By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, 90 kms away from Darjeeling. Bagdogra is connected by Indian Airlines and some private airlines from Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati.

By Rail
The most convenient railhead is New Jalpaiguri, 8 kms away from Bagdogra airport and it is connected by several fast and superfast trains linking New Jalpaiguri to Delhi, Patna and Calcutta. Rail journey in the "Toy Train" often crisscrossing the motor road and passing through bazaars is a memorable experience. This mini railway has been in existence since 1878, takes 8 hours to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri.

By Road
Darjeeling is accessible to all automobiles but in particular the 80 kms drive to Darjeeling from Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra through the picturesque road winding through the dense green forests and terraced tea gardens, has the promise of a memorable experience. There are regular bus services between Siliguri, Calcutta, Patna and Phuntshoelling.

Area
11.44 sq. kms

Population
About 100,000

Language Spoken
English, Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan and Bengali.

Std Code
0354

Climate
In summer. 15 to 25 degrees centigrade & to 2 to 10 degrees in winter.

Ghoom Monastery
One of the better-known monasteries of Darjeeling, Ghoom is about 6 km south of the city centre. The 4.57-m high statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha is of great interest here.

Aloobari Gompa
This is a good place to go for some sightseeing and shopping as the monks here sell Tibetan and Sikkimese religious accessories. About 3 km from the city centre.

Bhutia Busty Gompa
Situated 1 km out of town. With the Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga) providing a spectacular backdrop, this monastery was originally a branch of the Nygmapa sect?s Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. It was transferred to Darjeeling in 1879. The shrine here originally stood on Observatory Hill. The monastery has a well-stocked library with many old Buddhist texts.

Dhirdham Temple
Located below the railway station, it resembles the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
About 2 km down from Chowrasta, the institute houses a collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna, a relief model of the Himalayas and a record of all attempts to scale the great peak.

Passenger Ropeway
At North Point, about 3 km from town, this is India s first passenger ropeway. The 5-km long ropeway connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar on the Ranjit River at the bottom of the valley.

Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill (2,555 m), the highest point in this area, is about 14 km from Darjeeling, near the Ghoom Monastery. It is famous for its magnificent dawn views over the Khangchendzonga and other eastern Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, even Mount Everest is visible.

Senchal Lake
About 13 km from the town, this lake near Tiger Hill is appreciated for its scenic splendour. It?s a popular picnic spot, has a 9-hole golf course with a clubhouse and a tourist lodge.

Observatory Hill
The multicoloured Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze here provide a rather enchanting sight. This viewpoint is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Mirik
At an altitude of 1,730 m and 48 km from Darjeeling, Mirik is an attractive hill destination with a charming lake, forests of Cryptomeria Japonica, orange orchards, tea gardens and cardamom plantations. Sumendu Lake, with its 3.5 km of cobbled promenade, offers boating facilities. One can visit the carpet-weaving centre at Krishnanagar. The snowy peaks of the eastern Himalayas offer an awe-inspiring sight from Rameetay and Deosi hills. Trekking opportunities to Kurseong and Sandakphu.

Kurseong
About 32 km on the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri, lies Kurseong at a height of 1,458 m. Famous for its tea plantations, Kurseong paints a rather unusual picture with its rail track, road and market stretching along together up to Darjeeling. Some of the main sights of this little town include the Deer Park, Makaibari Tea Estate and, of course, a ride on the Toy Train.

Sandakphu
A viewing point 100 m above Sandakphu offers breathtaking views of some of the world s highest peaks, including the northern face of Mt Everest (8,846 m), Khangchendzonga (8,598 m), Makalu, Lhotse and Chamlang. Chomolhari, the highest peak in Bhutan, and Pandim in Sikkim can also be seen from here. The entire area is a birdwatcher s paradise, with over 650 species including orioles, minivets, flycatchers, finches, sunbirds, thrushes, piculets, falconets and Hoodson s Imperial Pigeons. The mixed rhododendron, oak and conifer forests of the area are a delightful sight in April when entire hillsides turn a fiery red with the rhododendron blooms. One can either trek or take a jeep upto Sandakphu which is 58 km from Darjeeling. This small settlement is located at 3,636 m on the Singalila Ridge.

Phalut
About 22 km from Sandakphu, Phalut is at the junction of Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal. It offers a very close view of Mt Khangchendzonga. The Singalila trek is a 160 km stretch from the small border town of Manebhanjang, 26 km from Darjeeling. This trek requires 3-4 days to cover. There are small hotels for food and accommodation all along the trekking route.

Chowrasta and The Mall are the best places to do your shopping in Darjeeling. Buy Tibetan curios from Habib Mullick, or try the famous Kalimpong cheese (go for the light cheddar) at Glenary?s on The Mall. It is also a cheerful place to sit down and have some tea and cakes. Fresh tea is available in mind-boggling varieties at shops along The Mall. If you want to buy some of the local craft works, then go down to Hayden Hall, where you can have your pick from shawls, sweaters, Tibetan rugs, carpets and much more. Check out exquisite wood carvings and woven bamboo baskets, Bhutan paintings, Tankhas, Tibetan turquoise, Nepali khukris and masks, metal work and sundry local artefacts on The Mall.