The three most popular places visited in Darjeeling are Chowrasta, St. Andrews Church, and Gorkha Rangamanch. Chowrasta is located at the center of Darjeeling and is known for shopping, food stalls, and pony rides. St. Andrews Church, built in the 18th century, is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the area. Gorkha Rangamanch is an open-air auditorium used for local performances and events. These areas are well-known attractions that showcase Darjeeling's culture, history, and activities.

1. JANUARY 2016

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NEED A “VOICE”
FOR YOUR “EXPERTISE”
FOR YOUR “RISE”
WE CAN BE
THE VOICE
REACHING YOUR
TARGET...
An All New Travel & Tour Magazine from Siliguri.
To Reach Out to Everyone that Matters in this Sector.
CONTACT US FOR OUR ATTRATIVE AD RATES
Head Office : Inspiria Knowledge Campus
Himachal Vihar, Phase-II, Matigara,
Siliguri - 734010, West Bengal, India.
Peroidicity: Quarterly
Number of pages: 100 pages
Print: Digital: Golssy: ColourContact Us : contact@isnpiria.edu.in
0353-2571111, +91-8900755550

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Explorea…
a venture to
accustom the
unexplored
and
unidentified
places in
north-east
India.”
EDITOR’S NOTE
Extraordinary but untraveled.
“
The whole idea behind this launch is to swim against the
flow and bring the unidentified places across north- east
India to the forefront. The motive is to break-through the
common trend of visiting common places and encour-
age travellers to explore the hidden beauty of the region.
An initiative to develop tourism for little known and un-
mapped places in and across this region.
An astonishing result is seen on a comparative study done
by our team on the places most visited and paces un-
reached. Unexplored places are found to be equally beau-
tiful but yet facing identity crisis. Our team is inspired and
forced to take the lead to work on their recognition and
importance.
Thus, ‘Explorea’ is an initiative to make the unexplored at
par with the explored. This will definitely boost the tour-
ism and will benefit the local natives of the region. It is
important to bring these place to the limelight to justify
their existence.
Hope this launch and initiative will be help in the exposer
of the places unexplored.
Atul Gupta
Editor-in–chief

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• COVER STORY
DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY
• PLACES MOST VISITED
1. CHOWRASTA
• St Andrews Church
• Gorkha rang Manch
• Mall Road
2. BATASIA LOOP
• Yiga Choeling Monastry
• Druk Sngag Choeling Monastry
3. TIGER HILL
• Sinchel Lake
• Mata Mandir
CONTENTS
page 12
page 18

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• PLACES YET UNEXPLORED
• TEA GRADEN
• PLACES
MOST-VISITED VS UNEXPLORED
1. TEESTA VALLEY 2. DHOTRE
VS
page 34
page 44
page 40

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• DIVERSITY- FLORA & FAUNA
1. FLORA
•  PLANTS
•  FLOWERS
2. FAUNA
•  ANIMALS
•  BIRDS
page 50
• PLACE OF INTEREST
1. MIRIK LAKE
3. KURSEONG - EC
5 .LAMAHATTA
2. KALIMPONG - DEOLO
4. SONADA - GROTO
page 54

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• BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE
VIEW FROM DARJEELING page 60
• SPORTS AND ADVENTURE
ROPE WAY
page 74

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“The Himalayan Paradise”
EXPLORING...
DARJEELING

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Darjeeling is synonymous with three things
– the majestic sight of the snow-capped
Kanchenjunga, The Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway popularly known as the toy train
and its famous tea gardens. Who can think
of visiting this enchanting hill station and
not take a ride in the historic toy train. Few
people reflect on the fact that the toy train
has been around long before motor cars
came to existence and was the only means
of transport to Darjeeling. Today of course,
COVERSTORYDarjeeling- The Beautiful Himalayan heaven
it functions for sight seeing and joy rides
and also for its immense heritage value.
Indeed, the toy trains features in exqui-
site framed photos on the walls of drawing
rooms and hotel lobbies as well in Bollywood
popular films. After a massive landslide dis-
rupted its service for nearly five years, the
toy train is back in its track again from the
2nd of this month (December 2015).
Today of course, it functions for sight seeing
and joy rides and also for its immense heri-
tage value.
Indeed, the toy trains features in exqui-
site framed photos on the walls of drawing
rooms and hotel lobbies as well in Bollywood
popular films. After a massive landslide dis-
rupted its service for nearly five years, the
toy train is back in its track again from the
2nd of this month (December 2015).
DARJEELING
HIMALAYAN
RAILWAY

