Darjeeling has some very fascinating places of interest. The Botanical
Gardens that contain a representative collection of Himalayan plants, flower
and orchids. The hot houses are very interesting. The Tibetan Refugee Self
Help Centre established in 1959 to help rehabilitate Tibetan refugees who
fled from Tibet produces superb carpets, woollens, wood carvings and leather
work. You could walk through the workshops and observe the work in progress.
The weaving and dyeing shops and the woodcarving shop are particularly
interesting and the workers, very friendly - the women have very beautiful
and expressive features.
Tourist Attractions
Chowrasta: The Chowrasta, meaning crossroad, is a hive of commercial
activity. The Mall Road originates and culminates at the Chowrasta. This is
the heart of Victorian Darjeeling. Here hotels, restaurants and shops brush
against each other. The shops and stalls are a veritable paradise for
souvenir collectors. The Bhutanese sellers display their wares. Woollen
garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha
daggers are kept on display for sale. Foreign goods are also available in
some shops. Local handicrafts are much in demand.
Obeservatory Hill
The oldest site in Darjeeling is Observatory Hill, known locally as
Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan . According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery
called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot.
The Nepalis destroyed it in the 19th century. The Shivas and Buddhists share
the temple that stands there today.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
A spot not to be missed is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute created by
the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund
Hillary on 29 May 1953. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of
the highlights. A zoological garden nearby has an assortment of wildlife
such as yaks, Siberian tigers and red pandas who call the region their home.
Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway
At North Point about 3-km from the town, this is the first passenger ropeway
in India. For reservation of ropeway seats please contact - officer
in-charge, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Station, North Point,
Darjeeling. Regular share taxi service is available from Market Motor and
Taxi Stand is to the Ropeway Station.
|