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My First Visit to Darjeeling- The Queen of the Himalayas

Peace Pagoda

Mark Twain said about Darjeeling „The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once by even a glimpse would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the world combined.“

At Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

wearing traditional Nepali Attire

Enjoy Hot- steamed Momos

Tea

Tea leaves- heavenly beauty 

Fun while posing with didi, kakima and bro (cousin)

Rock Garden

Darjeeling borders Bhutan and Nepal and is situated in the northern region of the West Bengal state in northeastern India. The district’s capital is also named Darjeeling and situated on a long, narrow mountain ridge of the Sikkim Himalayas.
Darjeeling covers an area of about 3.000 square kilometers with 1.6 million inhabitants (for a comparison: The equally big Italian Aosta Valley only has 123.000 residents). The majority of the people living in Darjeeling just came within the last 100 years. Besides the official languages of Bengali and English, Nepali and Tibetan are spoken. The cultural and ethnic diversity is also reflected by the political frictions that characterizes Darjeeling since the 1980s until today.

Geographically Darjeeling can be divided into two areas: Hills and plains. From the four administrative districts Sadar, Kalimpong, Kurseong are located in the hills whereas Siliguri lies on  the plain, which also goes by the name of Terai.
In Darjeeling agricultural use is made of land on heights between 1,000 and 2,000 meters. Above 2,000 meters one finds woods that fall victim to the demand for firewood as all forests in Darjeeling.

For the British Darjeeling became very interesting in the middle of the 19th century due to its strategic location and its climate. They partly conquered and partly leased Darjeeling from the principality of Sikkim. Darjeeling became a sought after hill station for the British to flee the heat and humidity of Kolkata ( Calcutta ).
Famous is Darjeeling famous for its tea, which is often referred to as “the champagne among teas”. Its aroma cannot be replicated elsewhere and is brought about by Darjeeling’s generally cold climate with intensive sunshine and cultivation on steep slopes in high altitudes. Tea has been a cash crop since 1856.

Darjeeling known for the spectacular views it offers on the Himalayas,  earned it the title  “Queen of the Himalayas”. On a clear day from Observatory Hill one can see the whole Himalaya mountain range and Tiger Hill which offers a view on the majestic Kanchenjunga (8.598m). For a long time it was considered the world’s highest mountain. However, when the British took measurements India in 1849 they found out that Mount Everest and K2 were both higher.

Besides tea production tourism plays an important role for Darjeeling’s economy. Promoted by Bollywood film-productions Indian as well as foreign tourists enjoy the treasures Darjeeling has to offer.

Climate/Weather

Darjeeling has mountainous  climate, with the increasing altitude the temperature and absolute humidity drop, temperature fluctuations and rainfall increase as well.

Pani-Puri -Lip Smacking Street Food of India

Pani-Puri also known as Puchka in West Bengal / Gol-Gappa is one of the best street food to have around the beaches,market and outside parks, wedding etc.

Image Source: Wikimedia.org
One of the most loved chaat/fast food in India, we love the tangy and sweet taste of the pani-puri. The flavours differs from place to place, like in Bengal speacially in Suburb Calcutta, the use of potato is must in the filling of panipuri with addition of masalas : Red chilli, coriander powder, jeera (cumin) powder and little bit of tetul(imli) or tamarind and the tok or pani (water) is prepared with tamarind water, tamarind leaves, lemon(gondhoraj lebu- scented one!) while we can see in North India the pani for puchka is made by pudina and other spices like Jaljeera. Still, the love for Panipuri have not reduced. Modern Indian teenager loves fast foods and cafes but the traditional and craving for Panipuri is still high and hope it will never fall. I personally love phuchkas a lot! I also try Doi- Phuchka, its really tasty and heavenly also known as Dahi(Curd) Fuchka.

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Also Read: 

Top 13 Unique And Popular Places To Explore in Indian States

Ten Influential Women of Modern India

Some Interesting facts about India

Indus Valley Civilization- One of the Ancient Civilizations of the World

Holi- festival of colours

Top 13 Unique And Popular Places To Explore in Indian States

There are many place in India which are famous but less explored, these place are located in the majestic mountains, deep forest and desert region of India. Some of the most popular places are Gangtok, Shillong, Ludhiana,Panipat and Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival.

Dead Land of Kutch -Gujarat

The Great Rann of Kutch is located in the Thar Desert of Gujarat and reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world.  Great Rann of Kutch, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands between the Gulf of Kutch and the Indus River is complete waste land but home to many wildlife sanctuary and wide variety of flora and fauna. The fauna and avifauna includes greater and lesser flamingos,Indian wild ass,Houbara bustard, desert fox, Caracal and near threatened blackbuck.

