Getting There
The nearest airport to Darjeeling is the Bagdogra airport. Bagdogra is 90 kms from Darjeeling and is an important military installation. From Bagdogra one can take a bus or taxi to Darjeeling. Darjeeling has a railway station but only the toy train from Jalpaiguri and New Jalpaiguri comes here. The major trains connecting the place with all the major places in India come to Jalpaiguri or New Jalpaiguri. From here again you have to take the toy train or a bus or taxi to Darjeeling. The place is well connected by roads. The state transports run buses from Calcutta and other nearby places. The private operators also have their buses and the fair does not vary much in the state or in the private buses.
Airport Distance:
From Siliguri : Approx. 14 Kms
From Gangtok: Approx. 125 Kms
From Darjeeling: Approx. 90 Kms.
DARJEELING:
Tiger Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2590 metres (8482 ft.) and 13 kms from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over "Kanchenjunga" and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.
Batasia Loop
About 5 kms from Darjeeling, this Railway Loop is a marvellous feat of engineering. It is fascinating to watch the toy train wind its way round the loop. The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different action since 1947, is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- Timings: sunrise till two hours after sunset.
Senchal Lake
Senchal Lake a scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has popularly come up as a picnic spot among the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen . Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various stones are displayed in a very attractive manner in the museum.
Kanchenjunga View
Kanchenjunga View from Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted view of the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one of the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.
Darjeeling Himalayan Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is one of the most well known mountain railways in the world. It was built in 1881 and is over a hundred years old today. It connects the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with the popular hill station of Darjeeling (6812 ft), a distance of 88km.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is one of the most well known mountain railways in the world. It was built in 1881 and is over a hundred years old today. It connects the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with the popular hill station of Darjeeling (6812 ft), a distance of 88km.
St. Paul’s School
Located 7500 feet above sea level and acclaimed as the highest public school in the world, the origin and early history of this well known institution, the second oldest in Bengal, dates as far back as the year 1823 when John William Ricketts, a prominent Anglo-Indian leader, conceived the idea of founding a public school to meet the needs of the growing Anglo-Indian population in Calcutta.
It began functioning on the 1st of May 1823 in a small two-storied building at 11 Park Street. It was sometime during the end of 1846 that the Bishop Wilson changed its name to St. Paul's, having brought it more closely into connection with St. Paul’s Cathedral.
St. Paul’s School is a wholly residential boys’ school founded in 1823. We have around 700 students from Class 1 to Class 12, with each class having no more than 27-28 students.
The Mirik Lake
Lake Somendu in Mirik is about 1.25 km. long and a 3.5 km road surrounds the lake. The lake is the main attraction of Mirik. Swimming in the lake is not advisable since the wastewater from Mirik falls in this lake. At the backdrop of the lake, you will get an idyllic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the green luster of Oak, Chestnut and Maple. Boating n this lake placid is a must to soothe the soul of a weary traveler. A stroll around the lake is highly recommended. You can also go for a horse ride around the lake
What to see around Mirik
Mirik is surrounded by some of the best tea estates of the world and the region is famous for its numerous orange orchards and cardamom plantations.
Apart from these, the nurseries of Mirik house a good collection of orchids although there number is not quite large. Mirik monastery is a highly sacred place for the Buddhists of the region.
Trekking from Mirik to Kurseong via Balasun River & Namsu could be covered within the couple of days only.
Kawlay Dara View point - One can get a sweeping view of the plains as well as the snow capped mountains from this viewpoint. The sunrise and sunset from here is a visual delight. The viewpoint is about 30 minutes walk from the tourist hub.
Helipad & Swiss Cottage - The hilltop helipad offers a panoramic view of Mirik and the Samendu Lake.
Devi-Sthan - The small temple, situated under dense foliage of the 'dhupi' forest, is considered very holy by the local.
Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
Donbosco Church
Mirik Bazaar Shopping Centre
Tamang Buddhist Monastery
Homedara Siva Mandir
Orchid Nursery & Cardamom firm
Thurbo Tea Garden & Factory
Mirik Busty Orange Garden (2.5 km)
Pasupati Market (11 km)
The climate of Mirik is very pleasant and the temperature rarely crosses 30 degrees during the summers. However, the winters are very cold.
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