State: West Bengal

Main languages- Nepali and Tibetan

 

History-

 

The town of Darjeeling is located in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains and offers a spectacular view of the scenic beauty. The town is also the headquarters of Darjeeling district. At the time of the British Rule in India, this city had been one of summer retreats for the troupes and officers of the East India Company. The railways in Darjeeling have been declared as world heritage sites by UNESCO. The town shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Bengal. Until the early 19th century this region had been ruled by the kingdoms of Nepal and Sikkim and the Lepcha woods people were the villagers. Darjeeling was chosen as the sanatorium for British soldiers. A lease of the area was negotiated from the Chogyal of Sikkim in 1835. 

 

Geography and demography:

 

Darjeeling is located at an average elevation of 6,982 ft or about 2,134 m. The soil and temperature here are ideal for tea and coffee plantations and the tea here is famous through out the world. Most of the town lays in the Lower Himalayas. Soil here is mainly composed of sandstone and conglomerate formations. The town falls under seismic zone-IV which implies an increasing proneness to earthquakes. Mount Kanchenjunga is also visible from, which is the world's third-highest peak. Even the Mount Everest in Nepal can be seen from here. Botanical gardens and fauna in this region are a specialty. The population here is about 109,163. 

 

Climate: 

 

The town of Darjeeling experiences five seasons which include spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the monsoons. The summers are most frequented by tourists and last from May to June with temperatures within 25 degree centigrade and winters here start from November and last up to February. The temperatures dip below -2 degrees often and snowfall has become a regular phenomenon.

 

Economy:

 

The main sources and contributors of income here are tourism and tea plantations. The best of black teas are available here and are widely popular, especially in the UK.  Education, communication and agriculture are the other sources of income here. The city has also witnessed some very popular Bollywood and Tollywood movies being shot here. Traditional arts and crafts are also vital sources of income.

 

Tourism and culture:

 

The culture in Darjeeling has been influenced by the Tibetan culture. There are various customs and traditions which are common in both regions. Apart from the mystique beautiful sites here there are various other tourist attractions here. These include the Toy Train which is one of the live examples of the old British culture and influence. There are various British style coffee shops and restaurants there where you can sit for hours reading the newspaper and enjoying the mountain views. All Hindu and Christian festivals are celebrated here along with the Lepchas and Bhutias New Year in January along with the birthday of the Dalai Lama and Tendong Lho Rumfaat. 'Momo' is a must eat local food which is served with a tangy chilli paste. The football stadium, botanical garden, museum, zoo and Batasia loop are some of the main tourist attractions. The mall still dominates main areas of shopping and eating.

 

Education:

 

Some of the best hostels and educational institutions are located here like the St. Joseph's College, Loreto Convent, St. Paul's School and Mount Hermon School.

 

Transportation:

 

Darjeeling can be reached by the Toy train from Silliguri. The town is about 3 hours by road from Siliguri and the nearest airport is the Bagdogda airport.  

 

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