Darjeeling and Adventures Description: Darjeeling and adventures can be used as synonym for each other as it is the best

place to experience adventurous sports like kayaking, river rafting etc. and can enjoy beautiful scenes.
Darjeeling is a perfect holiday choice for those who look for adventure. Here everyone can enjoy various adventurous sports like; trekking,hang gliding, river rafting, ballooning mountain biking, and also archery competitions. The very famous trek road is one that set out through Singalila range. Trekking in Darjeeling gives you opportunity to enjoy breathtaking sights of the great Himalayan peaks as well as the picturesque beauty on the path. Even Mount Everest can be seen from Sandakphu, along with Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. On visiting Kalimpong, you can hike through Pankhasari, Relli and from Neora till Rochella. Darjeeling is a wonderful place for attempting ballooning and hang-gliding. There are hills, cliffs and valleys that make it a perfect place especially for ballooning. Besides that, one can also take pleasure in river rafting at Teesta River. River Teesta is ideal for rafting; it has deep gorges and sturdy currents, which is essential for rafting. kayaking and Canoeing is a great pleasure that one can get at Mirik, since there is a lake that is perfect for these actions. Mountain biking is possibly the preferred sport adventure of the enthusiasts. The explorer can travel in Sikkim through the way of Martam towards Gangtok., stopping over at Rumtek monastery on the pathway. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is the right place for those fascinated in mountain climbing. Archery contest is held in the time of the yearly Tea & Tourism Festival. All the participants in the competition use conventional Sikkimese arrows and bows. You can also take pleasure in Elephant rides at Jaldapara. There are also one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tigers that can be viewed. Being in Darjeeling, also gives you opportunity to do little shopping. Things that you can purchase are; Tibetan articles like wood carpets, leatherwork, and rugs. The Tibetan immigrant Self Help Center is one fine place to buy gift items of quality.

Trekking Description: trekking is one of the exciting sports for which Darjeeling is well known. One should bring all the necessary clothes and equipments with them while going for trekking tours.

The mother of trekking is Darjeeling where it was initiated by Jesuit Rev.Fr Macdonald somewhat eighty years before. Darjeeling has a picturesque beauty and magnificient hill and offers spectacular treks for trekking. One of the popular treks is 'Singalila Trek' which gives you opportunity to quench your thirst for passionate trekking and open doors of Himalayan region whose certain areas are unmarred by men.

Trekking Season
In Darjeeling, trekking can be undertaken in two seasons. The tenure of first season remains from the middle March till June. During this time one has to be ready for rain which is refreshing. The summer haze is compensated by the blooming flowers. If you happen to miss the first season you can come in anytime between Septemberss last week to complete December. Although it offers expectacular view during this season yet the atmosphere is cold and there is likelihood of snowfall.

General Informations

Clothing:
The trekking area of Darjeeling ranges from 1000m till 4000m. therefore it is important to bring cloth that suits there trekking period. Light woolens like comfortable pants, sweater, wind cheater, Tee-shirts, shorts, heavy pull-over, gloves, woollen cap, etc. will be adequate. Dont forget to keep the raincoat as the weather is unpredictable at high altitudes.

Food:
Although there are trekkers hut available at each 15 km or so where food and water is available but it is advised to pack some snacks and water as sometimes they might not be available and you can face problem.

Shoes:

A comfy pair of Hunter boots or sports shoes is sensible to bring and make sure they are also durable.

Equipments:
Like all other sports it also requires to have adequate equipment for trekking. As these equipments are very costly therefore you can rent it from D.G.H.C Adventure tourism which is near Railway station. These equipments include quilts, food and bed and are also available at trekkers hut but if you can afford it you can bring your own tent and beddings for trekking for in the peak season there is a possibility of unavailability of these equipments.

