Darjeeling Holidays

Nestled in the folds of India's mighty Himalayan peaks, the beautiful town of Darjeeling was once a summer getaway for British residents of Kolkata who wanted to escape the city's often-humid climate. The legacy of this old colonial holiday spot can still be seen today on a Darjeeling holiday. The charming hill station has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Tea’ for its famous tea plantations and gardens, which produce some of the finest teas on earth. Darjeeling tea is a cultural staple known for its strong flavour and aroma - a visit to sample this perfect blend is worth the trip in itself. The Mountain Museum is an art gallery and a research centre all in one and well worth a visit on a Darjeeling holiday. It exhibits the climbing routes, equipment and expeditions to the Himalayas, including Everest, over the years - all created by mountaineers themselves. When you get tired of trekking the surroundings or exploring the museums, take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This steam engine, commissioned by the British in 1878 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climbs from 397ft to 6,811ft above sea level - curving through tea plantations and Darjeeling's delightful countryside along the way.