Several monasteries like Ghum Monastery (8 km or 5 miles from the town), Bhutia Busty monastery, Mag-Dhog Yolmowa preserve ancient Buddhist scripts. Developed by the British, many buildings of British style architecture can be found here. St. Andrew's Church, Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal in the Lesser Himalayas at an average elevation of 6,710 ft (2,045.2 m). Prashant Tamang the winner of Indian Idol 3 is a resident of Darjeeling. Local street food is as amazing as the sights here so be sure to indulge in some momos, thukpa, chowmein and much more. Surrounded by the beautiful mountains and green pine trees one cannot deny that there is another heaven, Darjeeling recently is known as GTA [Gorkhaland Territorial Authority ],but the world knows it by the name of Darjeeling..the queen of the hills. Created by a user from India. The local culture of Darjeeling can be well understood during the season of native festivals. Created by a user from India. See culture, outdoors, historic sites, shopping, and wildlife. Darjeeling (Bengali: [ˈdarˌdʒiliŋ], Nepali: [darˈd͡ziliŋ]) is a city and a municipality in the Indian state of West Bengal.It is located in the Lesser Himalayas at an elevation of 2,000 metres (6,700 ft). The National Parks, natural beauty, and rich forest culture make Kanchenjunga worth a visit. Tourism contributes in a great way to the economy of the region. Find 5 History And Culture near Governor House, Darjeeling. So no batch of Darjeeling will ever be the same. The culture of Darjeeling, India, is quite diverse.Apart from the major Hindu religious festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Dussera, Holi, Ram Navami etc., the diverse ethnic populace of the town celebrates several local festivals. The town attracts trekkers and sportsmen seeking to explore the Himalayas, serving as the starting point for climbing attempts on some Nepali peaks. The original inhabitants of the Darjeeling Hills were Lepchas or Rongpa (the ravine folks) as they prefer themselves to be known as. In the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work are displayed. Apart from these, the Tibetan influence is very noticeable in the buildings of the monasteries. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, one of the prominent landmarks of Darjeeling, was established on 2nd October 1959. Sipping culture. Kanchenjunga is a superb holiday destination in the east Nepal region. In 1706 the king lost Kalimpong to the Bhutanese. History Of Darjeeling Tea,India takes the pride of owning the world famous Darjeeling tea which cannot be compared with its counterparts for it is unparalleled in the world,Darjeeling tea is from Darjeeling situated in the state of West Bengal,Tea is nearly 5000 years old and was first discovered in China, though aboriginal of both China and India. - See 72 traveler reviews, 77 candid photos, and great deals for Darjeeling, India, at Tripadvisor. are the main festivals. Darjeeling is a Himalayan town located in the state of West Bengal. This walking tour will give you a great induction of the city, its history, its vibrant culture, and its people with lots of wonderful stories about the city, fun facts and must do things in … Singing and playing musical instruments is a common pastime among the resident population, who take pride in the traditions and role of music in their cultural life. Travel Oct 15 - … Created by a user from India. People & Culture of Darjeeling Darjeeling district is home to mainly immigrants from Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, Bhutan and even Europe. Best things to do are: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and Batasia Loop. The two predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Bengal Natural History Museum in Darjeeling was set up in 1903. The cash crops of the region are fruits, tea and cardamom. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the DHR or the Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Throughout the day, visit temples and do some shopping while stopping for meals along the way with the tour concluding in the early evening. Whether it is the ubiquitous momos or thupkas whose fabled taste has transcended across the Himalayas along with the migrant Tibetans or the lemon grass menu from south-east Asia,Darjeeling offers you the best. The greater bulk of the people in the Hills are Gorkhas . A team from Darjeeling Initiative met the Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Sri Prahlad Singh Patel and Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Sri Raju Bista, at the Tourism, Art and Culture Stakeholders Meeting held in Darjeeling on 9th January 2021. The use of India as a back-drop for the reconnection of some spiritually displaced white men is an insult to the rich history, colors, and culture of India. Lasting two weeks, it consists of Lakshmi