The tea is only half the story of the fame of Darjeeling. It is a town that bears a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the form of the Darjeeling Himalayan railway which is exceptional in the way it connects this hilly town with the plains. In fact it is one of the few transportation methods utilizing steam power to be seen in India today.
Under the protective shadow of their taller neighbours the pines as well as the sal and semi-evergreens, the Darjeeling tea hybrids grow abundantly on this mountain range which is known as the Queen of Hills with an elevation of 6710 feet. Situated in the western part of Bengal and belonging to the Mahabarat range, this town has fully taken advantage of its enormous potential as a tourist attraction and lately this has resulted in rapid urbanization and overcrowding. However, the mountain range still has its native beauty which cannot be hidden. A temperate climate is accentuated by the misty breezes while the rich and thriving foliage holds many picturesque pathways and scenic sites overlooking deep valleys seemingly embracing the tresses of the clouds that are forever floating across this town as if reluctant to leave its beauty.
Amidst the alpine forests and semi-evergreens, there are sal and oak trees growing in delightful clusters and their monotonous greenery is pleasantly challenged with the exotic colours of wild and rare lilies that also grow in this climate. Soul soothing seclusion can be discovered amongst the untrodden paths and unseen valleys and for the adventurous soul, there is plenty of amusement from trekking to river rafting that can be arranged while visiting the mountain.
It seems natural to drop into a traditionally inspired
India spa resort when visiting the serene countryside of India. The Ananda Spa Himalayas is one such resort that is blissfully embedded in tranquility with its windows looking into deep, silent forests and snow glazed mountain tops in the distance. As a
luxury spa India, the Ananda Spa practices the traditional Indian view of uniting mind, body and soul and combines it with Yoga, Vedanta and similar practices to bring about total wellness that is both soothing and rejuvenating.
