Darjeeling :
Located south of sikkim in north Bengal is the famous hill resort of Darjeeling at an altitude of 2150m (6,800 ft). its borders with west: Average temperature during summers is around 20c and 10c during winters. Darjeeling experiences heavy monsoon between June to August when visitors are advised to bring waterproofs/umbrellas as long with winter clothing. Darjeeling is famous for its tea garden which produce premium Darjeeling tea also known as the Champagne of the East. Darjeeling is also famous for good educational institutes, prominent to which are Loreto College and School for Girls, St.Paul's School, Mt. Hermon School and St. Joseph College & School at North Point. A toy train runs from Siliguri to Darjeeling via Kurseong which is the major attraction of tourists.
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Kanchenjunga :
The name is derived from the Tibetan words, 'Kanchen' and 'Dzonga' meaning 'Five Treasures of the Great Snow'. While the highest summit is 28,156 feet, the Second highest peak is 27,820 feet, thus falling short of the former by 336 feet only. Four colossal ridges of inconceivable dimensions of rocks, ice, and snow abut upon this massif, which culminates in a peak 28,156 feet high. These ridges are named according to their repective directions with reference to the great centrepiece to which they are attached. With more than 250 species of birds and wildlife, and high mountain lakes in Olangchungola, the Kanchenjunga area has some of the most stunning scenery.
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Tiger Hill :
14 km away from HMI at 8500 ft. Tiger Hill offers one of the most magnificient view of Kanchanjunga massif in Darjeeling. One can also view Everest, Makalu & Lhotse in Nepal and Chomolheri in Bhutan on a clear day. Sunrise from Tiger Hill looks like a ball of fire emerging from the bosom of the earth transforming the snowy cold ranges into a fiery crimson. All HMI trainees get a chance to visit Tiger Hill during course.
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Ghum Monastery :
Ghum Monastery built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, situated at an altitude of eight thousand feet at a distance of eight kilometres south of Darjeeling, is one of the holiest monastery in Darjeeling. One of the chief features of the monastery is the fifteen feet tall statue.
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Mirik :
Mirik-a nest in the hills is West Bengal's one of the hill resort at an altitude of 1767 metres with its own special charms. 49 kms from Darjeeling and 52 kms from Siliguri it boasts of a lake which is 1.25 kms long lake and is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy for ever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest with thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 kms zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake. A sleek foot bridge 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.
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Batasia Loop :
5 km from Darjeeling towards Ghoom the narrow gauge rail line takes a figure of 8 loop with marveling engineering feat. A war memorial within the loop has 3 meter high bronze statue of a Gorkha soldier in the mourning reversed stance. It provides a scenic view of the western valley.
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Darjeeling Zoo :
Which are located on Brich Hill are the major attractions for the tourists. Some exotic breeds of high altitude fauna such as Siberian Tigers, Black Bear, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and many colourful Himalayas Birds grace the location which is must in the itinerary of all tourists. In addition to the rich learning experience at HMI, the visit to Darjeeling provides life long memories to be taken home by students of HMI.
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Ropeway in Darjeeling :
One of the best ways to experience the panoramic views that Darjeeling is so famous for, is by taking a ride on the ropeway. It's also called the Rangeet Valley Cable Car because of the spectacular view of the valley around the river Little Rangeet. You will need to board the cable car from Singamari which is some 3km (i.e. 1.8 miles) away from Darjeeling Chowk Bazaar. As you ride the cable car, in about 45 minutes you will travel from an altitude of about 7,000 ft. (or 2134m) down to 800 ft. (or 244m) where the last station Singla Bazar is located.
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Tukvar Tea Estate :
Tukvar Tea estate is about 7km from Darjeeling town. Here you will see the colourful tea-workers who still pluck the leaves by hand in the traditional way against the spectacular backdrop of the tea plantations & the mountains. You will also be able to see the manufacturing process (subject to opening hours) and sample some of the garden's produce.
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