The toy train coming from Siliguri is some thing which is liked by the elders as well as the kids equally. The genuine fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy practice. It requires six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 kms as well as the sluggish pace provides you enough time to watch and appreciate the elegance which nature has provided it. This train passes by means of the Forests, waterfalls, over deep valleys and by way of the mountains and tunnels.

Trekking In Darjeeling
One with the renowned trekking route taken by the trekkers is that with the Darjeeling-Sandakphu / Phalut trek. This trekking route is greatest throughout the months of April, May possibly, October and November. As for the duration of these seasons the visibility is distinct as well as the weather is also hospitable. For trekking on this route 1 does not need to carry significantly baggage as the Gorkha Hill Council has provided trekkers hut and other services all along the route. But it is a good idea to carry your own sleeping bags. On this route the trekker should be prepared for all types of climate and higher altitude mountain sickness. The trek passes via low areas and quite high ridges so temperature differs a whole lot be prepared for all forms of climate. There surroundings may possibly be quite appealing but there are some areas which have lengthy stretches without having any drinking water, so carry drinking water with oneself. Typical meals are accessible. Guides and porters can also be organized.

Phalut can also be referred to as the look at position with the Himalayas and is among the most significant & famous treks within 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 1 with no water or food in between.

Prime Attractions of Darjeeling
Batasia Loop
This railway loop is an interesting example of engineering. At this loop the toy train takes a very unique turn. This loop is just five kilometer through the main town of Darjeeling. This place also has a very good market where you can buy the purses, bags and other decorative items made by the local women at very reasonable price.

Bhutia Busty Gompa
Using the back drop of the Kanchenjunga range stands a monastery referred to as the Bhutia Busty Gompa. This monastery was shifted in the observatory hills to the present place. The Gompa is a branch in the Nyingmapa sect's Phodang Monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is not far from the chowrasta and is very tastefully decorated. It also has a library which has a copy with the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Botanical Gardens
This place is worth a visit for its exotic and exclusive collection of a variety of Himalayan plants, flowers and orchids. This place is near the taxi stand. The gardens also has a green house.

Chowrasta
This one in the critical shopping places in Darjeeling . Here the Nehru Road and the Mall Road Intersect each other. The snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible from this place. Near Chowrata are several Hindu and Buddhists temples. This place is over flowing with foreign tourists. You can also enjoy a pony ride form this place.

Dhoom Gompa
About 8 kms from Darjeeling is the Dhoom Gompa. Here a very beautiful statue in the Maitrayie Buddha ( prospective Buddha) is established. The Monastery has also preserved some in the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.

Happy Valley Estate
Here the tea through the gardens is processed. One can spent a few hours here. Entry is only allowed to persons who have permission from any officer from the estate.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museums
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is on the West Jawahar road. The institute runs courses for training mountaineers as well as has the very good collection of mountaineering equipments which have been used in various mountaineering expeditions and other wise. Specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna are also kept here. The record of attempts made to conquer Mt. Everest has been kept inside the Mt.Everest Museum. The institute also screens short films on mountaineering. You could also watch the Himalayan peaks through the Zeiss Telescope given to the Nepalese Maharaja by Hitler. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the Director of this institute for many years and he was cremated near the institute after his death in 1986. Near the institute is Srabri which gives a very good see in the Single valley and the Kanchenjunga range. One can sit at Srabri and feel the cool breeze in the valley.

Kanchenjunga Look
From Darjeeling one can have the best, uninterrupted watch in the worlds third highest peak. Bhan Bhakta Sarani provides one in the enthralling views of these snow capped peaks. The Chowrasta also gives you a good sight to the Kanchenjunga peak.

Kurseong
Kurseong is mid way between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The way from Darjeeling to Kurseong is generally open through out the year. So, the toy train is not coming to Siliguri then you can come up to Kurseong. This place is equally beautiful and is full of natural splendour.

Natural History Museum
The museum has a collection of over 4300 specimen . Established in 1903, this natural history museum packs in its folds a rich collection of fauna found in the Himalayas and in Bengal. Among the attractions are included the estuarine crocodiles. This unique museum also has a good collection of butterflies. The mineral forms of various stones are displayed in a very attractive manner from the museum.

