Sight Seeing Darjeeling & Gangtok

The joy of living seems to permeate the very atmosphere of West Bengal and that makes it a land with a distinct identity. Of the nine states of India with a coastline, West Bengal is the only one, which has all the three major tourist attractions - mountains, sea and forest. The state also boasts of an unmatched cultural heritage that adds to its prime attractions.
The name Darjeeling is a composition of 'dorje' meaning 'thunderbolt' and 'ling' meaning 'place' ... 'the Land of Thunderbolt'.
Darjeeling, ‘The Queen of Hills’, through abundant tea estates. Resting under the watchful gaze of the Kanchenjunga range this is the perfect start to a perfect holiday.

Land of infinite charm with scenic views of Kanchenjunga, bewildering greenery, tea gardens, adventure spots, trekking and lots more.
In 1828 two British officers, Capt. C. A. Lloyd and Mr. J. W. Grant, after settling the internal factions between Nepal and Sikkim, found their way to a place called Chungtong to the west of Darjeeling and were very impressed with what they saw and thought of making this place a sanitarium. Other British officers also reported favourably on the situation of the hill of Darjeeling.
The East India Company then directed its officers to start a negotiation with the Rajah of Sikkim for the cessation of the hill either for an equivalent in money or land. This transfer was successfully done in 1835 for an allowance of Rs. 3,000/- per annum. The Rajah of Sikkim's revenue from this tract of land had never exceeded Rs. 20/- per annum. Later this allowance was raised to Rs. 6000/- per annum. In 1849 the relation of the British and Sikkim worsened with the imprisonment of two British officers by Sikkim authorities. Eventually they were released but as a punishment the British stopped the annual allowance and annexed this territory.
By 1860s peace was restored in the borders and the march of progress began. Roads and important construction were done, Loreto Convent in 1847, St. Paul's School in 1864, Planters' Club in 1868, Lloyd's Botanical Garden in 1878, St. Joseph's School in 1888, Railway Station in 1891, Town Hall (present Municipality Building) in 1921.

Tea Plantations started developing all around Darjeeling. During this time immigrants flooded in to work in construction sites, the Tea Gardens and other agricultural works. The population of Darjeeling was barely 100 in 1835 and was about 94,712 in 1871-72, 155,179 in 1881 and 249,117 in 1901.

With India attaining independence on 15th August 1947, the district of Darjeeling remained in the partitioned section of Bengal (West Bengal) and therefore in the Indian union. With the district's sub-Himalayan and geographical condition, it occupied an unique status in the state. The only remaining industry, that is the Tea industry, continued to play a major role in the economy of the area and the country as well. The other natural wealth forests have been adversely affected by the ever growing population, now estimated to be around 1,200,000. In the years since independence, much has been done for the area's education, communication, attention to cash crops like orange, potato, cardamom, ginger, etc.
On 29th May 1953 two men set foot on Mount Everest for the first time in history and one of them was Tenzing Norgay, from Darjeeling. Subsequently, this historical event led to the formation of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. Of the old heritage the Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) is now listed under UNESCO's world heritage.

SIGHT SEEING AT DARJEELING :

Tiger Hill : Situated 15 km from Darjeeling town. An early morning trip to the Tiger Hill promises an unique experience. A view of the sunrise amidst the Himalayan range has earned it an international fame. From here you can get a glimpse of Mount Everest, the highest mountain and Kanchenjunga range.

The Observatory Hill : Apart from the magnificent view it commands, this hill atop the Mall also is attached with great religious importance as a revered temple complex for both the Hindus and the Buddhists.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Toy Train : This fascinating narrow gauge steam engine train still operates with the original steam engine and the loops and the zigzags along the route are remarkable feats of engineering. The journey from New Jalpaiguri may be a pleasant experience but it is the short ride from Darjeeling town to Ghoom, the nearest station, that becomes a joy ride in itself. The Toy Train is considered an engineering marvel and some prefer to call it one of the wonders of the world, to be preserved forever.

Batasia Loop and the War Memorial : About 5 kms. from Darjeeling, this railway loop is a marvellous feat of engineering and with its magnificent view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga mountain is worth an experience, whether aboard the Toy Train or just watching the Toy Train pass through this loop. The War memorial is constructed in the memory of the brave sons of Darjeeling who died for the country since Independence in 1947.

Tea Gardens : While in Darjeeling a visit to any nearby Tea Garden to watch the actual process of the manufacturing of Darjeeling Tea is worth it. Some of the Tea Gardens also sell their packet teas. There are about 70 tea gardens in this hill region and the most accessible one is the Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is about 3 kms. from the town or within a walking distance of about 40 minutes (Closed on Monday).

Japanese Peace Pagoda : The Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist inaugurated the Japanese Peace Pagoda in 1992. It is a recent landmark constructed by Japanese Monks and commands an excellent view of the town and the Himalayan Range.

