Friday, September 14, 2007

DARJEELING


Darjeeling is the legendary British hill station perched in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located in the northern extreme of the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is just east of Nepal, just south of Sikkim, and a bit west and south of Bhutan. It is most famous for its once magnificent tea estates. The 3rd highest pick in the world,mount Kanchenjunga is very close to this place and also gives the clearest view.Darjeeling is widely known as visitors paradise because every day it offers something new to everyone ,may be the first time visitoe and may be the regular one.The morning bell comes to the vewers when the firts ray of sun touchesthe mountaina pick.This is tiger hill,a steep ride of five kilometers from Ghoom, is the place where one can witness this hevenly feelings.Here the air is chilly ,but unique to get an experience.Here the new day starts with the world famous blend of tea,foggy and smokky weather,mountain view and smiling face of local Gorkhi people.
For rail enthusiasts, however, Darjeeling is better known for its "Toy Train." This famous narrow gauge steam railway plies its way from Siliguri in the plains below up to Ghoom and Darjeeling in the hills. For more information you can visit the site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at www.dhrs.org.
Blessed with a cool and bracing climate, and a panoramic view of the Himalayas, the world renowned hill resort of Darjeeling is a welcome respite during the hot summer months.
Situated at 2134 m above sea level, Darjeeling was acquired by the British from the Raja of Sikkim as a gift around a hundred and fifty years ago, and developed it as a rest and recreational center for their troops. Today the town retains many of the legacies of the British Government.
The climatic condition of Darjeeling during summer is between 15-25 Degree C and during winters it falls down to 2-10degree C. Hence best time to visit Darjeeling is April to mid June and September to November.
Darjeeling's population of about 100,000 is made up of people of many races and religions. Gorkhas, Bhutias, Lepchas, Sherpas. Yolmos and migrants from the plains have all made Darjeeling their home, and everyone lives in perfect harmony; at the shrine at Observatory Hill, you'll find Hindus and Buddhists offering prayers alongside each other. The official language is Gorkhali (Nepali), but Hindi and Bengali are also spoken, and almost everyone understands and speaks a bit of English.


The people of Darjeeling and near about places like Kalimpong and Mirik are consist of the Gurungs from West Nepal.Other races like Bhutias, Gorkhas from east Nepal, Lepchas from Sikkim are also living together. People from plains also came and have settled there as the place is very charming.



The local fare is rice and meat curry and momos which are steamed dumplings, and of course, chow, the locally made noodles. This generally accompanied by chhang, a locally brewed wine made from millet or the jaar which is made from fermented rice. The Gorkha are staunch Hindus and celebrate all Hindu festivals with equal dedication. Dussehra followed by Deepawali are the most popular Gorkha festival .

No comments: