Friday 23 March, 2007

JAIPUR - "The Pink City"

Introduction
The city of Jaipur is the logical starting point for anyone traveling in Rajasthan because of its central location and good air, road, and rail connections. To the west lies the desert region of Marwar (Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur), to the north and south run the craggy Aravali hills. From Jaipur it is an easy drive to Alwar and the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the northeast, or to Ajmer, Pushkar and Kishnagarh in the South east.
Also within reach is the Shekawati region in the northwest and Ranthambor National Park in the east.

Quick Facts about the City
Location: Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan state in west India. The second largest Indian state of Rajasthan is a land of contrasts – the Thar desert, mountains, man- made and holy lakes, forests and jungles, impregnable fortresses and magnificent palaces, of warrior kings and princes, saints and mystics, Rajputs and Mughals. In common with other parts of India, Rajasthan has a wealth of royal residences and stately homes in the form of palaces (great and small), forts, hunting lodges or large estates.
STD Code : 91 (country dialling code), and 0141, most numbers in Jaipur are still seven digits.
Country : jaipur,india
Area : 64.75 sq.km.
Airport : sanganer airport
People : rajasthani
Altitude : 431 meters
Climate : Max. Min.
Summer : 45.0° C 25.8° C
Winter : 22.0° C 8.3° C
Best Season : September-March
Clothing :
Summer : light tropical
Winter : Light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.
Population : 1.5 million

General Info & History
General Information
If Jaipur is a city of turbans and mustaches, it is also a city of polo which has curious variants: while usually played on Horseback it is also played on elephants and times being what they are on bicycles. The important sights to see in Jaipur are the city palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Amber Fort. But do not miss the city's other fine public buildings such as the Albert Hall Museum. While on the subject of architecture remember to take a look at the grandiose Raj Mandir cinema whose style could only be described as "Cecil B.De Mille-Rajput Rococo". Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinary colorful place.On its streets you see women in their brilliant red and orange odhnis and sweeping skirts and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned mustaches. Both turbans and mustaches have an entire non verbal vocabulary of their own: for instance, twirling one's mustache while looking at a woman constitutes making a pass at her. And as for a turban, it can tell you the wearers hometown, profession and various other personal details besides.

History
JAIPUR "SHEER SYMPHONY IN PINK" The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink-the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortress perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by its formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalized the city's plans in the grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris) in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the 'Shilpa Shastra' - an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to pinkcity a memorable one.

Climate/Temperature
Temperatures
Summer - Max.45°C, Min.25°C
Winter - Max.22°C, Min.00°C
Monsoon - Max.40°C, Min.35°C
Rainfall - 31.87 cm
Pre-monsoon, which extends from April to June, is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 45°C. The second season Monsoon extends from July to September, temp drops but humidity increases making it very un comfortable, even when there is slight drop in the temp (35°C to 40°C). The Post-monsoon period is from Oct to December. The average maximum temperature is 33°C to 38°C, and the minimum is between 18°C and 20°C.
The fourth season is the winter or cold season, from January to March. There is a marked variation in maximum and minimum temperatures from 0°C to 25°C.

Local Language
Languages spoken: English, Hindi is spokeken,but Marwari is the local language spoken by many people here.

How to get there
By Air
Sanganer Airport at a distance of 12 km from the city center. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and some other cities from Jaipur.
CITY DISTANCE IN FLY TIME
From Jaipur To
Delhi 45 mins
Mumbai 02 hrs
Kolkata 01hr 30min
Thiruvananthapuram 3hrs 30mins
Bangalore 3hrs
Hyderabad 02hr
Chennai 03hr
Goa 02 hrs
Ahmedabad 01 hr 30mins
Aurangabad 02 hrs 30mins
Pune 02hr 30mins
Bhubaneshwar 01hr 30min
By Rail
The Jaipur Railway Station is in the heart of the town. There are many trains that connect Jaipur and Delhi. Palace on Wheels is a train with luxury accommodation that passes through popular tourist places on a week’s journey. It begins and ends its journey in Delhi and passes through Jaipur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Ranthambhore - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur and Agra. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi, takes four-and-a-half hours to travel to Jaipur.
Pink City Express also connects Jaipur to Delhi.
Rail
CITY DISTANCE IN RAIL TIME
Mumbai 14 hrs
Agra 3 hrs
Delhi 4hrs 30mins
Amritsar 7hrs 45 mins
Dehradun 13 hrs
Lucknow 6 hrs 40 mins
Kolkata 15 hours
Patna 12hrs 40 mins
Guwahati 15hrs 10 mins
Jammu 16 hours
Bangalore 33 hrs

By Road
Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle Circuit of India that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Most of these tours are conducted either by buses or trains. The National Highway 8 is the connecting link between Jaipur and Delhi. The entire highway is a four-lane double carriage-way. One can travel to Agra (230 km) along National Highway 11 via Dausa, Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri. The route is a two lane highway with fairly good surface. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has Volvo, air-conditioned deluxe coaches to Delhi. These also have sleeping facilities. One can also avail of the Pink Line bus services, operated by Rajasthan Roadways that takes about 5-6 hours to travel to Delhi.
By Road in Kilometers drive
Delhi 258 km 5 hrs
Udaipur 347 km 7 hours
Kota 242 kms 5 hrs
Bharatpur 176 km 3 hrs 30 mins
Agra 232 km 4 hrs 30 mins
Ajmer 131 km 3 hrs
Jaisalmer 543 km 11 hrs
Bikaner 354 km 7 hrs
Jodhpur 316 km 6 hrs 30 mins
Bombay 1202 km. 24 hrs

Travel Within Jaipur
Pre-paid taxis can be hired at the airport. Auto-rickshaws. There is a pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter, at the railway station. Taxis and autos are the most convenient ways of moving inside the city as well as to reach some of the excursions located in the proximity. To move around within the city, one can also take cycle rickshaws. Radio taxis and tourist cabs are available for short and long trips, in and around Jaipur.

