THE QUEEN OF HILLS

Area : 11.44 sq. kms
Altitude : 2134 m (7000 ft)
Polulation : 3,45,669 (90-91)
Climate : Summer, Maximum: 14.89^o C & Minimum-8.59^o C
Winter, Maximum: 6.11^o C & Minimum-1.5^o C
Languages : English, Nepali, Hindi & Bengali.

Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetian word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical scepter, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence, the land of the thunderbolt. DARJEELING (2123 m), popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills”, is the jewel in the crown of the East Himalayas and a perfect destination for nature-lovers and trekkers. The Tiger Hill, famous for its spectacular sunrise view, is situated at an altitude of 2,573 m. World famous for tea and tea gardens, for the breathtaking valleys and scenery, Darjeeling also boasts of the quaintest Toy Train run by Darjeeling Himalayan Railways which has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO. Recently (August, 06) celebrate 125 years of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Area : 3.5 sq. miles
Altitude : 1250 m (4100 ft)
Polulation : Municipality – 40,143
Sub-Division – 2,21,916 (Census 1998)
Climate : Summer, Maximum: 27^o C & Minimum: 17.2^o C
Winter , Maximum: 15^o C & Minimum -7.2^o C
Languages : English, Nepali, Hindi & Gorkha.

A beautiful hill town in North Bengal, which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. It is 51 kms away from Darjeeling and 65kms from Siliguri. KALIMPONG – means king’s minister’s strong hold – a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong means ‘ridge where we play’. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit – hence the name. Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.

Area : 335 acres (Tourism project area)
Altitude : 1700 m (5800 ft)
Polulation : 18,000 (Approx)
Climate : Summer, Maximum 29^o C
Winter , Maximum 13^o C
Languages : English, Nepali, Hindi & Bengali.

Mirik is a nest in the hills is an altitude of 1700 meters with its own special charms-49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km. from Siliguri. Perennial streams feed 1.25 km. long lake. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy forever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest of thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothes the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km zig-zag foot walk takes you along the lake – a sleek footbridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.

Lava
32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park. A visit to Lava Monastery and Neora Valley interpretation Center and Sangey Falls offers the glimpse of nature’s wealth.

Lolaygaon / Kafer
56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over Kanchenjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara. A walk in Heritage Forest will give you a new meaning of life.

THE HIDDEN PARADISE

The enchanting little state of Sikkim lies in the eastern end of the mighty Himalayas flanked by Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet on its east, west and northern borders respectively.

Sikkim lies nestled under the protective shadow of its guardian deity, Mount Khangchendzonga (8598mts), the third highest mountain in the world. Conveniently accessible by rail air and road, this little Himalayan jewel is fast becoming a favorite gateway for tourist in recent years.
The area of Sikkim is 7,096 sq.kms and measures approximately about 110 kms from the north to south and about 64kms from the east to west. The elevation ranges from 224 mts to over 8590 mts above sea-level which gives Sikkim it’s incomparable range of flora and fauna. The majestic mountain peaks, the dense foothill forests, the frothing river and the last paddy fields make this 22nd state if India a hotbed of bio-diversity not found anywhere else.

Places to visit

RUMTEK - DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE
About a 45-minute drive away on the hill opposite Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery, the Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetian Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karma Nalanda Institute of Buddhist studies, which attracts students from the world over.

TSOMGO LAKE
The serene Tsomgo Lake is a 2-hour drive (40kms) away from Gangtok and is located at a height of about 12,400 feet. The lake derives its water from melting snow off the surrounding mountains. Enroute to Tsomgo lies the unique high altitude Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, home of the Red Panda and the Blood Pheasant, which are the state animal and the state bird respectively. Indian tourists can now also visit the Indian Outpost at Nathula, the erstwhile gateway of the fabled Silk Route in days of yore.

KHECHEOPALRI LAKE
Visit the serene Khecheopalri Lake, considered to be one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim. Many believe it to be a Wish-fulfilling lake.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY
The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of premier institution of Sikkim housing the incredible Santok-Palri, a wooden carving depicting the various realms of Buddhism.

LABRANG MONASTERY
A kilometer further from Phodong, the Labrang Monastery was built about 100 years later. This monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the same as that of Pemayangtse Monastery in West Sikkim.

YUMTHANG (11,800 ft)
Yumthang is where the tree line ends and the rhododendron groves cover the landscape in a surreal shade. Also called the valley of Flowers as in spring wild alpine flowers carpet the land. Yumthang is also well known for its hot springs, which have healing medical properties.


ENTRY FORMALITIES
Indian tourists require no entry permits into Sikkim, except for the restricted areas. Foreign tourists require a special permit, which is easily available at all Indian mission abroad who are authorized to issue a 15-day permit. The same can also be obtained from any of the Sikkim tourism offices across the country.

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