Gangtok And Darjeeling Tourism - Take a Memorable Holiday in The Hills

[Amrapali Sengupta]

The Himalayan region of Gangtok and Darjeeling is one of the most toured destinations in the world. The beauty of these hills is simply mesmerizing and matchless. This article is an attempt to throw some light on the mind-blowing packages of Gangtok tourism and Darjeeling tourism.

If you are planning a hill-side holiday, then why not go to Gangtok? Gangtok is a bewitching hill resort located at a pleasant height of 1700 m above the sea level facing the mighty Kanchenjunga. Gangtok tourism industry has always lured tourists from every part of the world. Whether you are an Indian or a foreigner, Gangtok will surely delight you with its jaw-dropping beauty, awe-inspiring viewpoints, and the serene monasteries.

Gangtok boasts of a great flora and fauna which is evident from its array of gardens, quiet valleys, and beautiful meadows. Kanchenjunga looks majestic from this place and draws admiration from one and all. You can also enjoy trekking, camping and exploring on these wild locales. Gangtok tourism packages have attractive stuff to lure a random visitor. The place is not just beautiful but is also very tranquil and is tinged in spiritualism. The presence of monasteries everywhere makes this city a sedate and chaste one. The Enchey Monastery is a 200-year old monastery and must definitely be included in your itinerary. Other popular monasteries are Rumtek Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, and Pemayangtse Monastery. Amongst the many sightseeing spots, some of the must-visit ones are Do Drul Chorten Stupa, Orchid Sanctuary, Ganesh Tok and Saramsa Garden. You must also check out the Rabdentse Ruins which is a historic site. Kanchenjunga National Park that lies nearby is another must-visit.

Best time to visit Gangtok is between October-December and between March-May. Try to avoid the monsoon season since it is often accompanied by landslides and will dampen the fun of sightseeing. There are some fabulous hotels in Gangtok where you can find easy accommodation. You can also stay in guest houses, resorts and inns. Gangtok also boasts of a number of restaurants and cafes including the popular Bakers' Cafe and Parivar Restaurant. The hotels in Gangtok also serve excellent food. The Golden Pagoda hotel deserves a special mention.

When in Gangtok, also make a point to pay a visit to Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills. Darjeeling is a resplendent and romantic getaway boasting of a fabulous natural landscape and astounding scenic spots. Darjeeling tourism industry is booming and has become sort of a heritage point for its famous toy trains and ropeways. From toy trains to horse rides to trekking, Darjeeling has plenty to offer to every tourist. Make sure to visit the Mall Road which offers a heavenly view of the Kanchenjunga. Also, check out the endangered panda in the Darjeeling Zoo. Other popular spots that must feature in your itinerary include Tiger Hill, Lloyd Botanical Gardens, Senchal Lake, Ghoom and the sprawling tea plantations. Darjeeling tourism packages offer plenty of benefits to the tourists. You can buy a Darjeeling tourism package from a tour operator on the internet. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your backpack and fly away into the land of the Kanchenjunga.

"Balaka Tours & Travels", the Kolkata's number one tour operator, offers the best Darjeeling Tour packages and cheap Gangtok Tour packages from Kolkata including a stay in the best Gangtok hotels.