is one of the famous monasteries belonging to the Kargyupa sect. The pioneer of this monastery was Thuksay Rimpoche, who died in 1983 and his incarnate was born in 1986 at Ladakh. This monastery forms the headquarters of Drukchen Rimpoche, the XII, the supreme head of the Kargyud lineage.

Sangchhen Thong, Delling Gompa (GYING):
In the forecourt of the monastery, the year of establishment is written as being 1818. In view of this, it seems to be the oldest monastery in Darjeeling. The town of Darjeeling was not in existence then, as this area was then a part of the kingdom of Sikkim. But the available data with the Ecclesiastical Department of Sikkim tells a different story. According to the Department records this is what we find: Name and ownership - Ging monastery belonging to Lamas of Pemayangtse monastery in West Sikkim. Land area – 19 acres at Ging bounded on the North-east , the eastern Lebong road, North and west, western Lebong road and south leading from Darjeeling to Rangeet, South and South West Govt. Ging road from Western Lebong to Darjeeling road. Year of land allotment - Freehold grant given by the Lt. Governor of Bengal to Lama of Pemayangtse, Sikkim vide deed dated 28.2.1879. Year of establishment – It is not clearly mentioned in the records but it may have been immediately after the land allotment. Management and appointment of Head Lama- This monastery was derectly looked after by the Darber of Sikkim. As per the Darber’s notification No. 464/J dated 9.5.1933 in Tibetan , the control of the monasteries at Ging and Bhutia Busty in Darjeeling were entrusted to the Judicial Secretary of the Darber which is now carried out by Ecclesiastical Affairs Department. The appointment of head lama was also regulated to be deputed from Pemayangtse monastery. When we met the Head Lama presently serving in the monastery we were told that the original monastery had existed at a place where the present Gorkha Rangamnch is located near Loreto College. It was later shifted to Ging, about 8 Kms from Darjeelling town, at the request of theBritishers residing during those days as the blowing of Conchshells, the loud sound of Lhabha, Gyaling, etc ( used during worshipping time, specially in the early hours and the evening ) disturbed the peace and tranquilidty of the area. We may conjure some element of truth in it . The land where the monastery exists,was granted by the Lt. Governor of British India as per the deed mentioned above . A new monastery was built aferwards . The builders of the monastery, for reasons best known to them, though it is wise to keep the year of esbablishment as 1818.

Karma Dorjee Chyoling Monastery (Bhutia Busty Monastery):
It is said that this monastery was also shifted from its origins place at Observatory Hill .The same reasoningas in the case of shifting of the Ging Monastery can also be supposedly applied as the reason of shifting of this monastery too. Others have opinded that the Nepalese army destroyed this monastery inthe19th century. The original monastery at Observatory Hill was built by Lama DorjiLingpa, and the name Darjeelling was derived from his name . The monastery at Bhutia Busty was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1934 . With the benevolence of the Chogyal of Sikkim, it was rebuilt in the present location. The above two monasteies still belong to the Govt. of Sikkim and these two monasteries get some grant from the Ecclesiastical Department of Govt. of Sikkim for maintenance.

Tashi Dargyaligh Monastery:
It was established in 1926. The Tamang of the Gorkhas / Nepali community are also Buddhists of Nyingmapa sect. They too have monasteries of their own in different parts of Darjeeling . The above is the oldest monastery of the Tamang community which is in the heart of the Darjeelling town. The other one at Takdah cntonment aarea is also equally old. The recently built monastery at Nagri , below Sukhkia Pokhari, has been blessed by Pener Rimpoche and considered to be one of the holiest shrines.

Sherpa Buddhist Association Monastery:
This monastery is located at Toongsoong. About a kilometer from Chowrasta (Mall ) which was established in 1924. It belongs to the Nyingmppa sect. This monastery housed the statues of Sangay Hopamay , Chentezig and Guru Rimpoche.

Attractions In & Around Darjeeling
Tiger Hill : Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.), it is 15 km from Darjeeling town. An early morning trip to the Tiger Hill promises an unique experience. A view of the sunrise amidst the Himalayan range has earned it an international fame. From here you can get a glimpse of Mount Everest, the highest mountain and Kanchenjunga range.

