| Darjeeling, the "Queen of the Hills" in the far northwestern corner of West Bengal, is the virtual Mecca for nature lovers of all kinds. Tucked into the laps of the Himalayas where the mountain ranges are covered by snowy blanket, Darjeeling is blessed with awe-inspiring landscapes and soothing weather conditions round the year.
In the 19th century British chose this Himalayan foothill to build a health resort for soldiers. Soon it became a summer getaway for Brits who took refuge here to escape the heat of the plains. Also, the city became a center for the tea trade due to the ideal Darjeeling climate.
Darjeeling has four main seasons: Spring, Monsoon, Autumn and Winter. Sun-bathed mornings during the spring season (February and March) will let you catch a sight of the glistening Mt Kanchenjunga. In summer (April to June) the temperature seldom gets hotter than 25°C thus making it a popular summer resort. The sunny yet moderate weather permits the travelers to dig out the buried treasures of Darjeeling. One can get the rare opportunity of capturing the priceless moment when the sun rises and paints the ranges of Kanchenjunga with different hues.
The winters (December and January) are generally chilly with temperatures averaging 5°C to 8°C but they can drop below 0°C during the night. Snowfalls are very common during this season. In monsoon (May to September) the city witnesses heavy rainfall. In fact, monsoon arrives quite early in Darjeeling compared to other parts of India. During the winter and monsoon, the city is often shrouded in mist and fog.
If you plan to visit Darjeeling in summer then remember to pack a light sweater or jacket in your suitcase to stay warm in chilly evenings. In rainy season always carry a good umbrella and a raincoat. In winter, temperature can easily drop to 0°C, so bring woolen clothes, scarf and hat.
The ideal time to visit Darjeeling is between February and June and between September and November. December to January is perfect for those travelers who enjoy chilly weather. They can play with snow at Tiger Hill and participate in all sorts of winter activities. Also, it is the best season for honeymooners.
Author’s Bio: John Smith has travelled extensively in India and has explored all the known as well as untouched hill stations. In the article he gives a fair account of Darjeeling’s climatic conditions. |
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