Darjeeling: The Queen of the Hills

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुन्दर हैं?
  [Theek hoon. Aap kaise hain?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोल सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap angreji bol sakte hain?]
• I don't understandमैं समझ नहीं पाया
  [Main samajh nahi paya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाएं
  [Kripaya menu dikhaayein]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी...
  [Main khareedna chaahoonga/chaahoongi...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप मूल्य कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap mulya kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?समय क्या है?
  [Samay kya hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...Kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (किसके लिए....)
  [Ek ticket (kiske liye....)]

Before British colonization, the region of Darjeeling was predominantly inhabited by the Lepcha tribe. The area was part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and later came under the control of the Gorkhas of Nepal. The region's early history is steeped in the traditions and cultures of these indigenous communities.

In the early 19th century, the British East India Company acquired Darjeeling from the Kingdom of Sikkim through a deed of grant in 1835. The British were attracted to Darjeeling’s cool climate and scenic beauty, which reminded them of their homeland. They established it as a hill station and a sanatorium for British troops.

One of the most significant developments during the British era was the establishment of tea plantations. The first experimental tea gardens were established in the 1840s, and by the mid-19th century, Darjeeling tea had gained international fame for its unique flavor and quality. This industry transformed the region’s economy and landscape.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often called the 'Toy Train,' was opened in 1881. This narrow-gauge railway is a marvel of engineering, traversing steep gradients and tight curves. It played a crucial role in the development of Darjeeling, making it more accessible and facilitating the transport of tea and other goods. The railway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Darjeeling was not immune to the waves of India’s struggle for independence. The region saw various movements and protests led by local leaders who sought to align the hill station with the larger nationalist cause. Post-independence, Darjeeling became part of the Indian state of West Bengal.

Since the 1980s, there has been a significant socio-political movement in Darjeeling advocating for the creation of a separate state called Gorkhaland, primarily to address the distinct cultural and linguistic identity of the Gorkha community. This movement has seen various phases of activism, negotiations, and sometimes unrest, significantly impacting the region's socio-political landscape.

Darjeeling is a cultural mosaic, home to a diverse population comprising Lepchas, Bhutias, Nepalis, and more. This diversity is reflected in the region’s festivals, cuisine, and daily life. The blend of different cultures has created a unique and harmonious community spirit that is palpable in every corner of the town.

Today, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, colonial architecture, and famous tea. It continues to be a cultural and educational hub, with several prestigious schools and institutions. The town’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating place to explore.

Darjeeling is located in the Indian state of West Bengal. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 70 kilometers away. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Darjeeling. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is well-connected to major cities across India. From NJP, you can take a taxi, shared jeep, or the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) to reach Darjeeling.

Once in Darjeeling, local taxis and shared jeeps are the most common modes of transportation. The town is hilly and walking can be challenging, but it's a great way to explore the local attractions. For longer journeys, you can rent a car or take a bus to nearby destinations like Kalimpong and Gangtok. The Toy Train also offers a scenic way to travel short distances within the region.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Darjeeling. However, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the town, but they can sometimes run out of cash during peak tourist seasons.

Darjeeling is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good idea.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. There are several hospitals and medical facilities in Darjeeling, including the Darjeeling District Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (palms pressed together) or a simple 'Hello.' Shaking hands is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like momos and thukpa. Don't refuse food offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Darjeeling like a local, visit the local markets such as Chowk Bazaar for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the tea estates and sampling Darjeeling tea. For a unique experience, take an early morning trip to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range.