Darjeeling is the legendary British hill station perched in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located in the northern extreme of the Indian state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is just east of Nepal, just south of Sikkim, and a bit west and south of Bhutan. It is most famous for its once magnificent tea estates. Despite a steady and inexorable decline since independence, roughly a half century ago, these estates still produce a substantial

For rail enthusiasts, however, Darjeeling is better known for its "Toy Train." This famous narrow gauge steam railway plies its way from Siliguri in the plains below up to Ghoom and Darjeeling in the hills. For more information you can visit the site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at www.dhrs.org.

Blessed with a cool and bracing climate, and a panoramic view of the Himalayas, the world renowned hill resort of Darjeeling is a welcome respite during the hot summer months.

Situated at 2134 m above sea level, Darjeeling was acquired by the British from the Raja of Sikkim as a gift around a hundred and fifty years ago, and developed it as a rest and recreational center for their troops. Today the town retains many of the legacies of the British Government.

Darjeeling's population of about 100,000 is made up of people of many races and religions. Gorkhas, Bhutias, Lepchas, Sherpas. Yolmos and migrants from the plains have all made Darjeeling their home, and everyone lives in perfect harmony; at the shrine at Observatory Hill, you'll find Hindus and Buddhists offering prayers alongside each other. The official language is Gorkhali (Nepali), but Hindi and Bengali are also spoken, and almost everyone understands and speaks a bit of English.

How to Get to Darjeeling:
Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess an Indian visa. No special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Darjeeling. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when required

LOCAL TRANSPORT: Private Taxis, Jeeps and Land rovers are available for local sightseeing in and around Darjeeling.

AIR CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra Airport is 90 km (3 hours) from Darjeeling. There is a bus from the airport to Darjeeling (3½ hr). A taxi to Darjeeling is Rs.700 or Rs.150 for a seat in a shared taxi.

ROAD CONNECTIONS: Darjeeling is connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc.

• Darjeeling - Kalimpong...51 km
• Darjeeling - Siliguri....78 km
• Darjeeling - Gangtok...94 km

RAIL CONNECTIONS: Out-station trains (Indian Railways) generally come into either New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. From there, visitors may proceed to Darjeeling by 'Toy Train"  (journey time 6.5 to 7 hrs) or bus or taxi or Limo Van  (journey time 3 to 3.5 hrs) to Darjeeling.

TOURIST CARS/BUSES: Tourist Cars, Tourist mini coaches and Taxis are available for transfer of passengers between Darjeeling and Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra, and also for sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Darjeeling.