Descriptions

Darjeeling is a Himalayan hill town in India’s state of West Bengal, famed for its cool climate, sweeping tea gardens, and panoramic views of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The name is often used for both the place and its iconic tea, whose delicate, floral profile is prized worldwide.

• Location and altitude: Perched around 2,042 meters (≈6,700 ft) in the Lesser Himalaya, near the borders with Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. The terrain is steep, forested, and often mist-laden, giving the town its lush, emerald feel.

• Climate and best time: Cool, temperate weather most of the year. Clear-sky mountain views are best from October to December; March to May brings blooming rhododendrons and pleasant warmth. Monsoon (June–September) is verdant but rainy with possible landslides; winters (Jan–Feb) are crisp and chilly.

• History and culture: Developed as a British hill station in the 19th century, it retains colonial-era architecture alongside monasteries and market lanes. The culture blends Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, Tibetan, and Bengali influences; Nepali is widely spoken, along with Hindi, Bengali, and English.