Triveni Sangam in Allahabad -Uttar Pradesh

Allahabad is known as Prayaga or the place of sacrifice and Triveni Sangam, where the three holy rivers the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswat meet. It is second-oldest city in India after varanasi and known for its literary, artistic and revolted heritage. Allahabad host largest auspicious religious gathering in the world known as Maha Kumbh Mela , celebrated once in twelve year and Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela every six years. 

Land of Tribes Bastar -Chhattisgarh

The Bastar District of Chhattisgarh state is one of the highly dense forest area along with largest population scheduled tribes in the states. Bastar is also known as the land of tribes,around 70% of the Bastar region is habitat of major tribes such as the Gond, Abhuj Maria, Bhatra Bhatra, Muria and Bison Horn Maria. Chhattisgarh offers a beautiful Tribal Tour and known for its unique and distinctive tribal culture and heritage, traditional Dasara (Dussera) festival and Arts and Crafts along with naxalism in tribal region. Image Source: indiamike

Pilgrimage Centre of Tirupati -Andhra Pradesh

The Tirupati city is one of the most famous and most visited religious place in India, also known as second richest pilgrimage center in India, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Tirupati is located at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Apart from the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple other tourist attractions are Zoological Park, Museum,Waterfall and Akasha Ganga.

Red Sandstone Cave Badami -Karnataka

Badami is situated between the rocky hills and surrounded by Agastya tirtha water reservoir at other side in the Bagalkot District in Karnataka. Badami also known as Vatapi is well famous for rock cut,cave temple and other structural temples. Mallikarjuna group of temples,red sandstone caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva,Vishnu and also has religious sign towards Buddhism and Jainism.

Traditional House of Chettinad -Tamil Nadu

Chettinad is most famous its delicious cuisine such as Chicken Chettinad,Veg Chettinad, for its grand mansions, Athangudi tiles, Chettinad Sari and temples. Its located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu and hold the dynasties of the Cholas. The architecture of house of Chettinad includes wide courtyards, spacious rooms decorative items and furnishings with imported marbles.

Brackish Lagoons of Bekal -Kerala

Bekal is small town in the sea shore of Arabian Sea in Kerala and known for its beautiful beach surrounding the fort, backwaters, hill destinations and adventures water sports. Bekal offers superb view of the Arabian Sea and splendid beach from a Giant keyhole shaped fort also known as Bekal Fort.

Jewel of Desert Bikaner -Rajasthan

Bikaner is jewel of great thar desert located in the middle of the Thar desert with very little rainfall and extreme hot desert temperatures. Bikaner is famous for its Lalgarh Palace,Laxmi Niwas Palace,Karni Mata Temple and most famous Bikaner Camel Festival. Camel festival of Bikaner includes march of decorated camels from the Junagarh fort,Camel dance performances, camels races and Rajasthani folk song and dance.

Palace Of Orchha -Madhya Pradesh

Orchha town is located near to popular tourist destination, Khajuraho in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies next to Betwa River in the Bundelkhand region and famous for its Raja Mahal,the Jahangir Mahal,Lakshmi Temple, Ram Raja Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple. Orchha palace includes Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal and surrounded by a battlement wall on the bank of the river Betwa.

Land of Rhinos in Manas –Assam

The gateway to Manas National Park,one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Barpeta located near to Guwahati, the gateway of North Eastern Region of the country and 44 km away from Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. Manas National Park is a Project Tiger Reserve, a Elephant Reserve and one of the Biosphere Reserve in India, located in the Himalayan foothills. It is famous for Indian rhinoceros, rare wild animals such as Asian Water Buffaloes, Golden Langur,Pygmy Hog, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons and most beautiful black giant squirrel.

Queen of Hill Stations Mussoorie -Uttarakhand

Mussoorie, the beautiful hill station, located at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand. The Queen of the Hills offers the breathtaking view of fascinating hills,Snow clad mountains and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges. Other places of interest are GunHill,Lake Mist,Bhatta Falls and Goddess Durga-Jwalaji Temple of Benog Hill.

Desert Mountain Valley Spiti -Himachal Pradesh

The Spiti Valley is actually a desert mountain valley also known as The Middle Land, situated between the Tibet and India. Spiti Valley is located at the high Himalayas mountains and forms part of the Lahaul and Spiti. Lahaul and Spiti valley is a major tourist attraction surrounded by high mountain ranges and get separates from Kulu Valley by high mountain pass, Rohtang Pass.

Vast Wetland of Mangalajodi -Orissa

Mangalajodi is a beautiful village on the edge of Chilika Lake in Orissa, the village is known as heaven for tourist and paradise of birds with its scenic beauty of village and vast wetland. The wetland of Mangalajodi attracts many migratory birds mainly during the peak season of November to March and declared as an International Bird Conservation Area. Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is home to White Ibis bird,Greater flamingos,water fowl,Goliath Heron,White-bellied Sea Eagle and majestic Brahminy Kite.