Accomodation

Festivals
Chromatic Jaipur enchants you with its multi-colored festivals that mirror the fascinating customs of brilliant Rajasthan. Festivals in Jaipur are platforms for folk performers to display their art; these festal gatherings offer an excuse for merrymaking and general gaiety that adds color to pink Jaipur. Quite a few festivals are celebrated in Jaipur throughout the year but the most important festive affairs that involve mass participation; large scale pujas, prayers and cultural extravaganzas are Teej, Elephant Festival, Gangaur and the International Kite Festival. Women decorate their palms and feet with the most stunning and exquisite henna patterns during every Jaipur festival, men, women and children wear new clothes, artists perform with vigor and gusto, general enthusiasm, fireworks, ritualistic activities and more characterize festival celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Be a part of the vibrant kaleidoscope that is Rajasthan as you enjoy and participate in the festivals in Jaipur with Rajasthan Holiday. See fire dancers, kalbeliya performers, delightfully adorned camels and warm people during your tours to the festivals in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Teej festival: The Teej festival celebrated with festal fervor and gaiety has a special religious significance. Ladies and young girls pray to the Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort who exults in her conjugal bliss with Lord Shiva and therefore the women in Rajasthan treat the Teej Festival with venerable significance as they invoke the blessings of goddess Parvati to bless them with long and happy married lives. Pink Jaipur glistens in a riot of green as women and girls dress up in colors of freshness and fertility. Ladies and young girls wear colorful bangles and accessories to look brighter and prettier. Women and young girls come together to decorate and adorn idols of Teej Mata with opulent clothes and traditional jewelry. Ladies sing devotional songs and pray to Goddess Parvati as they hang traditional swings from trees and swing in rhythm with folk ballads. Almost all the lawns and gardens in Jaipur spring to life with colorfully decorated swings decorated with strings of marigold and spring flowers that infuse the whole of Jaipur with exuberance and hope - for a new life and a new beginning. In the afternoon heavily adorned ladies set out with idols of Teej Mata in big processions that course the lanes of the Old Jaipur city; most of these processions make a stop at the sacred Kanak Vrindavan before proceeding for the immersion rites.

Gangaur festival: Celebrated exactly fourteen days after Holi, the Gangaur festival is celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm all over Jaipur and several other parts of Rajasthan, India. The women of Jaipur adorn themselves in fine clothes and traditional jewelry and come together to invoke the blessings of Goddess Parvati. Young girls observe fasts and observe several traditional rituals that they believe will help them choose good husbands. Parents prefer it very much if their daughters find suitable grooms during the Gangaur festival as it is considered as a very auspicious time. Women gather the ashes of bonfires burnt on the night of Holi and bury wheat and barley seeds in these ashes. These seeds are watered for a day or two till they germinate. On the day four after Holi, women come together in communities and make clay idols of Gauri, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. These idols are decorated with traditional attire and jewelry and worshipped by singing devotional folk songs. Men and women come out in colorful processions carrying idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the streets of Jaipur. Married women prepare homemade Ghewar to offer to the Goddess Parvati. Ghewar is popular Jaipur sweet that is prepared on a large scale during the Gangaur festival. Men, women and children buy new clothes, families exchange gifts and women pray with complete devotion for a prosperous married life as the Gangaur festival celebrations. Watch folk artists in gay colors, see puppet shows and watch enthralling fireworks that light up the Jaipur skies as the people of Jaipur celebrate Gangaur with devotion and gaiety.

Elephant festival: Celebrated in the month of March every year, the Elephant festival is organized by the state tourism department in Jaipur every year. Elephants have played an important role in the royal history of Jaipur and the elephant festival in Jaipur showcases the beauty and skill of these gigantic pachyderms that walk the streets of Jaipur with graceful gait. The main venue for the elephant festival is the Jaipur Chaughan or the Polo Ground and the celebrations begin with a large procession of brightly caparisoned elephants who catwalk in all their gold and silver glory in front of all the visitors. Several camels and horses also join the procession though female elephants dominate the procession. Ornamented in colors of gold, red, yellow, green the elephants are adorned from their trunks to toes. Watch elephants in action as they participate in races, polo games, elephant games, tug-o-war etc. See folk dance performances and watch elephants at their royal best during the fabulous elephant festival.

