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Darjeeling,
a tourists' favourite destination
Darjeeling: Darjeeling, the place known for its scenic beauty, and often called the queen of hill stations, is expecting a sizable influx of tourists this season. Situated at a height of 2134 metres above sea level, Darjeeling attracts hundreds of tourists every year. This season the industry reports are putting the expected the figure at 15 per cent more as compared to the previous year. Darjeeling, located in the northern most part of West Bengal, has always been a favourite destination of tourists because of its snow-capped mountains, including a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga peak. Samrat Sanyal, a tour-operator, believes that the increase in the tourist inflow is due to a sustained campaign carried out by the tourism ministry. "There will be an increase (in foreign tourist inflow). Because there has been an increase in the overall International tourists arrival in India due to the Incredible India campaign by the Government of India touris. There has been a direct influence of that campaign in Darjeeling and Sikkim region also," says Sanyal. Tourist industry leaders want the Government to implement certain measures like improving roads leading to the scenic Valley. Famous world over for its 'Darjeeling Tea', it is the centre of India's most celebrated tea growing district and has possibly the most picturesque views among all Indian hill resorts.
The
lush green tea estates around the town and the 120-year-old 'toy train',
a UNESCO world heritage site are the main tourist attractions of the town.
"We had a beautiful trip of your "tea country". We saw beautiful landscape,
beautiful trees and beautiful nature. And we are sure that you are keeping
the nature as pure as it is and so far we are feeling excellent in Darjeeling,"
said Curtz Spillman, a tourist from Switzerland. The toy train to Darjeeling
from Siliguri still maintains its quaintness with wooden compartments
and no brakes. It travels at a romantic speed of 10 km. per hour. The
State has 183 tea gardens established during the British era, besides
over 500 tea gardens planted in recent years. The tea industry in West
Bengal forms the backbone of the State's economy. Tea from the gardens
in Darjeeling is famous world over for its finest blends. India is the
largest exporter and consumer of tea in the world. Tea, timber and eco
tourism are the mainstay of the State's economy. More than four million
tourists visit West Bengal every year.
Nov 14, 2005
Tourist
offices
in India