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.
Trekking In Darjeeling
One of the famous trekking route taken by the trekkers is that of the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is best during the months of April, May, October and November. As during these seasons the visibility is clear and the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route one does not have to carry much luggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other facilities all along the route. But it is advisable to carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker must be prepared for all kinds of weather and high altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes through low areas and very high ridges so temperature varies a lot be prepared for all types of weather. There surroundings may be very attractive but there are some areas which have long stretches without any water, so carry water with yourself. Regular meals are available. Guides and porters can also be arranged.
Phalut is also called the view point of the Himalayas and is one of the most important & famous treks in the region. The trek starts with a small bus trip to Manaybhanjang. From here the trek passes through the mountains to Sandakphu. From here you can proceed further up or you can return via Rimbik then to Darjeeling by Bus. One can also take a short cut and not go to Ohalut. From Sandakphu backtrek to Bikhay Bhanjang and cut across to Rimbik. But keep in mind that this trek is a difficult one with no water or food in between.
Climate - Darjeeling
The best season to visit Darjeeling is between April and June. The weather during this period is generally clear and the chilling biting cold gets subsided. But one can also go to Darjeeling between September and November. During these months the mountains are clearly visible and one can enjoy the golden sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. Being a mountain city Darjeeling experiences rains throughout the year. Often heavy down pours wash away the roads and the place is totally cut off from rest of the country. The temperature range is not very large here with the maximum in summers being 15 degrees and 1.5 degrees in winters. This place requires warm cloths any time of the year and do not forget to carry a umbrella to this place.
General Information - Darjeeling
Population
About one lakh people live in this area.
Languages
Gorkhali, Hindi, Nepali, Bhutani, Bengali, Assamese and English.
Useful Information - Darjeeling
Tourist Information Centres
Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Office - Silver Fir Building, Opposite Hotel Alice Villa, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Tel. - +(91)-0354-54214
West Bengal Tourist Office - Bellevue Hotel, Chowrasta, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India . Tel. - +(91)-0354-54050.
Indian Tourism Office - 'Embassy', 4 Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta, West Bengal, India Tel. - +(91)-033-2421402, 2421475, 2425813; Fax - +(91)-033-2423521
Indian Tourism Office - 88, Janpath, New Delhi - 110 001 India Tel. - +(91)-011-3320342, 3320005, 3320109, 3320008, 3320266; Fax. - +(91)-011-3320342
A Word of Caution - Darjeeling
To all tourist - beware of touts, if, new to the place.
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