Darjeeling – Overshadowed facts.

Darjeeling has a distinct charm. With it’s haunting Victorian era ambience and breath taking landscapes, it’s beauty overshadows many of it’s other attractions.

Here are some things that you may not have been fully aware about Darjeeling.

1. Darjeeling Lebong race course : It is the smallest race course in the World with a complete of lap measuring around 480 yards. It is also situated at a height of 1809 metres which makes it the highest race course in the world. The number of tournaments might have decreased but it still remains one of the things India can be proud to boast of worldwide.

 

2. Darjeeling Ropeway/Cable car : The Darjeeling Ropeway is the largest cable car ride in Asia. There might have been improvements once in a while but if you want a ride on the clouds and have a view of the lush green tea gardens, you have got to experience this.

 

 

3. Darjeeling – Home for endangered species : The Snow leopard, Clouded leopard, Red panda, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan flying squirrel and a multitude of birds, insects and flowers thrive even today in the Darjeeling hills. With no threat to their habitat and the conscious efforts of the Darjeeling people, these animals are growing back to their original numbers.

 

4. Darjeeling Oranges : Orange orchards occupy 4,742 acres of the hills. And you thought all we did was grow tea. Darjeeling oranges form a vital part of the total production during winters. The supply is made to various parts of India as well as other countries. You cannot be serious if you ever go to Darjeeling and never taste the exotic oranges there.

 

5. The Darjeeling Golf course : The Senchal Wildlife sanctuary also houses the Senchal Golf course which is one of the highest golf courses in the world at an elevation of 8,150 ft. Don’t forget to try your golf clubs here.

 

6. Darjeeling orchids : Darjeeling is a natural habitat for orchids. Countless species of orchids foster in this beautiful place. Some of them being Cymbidiums, Vandas, Dendrobiums, Paphiopedilums, Lycaste, Odontoglossum, Phaius, Arundina and so on.

So… there are many more things that are hidden behind Darjeeling’s beauty. Tourists should definitely look beyond the tea leaves.