Looking to discover exotic India, but can’t take the heat that comes with the experience? Then there’s pretty much just one thing you can do: travel to the charming Darjeeling resort, in West Bengal, and help yourself to a genuine piece of India, without the scorching heat, and the urban chaos of big cities like Calcutta or Delhi.

Photo by Boggin

The small hill town of Darjeeling became famous during the time of the British colonialists. They set up tea plantations, replaced modest dwellings with charming summer residences and turned this place into one of the most popular holiday resorts for English nobles. After India gained its independence, the town suffered very few changes, and the lovely Tudor or gothic style houses are still around today, most of them converted into public institutions or stylish Darjeeling hotels.

Photo by judepics

Guarded by the ever snowy Himalayas, and surrounded by aromatic tea plantations stretching out as far as the eye can see, Darjeeling is definitely a unique type of Indian tourist resort. Often described as a piece of India tucked in English wrapping and best served with a cup of Darjeeling tea, this small town has managed to keep its cosmopolitan character long after the British left. And that is visible in the hospitality of the locals, the international cuisine, and the large number of tourists running away from the unbearable Indian heat.

Photo by Borya

To reach Darjeeling, you’ll have to fly to Calcutta and then take a car to the nearest Darjeeling Himalaya train station, where you’ll embark on a long, but wonderful train journey through the hillside of West Bengal, covered with both lush forests and tea plantations. Once you’ve reached your destination, book yourself a room at one of the many chic hotels in Darjeeling, and rest at one of the town’s terraces for a nice 5 o’clock tea (regardless of the time), served ‘a la carte’ with cucumber sandwiches and donuts with butter and cream. Seasoned travelers will notice Darjeeling is a bit more expensive than most Indian resorts, but you’ll find the tea alone is worth paying a little extra.

Photo by Os Rupias

One thing everyone should know, before packing their bags for Darjeeling, is that it’s not the best destination for an active vacation. Life is very good in Darjeeling, but only if you’re looking for peace and relaxation in an exotic setting. The best exercise you can hope to get on a trip to Darjeling is walking though the streets and admiring the colonial architecture and visiting the tea plantations. Other than that you’ll be too busy sleeping, trying out the local cuisine and the famous Darjeeling tea, while listening to sitar music.

Photo by Os Rupias

It’s going to be a long trip back home, but the wonderful memories you’ll take back with you, and the large supply of original Darjeeling tea, will always remind you of the charming resort town of Darjeeling.

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