Gifted to the British East India Company in 1817, Darjeeling is the hill station of West Bengal.

This has been called the queen of hill-stations.Darjeeling is one of India's most famous hill resorts. It is 2134 m or 7000ft above sea level.

In 1835, Darjeeling was given to the East India Company by the King of Sikkim. It became a popular resort for the British who wanted to escape from the sweltering heat of the plains

Tiger hills is the highest point in the area which provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. From this place the other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen. On a clear day the sight of Mt.Everest is just enthralling.

The toy train coming from Siliguri is some thing which is liked by the elders and the children equally. The real fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy train. It takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 kms and the slow speed gives you enough time to watch and appreciate the beauty which nature has provided it. This train passes through the Forests, waterfalls, over deepvalleys and through the mountains and tunnels

When you are in Darjeeling, you can visit the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery, where you can take a look at the images of Maitreya Buddha. There are also many old manuscripts, in Tibetan script that are very interesting. You can also tour the Museum of Natural History, which is a favorite among tourists to Darjeeling. The museum has an extensive collection of Himalayan reptiles, animals, birds and insects.

The Lloyd Botanical Garden is where the tourists can check out orchids and various kinds of Flora. There is also the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which boasts of being the only center in India for the breeding of the snow leopard. One can see the Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear at this zoo.Not too far from the zoo, is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. This was established in 1954, by Jawahrlal Nehru. Tenzing Norgay was the first director of this institute and remained an advisor till he expired.

 Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:
On May 29, 1953, just before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, subjects from two of the Commonwealth nations gave her a coronation gift -- conquest of the virgin peak of the invincible Mt. Everest which had claimed so many a gallant life. The 29,028 foot peak was scaled for the first time by Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide - Tenzing Norgay. Edmund Hillary was knighted by the Queen. In free India a grateful nation built the gallant Sherpa, an institute where he could impart his skill to other enthusiasts who climb mountains. With Everest, Norgay had climbed higher than any man in the world. The foundation stone of this institute in Birch Hill Park, which is open to train climbers from all over the world and promotes the cause, both as a science and a sports was laid by the late Prime Minister Nehru on November 4, 1954. The institute museum displays the equipment used in the victorious attempt; besides a rich collection of Himalayan flora and fauna. Adjacent, approximately, is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, stocked with high altitude wild life -- the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Pandas, Deer and Leopards etc. These can be seen roaming in their natural habitat.

Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Centre : A high altitude wild life park and new home of the Siberian Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer etc. , Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or the town Zoo exhibits some rare Himalayan Fauna including the Snow Leopard, Red panda, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Pheasants, etc. It is a treat for all wild life enthusiasts. Just nearby is a very successful Snow Leopard Breeding Centre.

Natural History Museum : While taking a walk in The Mall a visit to the Museum of Natural History which lies closeby is worthwhile. This fine small museum exhibits an unique collection of the fauna of the Himalayan region, especially of the Eastern Himalayas