Darjeeling is an emerald jewel clinging to the steep walls of the Himalayas. It is carved over millennia by the relentless work of nature and over the centuries by the humble and difficult man. In this piece of land lost in the folds of time, glaciers are softened in a maze of deep valleys. Here a thousand steps outline the profile of the rice fields and a thousand lines define the geometry of the tea plantations. All the colors of green are broken by the pyrotechnic punctuation of Buddhist monasteries.
Darjeeling is a great place to witness some gorgeous scenery. Darjeeling Tea is known and loved around the world as the champagne of teas. In the heart of the tea gardens, Darjeeling reveals it’s most intimate and authentic side. The richness of this land expresses the evocative power that draws on the history and the charm of its locations.
The best time to visit this place is definitely at the end of October to December. Then the weather is fine and the light snow begins to fall and cover its upper reaches. You can see the majestic views of the Kanchenjunga and on a clear day even the Mount Everest. Try to wake up early around 4 so you can enjoy the view of the sunrise, which is nothing short of a spectacle of great beauty. A day of excitement, that starts early with a race against time to get to Tiger Hill and watch the sunrise on Kanchenjunga, when the ice wall turns pink.
The Kanchenjunga, along with the beautiful tea plantations, is the scenery dotted with temples which unfold to the day traveler. Darjeeling is very famous for its manicured botanical gardens in the city center. You will also find the famous Darjeeling zoo that is home to some rare species of birds and animals. It includes the wonderful Siberian tiger and the red panda. Another must-see is the Lloyd's Botanical Garden. It is a colorful garden that contains Himalayan plants, flowers, and a multitude of orchids.
The slow journey of the Toy Train through the picturesque landscapes will surely cheer your heart. As I sit back I take pleasure in the momos, thukpa and in particular churpee. They are the food of the gods that can entice you. They invite me to rediscover the authentic aromas and flavors along this journey of taste.
Darjeeling has often been a place of inspiration for many artists and writers with the atmosphere and enchanted avulse of the area. It has meant that the hills became the set of many movies such as Barfi to Parineeta and Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, as well as lots of music videos.
As winter arrives Darjeeling becomes even more fascinating. Then the sun shines on the campaign of dazzling green tea leaves, and flowers sprout everywhere. There is a multitude of things to do to enjoy full days in the open air. Darjeeling is really a journey between scents, colors, and sensations of the hills and the best time to book tickets is…coming soon.
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