The Land of Thunderbolt, Darjeeling is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in India. Lush greens, tall pines, cascading rivers and the majestic Shivaliks, all come together in Darjeeling to make it a paradise. Darjeeling offers picturesque views of the mighty Himalayas and is home to a rich cultural heritage.



The best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Darjeeling is to take a ride across on the Toy Train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which takes you from Siliguri to Darjeeling. Darjeeling has a large number of beautiful tea gardens and a view from atop the Deolo Hill is sure to keep you spellbound for long. Lovely tea gardens surrounded by majestic high mountains on all sides make a sight to behold. One can even enjoy rafting in the river which flows close by. The best place to enjoy the exquisiteness of nature in Darjeeling is Tiger Hill where you can watch the sunrise shining on the snow.



Lake Mirik is another popular spot in Darjeeling. A boat ride across the pretty lake or a horse ride around can be fun. Riverside restaurants can get you some decent eating options. For nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies Darjeeling has a number of trekking options. The Singhalia Ridge Trail is the most famous and the most adventurous of trekking trails in Darjeeling. Check out for a guide in advance, though.



Darjeeling is culturally fascinating too. A number of Buddhist monasteries dot the town. The Ghoom Buddhist Monastery in Darjeeling enshrines an image of Maitreya Buddha and is the most famous monastery in Darjeeling. Another famous monastery in the centre of Darjeeling is the Bhutia Busty Monastery. Sonada, a place near Darjeeling is home to a number of interesting monasteries of the Kagyupa sect.



Darjeeling, though not a shopper’s paradise, has some interesting shopping items. When in Darjeeling, don’t forget to pick up some of the world’s finest teas. Shops selling these teas dot all of Darjeeling. Curio items (Tibetan and Himalayan cultures) can be picked up as memorabilia from Darjeeling. The Mall is the main market area in Darjeeling, with all the shops concentrated in and around that square.



As Darjeeling attracts a large number of tourists, it has enough hotels to accommodate them too. These hotels cater to the needs of all types of tourists, as they range from low budget to luxury and heritage and offer a wide range of facilities. Although there a number of hotels in Darjeeling, it is advisable to book one in advance.



Anand is associate author of many articles related to hotel and travel. For more information on Darjeeling Hotel and other hotels visit: http://www.travelguru.com