Darjeeling is known by all as” The Land of Thunderbolt”. Darjeeling is a combination of “Dorje” (which means Thunderbolt) and “ling” (which means Place). It is both a town and also a hill station that is located in the northern portion of West Bengal.  Some of the main attractions of Darjeeling include its natural beauty, Toy Trains and Tea Plantations.

When an individual utters the word Darjeeling, the listener will definitely think of tea. The Main source of agriculture is Tea Gardens. The Himalayan weather conditions and geographical features have helped in tea cultivation. The Tea industries are playing a key role in the market. Another natural wealth of Darjeeling was the Forests. These have now been unfavorably affected by the immense number in population.

History
In the year 1780, the people of Nepal marched to the east of Sikkim till the Tista River. Due to a difference of opinion with Nepal, the British started war against Nepal at the conclusion of 1813. In the year 1816 by a agreement signed at Seagoulie, Nepal renounced  4000 sq. m of territory and by the agreement of Titalya in the year 1817, the Rajah (a.k.a. King)of Sikkim was reinstated.

In the year 1828, Capt. C. A. Lloyd and Mr. J. W. Grant came across a place called Chungtong, located to the west of Darjeeling and were so overwhelmed with the magnificent place that they decided to make it a sanitarium. There were various other British officers who also reported positively on the situation of the Darjeeling hill.

So, in the year 1835, East India Company started discussions with the the Sikkim Raja for the cessation of the hill for an exchange of land or money. The talks were successful and so the transaction was done in the year 1835 for a sum of Rs. 3,000/- per year. This sum of money later increased to Rs.6,000/- per year. By 1849, the Sikkim and British were not in good terms as 2 British officers were imprisoned by the Sikkim authorities. Due to this factor, the British stopped giving the yearly payment and seized the territory.

Peace was re-established by the 1860’s and so the march of progress had begun. At this point of time, roads and other significant cultural institutions  were done, particularly St.Paul’s School, Planter’s club,  the Railway Station, Town Hall, etc.

The Tea Plantations were on the rise all over Darjeeling. At this point of time, immigrants swamped Darjeeling for work in the Tea Gardens, construction sites, and also other agricultural work. The population of Darjeeling was hardly 100 in the year 1835 and was roughly 94,712 in 1871-72.

On the 29th of May 1953, Tenzing Norgay was one of the 2 men to climb and then set foot on Mount Everest for the 1st time in history. This wonderful and historical incident led to the birth of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. Of the old heritage, the famous “Toy Train” (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) is now listed in UNESCO's world heritage.

Ever since the birth of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in the year 1988, hill areas fall under its jurisdiction. Councilors have been elected and have the power in managing certain dealings of the hill like education, tourism, health etc.

Geography and Weather
Climate : During the Winter season, more or less every year Darjeeling's temperature drops below freezing, from November to February. In the Summer, Darjeeling is pleasantly cool and the maximum temperature reaches to about 20°C.

Transportation
Darjeeling Railway
started in 1891. Darjeeling Railway, a.k.a. "oy Train", Railway is called by some as one of the wonders of the World. New Jalpaiguri i the major railway station ,this station is linked with all the major cities in India.

Airport:
The Airport is Bagdogra. Flights are linked with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati,

Road
From Darjeeling to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (80 kms)
From Darjeeling to Kalimpong 51 kms.
From Darjeeling to Gangtok, Sikkim 115 kms.
From Darjeeling to Pashupati (27 km)
From Darjeeling to Kakarvita (117 km)
From Darjeeling to Phuntsoling (233 km)

Language
English, Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan and Bengali.

Places of Interest
Tea Gardens, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Toy Train, Tiger Hill,Batasia Loop and the War Memorial Japanese Peace Pagoda, Buddhist Monasteries, , Dhirdham Temple, Natural History Museum, Ava Art Gallery, the Mall and Chowrasta, Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Centre Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Lloyds Botanical Garden, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway.

Best months to visit
March to the middle of June and then September to the middle of December.