Ten Influential Women of Modern India

Indian women have always been perceived by the world as the quiet, docile kind of women, with long hair, clad in a saree with lots of gold jewellery, who like to be inside the house, and enjoy taking care of their families. But, in every generation, some woman or the other has always broken the stereotypes, and proven herself to be strong, independent and multi-faceted. While, the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, led an entire army and died in battle, she was also a great cook at home, and took care of the huge castle library. The beautiful and stylish Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India. Such are the women of India, and there are several more who lead the path today. Let us look at 10 Most Influential Women of Modern India.

The Most Influential Women of Modern India:

10. Barkha Dutt

Barkha Dutt is an Indian television journalist and columnist, as well as the group editor with NDTV, noted for her brave reportage in the dangerous conditions of the Kargil War. She has been honoured with several national and international awards, including India’s fourth highest civilian honour, the Padma Shree. She has become the model for the portrayal of modern female journalists in India. 

9. Medha Patkar

60 year old Medha Patkar is a social activist and reformer turned politician who is best recognized as the founder member of the famous Narmada Bachao Andolan to save the rivers and people of Gujarat. She has always been a prominent name as an active member of welfare movements in India. As a candidate of Aam Aadmi Party in 2014, she received 8.9% votes and forfeited her deposit.

8. Kiran Bedi

Kiran Bedi, 65, is a retired police officer, and the first woman officer, having joined the Indian Police Service in 1972. A former tennis player, the multi-talented social activist from Amritsar is credited for bringing down the number of crimes against women in West Delhi during her service among other contributions, and became the first woman UN civilian police advisor. She joined BJP in 2015. 

7. Tessy Thomas

1963-born Tessy Thomas from Kerala is a scientist at Defence Research and Development Organization, and is the Project Director for Agni-VI missile which was successfully tested in 2011. Often referred to as the Missile Woman of India, Tessy is the first woman scientist to lead a missile project in India. She was the associate project director of Agni-III, and Project Director of Agni-V.

6. Nirupama Rao

Nirupama Rao, 64, from Kerala, is the Indian Foreign Service officer and former Indian Ambassador to the United States, prior to which, she served for 2 years as the Foreign Secretary of India, the 2nd woman to head the Indian Foreign Service. The first woman spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry, she has served as Minister of Press Affairs in Washington, and several such capacities.

5. Sumitra Mahajan

71 year old Sumitra Mahajan is the current Speaker of Lok Sabha, serving since 2014 after preceding Meira Kumar. This Indian politician from Chiplun belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Dal Party. She has been elected to the Lok Sabha eight times, and is the longest servicing woman member, besides being one of three members of the 16th Lok Sabha, where she is the eldest among women, to do so. 

4. Chitra Ramakrishna

1963-born Chitra Ramakrishna is the first woman Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of India’s leading stock exchange National Stock Exchange. Other positions in NSE in her career include Joint managing director, Head of Listing and Deputy managing director, and director, Member of Derivatives Panel of SEBI and Member of Executive Committee at National Securities Depository Ltd.

3. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Indian entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, 61, is the chairperson of Bangalore-based biotechnology company Biocon Limited. She is also the chairperson of IIM Bangalore, one of the leading business schools. She received the Othmer Gold Award in 2014. Forbes named her world’s 92nd most powerful woman, and she features among Financial Times’ top 50 women in business. 

2. Chanda Kochhar

53 year old Chanda Kochhar is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank, India’s largest private bank, and the overall second largest in the country. She heads the bank’s Corporate Centre. The woman from Jodhpur is one of the leading ladies in India’s banking sector, ranked world’s 43rd most powerful woman by Forbes, and has led ICICI to win several recognitions. 

1. Arundhati Bhattacharya

58 year old Arundhati Bhattacharya is an Indian banker and the chairperson of State Bank of India, the leading public sector bank of India, the first woman to assume this position, preceding Pratip Chaudhuri and assumed office in 2013. The woman from Kolkata was ranked the world’s 36th MOST by Forbes, and was among FP 200 Global thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine.

The list of the influential women of modern India does not end here. There are several other women from different walks of life who hold the power to constantly inspire and influence the youth of India. Sports persons like boxer Mary Komm, badminton player Saina Nehwal, etc., Actresses like Madhuri dixit, Aishwarya Rai. Nandita Das or Shabana Azmi, writer Arundhati Roy, filmmaker Gauri Shinde, etc. do their bit to make nation a better place, every day. India has produced gems like  Indra Nooyi, former Indian cricketer and current Chariperson and CEO of PepsiCo, who have gone out of the country and made massive contributions to the world. The nation has also welcomed and accepted women from other countries, like Italy born - Sonia Gandhi who is now the President of Indian National Congress, as its own. There are many other the influential women of modern India, some celebrated every day, and other who remain the unsung heroes. It is time to open our eyes, and change the perspective with which Indian women are perceived, at every level.