Saudi Arabia Nepalese

Saudi Arabia Nepalese

Area and Altitude of Darjeeling Darjeeling is actually a widespread district although the popular Darjeeling hill town is the nucleus of the place. While the hill town is quite small (about 4 square miles or 10.4 square kilometers), the district spans across some 1,215 square miles of area (i.e. about 3,149 square kilometers including Kalimpong). The district includes the town of Darjeeling, Kurseong subdivision, Mirik and the terai region (lower plains) among other areas. But commonly by 'Darjeeling', one means the Darjeeling hill town. Kalimpong, which was earlier a subdivision of Darjeeling district, has become a separate district of Bengal effective 14th February 2017 with an area of 1,056 sq kms of its own. The average altitude of Darjeeling Town is 6,710 ft (i.e. about 2,045 meters). While approaching Darjeeling by road or toy train, you will need to cross the highest point of the route at Ghum (7407 ft or 2226 meters). However the highest point or the summit in the whole of Darjeeling district is Sandakphu (close to 12,000 ft) which also happens to be the highest altitude point in the whole of West Bengal. How Darjeeling town is laid out The layout of Darjeeling town can be visualized as three tiers or levels on the hills. And each level is connected to the other by steep narrow roads. Chowrasta Mall which is often known as the Town Center, is located at the top level. The top level is therefore the most coveted area for the tourists. This is where most popular hotels, restaurants and shops are located. You won't get a 3D map of a place, so it may be a bit difficult to comprehend the levels. However in Darjeeling Map, you can see the Mall and the surrounding area. The top level is essentially the whole of Nehru Road which leads up to the Mall, the Mall Road itself, and a part of Gandhi road. Although the area along Zakir Hussain Road which originates from the Mall and goes uphill towards the famous St. Pauls School is also part of the top level, but being further off from the town center, the tourist demand for this area is not as much. There are however several hotels that have come up along Zakir Hussain Road. Many hotels at the top level offer great views of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks. The second level is essentially the area along Laden La Road which goes down and connects the top level with places like station area, Chowk Bazaar etc at the bottom level. Other areas in second level includes the places along HD Lama Road, Robertson Road etc. Here too you will find several popular hotels and shops, but not as expensive as some of those at the top level. In this middle level, you will find many Indian styled hotels and shops, some offering nice views. The lowest level or the bottom level is where the popular Chowk Bazaar or Lower Bazaar is located. The area is always crowded and humming with locals comprising mostly of Nepalese, Tibetans, Lepchas and Bhutias. Towards south the area extends up to the Darjeeling Station and towards north up to North Point (St Joseph's College) and Lebong. You will get several budget hotels in this area although none can actually offer good views of the peaks. From the lowest level you can walk up to the top level, it takes about 30 minutes of tedious uphill walk.