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Sikkim and Darjeeling |
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Sikkim and Darjeeling are two most visited hill stations in the north-eastern part of India. Darjeeling is also popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills”. Both these places are excellent for expeditions and adventure tours. Apart from this, you can visit Nepal and Bhutan easily from here. The people residing in Sikkim and Darjeeling are mostly Sherpas, Tibetans, Sikkimese, Lepchas, Nepalese and Bhutanese. 
Sikkim : The land of mysticism
Sikkim, located at the foothills of Himalaya has attracted visitors since time immemorial. You will find a large number of monasteries, hidden valleys, mountains full of different types of flora and fauna and a number of snow-fed lakes. Kanchenjunga, the highest peak of India is located here. You will definitely enjoy the greenery of the place, the foggy weather and the roads. Both Bhutan and Nepal are easily accessible from Sikkim. You can visit these forests and arrange for expeditions here. Apart from this, Kanchenjunga has attracted people interested in mountaineering.
Gantok : The capital of Sikkim
You will find a charming but a laid back atmosphere once you visit the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. Some of the major places you should visit here includes Enchey Monastery which is a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery; Institute of Tibetology where you will find a large number of manuscripts, ritual objects, rare statues as well as thanka paintings; Do-Drul Chorten known for the prayer wheels; Government Institute of Cottage Industries where you will find souvenirs like carved low tables known as choktse, thanka paintings and carpets. So not forget to visit the exotic market of Lal Bazaar.
Queen of Hills : Darjeeling
Darjeeling is known for its verdant hills, beautiful valleys as well as lush green tea gardens. You will definitely enjoy exploring the various other towns of Darjeeling - Kalimpong and Kurseong. Do not forget to go for a ride in the toy train which actually reminds us of British Raj influence.
Darjeeling Town :
In the Darjeeling Town, plan an expedition to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. In this park, you will find animals like red panda, Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear and snow leopard. You will also find a large number of bird species as well. Apart from this, also visit the Snow Leopard Breeding Center and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute also has Natural History Museum; Everest Museum; Observatory Hill; Dhirdhame; Tibetan Refugee and Self-Help Center, where Tibetan carpets, woodwork and leather goods are produced.
You should also visit the Buddhist monasteries which include the monasteries of Thupten Sangag Choling (Dali), Bhutia Busty and Yiga-Choling (Ghoom). Also explore the Batasia Loop which is an excellent example of railway engineering; Tiger Hill; Japanese Peace Pagoda and Lloyd's Botanical Garden for looking at the collection of Himalayan flora. Kalimpong, a popular town in Darjeeling is famous for its flower nurseries. Also visit Dow Hill which has the forest museum and the Deer Park, Mirik which is a popular but tiny hill resort which can be easily reached from Siliguri, Kurseong or Darjeeling. The Sumendu Lake is also another attraction near Darjeeling. You can have a relaxing pastime here while boating in the lake. You can also have a beautiful view of the Rameetay Dara and Deosi Dara points. Apart from this, this place is also famous for Apple orchards and tea gardens.
To know more about expeditions in India, take a look at the pages of Adventure Asia.
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