Darjeeling for Christmas

kriti

Hello ...
We're going to be in Darjeeling for Christmas.....which i thought was 'off-season'!
But since it was a rather last-minute decision..when we actually started trying out the train and hotel bookings....it's crazy!.
We seem to be on waiting list forever! After much dissappointment from almost all hotels I called...we're probably staying At Shangrila-Regency(Any reviews)...
A lil disappointe though....ppl warning us of bad weather...anywasy hoping a nice cup of coffee and an evening at Glenary's will cheer us up....anyone else in Darj during the same time?

beesakopie

I used to study in Darj as a border in one of the residential schools there. (1985 - 1997)

- Shangrila / Regency - Are you talking about the one that is on the Mall road? Remember having a couple of meals there - nothing to really write home about.

The address in town is Hotel Windemere. Cheaper places in lower town. For a more colonial feel, try the Planter's Club - though I do not know if they are allowing the general public these days. It used to be an exclusive address for the tea community (planters travelling to Darj. )etc

Glen's should be good. Dekevas used to do great Chinese. Tibetan food was best next to the stables (chowrasta)- I think it was called Gyatso's- or on way to lower town (next to the seedy XXX video parlours - lol!). Pork products/Chocolate milkshake / Breakfast and Kanchenjunga views could be had from Keventers. Dosa's / Veg food could be had at Hasty Tasty or Charlie's...look for these places ok?

Go to Tiger Hill for the sunrise. If you are trekking, try going towards Phalut / sandakphu though it might be getting cold these days.

Go for a pony ride at the Chowrasta.

There is the botanical garden / Batasia loop /Ghoom monastry

If you have time on your hand you could even think of doing the toy train trip from Kurseong. Hell! what about Kalimpong ? My best friend from school days owns the "Himalayan Hotel" there...

Amazing place.

my old school alumni site has tons of info on darjeeling. check it out :

http://www.zubin.com/darjeeling

kriti

Hey Beesakopie...
thanks for your rather informative reply...
Frankly Windermere is way beyond our budget....
and Shangrila was the only one where we got accomodation...
every where else seemed to be booked...i believe the rush is crazy...
will take up some of your ideas definitely...and will look up ur skool as well...
Merry Christmas!

beesakopie

Seen the flick "Main Hoon Naa" with Shah Rukh Khan ? Should strike a bell...

Anyways, do put up a little note about the school if you do go. Would love to hear what "other's" think about it !!! Its a very short taxi ride from Darjeeling town...you should get taxi's just outside the Darjeeling Planters Club / Dekevas area.

Season's Greetings to you too!

Cheers!