Darjeeling - Tea Gardens and Beauty

" The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once- by even a glimpse- would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the world combined." Mark Twain on Darjeeing Nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling fondly called "Queen of the Hills", provides a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature. This is the land of the muscatel flavoured Darjeeling tea revered by connoisseurs across the globe. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the century old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with the fast disappearing Land Rovers. "Flowers are everywhere. The days are cold and the sun almost seems to play hide and seek with us". - Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore. It is certainly that Darjeeling in the post modern era comprises of six T’s -Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Trekkers’ paradise. Area ( in miles ) : 1, 200 sq.miles. Height ( in meters ) : 2, 134 mts. Climate: Summers - Max : 15 degree Celsius, Min: 8 .5 degree Celsius. Winters - Max: 6 degree Celsius, Min: 1 .5 degree Celsius. Best Seasons: ( May - June ) & ( September - November). Clothing: In summer: Light woolens and In winter: Heavy woolens. Languages: Gorkha, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, Tibetan and English. Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.

Gangtok

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, their highest mountain in the world. This small town, lies atop a ridge, at an altitude of 5,800 ft, amidst a Himalayan setting, with the world's third tallest peak Kanchenjunga at its east, and overlooking the river Ranikhola. The town offers a mild temparate climate with a temperature of around 23 degree centigrate in Summer and around 6 degree centigrate during winter.

Getting there:

Gangtok is 721 km from Kolkata, 589 km from Guwahati and 584 km from Patna. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, 124 km and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (125 km), with connections to all the major cities of India. You can drive to Gangtok from either of these West Bengal cities in 5 hours or from Siliguri 114 km away or Darjeeling, 139 km from Gangtok. The drive is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs.

Accommodation:

There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available at Gangtok, ranging from luxury and deluxe to standard and economy, depending on your budget. Prices are in the vicinity of Rs 2500 for luxury, Rs 1300 for mid-rung and Rs 500 for basic accommodation.

Best season:

The best time to visit Sikkim is between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed or again between March and May when the flowers are in bloom. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to many of the tourist spots are not possible. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that often disrupt communication. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter. Rainwear is a must in any season.

Sightseeing:

Nathula : At an altitude of 14200ft, Nathula pass is the border between India and China in the Tibetan plateau. Only 56 km away from the Gangtok, tranquility of this place is very charming. Waving Chinese soldiers and Chinese tourists on the other side of the border is an added attraction.

Tsongo Lake : Lying 40km northeast of Gangtok, it means `Source of the Lake` in Bhutia language. This placid lake is located at an altitude of 3780m and held to be sacred by the local people.

Namgayal Institute of Tibetology: Built in 1958, this is a unique institute for research into Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. A renowned center for Buddhist study, the institute houses a rare collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit and Lepcha manuscripts, statues, Thankas (tapestry used in Buddhist liturgy) as well as more than 200 Buddhist icons.

Enchey Monastery: This 200 year old monastery is famous for the mask dance called 'Cham' performed in the month of January. An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it. monasteries in sikkim.

Flower Exhibition Centre: Located near the White Hall Complex this place houses a variety of orchids, seasonal flowers as well as bonsai. It is open between April to June and September until the end of November. In recent years, this show has become quite popular and famous, as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.

Do-Drul Chorten (stupa):This chorten houses the complete mandala sets of Darjee Phurba, a set of Holy Books, complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. The Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Around this Chorten are 10 Mani-Lhakor (prayer wheels).

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden: 24km away Gangtok, this garden is consist of temperate forest of Oaks and as many as 50 different kinds of trees species.

Tashi View Point: Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal this viewpoint is at a distance of about 8km away from the town and offers good view of Mt. Siniolchu and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Rumtek Monastery: The largest monastery in the Eastern Himalaya, built by the Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. Rumtek is the seat of Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. This magnificent gompa is only 24 km from Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok: This spot, 7km away from Gangtok, offers a bird's eye view of Gangtok. There is a small temple of lord Ganesh at this place. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road.

Hanuman Tok: Just above Ganesh Tok lays this viewpoint offering nice view of the mountains along the horizon and the Gangtok town, there is a Temple of Hanuman here.

Hrishikesh

Rishikesh - Gateway To Heaven
State
Uttranchal
Location
24 km upstream from Haridwar
Distance
224 km NE of Delhi
Journey Time
By Road By RailBy Air
5 ½ hrs 6 hrs 50 mins + 45 mins by road
Route
NH1 from Delhi to Ambala; NH22 to Zirakpur; NH21 to Kiratpur via Chandigarh; state roads to Palampur via Kangra.
When to go
All year round except during the monsoons (June to September) The rafting season stretches from mid-September to April, with the flow and the rapids being stronger November and December. Rishikesh is most pleasant during spring (March to April) and in October - November
Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham . Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it.Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a centre for white water rafting, other river sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas
Distances from Rishikesh:
» Delhi 225 Kms » Haridwar 22 Kms » Dehradun 42 Kms » Mussoorie 77 Kms » Chandigarh 215 Kms » Nainital 310 Kms » Ramnagar 250 kms
HOTEL GREEN VIEW, RISHIKESH
Location: Swarg Ashram (By car via Rishikesh Barrage)Time Duration: From 1st April to 15th July 20082N/3D PACKAGE: Rs 3333 + 5% (Dlx A/c) , 30% (Extra Adult), 20% Child Fare (5-11) without extra Bed
Including w/drink, daily bed tea, breakfast and all applicable taxes inclusive
GANGA BEACH RESORT, RISHIKESH
Location: Sheshdhara, Tapovan Time Duration: From1st April to 15th July 20082N/3D PACKAGE: Rs 4444/- + 5% (Dlx Room), Rs 1199 + 5% (Extra Adult), Rs 499 +5% Child Fare (5-11) without extra Bed
Including w/drink, daily bed tea, breakfast and all applicable taxes inclusive.
RIVER WILD BY CAMP HAMMOCK, SHIVPURI
Location: Camp No 14, 3 Kms before Beasi, ShivpuriTime Duration: From 1st April to 10th May 20082N/3D PACKAGE: Rs 7999 (Swiss Tent) Per Couple , 40% of The Package (Extra Adult), 30% of The Package Child Fare (5-11) without extra Bed.
Including w/drink, daily bed tea, breakfast and lunch and dinner (All Meals), rope course with burma bridge, beach games of white water rafting from Marine Drive to shivpuri and from shivpuri to Rishikesh and all taxes .
EXPLORE HIMALAYA RESORT, SHIVPURI
Location: Beasi, Shivpuri (20 Kms From Rishikesh)Time Duration: From 1st April to 15th May 20082N/3D PACKAGE: Rs 7999 + 5% (Dlx) Per Couple, Rs 3200 (Extra Adult), Rs 1600 Child Fare (5-11) without extra Bed
including w/drink, daily bed tea, breakfast and lunch and dinner (All Meals), jungle walk, bonfire, one stretch of River rafting, visit to near-by aashrams and temples (Tax extra).