DARJEELING: FOR A PERFECT CHILLOUT IN THE LAP OF THE HIMALAYAS

As the mercury column steadily rises and the body craves for some cool respite in the sultry weather, escaping to a hill station is the best bet especially as summer vacation is around the corner.

- RL Morris

Why look elsewhere when India has some of the best high-altitude destinations that will take your breath away and cool your body, mind and soul? Tucked away in the northernmost corner of West Bengal in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas sits Darjeeling, a quaint town founded by the British that still attracts travellers in droves. Its salubrious weather, picturesque scenery, iconic Darjeeling tea, which is often preferred by British royalty and one of the best in the world, and Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, are enough reasons to lure you.

To beat the scorching summer and to relax in the cold climes, the Queen of the Hills, as Darjeeling is often known, is the ideal choice. No visit to this destination is complete without a ride on the Toy Train aka Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Fly to Kolkata and then take a train to New Jalpaiguri from where you can hop on to a steam locomotive-driven narrow gauge train that meanders its way through the hills and gorges offering breath-taking vistas. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the train journey takes you to another world and movie buffs can recall the scenes of the hit song “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani” of the 1969 Bollywood flick ‘Aradhana’ in which Sharmila Tagore rides this iconic train while being serenaded by Rajesh Khanna in a jeep.

Once you reach Darjeeling, head for one of the heritage hotels and resorts to plunge into that old-world feel as you begin your sojourn in this city which once used to be one of the favourite haunts of British officials and their families during the sweltering months. Ideally, reside near Mall Road in the city which gives you easy access to all the tourist spots.

An Auspicious Glimpse of the Himalayas