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Jewels of the Crown
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Conquerors, adventurers, artists, poets and men of letters have left us beguiling accounts of the inspirational elements of their mystical natural setting, their astonishing beauty and their healing environs. It's little wonder that Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Kalimpong and Gangtok offer the most exciting holiday circuits in the Eastern Himalayas. Dominated by the mesmerizing vistas of the hallowed Mt Khangchendzonga (the world's third highest peak) and its retinue of peaks, the region offers visitors a compelling variety of natural beauty, cultural delights and tranquil environs to explore at leisure. The gateway town of Siliguri, set in the verdant splendour of west Bengal's Dooars region is an excellent base for forays to these bewitching Himalayan hill towns.
DARJEELING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The stunning drive via Pankhabari from Bagdogra airport in the Dooars valley otters you a fantastic foretaste of the charms of this Raj-era hill resort. Stormy rivulets cleaving through the deep gorges, vast tracts of tea estates and a leafy canopy past clusters of red-roofed cottages mark the route to one of the Raj's most popular summertime retreats. It was around 1829 that the explorations by the English of the forested ridges of an old Gurkha stronghold here, revealed a rocky spur offering uninterrupted views of the mighty Khangchandzonga range. In time this bit of land with its astonishing views, serene beauty and pure air (ceded to the British, along with all Sikkimese territories by the defeated Gorkhas, with the signing of the Treaty of Titaliya in 1817), was identified as the ideal place for a sanatorium. It took little time for Darjeeling to join the ranks of the holiday hill resorts for the English in India. Over time, the increasing number of visitors spawned a new thrust to the nascent tourist industry by resulting in expansion of the township and its economic growth.
The old hill town has not lost its charms, judging from the visitor arrivals all year round. Springs come gently here with flower beds in full bloom and gentle yephyrs singing amidst, the fragrant pines. Magical summers fade into the 'mystical' monsoons and autumn brings you the best Khangchendzonga views as do the snowy winters.
DARJEELING-CHOWRASTA
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Mall Road, Laden Road and Hill Gart Road, the main thorough fares lined with hotels, shops and eateries are the hub of activity. A slow amble along the Mall, the civiec promenade set in the heart of the town brings you to chowrasta, the popular view point where Khangchendzonga (8598m) views, Pony rides, and bargaining for handicrafts continue to lure holidaymakers. Observatory Hill and nearby Bhan Bhakta Sarani too serve up some lovely views of the great range, stop for tea at Blenarys and watch the mists disappear to reveal enchanting views of the hill town and the great peak. The Bhutai Basty Monastery houses fine murals and the original volume of the Tibetan Book of the Dead, amongst its collection of old Buddhist texts. At the old cemetery, you'll come upon the last resting place of Alexander Koros, renowned Orientalist who published a dictionary of the grammar of Tibetan language. At Ghoom, stop by the Yiga-Choling Buddhist Monastery with its 4.57m high gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
DARJEELING-A FINE GUPPA
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Straddling the Mall the Tea Planters Club is witness to lively social evenings by the tea planter community which has been growing the world's finest teas here since colonial times. Happy Valley Tea Estate arranges plantation tours. High tea at the Gymkhana Club where once Nawabs and Maharajas from Kolkata and elsewhere arrived with their retinues is an interesting diversion.
DARJEELING-WALKS AND PICNICS
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Pretty walking trails sweep past Picturesque colonial bungalows with beautiful flower filled gardens and trees clinging to the hillsides. Breathe in the scented air and feast on the glorious vistas around you as you wander through pine and rhododendron forests. Senchal lake near Tiger Hill is a good picnic spot. Slip oil to the beautiful Lloyd Botanical Gardens before heading for the Lebong Race Course, the highest, and smallest racecourse in the world which is a hub of action from May-June and October-November.
DARJEELING-TIGER TOP
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Catch some of the most stunning views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its accompanying peaks as the sun begins its new journey. Tiger Hill mists melt away to serve up a 360% panoramic display of one of the world's most splendid mountain vistas - if luck's on your side you might even see the shy Mt Everest.
DARJEELING-TOY TRAIN RIDE
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A UNESCO World Heritage Railway today, the Darjeeling Toy Train (1881) weaves its peripatetic way up the hills from Kurseong to Darjeeling via Ghoom (7407ft.), along one of the world's craziest railway tracks. It's an engineering marvel - especially the famous Batasia Loop by which it delicately maneuvers the sharp drop in altitude between Ghoom and Darjeeiing. Stop by at the museum at the miniature station, to learn all about its historic importance.
DARJEELING-HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE
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Set amongst the serene verdure of Birch Hill, this historic institute links Darjeeling to some of the most exciting explorations and expeditions conducted in India. One of the world's most prestigious mountaineering schools. It has and excellent museum where you can learn all about these daring exploits.
DARJEELING-RARE ENCOUNTERS
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The Padamaja Naidu zoological park has played an important role in the conservation of endangered species such at the red panda and the snow leopard which can be viewed at the snow Leopard Breeding Centre.
DARJEELING-ADVENTURE HAVEN
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The most popular trekking trails out of Darjeeling are located in the Picturesque Singhalila range. The Maneybhanjan-Sandakphu-phalut-Ramam-Rimbick-Bijanbari is a 5-7day trek. Panoramic views of Everest, Khangchendzonga, Makalu and Lhotse peaks mark the4 trail. A popular trek runs from Darjeeling-tiger hill (3 hrs/ 1 way) rafting on the Teesta River is a popular sport. Contact the Tourist office for details.
DARJEELING-SHOPPING
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Pick up curios, tangkhas, carpets, woolens, masks, khukris and tea from the shops along Chowrasta and the Mall, the Tibetan Refugee self Help Centre and Hayden hall sell handicrafts.
