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Nestled in the
Himalayas, approx. 700 kms from Calcutta, at 2134 metres,
Darjeeling surrounded by tea plantations is one of the most
popular hill stations of India. Until the beginning of the
18th century, Darjeeling (then called Dorje Ling) was with the
rajas of Sikkim. It was invaded by by Gurkhas in 1780 and
later by the British after series of war. The major
development of this pretty hill station took place between
1840-1857. Darjeeling is famous for Tiger Hill, the highest
point (2590 m) and an excellent spot to see the world's third
highest peak Kanchenjunga (8598 m) at sun-rise as its snowy
peak emerges from darkness into light; Ghoom Buddhist
Monastery enshrines the image of Maietrya's Buddha. The other
places of interest are the Zoological Park, Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute and Museum, Botanical Gardens and
Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre. Darjeeling is most famous
for for export of Tea. It has over 75 tea gardens employing
over 40,000 people. The most convenient plantation to visit is
the Happy Valley Tea Estates, only two km from the town. The
best time to visit plantations is between April to November
when plucking is in the progress. Toy Train, the journey to
Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri (main station connecting to
east and north India) on the miniature railway (popularly
called Toy Train) is a superb experience. The train runs
daily, although services during the monsoon are often
disrupted due to the track being washed away. The train passes
through interesting tea plantation areas; provides a panoramic
view of the valley.
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