Puja, Bhailo, Deosi and Bhai Tika. There is also fine craftsmanship in wood-work and bamboo fret work. ethnic tribes of Darjeeling, has distinct social and religio-cultural life that makes them distinct from the other tribal and non-tribal groups. Be immersed in the fascinating local cultures, which are exclusive to this area (Darjeeling and Sikkim only). It serves as a residence of several Tibetan refugees who fled from their homeland following the footsteps of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. History Of Darjeeling Tea,India takes the pride of owning the world famous Darjeeling tea which cannot be compared with its counterparts for it is unparalleled in the world,Darjeeling tea is from Darjeeling situated in the state of West Bengal,Tea is nearly 5000 years old and was first discovered in China, though aboriginal of both China and India. In 1910, the DHR carried 174,000 passengers and 47,000 tons of goods. A view from the downhill side road, May'17. Media in category "Culture of Darjeeling" The following 19 files are in this category, out of 19 total. In addition to Durga Puja, Diwali, Saraswati Puja and Shivratri etc., there are local festivals unique only to this region. There are lots of places to visit in Darjeeling where you can have your fill of history and culture. Meat dumplings which are steamed and accompanied by a bowl of clear soup and achaar. belief system, rich culture and a unique history. They carry the traditional weapon, the Khukri-a curved ornamental knife. Visit Sikkim and Darjeeling. Best things to do in Gangtok, Lachung, Zuluk, Pelling, and Darjeeling are: Tsongmo Lake, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Nathula, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Visit Darjeeling. Thus, different waves of changes were visible in the religio-cultural arena of the Limbu community as time passed by. Exploring the history, geography, culture and production of tea in Japan. So, walk back in time by discovering the richness of history and culture in Darjeeling. Among the population are also the Newars or best known, the world over as the Sherpas. Category : History & Culture St. Andrew's is an old Anglican church, built in 1843 and named after the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew. See culture, outdoors, historic sites, and wildlife. The Kiranti The panorama of the Majestic Himalayan mountains, its lush green hills and forests seem to have played a significant role in influencing the religion and culture including the folk songs and dances of the Nepalese people, inhabiting in and around the Himalayan regions with its serene, romantic and poetic shades of different hues. The earlier cave paintings, religious rites and temple songs and dances have also played another significant role in influencing Nepalese Folks songs and dances. Darjeeling tea is a tea made from Camellia sinensis that is grown and processed in the Darjeeling or Kalimpong Districts in West Bengal, India. The culture of the hill people of Darjeeling are uniquely expressed in the exquisite and inimitable artistic handicrafts of the district and their traditional colourful designs, which show marked resemblance to the art of neighbouring Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Each ethnic group has its own distinct traditional food. forming a broad and analytical group of population. History Darjeeling originally belonged to the Buddhist chogyals (kings) of Sikkim until 1780, when it was annexed by invading Gurkhas from Nepal. An improvised form of ball made of rubber garters is often used for playing in the steep streets. Find 5 Darjeeling History And Culture on Travelguru. are the main festivals. Nepali Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, one of the two men to first climb Mount Everest, spent most of his adult life in the Sherpa community in Darjeeling. The hills and dales are the treasure house of songs and dances of the hill folk. Though their origin is obscure, they are decidedly Mongolian in feature. • Inspirock A team from Darjeeling Initiative met the Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Sri Prahlad Singh Patel and Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Sri Raju Bista, at the Tourism, Art and Culture Stakeholders Meeting held in Darjeeling on 9th January 2021. Woolen carpets are made in a combination of shades in vegetable and synthetic dyes. The Darjeeling station was renovated in 1891 and Kurseong got a new station building and storage shed in 1896, but the railway was impacted by an 1897 earthquake and a major cyclone in 1899. A land-mark year in the History of Darjeeling was 1835, but it would be appropriate to trace its History before that. Typical indian potato preparation which the hill people cannot do without. In the 19th century, China could no longer keep up with the growing demand for tea; the British then introduced