darjeeling-hillstations

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a town of West Bengal, situated at the northern part of the state; at the Mahabharata Range (Lesser Himalaya) at an average elevation of 6,710 ft. The place is well - known for its Tea Industry, The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as Toy Train. It has also earned the distinction of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Darjeeling:

The history of Darjeeling goes back to the 19th century when the hilly regions were under the kingdoms of Bhutan and Sikkim and the plains of Siliguri were controlled by the kingdom of Nepal. In the year 1828, the place was selected by the East India Company officials for Sanatorium of British soldiers. It was during the British Rule, that Darjeeling turned into a Hill Station because of its climate and is continued since then as a hot tourist spot. The town with its sister Kalimpong has been a centre of demand for the Gorkhaland State since 1980. The deadlock is still on, worsening the economical and political situation at the place. Aradhana and Main Hoon Na, and Bengali Film Icon, Satyajit Ray's Feluda series, are some significant films shooted over here.

Issue of Gorkhaland:

It is the proposed state by the Nepali/Gorkhali people demanding a separate state for all who speaks Gorkha (the language popularly known as). This issue has raised serious agitation especially since 1980 with GNLF leader Subash Ghising leading the rebels. This led to the formation of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in 1988. Later on a new party with the name of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha under the leadership of Bimol Gurung made its way. The agitation was more widespread which affected the economy and tourism of the place badly. The brutal killing of Madan Tamang worsened the situation further.

Ways to reach the place:-

Darjeeling can be reached by the by National Highway No 55 from Siliguri (77 km) or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from New Jalpaiguri (88 Km)

Places Of interest:

1) Natural History Museum: - It's a museum of natural history.

2) Kanchenjunga (Nepal), world's 3rd highest peak, which can be viewed from Darjeeling

3) Mt Everest (Nepal), world's highest mountain peak, can also be viewed from this place.

4) Tiger Hills, famous for its sunrise

5) The Tea gardens, producing the unique flavour of tea.

6) The wide range of flora and fauna it supports, mostly found in hilly conditions.