Darjeeling: 10 Must-know Facts

Darjeeling

To find nature in its pure bliss, you’d have to visit Darjeeling – one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. So, here are some of the interesting facts about Darjeeling which will mesmerise you in every instant.

Fact #1.

The name of Darjeeling has originated from two Tibetan words “Dorje” and “Ling.” According to the meaning, “Dorje” signifies lightning while “Ling” means a place. When put together, the name Darjeeling (or Dorjeling) stands for “the land of thunderbolt.”

Fact #2.

Darjeeling is popular all over the world for its organic tea which has a distinct aroma. Even if you are not a tea lover, you are sure to get fascinated by the lush emerald green tea plantation in nearby tea estates like the Happy Valley tea estate.

Fact #3.

Apart from tea, Darjeeling is also popular in India for top-notch schooling. Privately owned British-style schools like St. Joseph’s School, Loreto Convent and Mount Hermon School have students from all over the country and even overseas.

Fact #4.

Darjeeling is home to Tibetan Self Help Refugee Centre and as Darjeeling has become an important terrain for Tibetan diaspora over the years, the Tibetan communities are now widespread in the town.

Fact #5.

The word-renowned narrow-gauge stream railway, is an integral part of the Darjeeling Hills. To all narrow-gauge steam enthusiasts, it is commonly (and lovingly) known as ‘The Toy Train’. In the late 1990’s, it was made into a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Fact #7.

As Darjeeling holds several remnants of the British Raj, tourists can re-live the British experience with Colonial hotels like the Windamere Hotel. The Windamere Hotel is one of the finest colonial hotels not just in Darjeeling but also in India.

Hotel booking in Darjeeling

When you visit Darjeeling, make sure to live the colonial experience by staying at the Windamere Hotel – one of the best hotels in Darjeeling. The Windamere is surrounded by  The Mall Road -  a promenade which usually bustles up during the evening.

Fact #8.

Although Darjeeling is a small town, it is diverse in culture and religion. The most important religion practised in the town are Hindu, Christianity, Buddhism and Muslim.

Fact #9.

Darjeeling’s district Ghum has the highest railway station in India. The Ghum railway station is part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Fact #10.

Unlike most other places in India, Darjeeling has a higher sex ratio than the national average. According to a 2011 census, the sex ratio was 1005 females per 1000 males.

6 Beautiful Places in India for Newlyweds

Darjeeling

A beautiful place that is blessed by serenity is what newlywed couples need to bask in their love and administration. Fortunately, you can never run short on choosing beautiful places in India for a honeymoon.
Here are some of the most beautiful places in India for the newlyweds.

1. Goa

Goa could be anyone’s favourite. With the wondrous blend of natural beauty, eclectic nightlife and Portuguese architecture, Goa is easily one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India for the newlyweds.
With cool breezes, rumbling waves and blushing sun as a backdrop, you are sure to unite with your partner and fall in love with each other more.

2. Darjeeling

Everything becomes pure and harmonious when you have nature its closest and Darjeeling is where you can experience this. This picturesque town has pleasant weather from April to October and welcomes tourists from all over the world.

Besides stupendous scenic beauty and world-renowned tea, Darjeeling is also popular for its colonial charm.
      
Book hotel in Darjeeling
       
If you visit Darjeeling, then make sure to stay at the Windamere Hotel which is one of the most highly preserved and best Colonial hotels in Darjeeling and all over India.

3. Manali

Manali is a quaint and humble town in Himachal Pradesh. The scenic beauty in Manali is just unparalleled, which is why it is one of the most favoured tourist and honeymoon destinations in India. You are guaranteed to have the best time with your special someone as there’s so much fun activity to do in Manali. These adventures include skiing, paragliding and camping.

4. Srinagar

Referred to as Switzerland of India, the beauty of Srinagar is just ineffable. The city is surrounded by lakes and gardens. And with the towering Himalayas serving as a backdrop, getting close with your partner is one of those precious moments that life can offer.

5. Ladakh

Although Ladakh would be slightly unconventional for a honeymoon trip, the high altitude paradise is lately becoming an obsession for newlyweds. Ladakh is a different world altogether, activities such as a long bike ride with your partner on the endless road is an experience out of the ordinary.

6. Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep islands are a perfect honeymoon destination for the newlyweds. The seclusion in the islands combined with unmatchable romantic allure is definitely worth it.

4 Things to do in India

Windamere - Colonial Hotel

Diversity defines India - this South Asian country has an unparalleled miscellany of different landscapes, cultures, religion and tradition. So, as India has a world of its own, there’s so much that you can do in the country.

Here, we have listed the most interesting things that you can do in India.

1. Historic/Heritage Sites

India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. So, you can pretty much guess the history associated with it. When in India, you really shouldn’t miss out on visiting some of the historical places including the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is also one of the seven wonders of the world. And while you are already there in Agra, you can also visit the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Another historical place worth visiting in India is the Ganges. Once a holy river, the Ganga water was believed to have magical healing powers in the past. Some of the other historical places/monuments to visit are Humayun’s Tomb – Delhi, Gateway of India – Mumbai and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Mumbai.

2. Religious places

You can never get enough of the endlessness of religious places in India. If you want to get a taste of the diversity in India, then you must visit some of the most popular religious places in the country.
Starting off, Amritsar is a holy place and is worth the visit. In Amritsar, visit the Harmandir Sahib (aka Golden Temple). Another popular religious place is Bodh Gaya; the Mahabodhi Mahavira Bodh Gaya Temple is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and is, therefore, a world famous Buddhist temple.

