| Darjeeling |
| Population 107,530 (in 2001) Altitude 2134m Area 10.57 square km Languages Nepali, Hindi, English and Bengali |
| Darjeeling is the headquarters of Darjeeling district in the Shiwalik Hills on the lower range of the Himalayas. The hills are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the distance. Mount Kanchenjunga (8,598 m), the world's third-highest mountain is the most prominent peak visible. On clear days, Nepal's Mount Everest (8,850 m) can be seen. During the British Raj in India, Darjeeling's temperate climate led to its development as a hill station for British residents to escape the heat of the plains during the summers, becoming known as the Summer Capital. Darjeeling is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tea plantations date back to the mid 19th century as part of a British development of the area. The tea growers of the area developed distinctive hybrids of black tea and fermenting techniques, with many blends considered among the world's finest. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connecting the town with the plains was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 and is one of the few steam engines still in service in India. The two most significant contributors to Darjeeling's economy are tourism and the tea industry. Darjeeling tea is regarded as one of the best of black teas and is widely popular, especially in the UK and the countries making up the former British Empire. The tea industry has faced competition in recent years from tea produced in other parts of India as well as other countries like Nepal. The district's forests and other natural wealth have been adversely affected by an ever-growing population. The years since independence have seen substantial advances in the area's education, communication and agriculture, the latter including the production of diverse cash crops like potato, cardamom, ginger, and oranges. Farming on terraced slopes is a major source of livelihood for the rural populace around the town. Summer and spring seasons are most popular with tourists, keeping many of Darjeeling's residents employed directly and indirectly, with many residents owning and working in hotels and restaurants. Many people earn a living working for tourism companies and as guides. Darjeeling is a popular filming destination for Bollywood and Bengali cinema. Small contributions to the economy come from the sale of traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim and Tibet. Banks and Internet There are several places in Darjeeling where you can change money and travelers cheques as well as ATMs accepting international cards. There are plenty of internet cafes. |