October 29, 2010

See Darjeeling Like Nobody’s Business – Get the Best View

Darjeeling is a beautiful town located in the state of West Bengal. Well known for its tea estates, this small town has a typically busy market center lined by British architecture.

Tea Estates

Darj. has a history dating back to the 19th century. It has good connectivity by road and rail with the other towns around it. The Bagdogra airport is 4 hours away.

Most of Darj’s attractions are concentrated in and around the city center and it is best to walk along the narrow winding paths. Just keep an eye on the traffic.

Start with the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the most famous zoo in India, built in the 1958. It’s the home for many species in danger of extinction like snow leopards, red pandas, gorals (mountain goat) and Siberian tigers.

A Red Panda
The Market Square contains the Capital Theatre, which I was told, was once a movie theater.


Keventers (breakfast joint) and Glenary's which houses Darj’s most famous pub, Buzz is also situated in this Market Square, just opposite the Capital Theatre.
Meat Platter at Keventers
Friends made during a pub crawl.


I think I need an "I ♥ Darjeeling" t-shirt!!

The city is also home to some of the best schools in the country with the most gorgeous architecture and surroundings. 

Loreto Convent
Chowrasta
Aloo Dum - Darj. Tea - T-Momo - Tai Po

If you do plan on taking a year-end vacation there then enjoy the food, rich culture, including drinking the local beer, Dansberg Blue Premium Lager Beer (founded by Sikkimese Bollywood Actor Danny Denzongpa).

Another one of the things to do in Darjeeling is a trawl around the traditional open markets held in Chowrasta. Shop till your heart’s content, the next great bargain may be just round the corner!

Ten glorious days of authentic Tibetan cuisine, alcohol, Aloo Dum, history, music and more. (Notice how food was listed first? Priorities, right?)

As much as internet on my cell phone allowed, I shared "What I Liked" along the way on FB. I hope you will join me for the rest of the journey in my next post on Gangtok!

This song just felt right for the mood of today. It’s cloudy, there’s a slight chill in the air, and it’s a lazy evening complicated by the decisions and planning associated with what to do during this long weekend. Thanks to Silversun Pickups for making this track – ‘Rusted Wheel’ that essentially is the soundtrack for my life. This song hails from an album the band put out in 2006 titled ‘Carnavas’. It’s one of my favorite tracks of the band and if you are reading this you should totally listen to the song right now.

See you soon!

Adios.


10 Pulses Say:

manuscrypts said...

some awesome photos there :)
In Gangtok, try Hit Beer, also Danny's :)

Ch4 said...

Darjeeling & Gangtok are breathtakingly beautiful. Lovely photographs. Don't forget to make a stop at Baker's cafe on MG Road in Gangtok. The decor is absolutely Kitsch!

Bhumika's Boudoir said...

Oh so beautiful. Everything is so beautiful. Really envy you this trip.

Anonymous said...

Love that you are touring these places. Your adventurous spirit is admirable.

Stalker is back!

renaldo moon

PS. i really love your Loreto photograph.

Eveline said...

@Manu: Thanks, I hope I get to go back there again soon!
To be honest, I thought I’d be partial to Dansberg, but after trying so many of them, I wouldn’t be able to choose a single flavour as a favourite if I had to choose.

@CH4: Thank you! I did go to Baker's Cafe on a date.. and it's super nice!

@Bhumika: Thanks...I’m very pleased with the trip. Needed it real bad. Glad it was good. :)

Unknown said...

Meat platter?!!! I'D LOVE THAT!!!
A nice place to visit :)

Eveline said...

@Renaldo Moon: Thanks! That’s exactly what I was looking for. Awaken the traveler in me. Hope I get to do more of these trips. Here’s to Looking Up!

@Shadowthorne: That meat platter tastes as good as it looks. Having eaten all over B'lore, I have had more English breakfasts than I can remember, all of them delicious. My personal favorite in this place is the hot dog.
Yes, Darjeeling is getting ready to welcome a very cold winter. It is going to be rather exciting.

Anonymous said...

Loved this post and the pics you put up with it. Love these informative glimpses into your adventures. Please keep em coming. :)

Eveline said...

Choco, I'm happy you found this post informative. I couldnt think of any other way to write about my trip. Thanks for commenting. :)

SSQuo said...

Chowrasta?? Wow, just the name is inviting enough! ok Am hungry now. Thank you!