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SIKKIM : Sikkim is the second
smallest state of India. This
landlocked state is least populated
and has Gangtok as its capital. The
world's third highest peak,
Kanchenjunga, is located here. The
state has twenty-eight mountain
peaks, twenty-one glaciers, 227 high
altitude lakes, five hot springs,
and over 100 rivers and streams,
including the famous Teesta, which
is also called "lifeline of Sikkim".
Sikkim's economy is mainly agrarian.
It produce crops of rice, cardamom,
oranges, apples and tea. It is also
a mineral rich state and have mines
of copper, dolomite, limestone,
graphite, mica, iron, and coal. The
state also has a vast tourism
potential. There are many hotels and
guest houses to cater to the
flourishing tourism industry. Apart
from the major contribution from
tourism, the service sector also
boasts of its real estate.
DARJEELING : Gifted to the British
East India Company in 1817,
Darjeeling is the hill station of
West Bengal. This has been called
the queen of hill-stations.
Darjeeling is one of India's most
famous hill resorts. It is 2134 m or
7000ft above sea level.
In 1835, Darjeeling was given to the
East India Company by the King of
Sikkim. It became a popular resort
for the British who wanted to escape
from the sweltering heat of the
plains.
Tiger hills is the highest point in
the area which provides the most
exotic view of the Kanchenjunga
peaks. From this place the other
peaks of the Eastern Himalayas can
be seen. On a clear day the sight of
Mt. Everest is just enthralling.
The toy train coming from Siliguri
is some thing which is liked by the
elders and the children equally. The
real fun in coming to Darjeeling is
on the toy train. It takes six to
seven hours to cover a distance of
82 kms and the slow speed gives you
enough time to watch and appreciate
the beauty which nature has provided
it. This train passes through the
Forests, waterfalls, over deep
valleys and through the mountains
and tunnels. The city is centered
around the Mall which has a variety
of shops, restaurants and hotels.
Beautiful walk ways start from the
Mall.
Between Darjeeling and Siliguri is
the small town of Kurseong which has
several educational institutions and
churches. Trekking enthusiasts can
check out Sandakphu and Phalut. From
Sandakphu one can see four of the
five highest mountain peaks in the
world - Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and
Kanchanjunga.
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