KURSEONG
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Situated between Siliguri in the plains and the hill of Darjeeling. About 60 km away from Bagdogra airport, this pretty township which gets its name from a local flowering orchid, kurson-rip, the tiny white orchid growing in profusion in these parts, has inspired the likes of Rabindranath Tagore and Mark Twain. In the British Raj. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was interned close to Kurseong. The richly forested ridge, cotted with cottage and schools, enjoys a salubrious Climate, gorgeous view ad monsoon mists that weave a special magic.
The Darjeeling Toy Train operates from Kurseong's tiny market place abustle with peasants selling fruits and vegetables, rosy cheeked school kids, momo shops and tea stall, Walking trails take you past tiny chapels hidden by the verdure, flower filled meadows and glades. Follow the trails to Nagri Spur and Eagles Crag for magnificent views.
MIRIK
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Midway between siliguri and Darjeeling 37 km from Kurseong on the Pankhabari route, is a serene spot set about a pretty lake amidst vast tracts of cardamom and orange plantations.
Rescued from anonymity by the arrival of the spill over of visitors to Darjeeling. Mirik offers boating. Gentle walks and lovely Himalayan views.
KALIMPONG
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Straddling a great ridge overlooking the Teesta River gorge and tea estate clad hills, about 50 km from Darjeeling and another 25 km from Gangtok, Kalimpong (1250m) with its salubrious air and gorgeous natural setting is designed for a laid back pastoral holiday. But for those who are more adventurous, this is the place to be. Numerous adventure seekers, amongst them the intrepid mountaineer and author of Seven Years in Tibet Henrich Harrer, were attracted to this serene hill town where many an expedition was mapped and plotted over a drink.
HIGH MOUNTAIN GRANDEUR
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Since the early 20's this pretty township was a pivotal hub for adventure buffs, for the lure of the-Eastern Himalayas was a potent attraction and Kalimpong, with its trading routes, an excellent base camp. Catch those Khangchen-clzonga views and verdant vistas.
sweeping down to the Teesta Gorge drained by the Rangeet River.
En route the Dooars, go trekking amongst the misty vistas of Lava and Lolaygaon, surrounded by ancient forests of fir and oak, past, views of the Himalayas and the Reehila and Jelepa Passes.
HILISIDE AMBLE
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Wander around the hills to discover some of the town s little gems. Morgan House is now run as a hotel by the tourism department. This handsome stone dad manor house offers an escape from the hub of town. The Army Golf Course is nearby.
Follow the trail to the oldest monastery - the 1692, Bhutanese-style Thongsha Monastery. the Pedong Monastery, also of Bhutanese style, was built in 1837. On Tirpai Hills stands the Tharpa Choling Monastery of the Yellow Hat sect, built in 1937. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery at Ourpin Dara offers lovely views.
Dr Graham's Home, spread over 500 acres, was established in 1900 to educate the children of tea workers by Rev. Dr John Anderson Graham Look out for the marvellous stainer glass wi ndows of the chapel here.
FLORAL SPLENDOUR
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Kalimpong's gladioli and orchid nurseries showcase the richness and variety of the botanical wealth of the Eastern Himalayas.
GANGTOK
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Surrounded by the retinue of the mystical Mt Khangchendzonga range of peaks, Sikkim was an isolated mountain kingdom-the legendary Shangri-La.
Distinguished by its venerated lakes, monasteries and cottages hidden amidst the verdant folds of the range and the cultural heritage of the Lepcha community, Sikkim is slowly reaching out to the outside world.
Bounded in the north by Tibet, Bhutan in the east, Nepal to the west and West Bengal to the south, it offers visitors the promise of endless adventure, excitement, spiritual and {menial rejuvenation as it cautiously opens it doors to holidaymakers from around the world.
Gangtok, the capital, in the east is an excellent base for trips to Phodang and Yumthang in north Sikkim, Polling, Pemayangtse and Yuksam in the west.
MONASTERIES
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Rutntek Monastery, headquarters of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and established after the arrival of the 16th Gyala Karmapa from Tibet, can be approached from Gangtok past cultivated fields and sparkling streams. At View Point savour those panoramic vistas of the confluence of the Teesta and the Rangeet rivers.
Rumtek has been inspired by the Tsurphu monastery in Tibet.
Nearby is the original monastery (now renovated and filled with fine traditional paintings) which was established in the reign of the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim. Visit Rumtek during the Losoong, the Sikkimese New Year marked by colourful pagentarv and the ritual chham (monastic dances). Just 20km out of Gangtok is the Zurinang Kagyud Monastery, hut further afield are Sikkim 's oldest and most revered pilgrimage points - Tashiding and Pemayangtse Monasteries.
TSONGO LAKE AND NATHULA
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The revered Tsongo Lake (3780m) is about 40km from Gangtok. Surrounded by snow mantled peaks, this stunning lake is magical any time of the year. In the summertime, the hills are awash with blooming flowers, in winter it's a stunning snowlield. Yak rides and photo-ops await you. The historic Nathu La Pass (14,200ft.) is about 56km from Gangtok along the Indo-Chinese border. An important trading post - it was closed for many years but efforts are on to set back the clock. Only licensed travel agents with the necessary permits can take you to both places.
ADVENTURE HIGHS
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Sikkim is renowned for its dazzling Himalayan vistas and Gangtok is an important base for exploring its mountaineering and trekking trails out of. Bakhim, Dzongri and Yuksam. River rafting is arranged by specialists on the Rangeet and Teesta rivers. Heli- Tours packages are on offer by the tourist office to enjoy stunning ariel views of the city and its environs.
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