Darjeeling is one of the most popular hill stations in India. The pretty town in the Himalayan foothills is a combination of colonial tradition and contemporary living, surrounded by plantations that produce the "champagne of teas." Reaching Darjeeling via a ride on the famous "toy train" is an adventure in itself, with breathtaking mountain views, forests, waterfalls, and cosy cottages along the wayside. Now Darjeeling is all set to get another slice of interestingness with the upcoming opening of the first high-altitude single-end aquarium in India.
Reports say that the new aquarium, which is slated to open in the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), will hold larger types of ornamental fishes. At the moment, the zoo has a smaller tank in the reptile house that contains common varieties of fish. The reptile house will be transformed into an aquarium to accommodate the ornamental fish.
In January, the zoo will welcome a pair of Siberian tigers from Cyprus, Lara and Akamas. The tigers were brought in as part of an exchange programme with two red pandas from Paphos Zoo.
The Darjeeling zoo has been recognised as one of the best zoos in the country. Formerly known as Himalayan Zoological Park, it was established on August 14, 1958, in Darjeeling as a joint venture of the government of India (Department of Science and Technology) and Govt. of West Bengal (Department of Education)
. The largest high-altitude zoo in the country, PNHZP is internationally recognised for its conservation breeding programmes for the Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of the Eastern Himalayas. It is also the first in the country to release the red pandas into the wild successfully. The zoo also runs educational campaigns among the local people and visitors on the importance of conserving the Himalayan ecosystem.
You can ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between Darjeeling and Ghoom. Stroll around Chowrasta or the Mall for an incredible glimpse of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks. Explore the rows of curio stores, cafés, and diners, stop by the Oxford Bookstore, and get some tea at Nathmulls. Keventers, located just off the Mall, is well-known for its English breakfast buffet. You can also explore Darjeeling and its neighbouring districts with Darjeeling Walks, an organisation that curates walks and events in collaboration with the local people.
Watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill, going on a sightseeing spree, including a ride on the powder blue heritage toy train, people-watching at the Mall, and waxing eloquent about the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga are some of the other must-do things to have on your list.
