Darjeeling is the perfect honeymoon hotspot if your partner and you prefer a slice of relaxed, colonial luxury, laced with charming toy train rides, steamy cuppas and of course, stunning, snow-capped views of the Kanchenjunga

As one climbs up the winding road, the milestone showing one kilometre to Darjeeling is spotted. A sense of pure exhilaration takes over. The magic begins when one starts playing hide and seek with the majestic Kanchenjunga section of the eastern Himalayas, then there are the beautiful lush, green tea estates around and tiny waterfalls gurgling and gushing.


The Darjeeling Toy Train ride, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, took its
maiden trip in 1881. Pics/ AFP

There's more -- beautiful and stark monasteries; extraordinary flora and fauna; imposing and grand residential schools and of course, the most endearing aspect of Darjeeling -- its quaint toy train.

Darjeeling, which earned the title, 'Queen of the Hills' during the Raj, has been wearing the title a tad jadedly in the last few decades. Political unrest, haphazard urban planning and an endless tourist influx may have overwhelmed the quaint town a bit. Thankfully, despite these problems it has managed to retain its colonial charm and lure the romantic, once again. This hill station is the perfect destination for a honeymoon, from long walks to lazy lunches and majestic views of the eastern Himalayas.

The hills are alive
Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world at 28,169 feet embraces Darjeeling from all sides. Whether it is from your hotel room or while standing at the Chowrasta on Darjeeling's arterial road, this glorious mountain peak is a sight to behold. Despite being a tourist hotspot, it is almost unthinkable to not make a trip to Tiger Hill, the spot from where one can get a clear view of the Himalayan range. The best time to head to Tiger Hill is at dawn and before the first light.u00a0 The sight of the sun rising on the mountain range is breath taking.

Trekking Tales
Trekking in India is believed to have originated in Darjeeling. Jesuit Rev Fr Macdonald is said to be the pioneer who discovered the route, almost a century ago. Consummate trekkers claim that Darjeeling offers among the best treks in the world. There are two trekking seasons, one that begins in March and goes on till early June and the second that begins around September and goes on till December.

On track
"The most enjoyable day I've spent on earth is of mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy."
Mark Twain, after his ride on the Toy Train, 1895.

The Darjeeling toy train is among the Unesco'su00a0World Heritage Sites. The train, which made its maiden trip in 1881, is as synonymous to the identity of Darjeeling as the Himalayas. This classic steam engine was an engineering marvel, and the quaintest way to discover Darjeeling.

To keep pace with the times the train was equipped with a diesel engine in 2000. The uphill journey to Darjeeling on the toy train begins at Siliguri. From here, the train passes through some of the most exquisite terrains in the country through hills and forests and tea estates.

Tea party
Records say that the first commercial tea gardens planted out by the British tea interest were Tukvar, Steinthal and Aloobari Tea Estates, in 1852. By 1874, tea in Darjeeling was found to be a profitable venture and there were 113 gardens with approximately 6000 hectares.

Today, there are 86 running gardens producing Darjeeling Tea on a total area of 19,000 hectares. It is said that Darjeeling Tea is grown and produced only in the hilly areas of Darjeeling district and cannot be produced anywhere else in the world. The flavour is distinct and only 10 million kg of Darjeeling tea is produced each year, making it very exclusive.

How to reach
>> BY AIR: Bagdogra airport (Siliguri) is well connected by air to all major Indian airports. Darjeeling (94-96 km) is a three-hour drive.

>> BY TRAIN: The Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah (Kolkata) besides other express trains from across India operate on a daily basis to the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri (NJP/Siliguri). From here, either take a cab or change over at New Jalpaiguri to the Toy Train, which winds its way up the hills to Darjeeling.

Where to stay
>> The Elgin Hotel Darjeeling: http://www.elginhotels.com/
>> Windamere Hotel: http://www.windamerehotel.com/
>> Cedar Inn: http://www.cedarinndarjeeling.com/

Where to stay
Keventer's: Classic English breakfast. (0354 2252727)
>> Glenary's: Chocolates, gooey clairs and freshly baked breads.
(0354 2257554)
>> Dekevas: Momos, thupkas and chilli chutney.
(0354 2254159)
>> Darjeeling Planters Club / Windamere Hotel: Hearty colonial fare. (0354 2254348 / 354 2254041/42)

Places of interest
>> Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
>> Castleton Tea Estate
>> Happy Valley and Margaret's Hope Tea Estates
>> Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
>> Snow Leopard breeding Centre
>> Mall Road
>> Shakya Monastery
>> Dali Monastery
>> Mirik Lake