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The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
remains as one of the most outstanding feats
in hill train transport. Inaugurated in 1881,
it is an example of an ingenious technolog-
ical solution to fulfill the challenge of es-
tablishing a rail service in the mountainous
terrain of the Darjeeling hills. It is still fully
operational and retains most of its original
features intact. The DHR is a result of the ini-
tiative taken by Franklin Prestage, the agent
of Eastern Bengal Railway (EBR), a private
company who in 1858 received the contract
for construction and management of rail-
way lines along the Hooghly River towards
the Eastern and Northern part of Bengal, in-
cluding a track to Darjeeling. However the
company directors did not wish to construct
the line to Darjeeling for two reasons. One,
they thought it would not be profitable and
two, the daunting task of constructing a rail
track up the formidable terrain of the Dar-
jeeling hills.
However Franklin Prestage took up this
challenge in his individual capacity. He de-
cided on a two feet rail gauge, and formed
the Darjeeling Steam Tramway Co., re-
named as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Co. on September 15, 1881.
Gillanders Arbuthnot and Co. supervised
the financial, legal and purchasing interests
of DHR and of other small railways from
its Calcutta office. A manager and engineer
were posted at Kurseong and a mechanical
superintendent was at Tindharia.
The DHR began services in 1880, beginning
first with a Siliguri to Kurseong route. Ser-
vices from Sonada to Ghoom on April 5,
1881, Ghoom (Jorebunglow) to Darjeeling
on July 4, 1881 and Kurseong to Sonada be-
gan on August1, 1881.
The highlight of the DHR is the Ghoom Sta-
tion which until recently was the highest rail
station in the world and the highest altitude
with railway tracks. Other unique features of
Because of the steep climb up to Darjeel-
10

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ing, loops and z-reverses are used to ease
the climb. Of the five loops originally con-
structed on the route, only three exist now
at Chunbhatti, Tindharia and Batasia on the
outskirts of Darjeeling. The loops at Agony
Pont (Tindharia) and Batasia offer majestic
views and have been the favourite locations
of film producers of Mumbai and Kolkata
over the years.
The Z-reverses are the fascinating aspects of
the DHR route. In these reverses, the train
halts and reverses on a track going up, halts
agan and moves forward on another uphill
track. In this manner steep climbs are made
possible for the toy train.
The DHR today is inadvertently linked with
the social and economic life of the people
of the Darjeeling hills. Small hamlets have
grown up surrounding each station from
Rongtong to Sonada. The railway has been
a source of direct and indirect livelihood
to the local people. Besides, it has been and
continues to be a chief source of national
and international tourist attraction. It brings
in memories of old and adds tremendous
heritage value.
The DHR has been extensively and reg-
ularly featured in national and interna-
tional media. According to Wikipedia, the
BBC made a series of three documentaries
dealing with Indian Hill Railways, shown
in February 2010. The first film covers the
Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway, the second
the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the third
the Kalka-Shimla Railway. The films were
directed by Tarun Bhartiya, Hugo Smith
and Nick Mattingly and produced by Ger-
ry Troyna. The series won the UK Royal
Television Society Award in June 2010. Wes
Anderson’s film The Darjeeling Limited also
showcases three brothers riding the Darjeel-
ing Himalayan Railway.
Today the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is
a UNESCO World Heritage site. This status
was accorded in response to a proposal by
National Rail Museum (India), the focus of
India’s Rail heritage, on 29th June 1998 for
inscribing the Darjeeling Himalayan Rail-
way (DHR) as a World HERITAGE Site.
UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee in-
scribed DHR as a World Heritage Site on
2nd December 1999.

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DHR,
BATASIA
LOOP

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PLACESMOSTVISITEDBeauty that spreads like a wild fire
through the travellers & explorers
16

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1.Chowrasta & Mall
“Chowrasta” is the most popular and loved place in Darjeeling. Even the locals are found strolling
around the Chowrasta, enjoying the fresh air with family and friends. At Kaventers people enjoy the
fun of licking delicious ice-cream bars in the chilling breeze or sipping tea/coffee which tastes like never
before in the presence of the pleasant brezze, realizing that heaven is no different.
It is a mid-point for four different famed destinations like Singamari, St. Andrews Church, Gorkha
Rangamanch and Shrubbery Nightingle Park. Mal road is the connecting point for all the above four
places and is the second heaven for crazy shopaholic people- i.e. from hand- made to best designer
woollen apparels and antique pieces are available. Foodie visitors have option of exploring diversified
cuisine.
Darjeeling - is amongst the place that is
familiar to one and all world-wide. It is a
shining jewel in the north-east region of the
country, India. It is very well-known all over
the world for the tea and as a tourist spot.
The Chowrasta is one of the most import-
ant tourist destination in the hill town of
Darjeeling. It is heaven for crazy shopaholic
people who come here during vacations for
leisure trips.
It is the heart of the hill station with the oth-
er places around it looking like the nerves
extending from the heart. People throng to
the area for shopping and have a great time
with friends and family. It has a number of
food stalls, book stores and shops selling
different kinds of artefacts on the side of the
road.
Pony rides offer
another great
experience around
the Mall road.