The most engaging, exciting and thrilling event that enthralls you is the final gala when elephants spring holi colors at each other and the crowd with their trunks. Also see with bated breath as the elephants compete with each other in fierce elephant fights during the elephant festival celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

International kite festival: Makar Sankranti or the Hindu New Year is celebrated with merriment, kites, street plays, folk art performances and exotic food all over India and especially in Jaipur every year on January 14. The International Kite Festival fill the Jaipur soul with gay rainbow colors and a general happy mood. People from all over the world come and participate in the International Kite Festival with joyous enthusiasm. Entire Jaipur springs to life with paper kites, kite exhibitions, sessions on the history of kite flying, dance dramas and other festive celebrations. The International Kite festival in Jaipur has two main occasions; one the "Kite Fight" and the other the "friendly Kite flying" session. You'll be amazed to see the innovative shapes and colors that adorn the Jaipur skies during the International Kite Festival. The three-day kite festival is celebrated in the Jaipur polo grounds. On the final day of the festivities air force helicopters release hundreds of colorful kites in the blue skies and school children release balloons that fill the skies in vibrant hues of happiness and gay abandon. The final day of the International Kite Festival in Jaipur is celebrated on the Umaid Bhawan Palace lawns with a lot of pomp and fanfare.

Religious Places
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Tour the Laxmi Narayan temple located below the Moti Doongri in Southern Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Constructed by the famous Birla family, the Laxmi Narayan temple in Jaipur is an excellent illustration of the secular spirit of India. The entire temple structure has been constructed in such a way that the building rises in a tiered form with three distinct domes representing three different faiths. The splendid Laxmi Narayan temple in Jaipur has been built in such a manner that the entire shrine begins to glow with a soft light as soon as the sun begins to set, creating a picture pretty vista against the glorious Jaipur skyline.
Dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and the Lord of preservation, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Popularly referred to as the Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is managed by the B.M. Birla Foundation. A similar temple build on similar lines has been constructed in Delhi also. Come and explore the architectural wealth of Jaipur with Rajasthan Holiday and discover the inherent charm of the fascinating and royal Pink City.

Attractions
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is located in the Tripolia Bazaar to the west of GPO. Built to let the ladies of royal harem watch the royal possessions, Hawa Mahal is not a palace as the name suggests. Hawa Mahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. Most well known of Jaipur's buildings, you can have the best views of this great building from the street outside.

The City Palace
A major part of the City Palace has been converted in a museum. Remaining part of the palace is still being used by the royal family of Jaipur as residence. The palace is built in the fortified campus style and covers almost seventh part of Jaipur. There are different sections of the museum dedicated to subjects like arms and ammunition, textile and costume, and art gallery.
Some important palaces in this complex include the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, and Diwan-I-Khas.

Jantar Mantar
Translated into 'Instruments of Measuring the Harmony of the Heavens', Jantar Mantar was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading. Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are:
1. Small 'Samrat'
2. 'Dhruva'
3. 'Narivalya'
4. The Observer's Seat
5. Small 'Kranti'
6. 'Raj'
7. 'Unnathamsa'
8. 'Disha'
9. 'Dakshina'
10. Large 'Samrat'
11. 'Rashivalayas'
12. 'Jai Prakash'
13. Small 'Ram'
14. Large 'Ram Yantra'
15. 'Diganta'
16. Large 'Kranti'

Nahargarh
Most of the fort is now in the ruins but it is a pleasant attraction in terms of stunning views you get from here of the countryside. There are few visitors here and solitude inside the ramparts of the fort makes the fort worthy of a good visit. The fort is lit beautifully in the night and dominates the skyline by the day.

Central Museum
Earlier known as Albert Hall, this building was built to welcome Prince of Welcome during his visit to India in 1853. The building is located in sprawling Ram Niwas Garden and houses precious collections of metalware, miniature portraits, and other pieces of art.

Kanak Valley
Welcome to Kanak Valley, a world of temples, chattris and cenotaphs interspersed with watercourses, ponds, dense greens and marble pavilions with brightly colored frescoes depicting Krishna lilas. All this and more stand in bright contrast to the seer Aravalli ranges known for their yellow craggy rock surfaces. Mountain brooks, hill streams and lush greens create a wonder oasis in the midst of a barren land. In fact centuries ago when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh happened upon this paradise he was so enchanted that he christened it as Kanak Vrindavan i.e. a land that was just like the legendary Vrindavan of Lord Krishna. The Kanak Valley in Jaipur lies at a little distance from the Amber Fort and is the wonder world that is nourished with the River Dharbawati that has now been reduced to a hill lake. The Govind Deoji Temple and the Natwarji temple are the two most sacred shrines located in the Kanak Valley in Jaipur. The people of Jaipur consider the Kanak Valley so sacred that even today the Gangaur and other religious processions stopover at the Kanak Valley before going further. There are several royal cenotaphs in the Kanak Valley that are nothing short of architectural wonders with exquisite jail designs, intricate lattice work and fascinating marble friezes.

Shopping/Clothing
Jaipur offers one of a kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi precious stones, kundan and minakri work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine kota doria saries are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The city is also famous for woollen carpets and cotton rugs, equally popular are the leather footwear, especially that embroidered Jutes.The famous shopping spots are Rajasthali, Johari Bazaar, MI road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chapur stalls. The markets are generally closed on Sundays.Markets are generally open from 10:30 am till 5:30 pm and are closed on Sundays.Rajasthan Cottage Industries at Shilpgram Complex, Golomar Garden sells a wide range of silver jewellery, furniture, textiles and hand made paper.

