Tiger Hill – The Pride of Darjeeling

Tiger Hill | Darjeeling | SUNRISE

Tiger Hill is the most popular destination of tourists who come to Darjeeling. Its claim to fame is the impressive view of sunrise from this point. The first point that a traveller goes is Tiger Hill and then the entire tour for the day follows.

Location

Tiger Hill is located around 11 kms away from the main town of Darjeeling. It is situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters which is 8, 482 feet above the sea level.

How to reach

By Train: The closest railways station is Darjeeling Railway Station. The other two stations are New Jalpaiguri One has to reach Darjeeling via road in shared cabs from NJP or Siliguri Junction. These two stations are well connected to the major cities of the country. The journey from NJP or Siliguri Junction to Darjeeling Railway station is pretty long.
By Air:If travelled by flight then one will get down in the Bagdogra Airport from where the cabs are available in plenty for Darjeeling. The road distance from here till Darjeeling is 90 kms.
By Road: It is easily accessed through the road from Siliguri to Darjeeling. This is the most preferred way of reaching Darjeeling. The distance of 77 kms on the National Highway 55 can be covered in bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, Siliguri or smaller vehicles from any motor syndicate. The four routes include Tindharia – Kurseong route, Dudhiya-Mirik route, Rohini route and Pankhabari route. Every route is filled with charming scenic views of tea garden and greenery all around.

Visiting hours and ticket price

It remains open from early morning till sunset.

The entry fee is Rs. 70/- There are separate rates for the Observatory Tower at different levels.

Ideal Time to visit

The best time to visit Tiger Hill for watching sunrise is from mid-February to Aprilor mid-October to December as the skies tend to be clear during these months. Carrying warm clothes are highly advisable in order to deal with early morning chills.

Significance of Tiger Hill

SUNRISE–One visits Tiger Hill particularly to witness the sunrise.After Sandakhpu, Tiger Hill is the only point from where one can enjoy the spectacular view of sun rising every day. The rapid change of the colors of the mountain peaks as the sunlight strikes on it is mesmerizing. The hill offers incredibleviews of hemmed in mountains including the eminent Kanchenjunga range. The magnificent image of rosyKanchenjunga gets etched into the mind and soul of the lucky ones who gets the clear view of sunrise.

Important Note for Sunrise: The weather keeps on changing and can play a mystical game. The white blanket can cover the entire zone that may disrupt the view. One should always be prepared to face such circumstances which may not allow the clear view of the splendid sunrise. Cloud and fog at various levels may not be able to predict the guaranteed view.

BIRD WATCHING – It is a great place for birdwatching due to its heights and less dwellers of the locals. It is an abode of Eastern Himalayan birds and variety of rare species too. It is very famous for sighting common hill partridge.

SOLITARY SPACE– Once the rush hour goes down, one can enjoy the solitary moment of the place. The lush green meadows and the faraway view of the Kanchenjunga together create a blend of compelled feeling and overwhelming emotions. Spending few hours in this calm environment gives serenity to the heart at all levels.

TREKKING–One can walk from Jorebungalow for experiencing trek. If one reaches here by 4 AM or so then they can avoid the endless rush of fume and dust spewing jeeps. The high Himalaya views as one walks fills the body with energy to walk more and get immersed into the lurking natural environment. Trekking and hiking gives an extra thrill to the adventure enthusiasts. The trails offers spectacular scenic views of mountains, valleys and forests.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Tiger hill is a hub of landscape photographers who loves to capture the best shots of Darjeeling. Even the shot of hordes of peopleshivering and crowding and dozens of jeeps line up with the tourists become the subject of photography. The colorful flowers like Rhododendron during its season gives a better scope of splendid captures. Capturing the altering colors of the skyline is every photographer’s prime target.

SINCHEL DHAM – This is a popular temple dedicated to Maa Durga. Its original name is SinghakoAanchal – Singhancal, later called as Sinchal.Pilgrims come to visit here from far off places. Most of them visit this temple with whole family on special occasions and offers their prayers to the deities of this temple. Since it is located in the middle of the forests it has natural set up and the atmosphere is filled with peacefulness. This divine manifestation of the area was actually dsicovred by a ‘jhyakri’ much before the British era.The entrance has bells clinging from top and then it descends down towards the main shrine. There are two paths dissected with a railing. The railings are very interesting as it is full of red bangles, little bells and chunnis. All these are offerings to Maa Durga.

The neat path is covered with mat. After treading on the clear pathwe enter into the main shrine which is a large protruding rock which is the ‘scared stone’ that’s worshipped since centuries.

Shops and Cafeterias

One cannot find a permanent shop for anything here as it is mostly crowded only in the early morning with the tourists. Maximum stalls with glaring lanterns will be available selling tea and coffee. Few vendors can be seen selling gloves, hats, sweaters and other warm items particularly for those who hadn’t expected the chills of the early morning.

Maintenance – Tiger Hill is maintained by the Forest Reserves with the GTA (Gorkha Territorial Administration). Proper rest sheds, washrooms and dustbins are a great requirement for this place. We need to travel down near the temple where toilets are available but in the viewpoint one won’t find it. Hence, it is advisable that the tourists must be prepared for such discomforts. Those who are well aware of such situation are seen to carry folded chairs. They can visit the toilets near the temple that is on the way to the viewpoint.

A must visit destination of Darjeeling

It becomes very significant for a tourist of Darjeeling to witness this place. It is very famous for the nature lovers, adventure fanatics, photographers and anyone who is keen to spend their time with nature and its true beauty. The fresh air, cool breeze and tall trees are sure to impress each individual visiting here.