Rafting
Description: rafting is an adventurous sport that was introduced in Darjeeling quite recently. There are many tourism companies that provide you adequate equipment for rafting and also take you there. River rafting is an adventurous sport and has recently been introduced in Darjeeling hills. Around 1991 it started and since then it has gain enormous popularity which has compelled Action Adventure (P) Ltd and D.G.H.C (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) Tourism to increase its marketing on equally large scale. The chills and spills of this game are unmatched. To familiarize the uncontrolled temper of a river as it fall headlong onto the rocks and downward a slope is a remarkable moment. White froth formed from water as it surges across boulders and stones give the sport its identity. You will be enchanted with the surrounding hills, the picturesque beauty of the riverbanks, sighting of numerous ranges of fishes and its flora & fauna while rafting through river Rangeet (Triveni) and Teesta. Rafting in these rivers is an adventure and a new rafter without any knowledge of adventure can enjoy it equally. The river Rangeet (Triveni) and river Teesta are not only rivers for sports but are also sacred rivers and is of great significance for Buddhists and Hindus therefore numerous religious rituals are performed here. In the month of January which is Magh according to Hindu calendar, a big Mela is organized called "Maghey Sankrati Mela." It takes place during 13th January till 15th January and during these days several cultural activities are performed here. Action adventure is inviting all the lovers of adventures to and enthusiasts to come and experience the wonderful water rafting and gets a visual pleasure of rugged foothills which very deep, the magic of the Himalayas reciting its secrets and the spectacular lush landscape with quiet helmets lost to era. RIVER GRADES: Internationally accepted grading scales of White Water Rivers (and the torrents on them) are as follows:-

GRADE 1:-Flat water, no rapids, barely a splash. GRADE 2:-Bubbling currents, small roller-coaster rapids. GRADE 3:-Technical and exciting, needs trained guide. GRADE 4:-Seriously big rapids, unforgiving exhilaration. GRADE 5:-The hair raising limit. GRADE 6:-Unrunnable, do not go for it portage around.

Hotels in Darjeeling Description: there are many hotels in Darjeeling where you can stay during your trip. They make best efforts to make your stay comfortable and has several cuisine of your choice which you can choose.
Darjeeling the place of panoramic and magnificent beauty is situated in the foothills of Himalayan and is surrounded by spectacular snow covered mountain hills. Like its different appeals, Darjeeling also proposes various restaurants that present dishes of multi cuisine for their guests. Restaurants of Darjeeling offer a variety of regional flavor along with international cuisine. From standard highly spiced Indian food to Continental, Italian, Chinese, etc the dishes provided by Darjeeling restaurants are to suit everyone's flavor. Some diners of the region also organise bands to entertainment their respectable guests. The most well-liked food that makes you wanting extra plate is the Nepalese dishes. Some of the popular restaurants of Darjeeling are: Glenary Restaurant: One of the Darjeelings popular restaurants, is situated near Chowrasta. It entails various types of dishes and also has a wonderful bakery that serves fresh snacks. Keventers Restaurant: Another most well-known restaurant in Darjeeling is Keventers. perfect locations, overwhelming food at affleorda prices are the lofty point of this smart restaurant. Dekevas Restaurant: This admired Tibetan food point is situated at the ground story of Hotel Dekeling and serves yummy Tibetan dishes together with wonton soup and momos. It is advised to trty shabalay and delicious tsampa-roasted barley presented with butter milk, and cheese. Mayfair Hotel Restaurant: This restaurant is well-liked among habitants of darjeeling along with tourists as it serve splendid Indian food in buffet fashion. The eatery of Mayfair hotel also proffer continental cuisine and is situated in front of Governor's House.

Darjeeling Toy Train Description: Darjeeling toy train is the masterpiece of engeeniering. Making a railway passage in Darjeeling was a challenge which was well qualified by engeeneer minds. It was established in 1879.
The Himalayan Railway of Darjeeling is adoringly called the "Toy Train". The trip to Darjeeling is considered among the most magnificent in the world. Tourists are overwhelmed by both the panorama and the railway line which is beyond doubt an engineering masterwork and is among one of the wonders of the world. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway history is equally enthralling.