Activity for Kids
Amusement Parks
Wonderland and Fun Kingdom (telephone: 91-141-397505, 395432 ) are outdoor parks where the kids can have all the fun they want. It�s a huge hit with kids of all ages! For more information on Wonderland, you can ring : 91-141-60954. Pink Pearl Water theme Park, on the Ajmer Road. (Telephone: 91-141-370670, 381988)

Zoo
Jaipur zoo houses a rarely found white peacock and a white lion amongst lots of other birds and four legged creatures. A must visit only for these speciesFor the hip and trendy teenager, a trip to the Megabowl is a must. It is one of the largest indoor amusement centre at Malviya Nagar that has the latest computer/video games and a bowling alley.

Birla Planetarium
Statue circle
The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Centre offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.

Pink Pearl Water Park
Ajmer Road, phone: 370670, 381988.

Important Getaways
There are many places to visit around the city of Jaipur. One can see the amazing step wells and Harshad Mata Temple at Abhaneri and the Krishna Temples of Karauli. Rajasthani handicrafts are very famous and you can have the first-hand experience of the traditional block-printing process at Bagru and see the small-scale industry of handmade paper flourishing in Sanganer. Besides, one can also see the Jain Temples at Sanganer. The adventure-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit the best-known Tiger reserve in India, Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska National Park. Samode Palace is exquisitely beautiful and has been preserved in a good condition while the Persian art of Tonk, which was once ruled by 'Pathans' of Afghanistan, is sure to grab the attention of the tourists. The charms never cease to amaze tourists in and around Jaipur.

Abhaneri
95 km from Jaipur, the village of Abhaneri is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road and is especially notable for 'baoris', the step wells that are an indigenous invention of the local people at rainwater harvesting. Besides these 'baoris', the Harshat Mata Temple is worth visiting, who is the Goddess of Mirth and Happiness. According to the local beliefs, Goddess Harshat Mata is always depicted in a jolly mood and is said to impart her mirth and happiness as brightness to the whole village. 'Abha' means brightness in Hindi. Thus, the village was originally named 'Abha Nagri', which in time was corrupted to Abhaneri.

Bagru
30 km from Jaipur, Bagru is situated on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road. The town is especially famous for the typical wooden block prints that are famous as Bagru prints all over India. The technique used for printing is also unique and simulates a wooden block print. Mostly ethnic floral patterns are used and typically vegetable dyes are used for traditional Bagru Prints.

Karauli
182 km from Jaipur, Karauli is known mainly for its famous Krishna temple known as Madan Mohanji Temple and other historic monuments. The village was founded in 1348 and it is the 600-year old Fort, which forms the imposing highlight of this village. Used as a residence by the royal family until 1950, the fort has now been abandoned by them. There are a good number of monkeys and geese in the fort. It is said that geese are here since the days when they were used as a warning system against any intruders. The large manor known as Bhawar Vilas Palace still belongs to the descendents of the royal family and has now been converted into a hotel. It offers comfy and luxurious rooms and good meals. One can reach Karauli by road from Jaipur.

Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhore National Park has once been the princely game conserve, lying at the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas in eastern Rajasthan. Known for the Indian Tigers, it also boasts of a tenth century fort, Dhok sands, plateau grasslands, meadows in valleys and lush green foliage around the canals. It has three big lakes Padam Talab, Malik Talab and Raj Bagh that abound with aquatic vegetation such as duckweeds, lilies and lotus. The 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range, is a unique geological feature, whereas two rivers known as Chambal and Banas flow across the park. Besides the tiger, which is the chief attraction here, other fauna of the park includes Owlets, Langurs, Leopards, Caracals, Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle Cats, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boars, Bears and various species of Deer.

Samode
40 km from Jaipur, the fortified residence of the Nathawat family is a charming and romantic citadel that exhibits grandeur, good taste, class and elegance worthy of the erstwhile Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court. The main entrance of the fort is through the village and one can opt for camel safari to ride across the village with hardy desert people flashing warm smiles and extending cordial hospitality. The medieval architecture of the fort reflects oriental formality. 43 spacious rooms and suites surround the centrally located open courtyards and boast of their very own having private balconies and views.

Sanganer
16 km from Jaipur, Sanganer is known not only for its exquisite Jain temples but also as one of the world-famous centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles. The ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple of Sanganer has fine carvings that are comparable to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu that are built in various phases. Built in old architectural style, the latest additions were made to the temple in the 10th century. It has sky-high 'shikharas' (spires) and the inner sanctum is a stone shrine with three pinnacles housing the idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods surrounded by carvings of religious symbols such as lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. However, the presiding deity of the temple is Adinath.

Sariska National Park
107 km from Jaipur, Sariska National Park is larger than Ranthambor and has a similar topography. However, it does not have so many tigers and has not been so commercialized. Sprawling across an area of 800 sq km in the Northern Aravalis, it was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. The steep hills and narrow valleys, scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses make a natural habitat for wide range of wildlife that exhibits ecological adoption and tolerance. Legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar, it boasts of historic pavilions and temples and the Kankwadi Fort nearby, which has a long and turbulent history. The best place and time to spot the wildlife and viewing game at Sariska is at the water holes at sunrise and dusk, when animals come here to drink water.

