CITIES
DARJEELING
Darjeeling is hemmed in by Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. Darjeeling town, Kalimpong and Kurseong are the major urban centers. Heavily influenced by British India, Darjeeling still carries imprints reminiscent of its colonial past. The toy train is one of the most striking examples of Darjeeling's British Raj influence. Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas
SILIGURI
Siliguri may called the Gateway of Eastern India as it is the main transit point for going to Darjeeling hill region, Sikkim, Bhutan, Eastern Nepal and Assam. It is the biggest town in North Bengal and is a fast developing one.
The surrounding areas of the city are beautiful. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 18 kms from the city (Permits are required). The Coronation Bridge (Sevoke Bridge) is an important bridge of the north east. There are a number of good hotels in the city.
KALIMPONG
Kalimpong is a small sleepy hill resort and lies within Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. With a population of about 50,000, it is ethnically and culturally similar to Darjeeling. Most activity centres around the Bus Stand in the heart of the town which has a few cheap hotels and restuarants. During the days yonder, Kalimpong used to be the hub of trade of India with Tibet and the trade route passed through Pedong, Rongli in Sikkim and then the pass of Jelepla on the Sikkim-Tibet border but the Chinese invasion in 1962 put an end to all that.
GANGTOK
Gangtok is the capital city Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill-station of the country. In Gangtok you can see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the un-spoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique traveling experience
