|  Sight
seeing in Darjeeling
Lebong Race Course
Situated at an altitude of 6000ft near Darjeeling town is Lebong.
It derives its name from Lepcha word 'Alibong' meaning 'the
tongue shaped spur'. With its less severe climate, it was one
of the foremost places in Darjeeling, which attracted early
British settlers. There is a cantonment and a small race course.
Although the race is not organised now the race course once
attained the reputation of being the highest race course in
the world.
 Bengal
Natural History Society & Museum, Darjeeling:
Housed in Divisional Wild Life Office above Hotel New Elgin
the Natural History Society was established in 1915 under the
supervision of Lord Carmichael, the then Governor of Bengal.
The objective of the society was to promote the study of the
natural history of Eastern-Himalayas. A museum was also created
which contains varied and representative collection of mammals,
birds, butterflies, insects and reptiles available in the region.
There is small library of its won having some precious collection
of books related to environment and wildlife in Darjeeling Himalayas.
Dhirdham Temple:
One of the oldest temples in Darjeeling is the Dhirdham Temple
situated near Darjeeling Rail Way Station. The temple with Pashupatinath
(a form of Lord Shiva) as the main deity was established in
1938 by the Prime Minister of Nepal. It resembles the famous
Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu in Nepal. The Dhirdham temple
is also known for its architectural beauties.
Mahakal Temple:
From Mall a steep winding path through the pinewoods leads to
Mahakal on top of the Observatory hill. The temple is the seat
of the Lord Shiva and a famous pilgrim spot in Darjeeling town
even for the locals. It is a very old temple built during the
late 1900s. Both Hindus and Buddhists offer prayers in this
temple.
Apart from the Mahakal and Dhirdham Temple
there are several old temples, churches and Monasteries in Darjeeling.
Bara Thakurbari, Ramkrishna temple, Gopal temple are other temples
containing images of different Hindu gods and attract many visitors.
Among Monasteries the Sanga Choling Monastery
at the outskirt of the town, Tamang Monastery in Judge Town,
Monastery in Bhutia busti, all belonging to either Yellow Hat
Or Red Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism contain valuable collection
of Images, Tibetan paintings and manuscripts.
 Churches
in Darjeeling:
Among the numerable churches the St. Andrew's Church belonging
to the Churches of England was the oldest in the region. The
foundation was laid on 1843 and the Church was built on 1870
near the present Loreto Convent School. It is a very special
Church in Darjeeling as the inlaid memorial tablets in the Church
gives an early account of the town.
St Luke's Church in Jalaphar was first built on 1867 and then
replaced by the present one. The Chapel near Darjeeling St Paul's
School and Darjeeling Govt. collage are some of other beautiful
Churches in Darjeeling. The church of Immaculate Conception
and St. Michael's Church are other important local churches
in Darjeeling Town.
Observatory road and Victoria Park:
Surrounding the observatory hill, the highest spot in Darjeeling
town, the narrow walking path known as observatory road and
Victoria Park at the base of the hill is perhaps the most prominent
place in the town. Popularly known as Mall or Chourasta in local
language, it is the favoured spot for tourists to take a stroll
or pass one's leisure in company of friends. Overlooking the
layers of mountain ridges with Kunchanjungha rising from behind
the undisturbed Mall Road or Observatory Road is shaded by age-old
trees and there several wooden benches where tourist can enjoy
a reading in scenic and tranquil environment. No motor vehicle
is allowed to ply in this road. However, one can hire a pony
from Mall to enjoy a ride along the road. |