Tonk
96 km away from Jaipur, Tonk is a small and peaceful town. Once ruled by the tribes said to be descendents of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan, the highlight of the city is the Sunehri Kothi or the Golden Bungalow. The monument has stark and simple exteriors but its lavish and ornamental interiors are quite charming. The other monuments that are worth passing through are the old buildings that were once occupied by the British office. The leather and the felt industry of Tonk are also famous and one can get some good bargain on leather and felt items from the place. The Persian arts and crafts are prevalent in Tonk and those who are interested can also visit the library of Nawab of Tonk, which boasts of a good number of Arabic and Persian manuscripts and the Arabic and Persian Research Institute.

Nightlife/Entertainment
The Polo Bar
Rambagh Palace hotel,
Bhawani Singh Road,
Tel: 2381919
Decorated with polo trophies won by the late Maharaja of Jaipur, it is rated amongst the finest bars in the world. Steam, at the same hotel is located in a very unique setting of a steam engine. It is Jaipur's first and original "pub on wheels". is a popular watering hole.

Chokhi Dhani
Near Jaipur airport
Tel: 2770555
Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort with a blend of rustic environment and modern amenities makes it your favorite destination in Pink City.
Chokhi Dhani Resort literally meaning the "Fine Hamlet" is a 5 star Ethnic resort, the only one of its kind in the country. With quaint mud and thatch dwellings set in sprawling acreage of land, it serves ethnic Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine. Traditional folk performance is organised alongside.

Geoffrey's
The Park Plaza Hotel,
Prithviraj Road
Tel: 0141 - 2339668/2336205
Geoffrey's the hotel pub delights you with a wide range of delectable dishes and wines on its menu.

Apna Gaon
Jaipur Sikar Road,
Tel: 331582
Serves authentic local cuisine amidst recreated village atmosphere. Entertainment here comes from puppet shows and folk dances. Most delicacies served here are made from vegetables grown on the same farm.

Dreamland
Gaurav Tower,
Malviya Nagar,
Tel: 2549487
Indoor family fun centre open from 11 am to 11 pm has discotheques, video games and fun rides.
Welcomgroup Rajputana Palace Sheraton
Every evening from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the it-out area.
The show includes Kalbelia Dancers,Puppeteers and Bhopas that display Rajasthan's rich heritage.

Band Playing
Ram Niwas Bagh
An age old tradition of "Band Playing" has been revived by the Department of Tourism and is held every Saturday evening.

Travel Tips
  • While using local transport be it taxis or auto rickshaws, make sure that they down the meter. You may get fleeced.
  • Summers can be scorching hot and winters piercing cold.
  • Always have a couple of extra rolls / batteries for you camera, there is lots you can shoot.
  • Make sure you get a road map if you are planning to do the tour of the city on your own on foot. Local shop owners are helpful but it is always safer to ask a police man for directions.
Important Landmarks
Sargasuli
The tower erected in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate a battle victory dominates the skyline on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar and is the highest structure in Jaipur.

Ram Nivas Bagh
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium and a museum. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II as a famine relief project in 1868. Rabindra Manch here with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre hosts cultural events.

Statue circle
The full length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble stands at the centre of the circle.

Dolls Museum
Near Police memorial
Open:12noon to 7 pm.
Pretty dolls from various countries are on display within the complex of a school for deaf and dumb.

Tipping
10% in all locations

Eateries of Jaipur
Taj Rambagh amphitheatre offers both traditional entertainment and Tandoori cuisine to its guests. There are multicuisine restaurants here too. Lakshmi Misthaan Bhandaar or LMB is well known for serving sumptuous Rajasthani cuisine including famous dessert of Jaipur, 'ghewar'. There are many good multi-cuisine restaurants at Ganapati Plaza, while one can get real taste of Rajasthan at Tonk Road and Choki Dhani. However, these places offer only vegetarian traditional meals in their rustic way with lots of desi ghee and no tables unlike the sophisticated ways of big and famous restaurants in the city. Here, you can also enjoy the folk performances and a camel ride before lunch or dinner. There are several world-class multicuisine restaurants offering Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine at MI Road. The palace turned hotels have some quality bars and multicuisine restaurants too such as Hotel Maharani Palace, Hotel Rambagh Palace, Hotel Mansingh Palace and Hotel Jai Mahal Palace . To savor South Indian food or nibble on fast food, Subhash Marg is a good place to explore. 'Niro's' specializes in Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian, Chinese and Continental food along with American Ice Cream Sodas, while 'Golden Dragon' is known for its perfect Chinese cuisine. For a nibble in reasonable prices, 'Copper Chimney', 'Indian Coffee House' and 'Chanakya Restaurant' are good places to choose from. All of the above are situated on MI Road. Those who love to drink must visit 'Polo Bar' at the Rambagh Palace.

Emergency Contact No.s
Police 100
Ambulance 102
Crime police 1090
Sawai Man Singh Hospital 2560291, 2560392
Foreighners registration office 2669391
Forest Reception Office 2241333

If you are planning to visit Jaipur, You can visit the Jaipur Accommodation Guide. If you have any queries regarding Jaipur, you can ask the Jaipur City Expert and get answers within 24 hrs for free.

Wednesday 21 March, 2007

India " The cradle of life "

From my past experiences I came to know that India is the most visited destination in the world. And in my blog I get lots of visitors from out of India. So at last I decided to write for fellow travellers outside India.