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Other than shopping people can go for a joy
pony ride at this place. The young boys of
the area offer pony rides to people of all age
groups in return for a certain sum of mon-
ey. Nehru Road is the place where people
come to sunbathe and watch the scenery
around.
A small open space auditorium is here
which is used by local bands to perform
and enthrall the people and crowd that
come to witness it. The Chowrasta and the
Mall are located at the top of Nehru Road
where people come to sunbathe.
The place got the name “Chowrasta” be-
cause Chow means four while Rasta means
road. This was done because four roads
converge and meet at this place. To get the
feel of Darjeeling, one needs to visit this
place. The area gives a feel of the Victorian
age in Darjeeling.
Chowrasta, an ideal spot for
the joggers and morning
walk..

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St. Andrew’s Church is one of the most
beautiful structure found in Darjeeling, it
is located in the most attarctive spots in the
town, the Mall road or Chowrasta. Con-
structed by the British, during the 18th
century it is one of the oldest and pristine
churches in Darjeeling Hills .The founda-
tion stone of this church was laid down on
St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th 1843.
It is one of the ‘Gems’ which adds upon the
beauty of the place.
St. Andrews church which stands as a land-
mark of British tradition is named after the
saints of Scotland, it is an Anglican church.
It is one of the engineering marvels which
depict the excellent architectural skills of
the British. Being one of the most beautiful
edifices, it has been admired and praised by
the tourists as well as the locals.
ST ANDREWS
CHURCH
St. Andrews church which
stands as a landmark of Brit-
ish tradition is named after
the saints of Scotland,
The first divine service was held in October
1844. In September 1867 the spire of the
building had collapsed as it was struck by a
lightening and so all the services were sus-
pended as the shock had rendered the build-
ing unsafe and it took several years to recon-
struct the damaged building and hence the
regular services started off only after 1877.
The clock tower with its bell which chimed
every hour was built in the year 1883, which
was heard all over the town of Darjeeling.
The church is able to accommodate the con-
gregation of about 200 persons.

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Gorkha rangamancha is an open-audito-
rium which is used by the local people for
various programmes such as drama, musical
performances, cultural activities, seminar
conferences and also political stunts. It has
been beautifully designed and it is located
in the location where every- one would love
to visit and take photographs for memories.
GORKHA RANG
MANCH
Open-auditorium of the local
people for various
programmes

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The Mahakal Mandir in Darjeeling is very
popular and highly revered religious tem-
ple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also
known to the locals as the “Holy Hill”, it is
just a few minutes’ walk from the Chowrasta
and is situated on the highest ridge of the
town. The Mahakal temple atop the hill is a
revered place for the locals and visitors will
be surprised to find a Hindu priest and a
Buddhist monk sharing a common altar.
The Mahakal Mandir holds a religious sig-
nificance both for Hindus and Buddhist
living in Darjeeling. The temple is a unique
amalgamation of the two most important
religions of the region. Legend has it that
the place where the temple stands today
was once home to a Buddhist Monastery.
Besides the main temple, there are other
smaller temples dedicated to Gods like Kali,
Durga, Ganesh, Hanuman etc. There is also
a cave which is considered to be sacred and
worshipped by the people.
MAHAKAL
MANDIR
The Mahakal Mandir holds re-
ligious significance both for
Hindus and Buddhist living in
Darjeeling.
The sound of the Hindu temple bells amidst
the fluttering Buddhist flags give a serene
and divine atmosphere.The Observatory Hill
where the temple stands today is considered
to be the very place from where civilization
in Darjeeling started. Initially, this was the
only place inhabited by people before the
population began to spread and took the
form of present Darjeeling. The myth also
has it that the place was initially home to a
Buddhist monastery and was under the rule
of the kingdom of Sikkim. It is believed that
the town Darjeeling got its name from the
word “ Dorje-Ling” or the Land of the Thun-
derbolt, a name given by the monks of the
monastery.
The present day temple is built in the Hin-
du architecture. It is round in shape with the
Shiva-linga placed at the center. Along with
the shiva-linga, there are also idols of Bud-
dha. The statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of
Lord Shiva adorns the entrance of the tem-
ple. The main entrance is lined by the Hindu
bells and the Buddhist prayer flags. Among
all the important festival celebrated here,
Siva Ratri is the most important, during this
festival people are seen in huge number to
offer prayers at Mahakal Temple.

