Best Things to do in Darjeeling

Do the shining peaks of snow-clad mountains appeal to you? Or is it the lush greens of beautiful tea gardens allure you to go pack your bags? What about a sight of the heritage Himalayan toy train ride? Tempted already? We are hinting at Darjeeling ? the Queen of the Himalayas. The most loved hill station of eastern India, Darjeeling scores the highest when it comes to exploring the old-world charm of the past blended beautifully with the exotic nature.
Darjeeling is spread over steep mountain range at a height of 2050 meters above sea level accounting for the most romantic climatic conditions throughout the year. There are more than 86 tea estates in the hill station which contribute to the natural beauty as well as the huge tea plantation and production in the region.
Darjeeling is the perfect gateway for a romantic honeymoon and a family vacation as well for all who want to experience the gorgeous panorama of the Himalayas.

Darjeeling is famous for several things ? natural and manmade. The count goes on with the picturesque peaks of Kangchenjunga to the Toy Train ride which is nothing less than a dreamland to the delectable traditional Tibetan cuisine. However, the sunrise from the Tiger Hills makes the place stand out. Here, the sun does really rise; it literally pops up from the middle of nowhere surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. It is not just a sight, but an emotion to experience.

Darjeeling used to be a summer capital of India under the British Rule and is still one of the most famous hill stations of the country. The name is derived from the Tibetan word ?Dorje? which means thunder and ?ling? that means piece of land, contributing to the full name emphasizing on ?the land of the thunderbolt?. Darjeeling used to be a part of Nepal, and later Sikkim until a dispute broke out between Nepal and Sikkim in 1829, after which the then Governor General of India Lord William Bentinck discovered Darjeeling as a major trade and military outpost. It was hence entitled as ?Queen of Hills?.