Fact Sheets & Video - India

Standing on the edge of the top of the world...

Darjeeling is the "Queen of the hills", since its modest beginnings in 1835 the town has grown to include modern amenities, first class hotels, comprehensive shopping centres and some of the world's most sought trekking trails and yet, just a few miles out of town, visitors can come into contact with villagers still utterly immersed in age-old customs and ways of life. There are many tea plantations, local zoos with big conservation efforts, unforgettable sunrises and many streets to wander with malls, bazaars, numerous shrines and temples, and not to mention friendly people.

Tiger Hill

The altitude of Tiger Hill is approx. 8,515 feet. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga and gradually paint the whole of its snow body with a beautiful orange colour. From Tiger Hill, just the top of Mount Everest (29,002') is visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. The peak that looks highest is that of Makalu (27,799'). These three peaks are seen to the north-west a little left of Phalut. Everest looks smaller than any of its two sisters, although Everest is not only higher than either of them, but the highest peak in the world, the distance in straight line of Everest from Tiger Hill being 107 miles. This phenomenon arises from the fact that Everest is several miles beyond them. Convoys of jeeps leave Darjeeling for Tiger Hill each morning around 0430. At the summit you can either pay Rs5 to stand in the pavilion grounds, or buy a ticket for one of the heated lounges in the pavilion (Rs 20 to 40, including a cup of chai). Some people take the jeep one way to Tiger Hill and then spend their day wandering back to Darjeeling, visiting the gompas in Ghoom along the way.

Chowk Bazaar

This is a crowded, noisy and fascinating place to buy tea, spices and incense. There are also several so-called Buddha shops here, selling prayer flags, thangkas and prayer wheels.

Chowrastha

Chowrastha is the heart of the town where every visitor is seen taking a stroll and relaxing their weary heads. In the local dialect, Chowrastha means the place where four roads meet. While proceeding towards Chowrastha or the Mall, visitors have to ascend a hill full of curios, studios etc, and suddenly the visitor finds himself on a huge flat platform surrounded by benches for people to sit. The view is exhilarating with the sight of the Kanchenjunga standing with all its might.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

This zoo is spread over an area of 44 hectares and attracts 300,000 visitors every year. It is the only Zoo in the world to breed Tibetan Wolf in Captivity and the first South Asian Zoo to breed Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo is a unique zoo in the country & definitely one of India's better zoos, with dedicated keepers. It is situated at an elevation of 2133.5 meters against the glorious background of the mighty Kanchenjunga. This zoo is the only specialized zoo in the country and is internationally recognized because of conservation breeding of Snow Leopard and Red Panda. It was established on 14th August 1958 under the Department of Education of the State for study and conservation of the Himalayan Fauna. On 21st November 1975, the zoo was dedicated by Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, to the memory of Shrimati Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal. Since then the zoo is known as "Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park".

Cedar Inn

Cedar Inn's elegant Victorian Gothic architecture speaks of Darjeeling's colonial heritage and reflects a commitment to a level of service reminiscent of an age more gracious and less hurried than our own. While the facilities at Cedar Inn are designed to make your visit a complete experience without having to step out at all, the shops and entertainment of the main town are within easy walking distance and luxury minivans are available throughout the day to shuttle guests between town and hotel.

High above the main township, nestling amidst groves of evergreen trees in serene environs, is Darjeeling's landmark of luxury - Cedar Inn. The hotel's location is arguably its greatest asset, setting it above and apart from the hustle and jostling tourist's downtown and offering a visual treat of spectacular mountain vistas, with the ridge that defines Darjeeling stretching away below. The view is without doubt one of the most memorable in the world.

Further Information

Darjeeling, India

World Expeditions

3 day tour from

$490 a person twin share

Includes most meals, local guide, transfers

1300-720-000

www.worldexpeditions.com.au

Prices correct at 8/6/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply

Thai Airways International fly return to Chennai from

$1397 west coast

$1585 east coast

www.thaiairways.com.au

Prices correct at 21/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

Jet Airways fly Chennai to Bagdogra one way

from $351

1300-361-400

Prices correct at 21/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.