"India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!"
Mark Twain

"Civilizations have arisen in other parts of the world. In ancient and modern times, wonderful ideas have been carried forward from one race to another...But mark you, my friends, it has been always with the blast of war trumpets and the march of embattled cohorts. Each idea had to be soaked in a deluge of blood..... Each word of power had to be followed by the groans of millions, by the wails of orphans, by the tears of widows. This, many other nations have taught; but India for thousands of years peacefully existed. Here activity prevailed when even Greece did not exist... Even earlier, when history has no record, and tradition dares not peer into the gloom of that intense past, even from until now, ideas after ideas have marched out from her, but every word has been spoken with a blessing behind it and peace before it. We, of all nations of the world, have never been a conquering race, and that blessing is on our head, and therefore we live....!"
Swami Vivekananda

"Unity in Diversity" was the slogan chosen when India celebrated fifty years of Independence in 1997, a declaration replete with as much optimism as pride. Stretching from the frozen barrier of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of the Thar desert, the country's boundaries encompass incomparable variety. Walk the streets of any Indian city and you'll rub shoulders with representatives of several of the world's great faiths, a multitude of castes and outcastes, fair-skinned, turbanned Punjabis and dark-skinned Tamils. You'll also encounter temple rituals that have been performed since the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs, onion-domed mosques erected centuries before the Taj Mahal was ever dreamt of, and quirky echoes of the British Raj on virtually every corner. That so much of India's past remains discernible today is all the more astonishing given the pace of change since Independence in 1947. Spurred by the free-market reforms of the early 1990s, the economic revolution started by Rajiv Gandhi has transformed the country with new consumer goods, technologies and ways of life. Today the land where the Buddha lived and taught, and whose religious festivals are as old as the rivers that sustain them, is the second-largest producer of computer software in the world, with its own satellites and nuclear weapons.

However, the presence in even the most far-flung market towns of Internet cafés and Japanese hatchbacks has thrown into sharp relief the problems that have bedevilled the subcontinent since long before it became the world's largest secular democracy. Poverty remains a harsh fact of life for around forty percent of India's inhabitants; no other nation on earth has slum settlements on the scale of those in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata (Calcutta), nor so many malnourished children, uneducated women and homes without access to clean water and waste disposal.

Fact file
  • The Republic of India, whose capital is New Delhi, borders China, Nepal and Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh and Myanmar (formerly Burma) to the east and Pakistan to the west.
  • The world's seventh-largest country, covering more than 3 million square kilometres, it is second only to China in terms of population, which stands at over 1.1 billion. Hindus comprise 82 percent of the population, Muslims 12 percent, and there are millions of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. Eighteen major languages and more than 1000 minor languages and dialects are spoken; Hindi is the language of forty percent of the population, but English is widely spoken.
  • The caste system is all-pervasive and, although integral to Hindu belief, it also encompasses non-Hindus. A system of social hierarchy that holds especial sway in rural areas, it may dictate where a person lives and what their occupation is.
  • Literacy extends to 76 percent of males and 54 percent of females: 65 percent of the total population.

Where to go
The best Indian itineraries are the simplest. It just isn't possible to see everything in a single expedition, even if you spent a year trying. Far better, then, to concentrate on one or two specific regions and, above all, to be flexible. Although it requires a deliberate change of pace to venture away from the urban centres, rural India has its own very distinct pleasures. In fact, while Indian cities are undoubtedly adrenalin-fuelled, upbeat places, it is possible - and certainly less stressful - to travel for months around the subcontinent and rarely have to set foot in one. The most-travelled circuit in the country, combining spectacular monuments with the flat, fertile landscape that for many people is archetypally Indian, is the so-called "Golden Triangle" in the north: Delhi itself, the colonial capital; Agra, home of the Taj Mahal; and the Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is probably the single most popular state with travellers, who are drawn by its desert scenery, by the imposing medieval forts and palaces of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bundi, and by the colourful traditional dress.

East of Delhi, the River Ganges meanders through some of India's most densely populated regions to reach the extraordinary holy Hindu city of Varanasi (also known as Benares), where to witness the daily rituals of life and death focused around the waterfront ghats (bathing places) is to glimpse the continuing practice of India's most ancient religious traditions. Further east still is the great city of Kolkata (Calcutta), the capital until early last century of the British Raj and now a teeming metropolis that epitomizes contemporary India's most pressing problems. The majority of travellers follow the well-trodden Ganges route to reach Nepal, perhaps unaware that the Indian Himalayas offer superlative trekking and mountain scenery to rival any in the range. With Kashmir effectively off the tourist map since the escalation of its civil war, Himachal Pradesh - where Dharamsala is the home of a Tibetan community that includes the Dalai Lama himself - and the remote province of Ladakh, with its mysterious lunar landscape and cloud-swept monasteries, have become the major targets for journeys into the mountains. Less visited, but possessing some of Asia's highest peaks, is the niche of Uttaranchal bordering Nepal, where the glacial source of the sacred River Ganges has attracted pilgrims for over a thousand years. At the opposite end of the chain, Sikkim, north of Bengal, is another low-key trekking destination, harbouring scenery and a Buddhist culture similar to that of neighbouring Bhutan. The Northeast Hill States, connected to eastern India by a slender neck of land, boast remarkably diverse landscapes and an incredible fifty percent of India's biodiversity.

