Darjeeling
Clinging precipitously to a hillside in Northeast India, Darjeeling straddles a ridge which, on a clear day, commands panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and the snow-topped peaks of the Himalayas. The temperate climate of this Raj-era hill station still attracts people escaping the heat of the plains and its winding streets are a lively mix of restaurants, guesthouses and curio shops.
With a population of Tibetan, Bhutanese, Nepalese and Indian communities, Darjeeling is a convivial melting pot of cultures and religions, and a stroll along the bustling Mall showcases this eclectic mix. For a more peaceful pursuit, the iconic Toy Train winds its way through emerald green tea plantations and lush forests, or meditate in the silence of a Buddhist monastery.
