You've heard of the renowned tea and watched the movie starring Jason Schwartzman (which was, ironically, mostly shot in Jodhpur). If you're clueless beyond that, it's time to get acquainted with the "Queen of Hill Stations", as the place is popularly dubbed. Away from the maddening crowd of big Indian cities, this West Bengal town is framed by the majestic Himalayas; its temperate climate and amazingly lush alpine forests providing a cool green respite. That is, when you're not stopping in one of the 87 tea estates for a pleasing round of freshly brewed cuppa. Serene Lim
Sunrise at Tiger Hill: S$25.33
How spectacular can a sunrise be to rouse at the ungodly hour of 4am? Well, travellers have been known to break out in applause at the sight of the Kanchenjunga mountain range changing colour as the sun rises. Tiger Hill is also the highest railway station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where even Mount Everest can be sighted. There's a 20 rupee charge for entry to the open-air viewing platform. And for only 900 rupees you can save yourself the hike. Darjeeling Taxis (www.darjeelingtaxis.com) will not only take you to the summit of Tiger Hill, it will send you to Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop to see the gigantic rail track where the famed toy train makes a 360-degree turn.
Breakfast at Glenary's: S$4.12
You will be hard-pressed to find a cafe more evocative of the colonial era than Glenary's (Nehru Road, Tel: 2254122). With its cute white-washed window frames and monogrammed napkins, it's the perfect spot to have toast, eggs, and maybe a slice of meat pie from the in-house bakery. Set aside 150 rupees for brekkie. Service can be annoyingly spotty, but it's all forgivable for the view and ambience you get.
Shop at The Mall and Chowrasta: S$35
Near Glenary's is the hub of Darjeeling where locals love to take their morning walks. Besides a brisk stroll to get your heart pumping, there are shops and souvenir stalls where Tibetans, Nepalese and Bhutanese sell their handicrafts lining Chowrasta, which means "crossroads".
Visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre: S$23.34
Set up in 1959 for refugees who fled Tibet following the Dalai Lama's escape after the Chinese invasion of their homeland, this centre has established itself as a workshop selling handmade goods and crafts. You can still see elderly folks at the weaving stations, spinning yarn to create carpets and sweaters. Pick up one of the impossibly soft colourful sweaters for only 850 rupees to support this self-funded centre.
Tea at Nathmulls Tea Bar's Sunset Lounge: S$11
You can't leave Darjeeling without sampling some of the best leaves the place can offer. Nathmulls is one of the oldest and most established brands, with a mind-boggling array of teas. Make your way back to Chowrasta to Nathmulls Tea Bar (www.nathmulltea.com). The 400-rupee tea-tasting session comprises six different kinds of teas as well as pastries. Linger here for a glimpse of dusk falling. There is a good reason why it's nicknamed "The Sunset Lounge", ya know.
Total: S$98.79
BY todayonline
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