West Bengal Tourism | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

Darjeeling, situated in the northernmost region of West Bengal, is both a town and municipality. This article provides intriguing insights into tourism in Darjeeling and West Bengal.

Darjeeling Tourism

Darjeeling offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak globally, on clear days. Notable tourist attractions in the region include the Lloyd Botanical Garden, Bhutia Busti Monastery, St Andrews Church, Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, Nightingale Shrubbery, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Jamuni Tourist Complex, Dhirdham Temple, Ava Art Gallery, Pony Road, Rock Garden & Gangamaya Park, Dali Monastery, Japanese Temple, Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Chowrasta Mall, Senchal Lake & Wild Life Sanctuary, Batasia Loop & Gorkha War Memorial, Tiger Hill, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ("Toy Train") joy ride from Darjeeling to Darjeeling (Via Batasia Loop & Ghoom).

Tiger Hill

• Tiger Hill offers views of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, and Kanchenjunga on clear days.

Senchal Lake & Wild Life Sanctuary

• This wildlife sanctuary, one of India's oldest, is situated on the outskirts of Darjeeling. It houses diverse wildlife, including the Himalayan flying squirrel, Assam macaque, Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, and more.

Joy ride in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as “Toy Train”

• UNESCO declared the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway a World Heritage Site on December 2, 1999. Commonly known as the "Toy Train," it provides a joyous ride through Darjeeling.

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park

• Established in 1958, this zoo in the Birch Hill neighborhood of Darjeeling was renamed in 1975 in memory of Padmaja Naidu, dedicated by former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

• Referred to as the Mecca of Indian Mountaineering, HMI has trained individuals worldwide in mountaineering.

Japanese Temple

• Built in 1972, the Japanese Temple, also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, is located 10 km away from Darjeeling town center.

Pace Pagoda

• Constructed under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, the Peace Pagoda, housing the four avatars of Buddha, is associated with the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order.

West Bengal – Flora and Fauna

West Bengal, with approximately 19% of its land covered in forests, is a favorable destination for nature and animal enthusiasts. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is a prominent feature, along with national parks and wildlife sanctuaries like Singalila, Neora Valley, Gorumara, Buxa Tiger Reserve, and Sundarbans National Park.