Darjeeling: Tea Gardens and Himalayan Views

Darjeeling is everything you imagine a hill station should be. Perched on a ridge in the Indian Himalayas, it offers views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, that will make you feel like you are on top of the world. I took the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train chugs slowly through the mountains, passing through tiny villages and tea gardens. It is a bit touristy, but it is also charming. The main reason I came to Darjeeling was for the tea. I visited a tea estate, Happy Valley Tea Estate, which is one of the oldest in the area. I took a tour of the factory, learned about the process of making Darjeeling tea, and then sat down for a tasting. The first flush tea, with its delicate floral notes, was unlike any tea I had ever tasted. I also walked the Tenzing Norgay Road, the main strip, which is lined with shops selling everything from Tibetan crafts to yak wool scarves. The food is also fantastic, with a strong Tibetan influence. Do not leave without trying momos, the steamed dumplings, and thukpa, a hearty noodle soup. They are perfect for the cool mountain weather.