For all its jarring juxtapositions, India remains an utterly compelling destination

Heading south from Kolkata (Calcutta) along the coast, your first likely stop is Konarak in Orissa, site of the famous Sun Temple, a giant carved pyramid of stone that lay submerged under sand until its rediscovery at the start of the twentieth century. Although it bore the brunt of the 2004 Asian tsunamis, Tamil Nadu, further south, has retained its own tradition of magnificent architecture, with towering gopura gateways dominating towns whose vast temple complexes are still the focus of everyday life. Of them all, Madurai, in the far south, is the most stunning, but you could spend months wandering between the sacred sites of the Cauvery Delta and the fragrant Nilgiri Hills, draped in the tea terraces that have become the hallmark of South Indian landscapes. Kerala, near the southernmost tip of the subcontinent on the western coast, is India at its most tropical and relaxed, its lush backwaters teeming with simple wooden craft of all shapes and sizes, and red-roofed towns and villages all but invisible beneath a canopy of palm trees. Further up the coast is Goa, the former Portuguese colony whose hundred-kilometre coastline is fringed with beaches to suit all tastes and budgets, from upmarket package tourists to long-staying backpackers, and whose towns hold whitewashed Christian churches that might have been transplanted from Europe.

India's sacred geography
It's hard to think of a more visibly religious country than India. The very landscape of the subcontinent - its rivers, waterfalls, trees, hilltops, mountains and rocks - comprises a vast sacred geography for adherents of the dozen or more faiths rooted here. Connecting the country's countless holy places is a network of pilgrimage routes along which tens of thousands of worshippers may be moving at any one time - on regular trains, specially decorated buses, tinsel-covered bicycles, barefoot, alone or in noisy family groups. For the visitor, joining devotees in the teeming temple precincts of the south, on the ghats at Varanasi, at the Sufi shrines of Ajmer and Delhi, before the naked Jain colossi of Sravanabelagola, or at any one of the innumerable religious festivals that punctuate the astrological calendar is to experience India at its most intense.
Indian railways
India's railways, which daily transport millions of commuters, pilgrims, animals and hessian-wrapped packages between the four corners of the subcontinent, are often cited as the best thing the British Raj bequeathed to its former colony. And yet, with its hierarchical legion of clerks, cooks, coolis, bearers, ticket inspectors, stations managers and ministers, the network has become a quintessentially Indian institution.
Travelling across India by rail - whether you rough it in dirt-cheap second-class, or pamper yourself with starched cotton sheets and hot meals in an air-con carriage - is likely to yield some of the most memorable moments of your trip. Open around the clock, the stations in themselves are often great places to watch the world go by, with hundreds of people from all walks of life eating, sleeping, buying and selling, regardless of the hour. This is also where you'll grow familiar with one of the unforgettable sounds of the subcontinent: the robotic drone of the chai-wallah, dispensing two-cups of hot, sweet tea.
North of here sits Mumbai, an ungainly beast that has been the major focus of the nationwide drift to the big cities. Centre of the country's formidable popular movie industry, it reels along on an undeniable energy that, after a few days of acclimatization, can prove addictive. Beyond Mumbai is the state of Gujarat, renowned for the unique culture and crafts of the barren Kutch region.

Some of India's most memorable monuments lie far inland, on long-forgotten trading routes across the heart of the peninsula - the abandoned city of Vijayanagar (or Hampi) in Karnataka, whose ruins are scattered across a primeval boulder-strewn landscape; the painted and sculpted Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra; the erotic temples of Khajuraho and palaces of Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. On a long trip, it makes sense to pause and rest every few weeks. Certain places have fulfilled that function for generations, such as the Himalayan resort of Manali, epicentre of India's hashish-producing area, and the many former colonial hill stations that dot the country, from Ootacamund (Ooty), in the far south, to that archetypal British retreat, Shimla, immortalized in the writing of Rudyard Kipling. Elsewhere, the combination of sand and the sea, and a picturesque rural or religious backdrop - such as at Varkala in Kerala, Gokarna in Karnataka, and the remoter beaches of Goa - are usually enough to loosen even the tightest itineraries.


When to go
India's weather is extremely varied, something you must take into account when planning your trip. The most influential feature of the subcontinent's climate is the wet season, or monsoon. This breaks on the Keralan coast at the end of May, working its way northeast across the country over the following month and a half. While it lasts, regular and prolonged downpours are interspersed with bursts of hot sunshine, and the pervasive humidity can be intense. At the height of the monsoon - especially in the jungle regions of the northwest and the low-lying delta lands of Bengal - flooding can severely disrupt communications, causing widespread destruction. In the Himalayan foothills, landslides are common, and entire valley systems can be cut off for weeks. By September, the monsoon has largely receded from the north, but it takes another couple of months before the clouds disappear altogether from the far south. The east coast of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and the south of Kerala, get a second drenching between October and December, when the "northwest" or "retreating" monsoon sweeps in from the Bay of Bengal. By December, however, most of the subcontinent enjoys clear skies and relatively cool temperatures.