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2. Batasia Loop
The landscape of hill town and the snow covered eastern Himalayan, Mt. Kanchanjunga is best
viewed on the way to Darjeeling via. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR). The railway track
loops around beautifully structured ‘War memorial’ and a garden with beautiful flowers beside
railway -line. The beautiful mountain kanchanjunga is can be no better viewed from else -where.
The unique feature
about this loop is the
360 degree turn the
Toy-train takes.
Batasia loop was made by the British while
laying down the railway whereas the beauti-
fication and the ‘war memorial is structured
around it recently, by the tourism depart-
ment. While taking a trip to Darjeeling in
“The Toy Train” – Batasia Loop is the most
beautiful sightseeing in the entire journey.
The most specific and unique feature about
this loop is the 360 degree turn the Toy-
train takes. Many Bollywood and Tolly-
wood movies shoot in this location. The
Toy- train is most popularly used in the old
Bollywood movies and even in recent Bol-
lywood movies. Batasia loop is mostly used
in the Tollywood films.
Batasia loop is one of the most visited place
on the way to Darjeeling. It is located on
Hill Cart Road, N.H.-55(National High-
way) which connect Siliguri.
The Toy- train is most popularly used in the
old Bollywood movies and even in recent
Bollywood movies. Batasia loop is mostly
used in the Tollywood films.

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BATASIA
LOOP

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Yiga Choeling monastery is one of the most
visited places of Darjeeling.
Yiga Choeling Monastery of Ghoom is one
of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monaster-
ies in Darjeeling built in the year 1850. The
monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the
Yellow Hat sect and is famous for its 15 feet
high special statue of the Maitreya Buddha
which is known as ‘The Maitreya Buddha or
the Gyalwa Shampa’ which means the Bud-
dha of the future or the Coming Buddha.
The external structure of the building was
established in 1850 by the famous Mon-
golian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab
Gyatso. Since 1850 to 1905 he had adminis-
tered as the head of the monastery.
YIGA CHOELING
MONASTERY
This statue is one of the big-
gest and oldest statues of
Buddha in Darjeeling area.
This statue is one of the biggest and oldest
statues of Buddha in Darjeeling area. It was
made with clay, which was brought from Ti-
bet. In front of the Buddha’s statue there are
two huge oil lamps that keep burning all the
time and all through the year.
This 15-foot statue of the Buddha was con-
structed during the tenure of the second
head of the monastery Lama Domo Geshe
Rinpoche (1910–1952). Inside the Yiga Cho-
eling Monastery there are images of many
Buddha deities and lamas such as the Chen-
rezig (Avalokitesvara), Buddha of compas-
sion, and Tsongkhapa who was the founder
of the Gelupka sect to which the Monastery
belongs.

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He was considered a well-known Religious
teacher during his time. The monastery be-
longs to the Kargyupa Sect. it also serves as
the headquarters and residence for Druk-
chen Rinpoche the XII, who is the supreme
leader of the kragyuga sect.
The structure is built in the traditional Ti-
betan style. The building offers a splendid
view when one looks at it from a distant.
The colors used in the walls are bright and
bold which depicts the life and teachings of
Lord Buddha.
Currently, there are around 200 monks and
disciples from the nearby Himalayan re-
gion who live and study in the monastery. A
small library containing Buddhist scripture
and other literary works on the philosophy
of life is present inside.
The perfect time to visit the monastery is
during early mornings or at the evening
when the prayer session is going on. The
prayer timings are from 5 am to 6 am and 5
pm to 6.30pm. In 1993, his holiness the Da-
lai Lama had inaugurated the recent com-
plex of the monastery when he had come for
his religious teachings on Buddhism in the
region.
This is one of the largest monasteries lo-
cated at a place called Dali which is 5kms
away from Darjeeling.It was built during the
time of Kyabje Thuksey Rimpoche in 1971.
DRUK SANGAG
CHOELING
MONASTRY
The structure is built in the
traditional Tibetan style. The
building offers a splendid
view when one look at it
from a distant.

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TIGER HILL,
DARJEELING

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3. Tiger hill
Darjeeling is known for its tea and tourism along with the cynic beauty of the area. Tiger Hill is the
highest point of Ghoom which is the highest railway station in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tiger Hill is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is about 11kms from Darjeeling town and can be
reached either by jeep or foot.
During the sunrise, the first rays of the
sun shed light on the twin peaks of the
Kanchenjunga painting it pink and then in
a beautiful orange colour. From Tiger Hill,
Mount Everest is just visible in between the
two peaks standing by its side. The distance
in a straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest
is 107 miles.
While on Tiger Hill one can visit Senchal
Wildlife Sanctuary which offers great pic-
nic spots and has two artificial lakes which
serve as reservoirs for water supply to the
town of Darjeeling. In the hills, one simply
has to wake up to the stunning sunrises. The
first glimpse of the golden horizon makes
one’s day.
The Golden hour
at Tiger Hill during
Sunrise

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TIGER HILL,
DARJEELING

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The sun plays its true colours behind the
mountains and the horizon turns crimson
as the sun comes out of the mountains like
a perfect yolk. It is relishing to see the sun
become stronger as it goes into the sky.
Kanchendzonga Hill which stands on the
North changes its colour from blue to white
to pink to gold.
The mountains look so close that they de-
ceive people. It looks as if the sun is doing its
chores for the first time.Tiger Hill is a desti-
nation in itself offering not just great views
during the sunrise but it’s also a place where
one can soak themselves in the Himalayan
serenity anytime of the day.