In the year 1878 Mr. Franklin Prestage (who was Agent of the Eastern Bengal Railway Company during that time) brought up a plan with a comprehensive design to the Government of Bengal for putting down a train line from Siliguri towards Darjeeling. the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Ashley Eden, selected a Committee to inspect the project. This Committee stated that the scheme was reasonable and would be of immense advantage to the public and Government and was acknowledged in 1879. The production began that same year and by the year 1880 the work of railway line had accomplished till Tindharia. By the end of the year the line was finished till Kurseong. it was opened for traffic right through to Darjeeling in July 1881. The railway line was called "Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Company". The initial cost of the railway from Silguri to Darjeeling which is 51 miles was Rs. 1,750,000/-. Afterwards this line was extended from Siliguri till Kishanganj and towards Kalimpong near the Teesta river valley. This was called as the Teesta Valley Extension and had begun in the year 1915. This line had a paasage from Siliguri to Riyang station bypassing Kalijhora and then towards Geille Khola (Kalimpong Road) Station. With the advance progress done in succeeding years the entire cost was Rs. 4,300,000/-. When the bigger line was constructed, the passage from Siliguri till Kishanganj was ceased. In 1950, due to landslides severe damage was cused to the lines from Geille khola station till Siliguri. This was never refurbished and so the facilities to Gielle Khola station was ceased too.. The actual passenger medium was a tiny trolley of four-wheels with two wooden benches to sit and canvas roof. After a short time proper bogie 26 feet extended was introduced. The steam train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is particularly designed for Darjeelings odd conditions by Stewart, Sharpe, with 'B' category tank engine and short 0-4-0 wheelbase alongside it and additional saddle tank (for added water capacity). By 1915 a seminar was started in Tindharia which repaired and made passenger coaches. The entire railway track commencing Siliguri till Darjeeling is regarded as an engineering marvel. In 51 miles of road it climbs from close to sea level to around 7,400 ft. altitude. To acquire this height engineers have utilised "zig-zag reverses" and "loop". In "loop" the railway pathway circles round and crosses over itself by a railway bridge, thereby rapidly attaining higher altitude. In "zig-zag reverse" for attaining the same outcome by running the trail back diagonally above the hillside for a small distance, and then again continuing an alignment corresponding to the original alignment but elevated up. There are no subways; as a consequence the railway line has extremely sharp curves according to the curves of the mountain. When the Himalayan Railway of Darjeeling was introduced, it was the most comfortable and fastest way to reach Darjeeling. It had cargo and passenger services. The cargo line goes further than Darjeeling railway station into the mid of the town. This line was later removed and discontinued. afterwards with New Jalpaiguri station assuming a more significant link than Siliguri, the trail was elongated from Siliguri till New Jalpaiguri. In 1920, as per the record, the services of train had carried 61,704 tons of goods and 263,082 travelers. in those days the transported cargo comprised of many kinds of items. Darjeelings Down traffic consisted mainly, fresh vegetables, potatoes and tea, it was mainly Tibetan wool from the section of

Teesta Valley and oranges in the time of winter from Kalimpong and Sikkim and commencing the Kishanganj section it was cheifly paddy and jute. Darjeelings Upward traffic and the Teesta Valley comprises of rice, oil, flour, tea garden stores, general stores, coal, and miscellaneous goods. Now with the course of time and improved motorable roadways the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is no more a serious means of transport. Services related to Cargo have been completely stopped and the Toy Train has turn into a joy ride for travelers though an memorable joyride. The day is not far when this will be the solitary steam engine train of India. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Heritage Foundation which is a non-profit association was formed in 1993 to support the renewal, restoration and preservation of the railway stations Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as alive museums. Friends of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Associations, supported by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Heritage Foundation, have been created in numerous countries, all dedicated to the renewal and conservation of the railway treasure which is theToy Train.

Where To Stay Description: when you go to Darjeeling you must know where to stay else you will end up without lodging as in the peak season all the lodges are full. However they are not very high profile.
Darjeeling has numerous lodges and hotels. However, budget lodging is of meager value compared to somewhere else in India. Most hotels target groups arriving from West Bengal; hiker type accommodation is scant and you possibly won't find peddles coming to take you up at the bus stand so it is good to have a few thoughts in advance. There are numerous jungle guest accommodations in the Darjeeling region. In order to reside at any of these, you are required to have exceptional consent from West Bengal Forest Department. Budget Hotel Aliment: Situated at the peak of the hill, the visions are pleasant, but the walk of 15 min from the clock tower is very sharp. Hot water facility is available in double rooms till 6:30PM-7:30PM, but the bucket can be filled to be used for the entire day. There is also a plain restaurant, which also has a notable library. Birds Eye View: Dr. Zakir Hussain Road (near the peak of the hill on the southern side of Darjeeling. From the jeep stand and railway station it is up to the extreme top and then continue going right) . you can call for booking 9832321037, 9775972955. It was established in October 2008.

