Interesting Stories

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre is one of the most meaningful cultural and humanitarian landmarks in Darjeeling. Established in 1959 following the arrival of Tibetan refugees in India, the center was created to provide shelter, employment, and dignity to Tibetans who fled their homeland. Located about 2 kilometers from Darjeeling town, it stands today as a symbol of resilience, self-reliance,...

Lloyd’s Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful and scientifically significant attractions in Darjeeling, offering a refreshing escape into nature amid the bustle of the hill town. Located close to the Darjeeling town center, the garden spreads over nearly 40 acres and is set at an altitude of about 6,000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by forested slopes and cool mountain air, it provides...

Tiger Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in Darjeeling, celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Located about 11 kilometers from Darjeeling town, the hill stands at an elevation of around 8,482 feet above sea level. It is one of the highest accessible points in the area and attracts visitors from all over the world, especially during the...

Eagles Craig is one of the lesser-known yet most charming viewpoints in Darjeeling, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist spots. Located close to the Raj Bhavan area, this viewpoint sits along a quiet hillside road and provides sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, forested slopes, and distant mountain ranges. Its calm atmosphere and scenic setting make it a favorite among...

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the DHR or the “Toy Train,” is one of India’s most iconic mountain railways and a living symbol of colonial engineering blended with Himalayan charm. Built between 1879 and 1881, the railway was conceived to connect the hill town of Darjeeling with the plains of Siliguri in West Bengal. At a time when Darjeeling was emerging as...

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the most renowned and high-altitude zoos in India, located in Darjeeling at an elevation of about 7,000 feet above sea level. Established in 1958, the zoo is named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu and a former Governor of West Bengal. Spread across a forested hillside, the zoo is internationally respected for its conservation efforts...

Ghoom Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. Located in the small town of Ghoom, about 8 kilometers from Darjeeling, the monastery stands at an altitude of nearly 8,000 feet, making it one of the highest monasteries in the region. Surrounded by misty hills and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, Ghoom...

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, commonly known as HMI, is one of Darjeeling’s most prestigious and historically significant institutions. Established in 1954, the institute was founded to promote mountaineering as a sport and to train aspiring climbers in the techniques required for high-altitude expeditions. Its creation was inspired by the successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953...

Mahakal Temple is one of the most revered and spiritually significant landmarks in Darjeeling, known for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Situated on Observatory Hill, close to Chowrasta Mall Road, the temple stands at a height that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The serene atmosphere, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the constant sound of bells...

Of all the temples in Assam the best known is that of Kamakhya Temple. It is a Shakti Peeth temple situated at Nilachal Hill at a distance of 8Kms from Guwahati City. Kamakhya temple is of historical, archeological as well as religious importance associate with it. It is one of the many great Shakti Pithas of the seat of Tantra. It is here that Sati’s Joni fell when she was dismembered while...

The Netaji Museum and Centre for Studies in Himalayan Languages, Society and Culture in Kurseong is a distinctive institution that combines historical preservation with scholarly research. Situated in the serene hill town of Kurseong, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, it serves as both a tribute to India’s freedom struggle and a hub for academic inquiry into the region’s unique...

Bihu is the most important and widely celebrated festival of Assam, deeply connected with the agrarian lifestyle, culture, and identity of the Assamese people. It is not a single event but a group of three seasonal festivals that mark key phases of the agricultural cycle and the passage of time. These are Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Together, they reflect joy, hope, gratitude, and...