their culture in other countries: India in 1834, Ceylan in 1857 and in other Asian and African countries, in Réunion and Argentina. In mid-June, processions celebrate the birthday of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Besides, the diverse ethnic populace of the town also celebrates several local festivals. Like fine wine, Darjeeling is often enjoyed and even critiqued batch by batch. Beautiful curios are made at Darjeeling and Kalimpong on copper plates studded with red and blue stones with engravings of replicas of deities. The East India Company gained control of the region in 1816, but soon returned most of the lands to Sikkim in exchange for … He is a distinguished scholar, thinker and public servant and has written several books. Prior to its acquisition by the East India Co. in 1835, Darjeeling formed a part of Sikkim and for a brief period of Nepal. Darjeeling's tea bushes run across a mythical landscape steeped with the religious, the sacred, and the picturesque. Darjeeling and Kalimpong The town of Darjeeling is the headquarters of the district, and is most famous for its fine, delicate tea. Balmiki Prasad Singh-present governor of Sikkim, India. There are robust folk dances with the males participating enthusiastically in the ‘Chabrung’ of the Libus, the Tamangs dance, ‘Damfu’, and the most popular of them all, the scintillating Maruni. FAMOUS PERSONALITIES. The Dalai Lama himself also donated artifacts; artists created a 3D display of the Himalayas and the Tibetan communities inhabiting its slopes. Established in 2019, Darjeeling History Club is an initiative to understand and preserve the culture and tradition of Darjeeling in India, and the surrounding regions. Best things to do in Pelling, Gangtok, Lachung, and Darjeeling are: Tsongmo Lake, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Nathula, and Tiger Hill. Room 1: Adults Above 12 years. As in the Chinese tradition the snake or dragon dances curl through the streets. Darjeeling is derived from the Tibetan words ‘Dorje‘ which means thunderbolt and ‘linga’ meaning place or land, hence together ‘the land of the thunderbolt’ Due to political unrest, development in Darjeeling was stagnated back by almost 30 years.Tourism in Darjeeling largely happened due to British settlement in India. Culture of Darjeeling District is quite miscellaneous, due to the mixed ethnicity of the population. Join us in the Darjeeling & Sikkim Authentic Cultural Tour … The two predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. The people of Darjeeling consume a diverse variety of foods. Journal / A (tea)potted history of Darjeeling. These annexations by the Gurkhas, however, brought them into conflict with the British. Darjeeling is West Bengal’s favourite hill station. The region is also known as ‘Queen of Hill stations’. The first bogie carriages entered service, replacing basic four-wheel carriages. Colonial architecture characterizes many buildings in Darjeeling; several mock Tudor residences, Gothic churches, the Raj Bhawan (Governor House), Planters' Club and various educational institutions are examples. Tea is the most popular beverage, procured from the famed Darjeeling tea gardens, as well as coffee. The region in North East India yields the uniquely wonderful tea, known all over the world as Darjeeling. Travel Dec 24 - Dec 28. Pamper your taste buds with the exotic but homely food and discover a mosaic of culture while satiating your gastronomical needs. While the principal utility products are blankets, woolen knitted garments and woven fabrics, the artistic products are hand-bags, wall panels, fire-screens, folding partitions, Bhutan paintings, cotton shoulder-bags etc. viz., Hinduism and Buddhism, seem to have influenced the Nepali culture full of its rich folks songs and dances, co-existing side by side. ... Indulge in a hearth northern Indian breakfast while learning about the history of the area. The ‘Rateli’ are nursery rhymes set to music. The culture of Darjeeling is diverse and includes a variety of indigenous practices and festivals as mentioned above. • Inspirock Tea and Darjeeling are synonymous. The history and culture of darjeeling is an intriguing one indeed! Travel Oct 20 - Oct 26. Bengali is the language of the plains, Tibetan is used by the refugees and some other tribal people. Travel Apr 19 - Apr 29. A type of noodle called thukpa, served with soup and vegetables/meat, is extremely popular in and around the hills of Darjeeling. Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Jayanti, Christmas, Holi, Ram Navami, etc. Football is the most popular sports in Darjeeling. Created by a user from India. Gay folk songs fill the air with ‘Jhowre’ relating to the lover, and the ‘Juhari’ which throws questions and answers between the lovesick couple. It is noted for its tea industry, its views of Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History of Sikkim. Buddhist monasteries showcase the pagoda style architecture. [1] Every year, cultural festivals are held in the town of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. Decorative Nepali khukris are made in Ghum. Among the artistic crafts, ornaments, trinkets and handlooms are worth mentioning. A typical Buddhist traditional,"Khorlo" which spins with the help of a light bulb's heat- 2013-12-19 07-01.JPG 5,184 × 3,456; 4.94 MB The earlier form of dances and folk songs attributed to the Gods and goddesses of both the Hindu and Buddhist pantheon, are also inspirational in creating Nepalese folk songs and dances, impressions of religious dances performed either to appease Gods and goddesses or ward-off the evil spirits can also be seen distinctly in performing arts of the Nepalese people. Darjeeling, with a rich history of the British raj and cultural evolution, has gone through a lot of changes in the past decades, with modernization and advancement in infrastructure. Children Below 12 years. The book has a little bit of everything in it - History, of how tea travelled to India from China thanks to the British, how the British rule developed the tree gardens as well as the plantation culture, Geography - of the Eastern states of India and especially Darjeeling and its development into the present day city, Socio Himalayan Tibet Museum: Tibetan culture, history and art downtown Darjeeling! Edit. Besides, the diverse ethnic populace of the town also celebrates several local festivals. In the ancient past ... cultural life of the Limbus in Darjeeling. Visit Darjeeling and Bhutan. Tibetan noodles mixed with egg/meat, vegetables with a predominant soup base. Among the artistic crafts, ornaments, trinkets and handlooms are worth mentioning. And control of the remainder was wrested from them by the Gurkhas who invaded Sikkim in 1780, following the consolidation of the latter's rule in Nepal. Some notable places to visit include the Tiger Hill, the zoo, monasteries and the tea gardens. Today, the Limbus of Darjeeling think that their religion and culture have suffered a major set back and their very identity tends … It seems that the people have saved all their energy for these two weeks which are filled with great rejoicing. "The Nature-centric Culture of the Nepalese", North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Culture_of_Darjeeling&oldid=918388144, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 28 September 2019, at 12:13. Darjeeling still manufactures the tea by the original methods known as the ‘orthodox’ method. They are industrious and enterprising as a race and speak various dialects. A … Cultural Northwest India: Darjeeling & Sikkim - 8 Days View Map The eastern end of the Himalayas and their neighboring foothills is one of the least-visited sections of the mountain range, but other travelers' loss is your gain as you explore this corner of India over the course of eight days. A series of wars followed, eventually leadi… Travel Mar 13 - Mar 27. The Nepalese are rich in folk culture. Some of the most interesting places to see in darjeeling in this genre include forts, monuments, museums, and archaeological sites. The name ‘Darjeeling’came from the Tibetan words,’dorje’meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra) and ‘ling’a place or land, hence ‘the land of the thunderbolt’. Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Jayanti, Christmas, Holi, Ram Navami, etc. It’s an underrated attraction of Darjeeling and offers a further insight into the history and culture of its people. History and Culture Hotels at Zakir Hussain Road in Darjeeling 1 Person in 1 Room. Price start @ ₹ 2200. The local culture of Darjeeling … Even the two major religions. Deusi and Bhaileni are songs performed by men and women, respectively, during the festival of Tihar. Darjeeling Tea is world renowned for its flavour, which is unequaled by other tea producing areas not only of India but also of the world. 1835 the area of Darjeeling - that had been part of Sikkim until then - was annexed by British India. Hard chhurpi, a type of hard cheese made from cow or yak's milk, is another popular mini-snack that is both nutritious and masticatory. They are well known for their courage, stamina and surefootedness and for their immeasurable contributions to Mountaineering. The following are some of the most popular and worth mentioning forms of Nepali folk dances. Darjeeling Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as The Darjeeling Initiative, was a ten-day carnival held yearly during winter that portrayed the rich musical and cultural heritage of Darjeeling Hills as its central theme. In conclusion, the main difference between tea flushes is the season in which they are harvested, the way the leaves are processed and most importantly their unique flavor. The Lepchas