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Mata mandir is the most respected and
worshipped place for all the Nepali/Gorkha
Hindus all over the globe, actually Mata
mandir is well known as Sinchel Mata
Mandir or Sinchel Mandir please correct it.
the lake is a water reservoir for the entire
Darjeeling town it is situated in the middle
of the Sinchel Wildlife sanctuary. The whole
of the area of Tigerhill falls under Sinchel
Wildlife Sanctuary

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PLACESYETUNEXPLORED
The Heavenly beauty unseen & unreached
37

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Places of heavenly essence that enchants with its charming
vista. Experience the real feeling of wow moments with
every breath taken.
TEEATA
VALLEY,
DURPIN
DARA

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TEESTA
VALLEY
DARJEELING

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The serpentine river Teesta
flowing from the Himalayas.
1. Teesta valley
Darjeeling, being the queen of the hills and worldwide recognized tourist destination has many c
orners yet unexplored. There remains a number of beautiful potential tourist destinations which are
unreached or rarely visited.’Teesta Valley Durpin Dara’ is amongst one of them. It is situated about
25 km away from the township of Darjeeling, and it is an excellent view point.
River ‘Teesta’ flow through this valley thus its
named after the river. It is one of the oldest
tea gardens in Darjeeling established in the
year 1841. The tea estate is a ‘Gold medalist’
for the production of the world’s finest tea.
Tea gardens around the place are worth vis-
iting, it is one of the most beautiful tea gar-
dens in Darjeeling and attracts visitors by
its magnificent scenery around. In between
these beautiful green tea gardens, there is a
famous Durpin Dara(local lingo) or view-
point.
Views from this place are totally mesmer-
ising, one could easily be fascinated by the
panoramic sight of the hills, mountains,
forests and enchanting river Teesta in its
serpentine form. It stretches from Sikkim,
Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the township of
Siliguri can be viewed easily.
In order to enhance tourism, some local
people have come out with the idea of de-
veloping eco-friendly homestay so that the
tourists could stay back to relish upon the
beauty of nature.

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Snow fall at Dhotre during
winter.
2. Dhotre
A place for experiencing the real feel of eco-tourism. It is a natural eco-tourism spot. In fact, eco-tourism is
the only source of income for the people at Dhotrey. Being a village in the limits of forest region, everything
available is natural and the source is nature and not man-made. The food they serve is grown by them and
after sunset, there are no means of artificial lighting. It’s the natural moonlight that lites up the place.
Dhotrey is a small village with limited hab-
itats. It is a forest village with 68 small huts
within the buffer zone of ‘SINGALILA
NATIONAL PARK’.Years back, wooden logs
were collected by the Forest Department with
a 5km long ropeway. The village was set up
during that time.
The ropeway was demolished in the mid-80s
and the village economy suffered. In mid-90s,
an effort was made to develop an eco-tour-
ism/ a village tourism center. It took over five
years, for an individual to motivate the vil-
lagers to develop tourism. On 9th February
2008, a fire had destroyed 33 huts. Now, the
village has been rebuilt with the help of the
Forest Department and many volunteers, and
with the help of the people in Darjeeling.
The Buddhist Monastery in that area has been
renovated by Rumtek authorities of Sikkim. At
present, any nature lover can stay at Dhotre,
in village huts or at the trekker’s hut. Momo
and roti are the usual dishes served. Electricity
supply is out of reach as it is within the Na-
tional Park limits.
A stroll in the evening in the nearby forest is
a great experience where the clouds play hide
and seek with us. Dhotrey is a beautiful place
in itself.