The Observatory Hill : Apart from the magnificent view it commands, this hill atop the Mall also is attached with great religious importance as a revered temple complex for both the Hindus and the Buddhists.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Toy Train : This fascinating narrow gauge steam engine train still operates with the original steam engine and the loops and the zigzags along the route are remarkable feats of engineering. The journey from New Jalpaiguri may be a pleasant experience but it is the short ride from Darjeeling town to Ghoom, the nearest station, that becomes a joy ride in itself. The Toy Train is considered an engineering marvel and some prefer to call it one of the wonders of the world, to be preserved forever.

Batasia Loop and the War Memorial : About 5 kms. from Darjeeling, this railway loop is a marvellous feat of engineering and with its magnificent view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga mountain is worth an experience, whether aboard the Toy Train or just watching the Toy Train pass through this loop. The War memorial is constructed in the memory of the brave sons of Darjeeling who died for the country since Independence in 1947.

Tea Gardens : While in Darjeeling a visit to any nearby Tea Garden to watch the actual process of the manufacturing of Darjeeling Tea is worth it. Some of the Tea Gardens also sell their packet teas. There are about 70 tea gardens in this hill region and the most accessible one is the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is about 3 kms. from the town or within a walking distance of about 40 minutes (Closed on Monday).

Buddhist Monasteries : In and around Darjeeling there are important and interesting Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. The oldest one is called the Yiga Cholling Monastery which is situated about 8 kms. from the town at Ghoom and enshrines an image of 'the Coming Buddha' or the Maitriya Buddha. It was constructed in 1875 and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. The Samten Cholling Monastery is another interesting monastery nearby. The Drukpa Kargyud Monastery, also known as Dali Monastery, is a big monastery located 5 kms. from the town. It belongs to the Drukpa Sect and the Drukchen Rimpoche resides here. The Bhutia Busty Monastery is situated at C.R. Das Road and is within 15 minutes walk from the Mall.

Japanese Peace Pagoda : The Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist inaugurated the Japanese Peace Pagoda in 1992. It is a recent landmark constructed by Japanese Monks and commands an excellent view of the town and the Himalayan Range.

Dhirdham Temple : Situated just below the Railway station the temple is a structural replica of the famous 'Pashupatinath' temple of Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Mall and Chowrasta : The Mall road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta which is the hub of Darjeeling town, a square on the ridge of Darjeeling town and a good place to sit and relax. It is ideal for a leisurely walk around a setting that is perfect. A walk around The Mall is a must just at any time of the day with the pleasant view of the mountains, valleys with rhododendron trees and old houses.

Natural History Museum : While taking a walk in The Mall a visit to the Museum of Natural History which lies closeby is worthwhile. This fine small museum exhibits an unique collection of the fauna of the Himalayan region, especially of the Eastern Himalayas.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : It was founded in 1954 after the historic conquest of Everest on the 29th of May in 1953, when two people set foot atop Mount Everest. They were, Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa) from Darjeeling and Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand. As an honour to the great Sherpa this Institute was formed with the aim of imparting mountaineering skills to all the enthusiasts. Tenzing Sherpa himself was one of the founding members and also the Field Director of the Institute. It is situated on Jawahar Parbat and adjoins the Zoo. This Institute also houses a museum which holds a rare collection of mementos from various Everest expeditions. Nawang Gombu, the first man to have climbed the Everest twice is presently the Chief Advisor for the Mountaineering Training.

Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Centre : A high altitude wild life park and new home of the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer etc. , Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the town Zoo exhibits some rare Himalayan Fauna including the Snow Leopard, Red panda, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Pheasants, etc. It is a treat for all wild life enthusiasts. Just nearby is a very successful Snow Leopard Breeding Centre.

Lloyds Botanical Garden : This is a colourful garden situated just below the market. In 1878 Mr. W. Lloyd gifted 40 acres of hillside to make a garden with local plants and flowers. It still has the most varied collection of rhododendron, magnolia, orchids, etc. of the Eastern Himalayas. It also has a glass-house full of alpine flowers and also features an Orchidarium and a collection of medicinal plants.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway : This Ropeway is in one of the most beautiful part of the town and is situated at North Point about 3 kms. from town. The cable car ride takes 6 passengers at a time and it passes over the lush green tea gardens with breathtaking view of the mountains (Kanchenjunga) and provides an experience that cannot be easily forgotten. The valley has glorious views of Sikkim and the river Rangeet.