3. Colonial experience

Besides being rich in religion and culture, some places in India are reminiscent of the western world. When in India, you certainly cannot miss out experiencing and witnessing some of the typical English architectural wonders that the British have left along.
The Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata is an exemplary showbiz of the British Raj. If you want to live the colonial experience and not just see it, then head up to the queen of the hills, Darjeeling. The Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling is one of the finest British Colonial hotels in India. The conduct that you find in the Windamere Hotel is very English, along with the cosy rooms, sumptuous food and quaint villas.

4. Shopping

Shopping is a joy in India; flea markets are the most profitable and popular in India as you can bargain till the last resort. Some of the most popular places to shop (and bargain) include fashion street – Pune, Arpora Saturday Night – Goa, Commercial Street, Bangalore, Colaba Causeway – Mumbai, Sarojini Market – Delhi and New Market – Kolkata.

4 Places to Stay and Experience the Colonial Charm

Darjeeling Tea Tree Plantation

Although the British Empire is a now long past, there are places in the world which can take you right back to the Colonial days. These places have magnificent hotels built by the British and therefore are a reminiscent of the old British Raj era.

Here are 4 places in the world to stay and experience the colonial charm – remnants of the British Empire.

1. Singapore

Singapore reflects the true colours of the British Empire as the sovereign city-state was under the British rule for 144 years. Singapore is a must-visit place if you want to experience the true colonial charm.
Although there is a myriad of British colonial hotels in Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel highlights the grandest example of colonial architecture in all over Singapore. Initially, The Fullerton was planned to be the largest building in the city in 1919 and opened several years later in 1929. The most important style highlights of The Fullerton Hotel include classical columns and grand porticos.

2. Darjeeling, India

During the period of British Raj in India, Darjeeling served as a summer retreat for English officers and their families, as well as the State of Bengla Government during the hot sticky summers.  Now, the picturesque town still has one of the finest colonial charms in India – Windamere Hotel.

Windamere Hotel was established in the 19th century as summer boarding house for English officers,  Government workers & tea planters. The boarding house was then converted into a hotel just before World War II. Now, the hotel is maintained at a top notch level to preserve the uniqueness of old-world English charm. It is truly 100% authentic and has never been renovated – only restored.

Colonial hotels in Darjeeling

If you ever visit Darjeeling, then do stay at the Windamere Hotel which is also one of the best honeymoon hotels in Darjeeling.

3. Swellendam, South Africa

Being the 3rd oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam boasts quite an abundance of heritage sites. But above all, Schoone Oordt Country House is worth the visit as its unique English style complemented by filigree-laced Victorian verandah and Georgian facade is pure bliss.
Schoone Oordt Country House was first a school; it was then later turned into a private residence which spanned different owners. Now, Schoone Oordt Country House has evolved into a beautiful and historic hotel which is just not to be missed.

4. Yangon, Myanmar

Yangon is a mixed bag of religious structures, modern high-rises, and British colonial architecture. When in Yangon, you certainly cannot miss out on staying at The Strand. A Sarkies brothers creation, The Strand is a mansion-like hotel and definitely is a colonial extravaganza.

Unlike most other British colonial hotels in Asia, The Strand has remained true to its heritage till date.

Top 4 World-famous British Colonial Hotels

Windamere Hotel

British colonial hotels are remnants of the bygone world, which is why they represent a nowhere-to-be-found nostalgic luxury that has been preserved with scrupulous care. Here are some of the world-famous British colonial hotels.

1. Raffles, Singapore

Raffles definitely deserves a grand shout-out in this list as the world famous colonial hotel is an institution in its own right. Raffles was built by the Sarkies brothers in 1887 and was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

Legend has it that Rudyard Kipling who arrived at the hotel in 1887 noted the food was excellent but the rooms were not up to the mark. Since then, the hotel has gone through several changes over the years. Other great personalities including David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, William Golding, Ginger Rogers and Charlie Chaplin have stayed in Raffles.
  
2. Windamere Hotel, India

Situated in the quaint town of the Queen of the Hills, Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel is an exquisite old-world charm. Windamere Hotel, or originally ‘Ada Villa’, was established in the 19th century as a comfortable boarding house for English and Scottish tea planters, along with other British Raj types who worked in the local area.

Arranging a stay at the Windamere Hotel is definitely a rewarding experience as the ambience and charm of the colonial hotels is just unique. The Windamere Hotel is located on Observatory Hill – named by the British for its wonderful lookout advantages.  It is surrounded by a ‘promenade’ called ‘The Mall’, which takes the tourist on a wonderful walk around the “hill”.  Mount Kanchenjunga can be viewed on the walk!  Windamere overlooks the entire town of Darjeeling.  It should be said that visitors are often awe-inspired by the spectacular view of the mountainous skyline, including the majestic Mount Kangchenjunga.

Book hotel in Darjeeling

If you ever happen to visit Darjeeling, then make sure to stay at the Windamere Hotel – one of the best British Colonial hotels in India and the world. In fact, ‘The Sunday Times of London’ wrote that it was one of the best Colonial Hotels in the world.

3. Sofitel Winter Palace, Egypt

Sofitel Winter Palace is a jewel of a colonial hotel in Luxor, Egypt. Built by Italian construction company, G. Garozzo & Sons and architect Leon Stienon, Sofitel Winter Palace possesses a typical British colonial style. Agatha Christie is one of the notable personalities who has stayed at Sofitel Winter Palace.

4. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a historic British colonial hotel as it has seen it all; the place has survived three wars and several governmental changes. Besides the profound grandeur of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, the breathtaking view of the Table Mountain is what gives the hotel a unique charisma.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has had several notable personalities as guests including Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Agatha Christie, Oprah Winfrey, Robbie Williams and Charlize Theron.