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VIEW FROM
DHOTRE,

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Human beings have successes in exploring
the world, even the universe. The strange
thing is that the quest of exploring does not
quench the thirst of exploring more and
further more despite exploring the universe.
The nature is so rich and diverse around us
that still innumerable places are yet to be
discovered and explored.
Darjeeling is a world famous place and a
tourist interest destination. Thousands of
people visit Darjeeling, every month and
say they have explored “Darjeeling”. Is it re-
ally true that they have explored Darjeeling?
PLACESMOSTVISITED V/

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The normal trend is to ask a tourist guide
for the best itinerary and pay a visit, and its
thought the place is explored. Its not true.
They are the most popular and most visited
place or already explored places and not the
unexplored places.
“Explorea”- will take you through the unex-
plored places in and around Darjeeling. It’s
the jewel of hills in north-east, India. Dar-
jeeling is famous world-wide for its natural
beauty and its heavenly essence.
Lets, compare the explored beauty of Dar-
jeeling with unexplored beauty in disguise
of Darjeeling.
PLACESYETUNEXPLORED/S

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TEA GARDEN,
DARJEELING

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Tea gardens are one of the special features
of Darjeeling and Darjeeling tea is world
famous for its excellent and unique quality.
The hilltops are covered with charming tea
estates that stretch from one end to the oth-
er, that stand apart in the list of places to
visit in Darjeeling. These ‘Darjeeling Tea
Estates’ are stunning vistas on the journey
to various parts of Darjeeling.
Tea was first introduced to this Himalayan
city in west Bengal in the mid -19th cen-
tury by the British, and these sprawling tea
estates are still reminiscent of that culture.
TEAGARDENKnow how the world famous brew ‘Darjeeling Tea’ reach us
A trip to these vast stretches of tea planta-
tions is all about misty mornings, tea leaves
blooming under the sun, endless walks dis-
covering various types of tea and of course,
sipping your favourite brew.

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OF THE
RENOWNED
TEA-ESTATES IN
DARJEELING ARE:
5. Gomtee Tea Estate:
Lesser known than its famous neighbours
Makaibari and Glenburn, visitors at Goom-
tee get to stay in a 100-year-old heritage
bungalow at a height of about 4000 feet,
with sweeping views of the valleys and
mountains.
3.Happy Valley Tea Estate:
Wandering through tea gardens settled on
the gentle hill slopes of Darjeeling is the
perfect way to start your day at the Happy
Valley Tea Estate. With plantations as old
as 150 years and picture-perfect stretch-
es of lush green tea bushes beckoning you,
this tea estate will floor you with its scenic
charm. Stop by the gardens during the pro-
cess of plucking, processing and packaging
and you’ll be privy to one of a fascinating tea
garden experiences.
4.Chamong Tea Estate:
Nestled in the misty hills of Darjeeling,
Chamong Tea Estate stretches over 900 acres
of lush green land that houses a tea planta-
tion, a tea factory and a village for the tea
pickers. Most of the land is forested, with an
abundance of flora and fauna. The incredi-
ble splendour of the rolling hills, the verdant
tea bushes and the quiet daily life makes this
area popular amongst visitors.
2.Makaibari Tea Estate:
Makaibari Tea Estate, the producer of Dar-
jeeling’s costliest tea, was established in
1859—making it one of the oldest fami-
ly-owned tea gardens in Darjeeling.
1. Glenburn Tea Estate:
Step into the idyllic world of Glenburn, a
tea estate established by Scottish tea plant-
ers in 1860. It sprawls over 1600 acres of
verdant forests, rolling hills, tea picker vil-
lages and a pair of river valleys.

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Darjeeling tea has its significance worldwide, and a unique part of Darjeeling tea is that its entire
procedure is followed and manufactured by man and not machines. The production of Darjeeling
tea not done the machines but the workers and their hands. Each tea leaves are plucked, dried and
rolled by them. The entire process is carried out in a very systematic and clean manner.
Which is remarkable to look at.

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It’s the main source of income for the region- Darjeeling. The tea manufactured here are exported
worldwide and has huge demand. The surprising of all is that the huge demand cycle is still main-
tained and met by the worker and not machines.

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LLYOD
BOTANIC
GARDEN

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1.Flora
DIVERS
Unique diversity that is rich and preserved flowering plants
Bird Of Paradise Paphiopedulum
Villosum
Abies Densa ,
F-Coniferie
Pleone Praecox Sobralia Amesiania Eria convallarioides
Rhododendron
maddeni
Calanthe biloba Phaius tankervilleae

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SITY
2.Fauna
Diveristy of animals and birds found and preserved
blus whistling thrush Barking Deer chestnut bellied
rockthrush
verditer flycatcher common hawk cuckoo Himalayan
Black Bear
Himalayan Palm Civet Green Backed Tit little pied flycatcher