and Bhutias celebrate the New Year in January, while the Tibetans have their Devil Dances to celebrate their New Year in their monasteries from the last week of February to March. Dotted with numerous monasteries and surrounded by nature at her best, West Sikkim is steeped in religion, history and culture as well as the abundant beauty of the hills and valleys. Click through to see the tour itinerary for Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan. In 1835 when the British took over Darjeeling after signing a deed with the Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, it was a deserted place full of dense … Darjeeling, a municipality within the state of West Bengal, provides a spectacular view of the lesser Himalayas.A beautiful city, it is known for its tea plantation, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has a varied range of culture consisting of the Gorkhas, Khampa, Lepcha, Sherpas, etc. See culture. An up-hill climb by foot to get anywhere in Darjeeling will have you gasping for air, as the small little town of Darjeeling is at an elevation of 6,700 feet. All these provide a "regional distinctness" of Darjeeling's local culture from the rest of India. Also much in evidence in the Hills are the Bhutias and they are divided into Tibetan, Bhutan, Dharma and Sikkimese Bhutias and a greater bulk of Bengalee from Siliguri subdivision. Check these photos from Darjeeling, how it was then in the past and how it is now in the … The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the DHR or the Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.Built between 1879 and 1881, it is about 88 km (55 mi) long. Treat yourself to an unique collection of Bengali and Himalayan Fauna at this museum. Hinduism, Buddhism and to an extent Christianity, remain the predominant religions here. Tea was an immediate hit, and soon took the place of coffee in British people’s hearts. The ‘Rosia’ is sung in the fields, the ‘Baloon’ extols the deeds of the Mahabharata and ‘Malsiri’ is kept for the Durga Puja. Sikkim was a Buddhist kingdom under the Namgyal-Chogyal dynasty from 1642 to 1975. Der Darjeeling [dɑˈdʒiːlɪŋ] ist eine Teesorte aus dem indischen Distrikt Darjeeling, dem Zentrum des bengalischen Teeanbaus in der Umgebung der Stadt Darjeeling. Come and experience their authentic culture! Culture of Darjeeling Culture of Darjeeling is diverse, owing to its multi national population and their various customs and traditions. Overview . Wai-Wai is a favorite packaged snack of Darjeeling hills comprising noodles that are eaten either dry or with soup. Chhang or jaanr is a local alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet, maize or rice. Salt tea which is mixed with butter which has its own distinct taste. Some of the most interesting places to see in Darjeeling in this genre include forts, monuments, museums, and archaeological sites. Visit Darjeeling. Bhutia chaddars can be found in beautiful textures. Darjeeling leaves are processed…withered, rolled, oxidized…in a technique that reflects the conditions of the season and of the plucked leaf. In Darjeeling it becomes quite an amalgamation of all these stereotypes and prejudices. Local brew made from millet and has to be sipped through a bamboo straw. Culture of Darjeeling Last updated September 29, 2019 Colourful Buddhist prayer flags around Mahakal Temple at Observatory Hill, Darjeeling. It is noted for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Age(s) of Children Add a … Wonderful Tankas with paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha are also available. Distance from Darjeeling: 73 kilometres Darjeeling is the "Champagne of teas," sold by distinct harvest season, or flush. Darjeeling's tea bushes run across a mythical landscape steeped with the religious, the sacred, and the picturesque. Built- 1843, Rebuilt- 1873 St. Andrew's Church, Darjeeling. Aqua- culture is an important area of economic activity particularly in the context of enabling the rural people. A popular food in Darjeeling is the momo, a steamed dumpling containing chicken, mutton, pork, beef or vegetables cooked in a doughy wrapping served with a watery vegetable soup and spicy tomato sauce/chutney. 