Kashmir
Few civil wars on earth can have been fought against a more idyllic backdrop than the current troubles in Kashmir. During the run-up to Partition in 1947, when the local Hindu maharaja threw the lot of this Muslim-majority valley in with India instead of neighbouring Pakistan, he sowed the seeds of a conflict that would erupt into a full-scale uprising forty years later, between various factions of Islamic, Pakistani-backed militants and the Indian state.
Since 1989, between 40,000 and 60,000 Kashmiri separatists, Indian troops and civilians have died in a campaign of appalling violence that has, on several occasions, brought south Asia's two nuclear powers to the brink of all-out war. Although technically open to visitors, the Kashmir Valley, for all its undeniable beauty, remains a war zone we strongly recommend you steer clear of - hence the absence of a chapter on the region in this book.

Mid-winter sees the most marked contrasts between the climates of north and south India. While Delhi, for example, may be ravaged by chill winds blowing off the snowfields of the Himalayas, the Tamil plains and coastal Kerala, more than 1000km south, still stew under fierce post-monsoon sunshine. As spring gathers pace, the centre of the subcontinent starts to heat up again, and by late March thermometers nudge 33°C across most of the Gangetic Plains and Deccan plateau. Temperatures peak in May and early June, when anyone who can retreats to the hill stations. Above the baking subcontinental land mass, hot air builds up and sucks in humidity from the southwest, causing the onset of the monsoon in late June, and bringing relief to millions of overheated Indians. The best time to visit most of the country, therefore, is during the cool, dry season, between November and March. Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, are ideal at this time, and temperatures in Goa and central India remain comfortable. The heat of the south is never less than intense but it becomes stifling in May and June, so aim to be in Tamil Nadu and Kerala between January and March. From this time onwards, the Himalayas grow more accessible, and the trekking season reaches its peak in August and September while the rest of the subcontinent is being soaked by the rains.

Average temperatures and rainfall


Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Ahmedabad (Guj)
Av daily max (C°) 29 31 36 40 41 38 33 32 33 36 33 30
Rainfall (mm) 4 0 1 2 5 100 316 213 163 13 5 1
Bangalore (Kar)
Av daily max (C°) 28 31 33 34 33 30 28 29 28 28 27 27
Rainfall (mm) 4 14 6 37 119 65 93 95 129 195 46 16
Chennai (TN)
Av daily max (C°) 29 31 33 35 38 37 35 35 34 32 29 28
Rainfall (mm) 24 7 15 25 52 53 83 124 118 267 309 139
Darjeeling (WB)
Av daily max (C°) 9 11 15 18 19 19 20 20 20 19 15 12
Rainfall (mm) 22 27 52 109 187 522 713 573 419 116 14 5
Delhi
Av daily max (C°) 21 24 30 36 41 40 35 34 34 35 29 23
Rainfall (mm) 25 22 17 7 8 65 211 173 150 31 1 5
Hyderabad (AP)
Av daily max (C°) 29 31 35 37 39 34 30 29 30 30 29 28
Rainfall (mm) 2 11 13 24 30 107 165 147 163 71 25 5
Jaisalmer (Raj)
Av daily max (C°) 24 28 33 38 42 41 38 36 36 36 31 26
Rainfall (mm) 2 1 3 1 5 7 89 86 14 1 5 2
Kochi (Ker)
Av daily max (C°) 31 31 31 31 31 29 28 28 28 29 30 30
Rainfall (mm) 9 34 50 139 364 756 572 386 235 333 184 37
Kolkata (Calcutta) (WB)
Av daily max (C°) 26 29 34 36 36 34 32 32 32 31 29 27
Rainfall (mm) 13 22 30 50 135 263 320 318 253 134 29 4
Mumbai (M)
Av daily max (C°) 31 32 33 33 33 32 30 29 30 32 33 32
Rainfall (mm) 0 1 0 0 20 647 945 660 309 17 7 1
Panjim (Goa)
Av daily max (C) 31 32 32 33 33 31 29 29 29 31 33 33
Rainfall (mm) 2 0 4 17 18 580 892 341 277 122 20 37
Puri (Ori)
Av daily max (C°) 27 28 30 31 32 31 31 31 31 31 29 27
Rainfall (mm) 9 20 14 12 63 187 296 256 258 242 75 8
Shimla (HP)
Av daily max (C°) 9 10 14 19 23 24 21 20 20 18 15 11
Rainfall (mm) 65 48 58 38 54 147 415 385 195 45 7 24
Varanasi (UP)
Av daily max (C°) 23 27 33 39 41 39 33 32 32 32 29 25
Rainfall (mm) 23 8 14 1 8 102 346 240 261 38 15 2

Many first-time visitors find themselves unable to see past such glaring disparities. Others come expecting a timeless ascetic wonderland and are surprised to encounter one of the most materialistic societies on the planet. Still more find themselves intimidated by what may seem, initially, an incomprehensible and bewildering continent. But for all its jarring juxtapositions, intractable paradoxes and frustrations, India remains an utterly compelling destination. Intricate and worn, its distinctive patina - the stream of life in its crowded bazaars, the ubiquitous filmi music, the pungent melange of beedi smoke, cooking spices, dust and cow dung - casts a spell that few forget from the moment they step off a plane. Love it or hate it - and most travellers oscillate between the two - India will shift the way you see the world.

If you are planning to visit India, You can visit the India Accommodation Guide.

Tuesday 20 March, 2007

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:

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.