Darjeeling is a Himalayan town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is internationally renowned as a tourist destination with its serene beauty. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is the first, and still the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway. The name “Darjeeling” was derived came from the Tibetan words, ‘Dorje’ meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra) and ‘ling’ a place or land, hence “the land of the thunderbolt”.
History:
-1817: The East India Company struggled with Himalayan States on behalf of Raja of Sikkim. As a result of Treaty of Titaliya, the Raja of Sikkim restored the country between Mechi and the Tista rivers.
-1828: Captain Lloyd was deputed to settle the dispute between Sikkim and Nepal, which according to the Treaty of Titalia, were referred to the Governor General. The Europeans were awestruck by the beauty of this hill station.
-1839: Dr. Campbell, the Br. Resident in Nepal was transferred to Darjeeling as Superintendent. He devoted himself to the task of developing the station, attracting immigrants to cultivate the mountain slopes and stimulating trade and commerce.
- By 1840 a road was built from Pankhabari and staging bungalows built at Pankbabari and Mahaldiram.
- By 1852: An excellent Sanatorium had been built, a Hill Corps had been established to maintain order and communication.
-1863: Ashley Eden was deputed to negotiate with Bhutan. The British envoy was openly insulted and returned to Darjeeling.
-1864: A military force was dispatched to Bhutan and the whole of Bhutan Duars was captured. The treaty of Sinchula was executed in which the Bhutan Duars with the passes leading into the hills and Kalimpong were ceded to the British.
-1866: Peace was established on all fronts, Darjeeling began the march to progress and civilization.
-1947: Darjeeling was merged with the state of West Bengal. A separate district of Darjeeling was established consisting of the hill towns of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and some parts of the Terai region.
Culture: The original inhabitants of the Darjeeling Hills were Lepchas or Rongpa (the ravine folks) as they prefer themselves to be known as. Though their origin is obscure, they are decidedly Mongolian in feature. The Khampas, another branch of the Lepchas, and the greater bulk of the people in the Hills are Gorkhas who are renowned for their military prowess world over. Among the population are also the Newars or best known, the world over as the Sherpas. They are well known for their courage, stamina and surefootedness and for their immeasurable contributions to Mountaineering. Also much in evidence in the Hills are the Bhutias and they are divided into Tibetan, Bhutan, Dharma and Sikkimese and Bengalis.
The lip smacking delicacies include Momo, Thupkas, Shaphalay, Aludum, Tibetan tea, Tongba.
The two major religions are Hinduism and Buddhism, seem to have influenced the Nepali culture full of its rich folks songs and dances, co-existing side by side.
The most popular and worth mentioning forms of Nepali folk dances are:
1. Maruni Nach
2. Dhan Naach
3. Jhankri Naach
4. Jatra Naach
5. Damphu Naach
6. Khukuri Naach
7. Deora Naach
8. Panchay Naach
9. Dhimay Naach
10. Sanginy Naach
11. Balan Naach
12. Jhyauray Naach
13. Paschimay Chutki
14. Rodhighar Naach
15. Baton Naach
16. Jhumara Naach
17. Sakhia Naach
Weather: Summers range from April to June and this pleasant climate attracts lots of tourists during this season. The monsoons prevail from July to August and are accompanied with intense torrential rain causing roadblocks. The autumn ranges from September to November and is accompanied by intermittent showers and Darjeeling looks marvelous during this period. The winters range from December to January with a cool climate. Snowfalls are not common during winters. The spring season ranges from February to March and is charming with moderate climate. This season is blessed with scenic beauty.
Places to Visit:
- Senchal Lake
- Dhoom Gompa
- The Mall
- Chowrasta
- Observatory Hill/ Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
- Tibetan Refuge Camp
- Lloyd's Botanical Garden
- Tiger Hill
- Phalut & Sandakphu
- Pashupati
- Kurseong
- Mirik
- Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
- Batasia Loop
- Happy Valley Estate
- Natural History Museum
- Kanchenjunga View
- Darjeeling Zoological Gardens
- Bhutia Busty Monasteries
- Samten Choling Monasteries
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