Destination Himalayas

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Demography

A region located in the northern part of the Indian state of West Bengal, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and rich biodiversity. This region serves as a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With influences from diverse ethnic groups and communities, namely Nepali, Bengali, Bhutia, Lepcha, and indigenous tribes like the Lepcha, Limbu, and Sherpa, North Bengal is home to an embroidery of cultures. Visitors can have a distinctive and enjoyable experience in the region due to the festivals, food, music, and art forms reflecting this cultural complexity. The region boasts of iconic destinations such as Darjeeling, renowned worldwide for its aromatic tea and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The hill station of Kalimpong, with its serene monasteries and colonial architecture, offers a tranquil retreat for visitors. North Bengal is also home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. North Bengal offers a diverse range of transit modes to cater to the varied requirements and preferences of its residents and visitors. The Indian Railways network serves the region and has several significant railway stations, such as Alipurduar Junction, Siliguri Junction, and New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP). The main airport in North Bengal is Bagdogra Airport, located near Siliguri. It offers domestic flights to major cities such as Guwahati, Delhi, Kolkata, and others, making air travel convenient for passengers. For travelers seeking more flexibility and convenience, renting a car or motorbike is an option worth considering.

Locality

  • Dubbed as the “Queen of the Hills,” Darjeeling picturesque city fascinates tourists with its colonial architecture, lush environment, and mild temperature. Riding its miniature train through charming villages and picturesque landscape, the world-renowned Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers a nostalgic voyage. Darjeeling provides an assortment of picturesque locations for those who want to enjoy the outdoors, particularly Tiger Hill, which is well-known for its expansive daybreak vistas across the Himalayas.
  • Gangtok is the capital and largest town in the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok, which is located at an elevation of roughly 1,650 metres (5,410 feet), is renowned for its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and tranquil ambiance. It is a popular travel destination that provides travellers with a fusion of scenic beauty, exciting activities and cultural experiences.
  • The charming community of Lamahatta. There are stunning vistas of hills and rivers in this park. Situated at an elevation of 5,700 feet, the park’s pine trees and natural surroundings provide a peaceful atmosphere. The eco-park’s lovely gardens, complete with bamboo and wood gazebos, as well as its seasonal displays of white and yellow orchids, provide a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Situated at an altitude of 7000 feet, is the biggest high altitude zoo in India. In 1958, the Zoo was founded and given its name in honour of Padmaja Naidu, Sarojini Naidu’s daughter. As a well-liked tourist destination, the zoo welcomes around 300,000 visitors a year. The endangered Himalayan wolf, red panda, and snow leopard are all being raised in captivity in the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. In addition, the zoo is home to numerous endangered birds, Gorals, Himalayan Salamanders, and Siberian Tigers. Additionally, 200 different plant species exist, such as alder, birch, and oak. The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and serves as the focal point for the Red Panda programme run by the Central Zoo Authority of India. It covers an area of 67.56 acres.
  • Nathu La, a mountain pass in the Himalayan ranges that connects China with Sikkim, is one of the highest motorable highways in the world. One of the most significant Himalayan crossings in the nation, Nathu La is located at an elevation of 14,450 feet above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. La means “pass,” while Nathu means “listening ears.” One of the three open trade border checkpoints separating China and India is Nathu La, which is renowned for its stunning scenery and natural beauty. For the most part, the temperature is still low here.
  • Travellers can find peace and quiet in the midst of the magnificent Himalayas at Lachung, a charming village tucked away in the centre of Sikkim. Lachung is a nature lover’s dream come true, encircled by vivid rhododendron woods, shimmering waterfalls, and lush green valleys. Discover the Lachung Monastery’s rich cultural legacy while taking in the peace and quiet of this beautiful retreat.
  • One of the highest lakes in the world and India is Gurudongmar Lake, which is situated in Sikkim at a height of 5,425 metres (17,800 feet). Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists all regard it as sacred. The lake has the name of the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava, sometimes referred to as Guru Rinpoche, who travelled there in the eighth century. Situated in the North Sikkim area, the high altitude lake lies roughly 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the Tibetan (Chinese) border and 190 km (120 mi) from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. From Lachen, the lake is accessible by road via Thangu. There are moraines and difficult terrain along the route that leads from Thangu to Gurudongmar.