Observatory Hills
This position provides one from the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga peaks. This place can also be very sacred for the Hindus and the Buddhists as there are temples and the monasteries at this place. The Kali temple is decorated with all the colourful flags. Be aware with the monkey groups as some these are very aggressive.

Passenger Ropeway
Another tourist attraction in Darjeeling has been the ropeway. This was the first ropeway in India. It connects the North point (7000 ft) to the Singla Bazaar (800 ft). The rope covers a distance of 8 kms in 45 minutes. The seats within the rope way is limited and it is better to get the tickets in advance. The ropeway is exciting and unique for any 1 visiting Darjeeling.

Rungli Rungliot
Where the road from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes its great bend high above the Teesta river, directly opposite Kanchenjunga, a Buddhist monk many years ago is believed to have proclaimed "Rungli Rungliot" This pious benediction which, literally translated, means "thus far and no further" is alive and well today inside the shape of 1 of essentially the most celebrated tea gardens from the Darjeeling hills. The village is steeped in legend.

Senchal Lake
A scenic place near the tiger hills. This place has popularly come up as a picnic spot amongst the tourists. The lake supplies drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.

Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri
The twin Cities of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the departure stage to Darjeeling, Sikkim and the North Eastern States. Being the nodal point this place has become very busy and crowded. This area has got population over 2.5 lakh people. Siliguri also acts as a transit stage for Nepal. This place is not very pleasant to stay as there are always long lines of buses and trucks. These trucks and vehicles might be good for business but they provide very ugly sight. Tourists come to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri mainly to change bus or catch trains. If you have time then visit the almost forgotten wild life sanctuary of Jaldhapara. The best season to visit this park is between October and May. This the time when the new grass has come up and animals are out there. The sanctuary has elephants, dears, tigers and other animals but the main attraction is the Rhinos which are threatened by the poachers. Elephant Safari can be taken from Hollong.

Snow Leopard Breeding Programme
Nowadays the zoologists and the environmental scientists are trying to protect the endangered species by breeding them in captivity. Following this trend is Kiran Moktan who has devoted his life in breeding program of snow leopards. The snow leopards are not identified to have bred in captivity but in this center thanks to the efforts of Kiran Maktan these animals have given birth in captivity. Snow leopards are animals who have to be kept in large enclosures. Visitors are allowed inside the center but they have to watch the animals in utter silence.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
In 1959 was established a center for the refuges who had fled Tibet using the Dalai Lama after the Chinese invasion. This self help center has been developed as workshop for the manufacture of handicrafts. The fine and superb carpets, woollens, woodcarvings and leather work form this center has been very popular among the tourists. The money collected after the sale of the products goes to the Tibetans who work here. The variety Tibetan Curios on sale are also attracting the visitors in a big way. This center has established it self inside the International scenario as place for hard work, self esteem and truth.

Zoological Gardens
The zoo is situated two kms form the main town. This zoological garden houses some from the rare species of animals and birds. This is only zoo in India having the Siberian Tigers. Apart from these the rare Red Panda is also there. The Snow Leopards, Great Grey Birds, Snow Yaks are some the animals which are attracting tourist in great numbers. The entry inside the zoo is by tickets which are also valid for the natural history museum and the mountaineering institute & museum.

Leisure Holiday Tour Darjeeling
Shopping in Darjeeling India
Apart from tea there are many items which Darjeeling offers in its shopping malls. Tourists love taking home the curios and carpets from here. The shops for curios and carpets are on Chowrasta and Nehru road. These shops also sell thangkas, brass statues, religious objects, jewellery, wood carvings, woven fabrics and many other items through the Himalayan region. The Bronze items and wooden carvings give you good value for your money. Thangkas are impressive at the first sight but the require a closer look if you want to buy them. The West Bengal's Manjusha Emporium has a good collection Himalayan handicraft, silk and handloom products. The woollen garments can be bought in the markets on Hill Cart road. The bamboo items are collectors delight in the region. Hayden Hall is a place to look for the exclusive Tibetan Carpets. The women's cooperative is also a place worth checking out.