Darjeeling

Introduction and History

Darjeeling or the ‘Queen of the Hills’ is regal in every way. It is a world famous tourist destination not just for its majestic natural beauty and the ‘Toy Trains’ but the land of Darjeeling bears a rich history of the British Raj which can be still felt if you walk down the streets of this magnificent hill station.

Over the decades, the land of Darjeeling experienced tumultuous placements amounting to political and administrative pressures. It was earlier a part of Sikkim that was later added to the kingdom of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah. It was when the British Raj was on its full swing that declared war on Nepal in the latter half of 1813. Having won the battle under the leadership of General Ochterlony, the British rule immediately acquired Nepal, ending the year 1816 with the sign of a treaty in Sugauli.

This event was further marked with the sign of another treaty called ‘Titaliya’ in February 1817. As per this treaty, Darjeeling was handed over to the King of Sikkim and later in 1828 Kurseong, a tiny chunk of this region was turned into the sanatorium for housing the British warriors along with their families, Darjeeling being a place possessing pleasant climatic conditions resembling London to large extents. After massive pressure from the British government, in 1835 Darjeeling was once again handed to the British rule by the King of Sikkim. In return to the land, the King of Sikkim Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal, was handed over an annual subsidy from the British government.

Post to this event, Lieutenant Napier, a British official declared to establish Darjeeling as a hill station. The year 1860 saw comprehensive developments across Darjeeling right from developing better roads, educational institutions, and major tea estates among the sub divisional regions including Kurseong and Kalimpong. With these developments and advancements, Darjeeling grew to be a famous tea plantation region. And after the Indian Independence in 1947, the hill station of Darjeeling was added to the West Bengal state in India. Till date, Darjeeling occupies a prominent position in India as one of the biggest contributors of Tea.

Fast Facts about Darjeeling-Kurseong

Area of the Hill station- Darjeeling, being the main town of the ‘Sadar’ subdivision, it is also district headquarter. Situated at an average height of 6,710 ft the hill station lies in the Himalayan-Darjeeling hill area over the Jalapahar-Darjeeling range originating from the south of Ghum. From Darjeeling you can easily spot the Kachenjunga peak. Mt. Everest can also be spotted from Darjeeling during clear climatic conditions.

Population- According to a 2001 survey, the Darjeeling urban agglomeration comprises a population of 109,163 while the municipal area consists of a population density of 107,530.

Climatic conditions- Climatic condition in Darjeeling-Kurseong comprises a temperate nature. During summers, you will get a balmy climate with a maximum temperature of 20o C making it an ideal retreat for spending summer vacations, escaping from the scorching tropical conditions. Winters in Darjeeling can be really chilling because of its high altitude lasting from the month of December to February with a minimum temperature of 1.5oC. Except these two major seasons, Darjeeling sports a pleasant to cool climatic condition. 

Best time to visit- Darjeeling-Kurseong is mainly known as the best summer retreat around the world. However, visitors can even plan their trips during the winter season to catch glimpses of snow around the region. Monsoons should be best avoided since fatal weather conditions persist during this time.

Safety and emergency numbers-

Sadar Thana- 0354-2254422

Air Port Enquiry, Bagdogra-91 353 2551192

Darjeeling Railway Station-91 354 2252774/2252555

Mariam Nursing Home-91 354 2254637

Must Know Details

Getting there- Darjeeling-Kurseong can be best reached by covering the 88 km Darjeeling Himalayan Railway network boarding from New Jalpaiguri or by crossing the 77 km National Highway 55 stretch from Siliguri. The closest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra about 96 kms away from the hill station. Direct flight connections can be found from the airport with Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. Direct taxis or cabs are available from the airport for visitors heading to Darjeeling.

Moving in and around Darjeeling-Kurseong is eased by the world famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that is now a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO and is also the world’s 2nd railway network. Darjeeling is properly connected with bus and private vehicles options with Siliguri and has even road connections with Kathmandu, Gangtok and Bagdogra along with the neighboring regions of Kurseong and Kalimpong. However, due to heavy rainfalls during the monsoons, road conditions turn fatal. Local residents of Darjeeling opt for two wheelers as well as hired cabs for travelling to and fro within the region.