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GREATER
YELOWNAPE

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PLACEOFINTEREST
Kurseong is a hill station in the town of
Darjeeling which is in the state of West
Bengal. In the Lepcha language, it means
the land of the white orchids. The weather
in the town of Kurseong is always pleasant.
The town is amongst the green canopy of
myriad tea gardens.
A well-kept secret from where one can view
an amazing sunset in all the desired calm-
ness & silence. A fascinating aspect about
the Eagle’s Craig situated just a kilometre
distance from Kurseong is that not many
people know of it and hence there are few
tourists around.
Once one makes his/her way up the spiral
staircase to the steel-caged observatory –
the viewpoint, he/she is definitely in for a
visual treat. The lookout point offers a stun-
ning panoramic view of the sunset and the
lush green slopes around the small town
of Kurseong. One can also see the river Bal-
ason snaking its way through the valley.The
Eagle’s Craig has an observatory close to it
which is known as ‘Netaji Kothi’. It is called
so because at one point of time it used to be
the abode of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.
EC, KURSEONG
The lookout point offers stun-
ning panaromic view of the
sunset and the lush green
slopes around the small town
of Kurseong.
Captivating places which takes you to a different world

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Mirik is one the most famous tourist spots
in Darjeeling. It is famous for its beauty and
obscurity. When we are on the way to Mirik
the scenery is breathtaking and it seems we
are going amongst the white fluffy clouds.
There is greenery on one side with the tea
gardens, mountains and pine trees along the
way. The road trip from Darjeeling to Mirik
makes a person fall short of words.
The Mirik Lake or Sumendu Lake is the fa-
vourite tourist spot in the region. Boating
and Pony Riding is available in the region.
There is a flip side to it. Careless tourists
often spoil the area making it dirty. It is a
quiet place where one can stay for the whole
day and not get bored. The person is sent to-
tally into a different space due to the natural
surroundings which are breathtaking.
The area around the lake has pine trees on
one side and a garden on the other side.
Both the sides are linked by a foot bridge
which is called the rainbow bridge. The
place where the present lake stands used to
be a marshland with a very thick growth of
plants while what is the garden now was a
polo ground used by the British.
Mirik has very recently been added to the
tourist location of Darjeeling. Earlier Mir-
ik town used to be a meadow which was
surrounded by hills. In 1970, the West Ben-
galTourism Department made a small dam
which blocked the water from flowing out
thus creating the lake in the process. Now
the lake has become one of the biggest tour-
ist attractions of Mirik town.
ThereisatemplenamedSinghaDeviMandir
on the west of the lake. The two points near
the lake namely Rameetya Dara and Deosi
Dara have the best view of the snowcapped
Himalayan range and the valley. The sunrise
and the sunset are the best from this partic-
ular area. A trip to Darjeeling needs to have
a visit to the Mirik lake else it would be like
going to Agra and not seeing the Taj Mahal.
Places of interest:
Mirik lake, Kawla Dara, Doesi Dara, Rai-
Dhap, Tea estates, Orange orchards, Cardo-
mom grove and Devi-sthan.
MIRIK LAKE
A trip to Darjeeling needs to
have a visit to the Mirik lake
else it would be like going to
Agra and not seeing the Taj
Mahal.

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Dello or the Deolo hill is one of the definite-
ly-must-visit places in the Darjeeling dis-
trict of West Bengal. Only 6 km away from
Kalimpong and at a height of 1914 metres,
it definitely is one of those places suitable
for a getaway with loved ones from the busy
schedules of life.
Beitahorsebackrideorasimplecasualstroll
in the evening that is what it takes to cov-
er Dello. The Govt. Guest House (DGHC)
compound is a landmark. Although Dello is
suitable as a picnic spot but a night-stay at
the local hotels is a must if one is interest-
ed in experiencing the Kanchanjunga range
bathed in the early morning sunrise which
is a visual treat indeed.
For those with a nose-for-thrill Deolo of-
fers an exciting opportunity for paragliding,
overlooking the hills and the Teesta valley.
Although a one-night stint, but it is high-
ly recommended one it is duly advised for
the ones visiting this little piece of heaven
to carry their medicines & baby-food if re-
quired for the nearest market is at a 3-4 km
walking distance.
The nearest market is the 14th Mile Market.
It is recommended for visitors to definitely
try out a sip of the most famous Darjeeling
tea, a refresher against the chilly weather.
It is a must visit for any tourist visiting the
hills of North Bengal.
DEOLO,
KALIMPONG
Deolo is suitable as a picnic
spot but a night-stay at the
local hotels is a must if one is
interested to experience the
Kanchanjunga range

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Sonada is a beautiful town in the Darjeeling
District of West Bengal which comes on way
to Darjeeling just after leaving Kurseong be-
hind. It is 17 km from Darjeeling town and
16 km from Kurseong and it lies on Nation-
al Highway 55 connecting Darjeeling with
Siliguri. Gorato Nalichor Intek Cider’s is a pilgrim
centre there are status reflecting the life of
Lord Jesus Christ including the beautiful
statue of Mother Mary in debited to the
families for their contribution and generous
donation of the land.
While travelling on the way from Sonada
to Darjeeling a beautiful view of the Sherpa
Monastery can be seen just near the Nation-
al Highway 55, Hill cart Road Sonada. It is
a must visit place for people who love cynic
beauty.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway(DHR),
a UNESCO world heritage site profoundly
known as toy train passes through the town
as there is a DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway) station located here.Sonada has a
beautiful monastery known as the Samdrup
Darjay Choling Monastery, here is the inter-
national seat of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage,
founded by his eminence Dorje Chang Kab-
je Kalu Rinpoche, who was born in Tibet but
in 1993 he was enthroned in this Monastery.
SONADA GROTO,
DARJEELING
Chorten of Sherpa Monas-
tery can be seen just near
the National Highway .

