darjeeling

Darjeeling (Darjiling) is synonymous with sprawling green and picturesque tea-estates. Tea production in Darjeeling (Darjiling) is a legacy of the British, who developed the place as a hill station to escape the summer heat. Located in the 'lesser' Himalayan area, it boasts of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Remember Rajesh Khanna crooning “mere sapno ki rani kab aayegi tu” against the magical backdrop of Kanchenjunga in the early 70s? Well, that movie was Aradhana, which changed the destiny for Rajesh Khanna and brought Darjeeling to the world map. Other notable films which captured the beauty of this impeccable hill station include Barfi, Main Hoon Na, and Mr and Mrs Iyer!

In the early 19th century, a patrol of the British East India Company was exploring an easy access to Sikkim during the Anglo-Nepal War. They came across a sleepy hamlet atop a thickly wooded ridge with a brilliant view of Mount Khangchendzonga.  In its formative years, like most British Raj retreats, Darjeeling was simply a scattered village of English cottages, mainly confined to the Birch Hill and Jalapahar areas. Interestingly, Darjeeling (Darjiling) is one of the popular educational hubs in the country because of its many British style Public schools.

Come here to get enveloped in the awe-inspiring views, savour some delicious Sikkimese and Tibetan cuisines, experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture and take home the beautiful handicrafts made by the locals.