Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of India's most famous hill stations, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Darjeeling is famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, world-renowned tea gardens, pleasant climate, colonial heritage, and the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Situated at an elevation of around 2,050 metres, the town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Tibetan and Himalayan culture, and British-era charm. Popular attractions such as Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and tea estates make Darjeeling one of India's most beloved mountain destinations.

Darjeeling has a rich history shaped by indigenous communities, the Kingdom of Sikkim, British colonial influence, and Himalayan trade. The region was originally inhabited by communities such as the Lepchas, who have a deep cultural connection with the land. In the early 19th century, the British East India Company acquired control of the area from the rulers of Sikkim and developed Darjeeling as a sanatorium and summer retreat due to its cool climate. The town was formally established as a hill station in the 1830s, and the British introduced large-scale tea cultivation, which became the foundation of Darjeeling's economy and global identity. The construction of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (opened in 1881) further connected the hill station with the plains and helped promote tourism and trade. After India's independence, Darjeeling became part of West Bengal and continued to grow as a major tourism and tea-producing centre. Today, it is internationally recognised for its scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and the famous Darjeeling tea industry.

Nearest airport is Bagdogra, about 3 hours by road; the toy train also runs from New Jalpaiguri.