Handicrafts
Darjeeling has some interesting places to watch the local handicrafts being made as well as a various range of choiced handicraft souvenirs. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is a self-supporting Centre for Tibetan refugees which manufactures some intriguing Tibetan handicrafts. Established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees who had followed the Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. It offers a wide choice of Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan woollen carpet is very popular. Hayden Hall, a Roman Catholic social service centre also has a handicraft section with the purpose of helping the local poor people.

Handmade items are available for sale at reasonable prices. The Manjusha Bengal Emporium offers prominent hill handicrafts, handloom and silk products of West Bengal for display and for sale. It is situated at Nehru Road. Gram Shilpa is another such showroom displaying Khadi handloom silk products and set up by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Govt. of India. It is situated in Chowrasta.

Ava Art Gallery : Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the motor stand, it is just below the main road on the way to Ghoom. This gallery houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi.

Toy Train Ride In Darjeeling:
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is lovingly called the "Toy Train". The Toy Train ride is a romantic approach to the Himalayas, a mysterious region. The landscape can only be described as spectacular and the views of the Himalayan peaks breathtaking. The Darjeeling Toy Train is one of the most famous narrow (2 feet ) gauge trains.

Clothing
Light woollen for summer and heavy woollens for winter.

Dining out
Darjeeling offers a wide variety of Restaurants pertaining to the different tastes of individuals. There are restaurants whose offer ranges from normal hot spicy Indian food to Chinese, Italian, Continental etc. In short, Darjeeling has got everything you want. Some restaurants go live and kicking every night with live bands. So, if you are in a mood to swing while filling up your stomach, you've got the deal. Don't forget to taste the Nepalese food and yes also the momos - bet you just can't have one ("momos"), you will want it more!
Restaurants in Darjeeling Town
The Buzz Glenary's Restaurant & Bar
The Glenary's,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 9434106990 (Manager)
Nehru Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2254122, 2254315

Hasty Tasty Keventers
13, Nehru Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2252727 1 Nehru Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone:2254026, 2256542

Joey's Pub The Park
2, S.M. Das Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2258216 Opp. State Bank of India,
41, Ladenla Road,
Darjeeling:
Phone: 2254989, 2255270

Fiesta Dekevas
Chowrastha,
Darjeeling.
Phone: Gandhi Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2254159

Kunga's Simla Restaurant & Bar
51 Gandhi Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2253971 N.C. Goenka Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2254659

New Dish Restaurant & Bar Amigos
J.P. Sharma Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2252861, 2253456 Chowrastha,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2253633

Seven Seventeen Food Exchange Restaurant
26, HD Lama Road,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2255099, 2252017 Capital Hotel Complex,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2254698

Taaja's Stardust
Planter's Club,
Darjeeling. Chowrastha,
Darjeeling.
Phone: 2254136

Penang's Frank Ross
Laden-La Road,
Darjeeling. 14, Nehru Road,
Darjeeling.
2258194

Mayaloo Restaurant Dafey Munal
4, Gandhi Road,
Darjeeling. Laden-La Road,
Darjeeling.
2253973, 2256248

Adventurous Sports
TREKKING-Apart from being acclaimed as one of the best Hill Resorts, Darjeeling is also a veritable paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. Trekking in Darjeeling is an experience which no lover of nature should miss. It takes one to places from where one can feel the proximity of the stars and is still in its premival majesty. It brings one face to face with the snow-capped mountains with the sublime grandeur of the Himalayas. The region abounds in rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids and ferns of numerous varieties. About six hundred species of birds inhabit the emerald green forests on the slopes of the mountains.
Mountaineering is a sport reserved for the trained and well equipped personnels, but as far as trekking is concerned, it is a sport for one and all. There is no need to be a professional climber to enjoy the magnificient grandeur of the Himalayas, just an ordinary person who has the will to walk along the narrow paths of the hills and who has the inquisitiveness of viewing the serenity and sublime of the mountains.

RIVER RAFTING-White Water Rafting is an Adventure Hill Sport, which is relatively new in the Darjeeling Hills having introduced in 1991. Since then the sport has gained immense popularity all over the region.
Graded on the international scale at Grade II, III & IV, the icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta with a series of rapids with varying intensity and character, extend a challenging invitation to one of the finest rafting stretches in the world. The turbulent waters of the Rangeet with its multidimensional rapids provide rafters of all age groups with a variation meant for professionals. The spectacular scenery confronting a rafter while one snakes down the mountain rivers make this experience a must for all lovers of adventure.

