Amidst the clouds
- POSTED ON: 17 Nov, 2018
- TOTAL VIEWS: 999 Views
- POSTED BY: Bhavya Venkatesh
- ARTICLE POINTS: 150 Points
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling, a hill station in West Bengal, is a brilliant blend of green hills, lush tea gardens, serene monasteries, and exciting activities.
Scroll through the slides to discover some key attractions, and answer the questions in between.
First, hop on to the iconic toy train as it chugs along the rolling hills, snaking its way through traffic and going shockingly close to shops. Aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which finds its place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, you are treated to some breathtaking views of the foothills. Also included is a stopover at Ghum, the highest railway station in India, and the picturesque Batasia Loop. Now and then, the ancient steam engine emits a high-pitched whistle to warn passers-by, simultaneously sending up a puff of smoke — quite a Hogwarts Express feeling, indeed!
The Kanchenjunga — India’s highest and the world’s third highest peak — forms the backdrop for the hill station. It is best viewed from atop Tiger Hill. If you make it in time for sunrise, you will be treated to a spectacular show of colours lighting up the Kanchenjunga range.
Make a pit stop at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as the Darjeeling Zoo, to meet a fascinating set of Himalayan species — red pandas, Tibetan wolves, black bears, snow leopards, and more.
If peace and tranquility is what you seek, then head to the Peace Pagoda — one of only 30 shrines of its kind in the world. Built to promote world peace, the site is serene and the views are spectacular.
A visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute will appeal to the adventure-lover in you. Be it as a source of inspiration for a trek, or an opportunity to marvel at some impressive mountaineering feats, your fascination for the peaks will only multiply.
For an adrenaline rush, try out the Darjeeling rope-way — a cable car ride offering panoramic views of the hills that the region boasts. One of the highest rope-ways in the country, there’s no better way to experience these stunning sights.
Before you leave, don’t forget to sample some world-famous Darjeeling tea while you explore the attractions. Visit a tea estate to find out how tea is manufactured, and don’t forget to take some tea leaves home for your friends and family!