Darjeeling was recently hit by severe rain and landslides, leaving hundreds of tourists and local residents stranded. A favourite holiday destination among the people of Bengal, Darjeeling sees a huge footfall during the festive season, particularly Durga Puja. Interestingly, this tradition dates back to the colonial era.
The quiet town, which once had only a handful of local eateries and modest hotels, has since transformed to accommodate and impress the growing influx of tourists. Towering almost as high as its hills are Darjeeling’s sprawling luxury hotels and iconic establishments such as Flurys. But when did Darjeeling first capture the attention of visitors, and what is the story of its development?
A gift to East India Company
Hill stations in colonial India were established as a