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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Asia > India > Getting To Know D-town

Getting To Know D-town

May 21, 2008 By Dave

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Morning view from Darjeeling hotel

I spent my first full day walking around Darjeeling.

Thankfully, the city center turned out to be smaller than I expected, however you're often either walking up or downhill given the city is on the ridge of a mountain.

Monkey warning on Observatory Hill

While I was trying to find Observatory Hill, a lookout point topped with Hindu temples and Buddhist prayer flags, I met George and Lee (or Leigh perhaps) from the UK.

We found our way past the monkeys to the top of the hill, though there were so many trees and flags you couldn't see much from it (a lower path that runs around the hill has the actual lookout point).

Map of tea plantations

Since they'd been in Darjeeling a week already, they wanted to taste and buy some tea before leaving the next day.

We each bought a small pot of a different kind at Goodricke's, House of Tea. We made plans to meet up later for dinner at a Tibetan restaurant nearby.

Amazing sunset

The sunset over the mountains that evening was amazing.

After dinner, I joined Viet and Richard (two guys we met at dinner) for a drink at Buzz, a bar in the basement of landmark bakery/restaurant/internet cafe Glenary's.

The cover band was awful, however I was up for a Kingfisher beer.

Unfortunately, they were all out, so I ended up with Foster's, while Richard opted for the ultra super strong (and I kid you not), He-Man 9000. Only in India!

He-Man 9000 beer

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Filed Under: India

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ChinaMatt says

    May 21, 2008 at 10:58 am

    That picture of the town looks really cool. But that beer really isn’t that strong–the label says it’s only 14 proof. I’ve had beer twice that in the states (didn’t taste all that good though). Amusing label though.

  2. ChinaMatt says

    May 21, 2008 at 5:58 am

    That picture of the town looks really cool. But that beer really isn’t that strong–the label says it’s only 14 proof. I’ve had beer twice that in the states (didn’t taste all that good though). Amusing label though.

  3. Christine Gilbert says

    May 21, 2008 at 8:46 am

    He Man Beer!!! LOL.

    I am loving this site, great pics, and you’re covering so many interesting places. Especially the first picture, the town looks amazing.

  4. Christine Gilbert says

    May 21, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    He Man Beer!!! LOL.

    I am loving this site, great pics, and you’re covering so many interesting places. Especially the first picture, the town looks amazing.

  5. crambox says

    May 21, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    Wow Dave the new camera takes some good pics! Ive been away for a few weeks getting the new house set and getting internet. India wow its going so fast is sit still going quick for you or has it slowed down?

    • Dave says

      May 29, 2008 at 3:09 am

      I’ve been gone 6 months now, and while it sounds like such a short amount of time for the ground I’ve covered, it really feels like 2-3 times as long living it. I don’t feel like I’ve been rushing through places (unless I’ve wanted to).

  6. Chey says

    May 21, 2008 at 3:32 pm

    That looks like a very interesting place. I love your first photo…the city looks as if it’s on top of a mountain.

    • Dave says

      May 29, 2008 at 3:09 am

      That’s because it *is* on top of a mountain! :)

  7. Theresa says

    May 22, 2008 at 12:19 pm

    I just wanted to chime in with the photo love. That top one is great–makes me want to add Darjeeling to my lists of places to go.

  8. Russell says

    May 23, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    It is exciting to see that you are in India. Looking further to more reports.

  9. lissie says

    May 25, 2008 at 9:41 am

    couple of really nice photos of the Darjeeling skyline there – what sort of camera are you using now: I think you had to replace your old one?

  10. Dave says

    May 29, 2008 at 8:09 am

    I’ve been gone 6 months now, and while it sounds like such a short amount of time for the ground I’ve covered, it really feels like 2-3 times as long living it. I don’t feel like I’ve been rushing through places (unless I’ve wanted to).

  11. Dave says

    May 29, 2008 at 8:09 am

    That’s because it *is* on top of a mountain! :)

  12. Dave says

    May 29, 2008 at 3:11 am

    Using a Canon 800 series – the one with the 3-inch display screen. 8 megapixels. 2.7 or 3.7x optical zoom I believe. Very nice but scratches easily. Impermanence at work!

  13. drvsingh says

    November 24, 2009 at 5:39 am

    9interestingly imformative!

  14. Glen Godfrey says

    October 28, 2010 at 10:44 am

    India is extraordinary beautiful, and especially Darjeeling!I have been to India so many times and I think the best place to visit in India is Darjeeling! if you are a nature lover, this place is great! My trip to Darjeeling from London was really very memorable..Darjeeling is a heaven and if you are a nature lover, you’ll be delighted to see the magical snow leopard,the most magical animal on the planet in some of the remotest parts of this place.Also,you’ll get to see hawks, red pandas,Himalayan bear!We kept seeing at the red Pandas for hours,it was really a wonderful experience!My maternal cousin has got married in India and she lives at Darjeeling, which is the most beautiful and serene place ever! The snow-covered Kanchenjunga looks majestic and the lush green mountain slopes, they just look fabulous! The best season to visit Darjeeling would be in the month of December, when the sky is really blue and the air feels so fresh!I just love this place!

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