Nestled in the lap of the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is one of the most visited tourist places in India. The amazing natural splendour and an incredible weather make it a perfect summer getaway. Let’s explore a few interesting facts about this place
1.The name Darjeeling comes from a combination of Tibetan words “Dorje” and “Ling.” The word “Dorje” means thunderbolt and “Ling” stands for the place.
2.The British developed this town during the 19th century. This served as a sanatorium for the British troops. Later, in 1864, Darjeeling was declared the summer capital of Bengal Presidency.
3.Darjeeling is situated at a sprawling height of 6700 feet. When the sky is clear, you can easily see the peaks of Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga.
4.Darjeeling is also famous for its aromatic Darjeeling Tea. The unique climatic conditions are said to give the tea leaves its distinct flavour and aroma.
Image courtesy: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Darjeeling
5.Tea cultivation in Darjeeling started in the year 1841.
6.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is the first slope traveller track in India. It is enlisted as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
7.Tourism is the major source of revenue of Darjeeling. Tourists flock this place from 1860. This is also the only tourist place in Eastern India that attracts a large number of foreign tourists.
8.The common languages that are spoken here are English, Bengali, Hindi and Nepali.
9.Darjeeling also has a few reputed British-style schools which attracts students from all across India and overseas countries.
St. Paul's School Darjeeling Image courtesy:
10.The 13th Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet in 1912 to Darjeeling. He was accompanied by a small team of his close aides. During his exile, he stayed in Darjeeling for almost 2 years.
11.The Rangit Valley ropeway in Darjeeling is the largest ropeway in Asia.If you want to experience the British lifestyle, a stay at the Windamere Hotel will transport you back to the Raj era. This hotel in Darjeeling is located in the famous Observatory hill.
12.The Everest Museum in Darjeeling showcases the pictures and mementoes of the people who have scaled the summit.
13.The Old cemetery in Darjeeling is declared as a place of national importance by the Archaeological Society of India (ASI). This cemetery houses the grave of Lt. General W. Aylmer Llyod. He is attributed to have discovered Darjeeling .
14.English Actor Benedict Cumberbatch once taught English to Tibetan monks in a monastery in Darjeeling.
English Actor Benedict Cumberbatch Image courtesy: dogoilpress.com
15.Actress Vivien Leigh, famous for her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind was born in Darjeeling in 1988.
16.Windamere Hotel (previously famous as Ada Villa) in Darjeeling was once used as a boarding house for British Tea planters. It was a “home away from home” for them. This hotel in Darjeeling is famous for colonial-era charm and warm hospitality.
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