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Friday, February 5, 2021

Darjeeling: A Jewel in the Eastern Himalays

Darjeeling is the home of the Gurkhas. Earlier it was a part of Nepal, but it had to cede Darjeeling to the English after losing the war with them. The British developed Darjeeling and whatever we see there now is courtesy of the British and the Raj.

Darjeeling is connected by a narrow-gauge rail line to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. Often referred to as the 'Toy Train', the rail link is recognized as a heritage rail line by UNESCO. The rail is unique as it winds up the hills, crossing Kuseong and other stations on the way. At one point it makes a180 degree turn called 'Ghoom'which is an engineering marvel. Siliguri is connected by rail to Kolkatta and Delhi. Direct flights also operate between the airfield at Baghdogra and Delhi, Gauhati, and Kolkatta.

Thus reaching Darjeeling is not a problem.


Darjeeling is in the center of the tea gardens that abound there. As the train pulls up, you will witness the lush tea gardens. It is a sight you cannot see anywhere else in the world. Darjeeling itself is a modern town and at all corners the mark and hand of the English are visible. There is an excellent Mall road and a string of hotels that suit all pockets. There is also the five-star Oberai, which is the best place to stay. But I think it has now been closed down.

Women and girls in Darjeeling are very fashion-conscious and it is not uncommon to see even tea garden workers decked up with lipstick and makeup. If you have a love for the mountains and beautiful girls with curvaceous legs who are also very fair, then Darjeeling is the place for you..

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