Dhirdham Temple : Situated just below the Railway station the temple is a structural replica of the famous 'Pashupatinath' temple of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Buddhist Monasteries : In and around Darjeeling there are important and interesting Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. The oldest one is called the Yiga Cholling Monastery which is situated about 8 kms. from the town at Ghoom and enshrines an image of 'the Coming Buddha' or the Maitriya Buddha. It was constructed in 1875 and belongs to the Gelugpa Sect. The Samten Cholling Monastery is another interesting monastery nearby. The Drukpa Kargyud Monastery, also known as Dali Monastery, is a big monastery located 5 kms. from the town. It belongs to the Drukpa Sect and the Drukchen Rimpoche resides here. The Bhutia Busty Monastery is situated at C.R. Das Road and is within 15 minutes walk from the Mall.

The Mall and Chowrasta : The Mall road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta which is the hub of Darjeeling town, a square on the ridge of Darjeeling town and a good place to sit and relax. It is ideal for a leisurely walk around a setting that is perfect. A walk around The Mall is a must just at any time of the day with the pleasant view of the mountains, valleys with rhododendron trees and old houses.

Natural History Museum : While taking a walk in The Mall a visit to the Museum of Natural History which lies close by is worthwhile. This fine small museum exhibits an unique collection of the fauna of the Himalayan region, especially of the Eastern Himalayas.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute : It was founded in 1954 after the historic conquest of Everest on the 29th of May in 1953, when two people set foot atop Mount Everest. They were, Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa) from Darjeeling and Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand. As an honour to the great Sherpa this Institute was formed with the aim of imparting mountaineering skills to all the enthusiasts. Tenzing Sherpa himself was one of the founding members and also the Field Director of the Institute. It is situated on Jawahar Parbat and adjoins the Zoo. This Institute also houses a museum which holds a rare collection of mementos from various Everest expeditions. Nawang Gombu, the first man to have climbed the Everest twice is presently the Chief Advisor for the Mountaineering Training.

Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Centre : A high altitude wild life park and new home of the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer etc. , Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the town Zoo exhibits some rare Himalayan Fauna including the Snow Leopard, Red panda, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Pheasants, etc. It is a treat for all wild life enthusiasts. Just nearby is a very successful Snow Leopard Breeding Centre.

Lloyds Botanical Garden : This is a colourful garden situated just below the market. In 1878 Mr. W. Lloyd gifted 40 acres of hillside to make a garden with local plants and flowers. It still has the most varied collection of rhododendron, magnolia, orchids, etc. of the Eastern Himalayas. It also has a glass-house full of alpine flowers and also features an Orchidarium and a collection of medicinal plants.

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway : This Ropeway is in one of the most beautiful part of the town and is situated at North Point about 3 kms. from town. The cable car ride takes 6 passengers at a time and it passes over the lush green tea gardens with breathtaking view of the mountains (Kanchenjunga) and provides an experience that cannot be easily forgotten. The valley has glorious views of Sikkim and the river Rangeet.

Handicrafts : Darjeeling has some interesting places to watch the local handicrafts being made as well as a various range of choiced handicraft souvenirs. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre is a self-supporting Centre for Tibetan refugees which manufactures some intriguing Tibetan handicrafts. Established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees who had followed the Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. It offers a wide choice of Tibetan handicrafts, Tibetan woollen carpet is very popular. Hayden Hall, a Roman Catholic social service centre also has a handicraft section with the purpose of helping the local poor people. The Manjusha Bengal Emporium offers prominent hill handicrafts, handloom and silk products of West Bengal for display and for sale. It is situated at Nehru Road. Gram Shilpa is another such showroom displaying Khadi handloom silk products and set up by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Govt. of India. It is situated in Chowrasta.

Ava Art Gallery : Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the motor stand, it is just below the main road on the way to Ghoom. This gallery houses fine art and embroidery work of Mrs. Ava Devi.
SIKKIM, This small erstwhile Himalayan in the northeastern frontier of India, is wedged between China, Nepal, Bhutan and the sleepy Darjeeling district. Remote, wild and unbelievable, the small state tucked in the eastern Himalayas is an experience simply out of the world. Catch the sunrise atop the mighty Kanchenjunga, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and tea gardens, enjoy a nature walk, or relax amidst peaceful environs of emerald green. Merged into the Indian republic in 1975, Sikkim offers the magical feel of a Himalayan fairytale land. It has everything you need to relax the body and revive the human spirit.
The natural beauty of Sikkim is without compare and most people agree that it is heaven on earth. Bordered by Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan the cultural bounty offered by Sikkim is second to none, where the native Lepchas peacefully co-exist with Tibetan Bonpos, Bhutanese businessmen and Nepali farmers. The most charming aspect of this region is the privacy it has to offer because tourists are only allowed to enter for a limited period of time.
It is an amazing place of hidden valleys, mystical monasteries, and snow fed mountains covered with rare flora and fauna. A collage of three distinct ethnic groups - Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese - this former kingdom is a colorful melange of distinctively flavored cultures.

