Darjeeling is located in the northern part of the Indian state of West Bengal. The area was originally part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and was inhabited by the Lepcha and Bhutia tribes. In the late 18th century, Darjeeling was invaded by the Gorkha army from Nepal, who annexed the area. After the Anglo-Gorkha War of 1816, Darjeeling became part of British India through the Treaty of Sugauli. In 1835, the area was leased from Tsugphud Namgyal, Chogyal of Sikkim, by the British East India Company, and Darjeeling began to develop as a British hill town and sanatorium.

The town quickly became a popular resort for British officials and their families, leading to the construction of many European-style buildings and schools. In the mid-19th century, the British began experimenting with tea cultivation in Darjeeling, which proved highly successful. This led to the establishment of many tea plantations and an influx of workers, mainly from Nepal. Darjeeling quickly became known for its tea, which remains one of the most sought-after in the world.

After India’s independence in 1947, Darjeeling became part of West Bengal and the city continued to be an important cultural and economic centre. The city has witnessed significant social and political movements, including the Gorkhaland movement, which sought a separate state for the Nepali-speaking residents of Darjeeling and surrounding areas. Darjeeling has also seen significant development in tourism and education, with many schools and institutions attracting students from all over India and abroad. The city’s unique blend of British colonial architecture, scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for tourists, who often take the famous Toy Train to get there.

The centre of Darjeeling is known for its charming atmosphere, narrow streets and beautiful views. Chowrasta is the city’s central square and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The square brings together central Darjeeling, where you can also walk along Mall Road and Nehru Road, which is full of shops. The area offers many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea or buy local handicrafts. A walk along Chowrasta and Mall Road offers stunning and unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations. The area in the center of Darjeeling is also home to several historical buildings such as the Planters’ Club, founded in 1868 and still serves as a social center for tea plantation owners.

With Darjeeling’s location on the southern side of the Himalayas, nature and mountains are naturally an important part of the experience and identity of the town. You can learn more about this at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, one of the most famous museums in Darjeeling. It was founded in 1954 to promote mountaineering. The museum has an extensive collection of mountaineering equipment and interesting items such as items from Tenzing Norgay, who, together with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first to climb Mount Everest. You can also visit the Bengal Natural History Museum, which exhibits the natural history of the area, including fossils and finds. It is a museum that focuses on the flora and fauna of the region, and there is a large collection of stuffed animals, birds, insects and fish, which gives an insight into the rich wildlife of the Himalayas.

Most people will probably be familiar with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, nicknamed the Toy Train. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling. The line was built between 1879 and 1881, and over about 88 kilometers, the railway climbs from about 100 meters above sea level at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 meters at Darjeeling. This ascent is achieved through a series of zigzag sections and loops, including the famous Batasia Loop, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. The railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 as part of the Mountain Railways of India, and is an excellent experience. The railway is known for its old British-built B-Class steam locomotives, which are still used to pull tourist trains to, among others, Ghum, which is India’s highest station. The journey by train is a nostalgic journey through scenic landscapes, tea plantations and small villages.