JUNGLE SAFARIES
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary:
In North Bengal, the great expanse of Terrai grasslands is held by Jaldapara Sanctuary intersected with raverine forests, dry mixed forests and wet-forests. Rhino and Asiatic elephant's favourite homes are the tall riparian grasslands lined with bamboo clumps. Various other kinds of species like the python, monitor lizard, cobra, kraits and frogs are available for visitors to see. On approach, Hog Deer, a typical animal of short grasslands quite often shoots out of cover in small groups. The sambar conceals itself in a good shrubby undergrowth. The cheetal is confined to the edge - areas between treelands and grasslands. Gaurs - Indian bison - can be found roaming over grasslands and forest. A tiger or leopard may be found on the sandy banks of a stream. Ride on elephants gives an exhilirating experience at Jaldapara.

Rain Forests of Dooars:
Dooars is self explanatory meaning the 'gateway'. Specifically meant to be the gateway to Bhutan, it is now the gateway to the Indian states & districts of Assam, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Here the streams mature into rivers, rhinos and elephants have their say and its a place where the Himalayas meet the plains.

A never ending stretch of virgin forests is crisscrossed by the river Teesta and her tributaries with motorable roads cut through deep forests, rich with fauna and flora. Mauve hills stand at the end of velvet green plains. The forests echo with the melody of birds. There are various wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, trival settlements and valleys carpeted with tea gardens.

The Indian bison or Gaur can be said to be omni present. A prominent glance of the endangered species, one horned rhino, is possible at Jaldapara and Gorumara. The Royal Bengal Tiger can be seen at Mahananda and Buxa with other numbers of the cat-family. Small tribes like Rava, Mech, Kora, Munda etc. are found in between. Toto, the smallest surviving tribe also exists.

Gorumara:
The reception of the National Park with ringing temple bells, typical sounding crickets is fantastic. Comprising of 80 sq. kilometers including the upper Tondu reserve and Chapramari wildlife sanctuary, Gorumara is unique for its diversity. This is the most vital migratory corridor of the Asiatic Elephant - the myth of this forest prayed as Mahakal Baba or Lord Shiva. A temple in Darjeeling at the Observatory hill is solely dedicated to Mahakal Baba and the locals say that it is "Chetcheti" meaning very holy and whatever you wish for, your wishes will be granted. It claims to be the home for one horned Rino and the Indian bison. Bird watching is one of the best pastimes.

Emergency Contact No :
Important Phone Nos. in the Darjeeling area

Police Stations / Out Post
Sadar Thana (Darjeeling) 2254422
Sonada 2466222
Rangli-Rangliot 2262226
Pulbazar 2260226
Kalimpong 255268
Mirik 2443226
Kurseong 2330222
Kurseong Bazar (OP) 2344743
Tindharia Out Post 2341224
Gorubothan 264013
Teesta Out Post 268270
Siliguri 2436484/2420101
Matigara P.S. 2571400
Fire Brigade
Darjeeling 2252121/2252128
Kurseong 2344411
Kalimpong 255101
Siliguri 2521867/2422222

Railway Bookings
Darjeeling Railway Station 2252555
Ghoom 2274843
Bijanbari out agency 2260267
Toy Train Joy Ride, Darjeeling 2254879
Kalimpong 255643
Kurseong 2344700
Jalpaiguri 225594
Darjeeling Municipality
Chairman 2254406
Vice Chairman 2252268
M.U.P.L. Engineer 2252284
Health Officer 2252437
Water Works 2254884
Police Department
Superintendent of Police 2254270
Asst. Superintendent of Police 2254263
D.S.P. (HQ) 2254096
D.S.P. (DIB) 2254203
CI (Sadar) 2256356
IC (Sadar) 2254422
Court Inspector 2252149

TOURIST OFFICES

DARJEELING Tourist Bureau,
Govt. of West Bengal,
1, Nehru Road,
Darjeeling - 734101
Phone : 2254050
Fax : 0354-2254102 Deputy Director of Tourism, DGAHC,
Silver Fir Building,
Bhanu Sarani,
Darjeeling - 734101
Phone : 2254879/2255351
Fax : 0354-2254214

Tourist Information Center,
Govt. of West Bengal,
Darjeeling Rly. Station,
Darjeeling - 734101
Tourist Information Center,
New Car Park,
Ladenla Road, Darjeeling - 734101

If you are planning to visit Darjeeling you can refer the Darjeeling Accomodation Guide.