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Darjeeling is a place which is blessed by
mother nature in abundance. It is known all
over the world for its tea and beauty. It is
a place which is frequented by tourists for
spending their vacations with family and
friends. There are a number of tourist desti-
nations all over Darjeeling and Lamhatta is
one of them.It is still an upcoming eco-tour-
ism destination located at an altitude of
1700 m and around 23 km from Darjeeling.
Lamhatta has been identified as a paradise
for honeymooners. From treks to viewing
the landscape of the magnificent Kanchen-
junga Hills, the Balason River from a cen-
tral watchtower, this place offers it all.
If one is looking for a place to get away from
the hustle and bustle of city life, all that
concrete, noise and smoke, the picturesque
mountain village of Lamhatta is the perfect
spot. The locally situated twin ponds ‘Jore
Pokhari’ are a must see. Garden benches are
a major attraction of the village.
It may be observed that the twin ponds may
seem to resemble the ‘for couples’ ambience
as the place is predominantly popular as a
‘Honeymoon Point.’
The inhabitants of the place work closely
with the private and government authorities
to promote this place.
LAMAHATTA
DARJEELING
Trek through the ‘zig-zag’
walkways between the pine
trees, makes this place is
predominantly popular

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LAMAHATTA
DARJEELING

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MIRIK
LAKE

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PEACE
PAGODA

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TIGER HILL

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SINCHEL
LAKE

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BATASIA
LOOP

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Darjeeling is an adventurous place for lovers of sports and adveture
- it serves with thrilling experiences in
river rafting, rock climbing and ropeway.
The 45 mins ride is a sizzling experience
over the valleys, mountains, peaks, tea gar-
dens and waterfall. It’s one of Asia’s greatest
Traveler Ropeways and India’s earliest and
first Traveler Ropeway is the “Darjeeling
Rangit Place Traveler Wire Car” generally
known as the ‘Darjeeling ropeway’ - situat-
ed at 27 ° 3’40” N 88 °15’15”E at an elevation
of 7000 legs above sea stage.
It was started by the forest development de-
partment of Darjeeling in 1968 the cable car
ride takes one to an elevation of about 7000
feet in Singamari, North Point.It is now
managed as a joint venture of the West Ben-
gal Development Corporation & Conveyor
and Ropeway Services.
ROPEWAY,
DARJEELING
This is one of the best places
to visit and is sure to provide
one a relaxation time while
the wonder car glides in the
air.

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It was started by the forest development de-
partment of Darjeeling in 1968 the cable car
ride takes one to an elevation of about 7000
feet in Singamari, North Point.It is now
managed as a joint venture of the West Ben-
gal Development Corporation & Conveyor
and Ropeway Services.
Having to smoothly glid over the valleys,
mountains, peaks, waterfalls, tea gardens
and beautiful landscape of Darjeeling in a
cable car, this is one of the best experienc-
The present rope way has been extensive-
ly modernized and visitors can now safely
travel over the clouds to witness the aerial
view of the lush green tea gardens below. As
you ride the cable car, you will travel from
an altitude of about 7,000 ft. (or 2134m)
down to 800 ft. (or 244m) where the last
station Singla Bazar is located. This ropeway
cable car can take six passengers at a time
and you will be able to get breathtaking view
of the valley below, see the spread of lush
green tea gardens on the hill slopes, flowing
rivers, forests, waterfalls and to top it all the
magnificent view of the Eastern Himalayan
range including the snow capped peaks
of the Kanchenjunga. Over the year many
people has taken a ride of this thrilling cable
and has felt an utmost adventure, you must
try coming into a gulf of venture where ev-
erything happens just at a click of one. Being
at a site where greenery has blessed a multi
ambiance and at a same time a grace of deli-
cate Darjeeling which has touched a heart of
million makes the journey even more allur-
ing. The best time to discover this wonderful
experience of March to May and September
to November. Darjeeling Rangeet Valley
Passenger Ropeway operates from 10 a.m.
to 4.30 p.m. in summer. In winter it oper-
ates only till 4 p.m. The Ropeway generally
remains closed on the 15th of every month
for carrying out maintenance work

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