DARJEELING
The name "Darjeeling" is a combination of the Tibetan words Dorje ("thunderbolt") and ling ("place"), translating to "The land of the thunderbolt." During the British Rule in India, Darjeeling's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station (hill town) for British residents to escape the heat of the plains during the summers.

Darjeeling is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the "Toy Train", narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, run by the Indian Railways

It was built between 1879 and 1881 and is about 86 km long. The elevation level is from about 100 m in Siliguri to about 2200 m in Darjeeling. It is still to this day powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is used for Darjeeling's mail.

Since 1999 the train has been a World Heritage Site as listed by UNESCO.The toy train coming from Siliguri is some thing, which is liked by the elders and the children equally. The real fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy train. It takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 Kms and the slow speed gives you enough time to watch and appreciate the beauty which nature has provided it. This train passes through the Forests, waterfalls, over deep valleys and through the mountains and tunnels

Tiger Hill: Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.), it is 15 km from Darjeeling town. An early morning trip to the Tiger Hill promises a unique experience. A view of the sunrise amidst the Himalayan range has earned it an international fame. From here you can get a glimpse of Mount Everest, the highest mountain and Kanchenjunga range.

Batasia Loop and the War Memorial: About 5 Kms. from Darjeeling, this railway loop is a marvelous feat of engineering and with its magnificent view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga Mountain is worth an experience,

Tea Gardens: While in Darjeeling a visit to any nearby Tea Garden to watch the actual process of the manufacturing of Darjeeling Tea is worth it. There are about 70 tea gardens in this hill region and the most accessible one is the Happy Valley Tea Estate,

Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Centre: A high altitude wild life park and new home of the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer etc., Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the town Zoo exhibits some rare Himalayan Fauna including the Snow Leopard, Red panda, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Pheasants, etc.

Lloyds Botanical Garden: This is a colorful garden situated just below the market. In 1878 Mr. W. Lloyd gifted 40 acres of hillside to make a garden with local plants and flowers. It still has the most varied collection of rhododendron, magnolia, orchids, etc.

SIKKIM The earliest recorded event related to Sikkim is the passage of the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche through the land in the 8th century. The Guru is reported to have blessed the land, introduced Buddhism to Sikkim, and foretold the era of monarchy in the state that would arrive centuries later

Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak is located in Sikkim, this has become one of India's most visited states, owing to its reputation of cleanliness, scenic beauty

Darjeeling Tour Package

Darjeeling - Gangtok - Kalimpong

Duration: 07 Nights - 08 Days

Day 01. Darjeeling Arrival Upon arrival in Bagdogra Airport OR New Jalpaiguri Railway station, your gateway to the Eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Darjeeling by surface Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling

Day 02. Darjeeling
Early morning sunrise excursion to Tiger hill en-route visit to Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery. After breakfast Full day local tour covering HMI, Himalayan Zoological Park and Tibetan Self Help Centre. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 03. Darjeeling - Gangtok
Morning after breakfast you depart for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Lunch will be on the way, Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 04. Gangtok - Excursion to Tsnogo Lake.
Excursion to Tsangu Lake Back to Gangtok, Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok.

Day 05. Gangtok
On this tour we visit the Enchey Monastery, the Do Drul Chorten, the Research Institute of Tibetology, Purba Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI) and a walk down Lal Bazar. In the afternoon, we drive to Rumtek Monastery, Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 06. Gangtok - Kalimpong
A lovely drive during which the emerald colored river Teesta serenades you on its tumultuous journey to the plains. River rafting option is also possible. Overnight at hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 07 Kalimpong : Half day Local tour
Half day tour of Kalimpong covering a cactus nursery and the famous Zang Dog Palri monastery. Many may just want to relax or go shopping to the market. Overnight at Kalimpong.

Day 08. Kalimpong - Bagdogra Airport
Kalimpong to Bagdogra apt / New Jalpaiguri Stn by surface approx. 2-1/2 hours. This is a wonderful drive and initially you follow the turbulent Teesta. A great way to end a wonderful holiday.