Darjeeling, literally meaning ‘the land of thunderbolt’ is a quaint hill station located at a height of 2134m (7053 ft) on a mountain ridge. Darjeeling is well connected by train through New Jalpaigudi and the nearest airport is in Bagdogra. The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the summers as the temperature is very mild with the maximum temperature rising up to 20 degrees Celsius. The sunrise at Tiger Hill (situated at an altitude of 8515 feet) is the most fascinating experience one can have. Clearly visible from Darjeeling is the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga. The very first rays of the sun reflecting on Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges is a fascinating scene as the sun seems to paint the snow peak mountains to a bright orange colour. Tourists flock to this place just to get a glimpse of the snow peak tip of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, situated majestically between the Kanchenjunga ranges. The trip to Tiger Hill is an experience one would cherish as it is a joyous toy train ride through Ghoom (the largest railway station in Darjeeling). One must visit the Ghoom monastery, considered to be the holiest monastery. This monastery has rare books on Buddhism and has an idol of the ‘Maitraye Buddha’ ie. ‘Coming Buddha’. Another reason which attracts tourists to Darjeeling is the huge tea plantations. Tukvar, Steinthal and Aloobari Tea Estates were the first commercial tea gardens in Darjeeling. Now the tea plantations have increased in size and number due to the high demand for tea in India and overseas. The Natural History Museum depicts a comprehensive collection of the birds and animals in the region. The Chowrasta, better known as the Mall is the city centre andis an ideal place for taking a leisurely walk. The peaceful ambience of the surrounding hills combined with the heady fragrance of the rhododendrons (seasonal) attracts a lot of repeat tourists to Darjeeling. Padmaja Naidu Himalaya Zoological Park, situated at an elevation of 2133.5 meters is the world’s only zoo which breeds Tibetan Wolf in captivity. It also breeds Snow Leopard, Red Panda and Siberian Tiger. Mirik has been developed and is being promoted as a hill resort. This is an ideal picnic spot and is located at an altitude of 1780 meters. It enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. It attracts a lot of excursionists mainly from Darjeeling.