Do you like exploring history? If yes, then travel to Darjeeling to know about history by going on a heritage walk here!
About the walk!
The "Queen of Hills" as they call Darjeeling to be, is a hilly town in West Bengal. It is a town which has been designed beautifully by the British in India. These wonderful architectures are still preserved. While there are many roads for exploring this town but we shall start this walk by giving you a glimpse of what the town is and what it was.
Information to know before you start!
- From the 1800s, the British Colonial administration has left many historical landmarks and heritage buildings
- Known as the world's top tea producing estate in India, these tea estates in Darjeeling has been laid in colonial times.
- The toy train of Darjeeling is a marvel which has been recorded in the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- The people, culture, flora, fauna, mountains, and valleys can also be added in the rich heritage of Darjeeling
Delightful heritage walk to get a glimpse of old Darjeeling!
1. First day Heritage walk:
Before starting you can avail NJP to Darjeeling car rental option to reach Darjeeling. The walk starts from Gandhi Road which was also known as Tanga Road.
- Planter's Club: Established in 1868 for the British planters and their wives to have a lovely evening. Many known personalities also visited this club.
- Darjeeling Municipality Building: It is one of the well-known landmarks with a Clock Tower in the front. Constructed in 1850 was also known as the Town Hall of Darjeeling.
- Darjeeling Head Post Office: Located further ahead on the Ladenla Road is the known post office. Being the oldest post office in Darjeeling it was built in 1921.
You can also see two of the old restaurants on Nehru Road which came up during the British times.
- Keventer's: It is the remain of Edward Keventer's dairy farm in Ghoom. However, Keventer's restaurant is famous for its breakfast with bacon, sausages, and meatloaf.
- Glenary's: It was founded by an Austrian named Pliva. It has a famous Bakery and Tea Room and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Also, a bar and disco named "The Buzz".
- Das Studio: It is one of the oldest studios in Darjeeling. Many old films have been shot here during those times.
- Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple: This place has the oldest Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva. There was a monastery too which was later shifted to Bhutia Busti.
- St. Andrew's Church: It is an old Anglican church which was built in 1843. Being beautifully decorated, this church gives memories of many more residents in Darjeeling.
Other olden attractions to be named of:
- Darjeeling Gymkhana Club
- Government House or the Raj Bhavan
- Bengal Natural History Museum
The first-day heritage walk ends here!
2. Second day Heritage Walk!
- Jama Masjid and Old Supermarket: Walking downhill towards the Chowk Bazaar, you can walk past Jama Masjid. It was originally built in 1850 and rebuilt in 1910. Also, visit the Old Supermarket.
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Zoo: Mountaineering Institute was built in the memory of Tenzing Norgay. The Zoo is also famous for its collections of rare species of animals.
- Old Cemetery: This is the resting place of many old British settlers including the discoverer of Darjeeling.
- Roy Villa: This house is famous for two reasons. Sister Nivedita lived the last days of her life. It is the same building where the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute started its first operation.
- Other olden attractions to be named of:
- Hooker Road
- Judge Bazaar
- Darjeeling Railway Station
- St. Columba's Church
- Bishop's House
Unbox the mind-blowing history by exploring these heritage sites and get to see Darjeeling in a new way like never before!