15/12/2020 A (tea)potted history of Darjeeling. Since 2004, the term Darjeeling tea has been a registered geographical indication referring to products produced on … Soft chhurpi, a traditional soft cheese, is consumed along with green vegetables as savoury dishes, used as filling for momos, ground with tomatoes and chillies for chutney or made into a refreshing soup. But while many of India's top tea experts point to the autumn flush as their favorite, those teas are largely unknown. Time and again the little kingdom had to defend itself against attacks from Nepal. The Khampas are recent immigrants from Tibet. … One can also order for vegetable momos in which the meat is ideally replaced by cabbage and other vegetables. See culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites, and museums. The short Mongolian type Nepalese, the Gorkhas, renowned for their military prowess the world over, and the first to be decorated with the coveted Victoria Cross, finds jobs and security both in the British and Indian armies. The third highest mountain range in the world is very sacred to the people of Sikkim. The culture of the hill people of Darjeeling are uniquely expressed in the exquisite and inimitable artistic handicrafts of the district and their traditional colourful designs, which show marked resemblance to the art of neighbouring Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Best things to do are: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and Japanese Peace Pagoda. The culture of Darjeeling, India, is quite diverse and unique. Price start at ₹ . Until the beginning of the 18th century, the area between the present borders of Sikkim and the plains of Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, belonged to the kings of Sikkim. Buddhist ethnic groups such as the Lepchas, Bhutias, Sherpas, Yolmos, Gurungs, and Tamangs celebrate new year called Losar in January/February, Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat. © Darjeeling District Administration , Developed and hosted by National Informatics Centre,Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. Best things to do in Darjeeling, Paro, Bumthang, Punakha, and Thimphu are: Paro Taktsang, Dochula Pass, Kuenselphodrang, and Tiger Hill. The culture of Darjeeling, India, is quite diverse and unique. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and the amazing thing is that it is the second railway to have such an honor. The history and culture of Darjeeling is an intriguing one indeed! See culture, romantic, beaches, and historic sites. Houses are decorated and spirits start building up for Diwali eve when the festival commences. Darjeeling's tea bushes stretch across a picturesque landscape steeped in religious, sacred and mythical history. How Darjeeling Express and Dishoom put a fresh spin on tradition to shift the tastes of modern Britain Dishoom co-founder Shamil Thakrar and Darjeeling Express owner/chef Asma Khan. [2] Western music is popular among the younger generation, and Darjeeling is a major centre of Nepali rock music. We must view the tea garden workers against the racialized and sexualised history of the plantation workers while we also try to locate them in the ‘identity politics of specific tea producing communities.’ The women tea plantation workers of Darjeeling are seen as sexually immoral and alcoholic. Darjeeling is regarded as a center of music and a hotbed for musicians and music admirers. Usually found in the local haat(fair) held on sunday near the Rock Garden. History, Culture and Heritage Thursday, 19 January 2012 . The Kiranti Rai people (Khambus) celebrate their annual Sakela festivals of Ubhauli and Udhauli. Built between 1879 and 1881, it is about 88 km (55 mi) long. Being an addict of Darjeeling tea, I fancied myself as a kid in a candy store while in Darjeeling. His success provided the impetus to establish the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling in 1954. Darjeeling, as I had imagined, had so much to offer - the natural beauty, the colonial past, the tea gardens, the local Tibetan culture and so much more. • Inspirock Many of the Nepali Hindus , as well as the various Buddhist and other ethnic groups such as the Lepchas, Bhutias, Kiranti Limbus, Tibetans, Yolmos, Gurungs, and Tamangs, have their own distinct languages and cultures and yet share a largely harmonious co-existence. The Khampas, another branch of the Lepchas, are warrior-like and more dashing than their docile cousins. Buddhist ethnic groups such as the Lepchas, Bhutias, Sherpas, Yolmos, Gurungs, and Tamangs celebrate new year called Losar in January/February, Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat. There are a number of restaurants offering a variety of traditional Indian, Continental and Indian Chinese cuisine to cater to tourists. Planted at high elevation in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, in an area of northern India bound by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, and Sikkim to the north, the linear rows of brilliant green, waist-high shrubs that coat the steep slopes and valley And we were guided by your website at every step in our planning. The museum has taxonomic displays of a wide range of birds, reptiles, animals, insects and is Experience authentic Darjeeling on this amazing walking tour of the old town with our fun and entertaining storytellers. Visit Sikkim and Darjeeling. There is not a moment in their lives, possessed as they are of a lyrical mind and heart that does not turn into singing and dancing.