SIGHT SEEING AT GANGTOK

Government Institute of Cottage Industry :
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries(GICI). Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale.
Note - closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT) :
This internationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons.
About a kilometer downhill from the main market of Gangtok, amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and birch trees stands the Institute of Tibetology. The building accommodating the Institute is an example of Tibetan architecture.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) :
Encircled by 108 prayer wheels built by late Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. This is one of the most important and biggest stupas found in Sikkim.
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva.

Deer Park :
This park which commands a good view of the hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that plunges almost vertically deep into the valley. The park has a big open enclosure in which different types of deer can be seen. There are also a few cages in which some animals native to Sikkim like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. have been kept.

Permanent Flower Show :
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.

Enchey Monastery :
Located on a hilltop above Gangtok this monastery rebuilt in 1910 belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was once the hermitage site of Lama Drupthob Karpo renowned for his power of flying.
This 200 years old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. It is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.

White Hall :
The White Hall has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storied structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is, painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White.

Ridge Park :
The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's official residence, known as the Mintokgang, meaning "blossomed crowned hilltop" on one end and the beautifully designed Palace Gate with a pagoda rooftop on the other end.
From the ridge, the road winding its way up along the Chola range towards Nathula (border between India and China) can be clearly seen. During 1967, a confrontation broke out between India and China at Nathula.

Tashi View Point :
It was built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills.Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about six kilometres away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range on a clear day. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the Labrang monasteries can be seen.

Hanuman Tok :
Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple devoted to Hanuman. On selected points on the road to the temple, breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills can be seen.
From the temple itself, the snowy peaks of Khangchendzonga present a panoramic picture.
A short distance before the stair case leading to the Hanuman Temple is the cremation ground of the erstwhile royal family of Sikkim.

Ganesh Tok :
It is a very small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The temple is so small in size that it can hardly accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. From here you can get a panoramic view of Gangtok town and the Raj Bhawan Complex and on a clear day you get a breathe taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Himalayan Zoological Park :
The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok and covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosures housing the red pandas, Barking Deer, bears and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural habitat.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre :
Located on a beautiful hill top it is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.

EXCURSIONS FROM GANGTOK

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center :
A short drive from Gangtok will take you to Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism.
A fifteen minute walk downhill from Dharma Chakra Center takes one to the Old Rumtek monastery which was originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state.

Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies :
Initiated by the late 16th Karmapa, the institute in housed in the adjoining building of the Rumtek Monastery. The Jamyang Khang Primary School meant for 5 years of primary monastic studies is also located here.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden :
Located very close to Rumtek Monastery just half a kilometer before reaching Rumtek Monastery on the highway, it is maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim. This garden is a mixture of well tended tropical and temperate plants and trees can be found here. A huge greenhouse containing many species of orchids has been constructed within the garden.

Saramsa Garden / Ipecac Garden :
Also know as lpecac Garden, the home of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. The garden is know as Ipecac garden because of the plant Ipecac that is grown here.

Water Garden :
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic.

Tsomgo/ Changu Lake :
The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The lake is about 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft deep . This is an alpine zone and snowbound from December to April and the lake is regarded extremely Holy holy and head of all lakes in Sikkim remains frozen from January to April, and attracts 99% of tourists visiting Gangtok, Sikkim. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.

Nathula Pass :
20 km further away from is the famed Nathula pass. The pass Nathula means the whistling pass. Nathula is the Indo-China border at Jawahar Lal Nehru Road whereby Indian troops and the Red army stand face to face. This is the closest an Indian Tourist can travel and pose a photo or two with the Red Army.

Menmecho Lake :
This is another beautiful lake located twenty kilometres ahead of the (Changu) lake. Quite big in size, it lies cradled between the mountains below the Jelepla pass and is also the source of the river Rangpo-chu which meets the Teesta at Rangpo. Like the (Changu) Lake, it also derives its water from the melting snow around especially from the stream that originates just below the Jelepla pass.
The lake is famous for its trout and a farm to cultivate these fish also exists nearby. Accommodation for the visitors coming here is available at the dak bunglow and tourist lodge near the lake. Tourists are not yet permitted to visit this area.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary :
It has an area of 51.76 sq. km. The main vegetation is Oak, Katus, Kimbu, Champ with thick bamboo forests and ferns. The Sanctuary is also home to a large number of wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. The richly forested area is known to be home for various species of wild animals and birds. This area is being developed as a short duration trekking trail.

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