Darjeeling Tourist Lodge, Bhanu Sarani, Darjeeling (at a distance of seven minutes, away from Mall, besides Gymkhana Club), contact no.+91 354 2254411/12/13: ( email address: dort1@dte.vsnl.net.in, fax: +91 354 2254412), West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation owns the property and has a fabulous site with sights of Kanchenjunga. Hotel New Samrat: 63, Gandhi road (OPP Hotel Fairmont & beside Hotel Viceroy), contact no.+91 923 325689. Centrally situated on the key road. Hotel Pineridge: The Mall, Darjeeling (on the left prior to Chowrasta), Contact no. +91 354 2254074. All rooms has the view facing Kanchenjungha. Rooms are dreary & dank with rocky old furniture. It offers a suggestion of the old world appeal. Hotel Prestige: Climb up from cheif post office, beside Rink Mall. Plain hotel with comfortable rooms, with T.V. and hot showers. Free internet facility for half an hour each day. Owners are kind couple of Indian and Japanese ancestry. Revolver, 110 Gandhi Road: (behind Union Church, walk through the School Gate.), contact no. +919434428935. Theme of the restaurant and lodge is Beatles. The lodge has five comfortable rooms, each called after the fab four and the fifth Beatle being Brian Epstein. Easily affordable, double beds are available in each room, attached bathroom with warm water and cabinet. The lodge dislpays a list constantly growing Beatles memorabilia. WiFi facility also available for free. Zakir Hussain Rd Lodging, Zakir Hussain Road (at the peak of the hill). It proffers a clutch of backpackertype area. On a northern front of slant which is continually hazy so these regions get very damp and cold, without much sunshine regularly being felt in the manners of the owner too.

Time to Visit Description: there is an adequate time to visit Darjeeling. If you plan your trip on unsuitable season then you wont be able to enjoy it. Therefore, apt seson should be chosen for touring.

Darjeeling has a modest weather with annually all five different seasons. Darjeeling, a little hill station, situated in West Bengal has grown to be one of the large amount desired tourist attractions in the planet. People visit this place from different parts of the world to look at the virgin mountain regions and the wildlife of Darjeeling. Not all hill station gives you a chance to see the Kanchenjunga which is third highest mountain peak of the planet. Darjeeling is a series of Fold

Mountains that houses world's most animal life and gorgeous orchids. Besides these, people adore the adventures of hiking in Darjeeling, which makes them come here again and yet again. Replete with, picturesque mountain views, trekking trails and Buddhist monasteries, this place is like small heaven. The beautiful scenes of the Himalayan ranges are total visual treat. Known for both fatal and conducive weather environment, you must know when to visit Darjeeling or which is the best time to come to this place. Intense rain can ruin your tour. In order to go to the place at its greatest, you must be prepared with a useful weather guide. Most suitable season to go to Darjeeling is from beginning of September to June, take warm clothes in winters and may stay away from chilly days of January. September to November is perfect for outings and sightseeing. December to January is ideal for those who are fond of chilly weather and is perfect period for honeymoon couples. February to June is perfect for all travelers activities in Darjeeling.

Summers (April to June) are easygoing with highest temperature near 25 C never crossing it. The agreeable climate appeals to lots of tourists in this season. Monsoons (July to August) go together with with deep torrential rain responsible for roadblocks. Autumn (September to November) makes you experience intermittent spell of rain and Darjeeling appears marvelous in this period. Winters (December to January) have a cold climate with the average temperature of 5 C to 7 C. lowest temperature in this season can be icy 2 C. Snowfalls are not frequent during winters. Spring (February to March) is delightful with modest climate. This season is filled with picturesque beauties.