Ghoom,
noted for its scenic beauties, especially the sunrise from Tiger Hill, Which
also offers an occasional glimpse of Mt. Everest on clear days.
Ghoom Monastery enshrines the Maitreya
Buddha.
Senchal Lakes(10 Kms) for picnics and
golfing.
Batasia Loop(5 Kms), where the toy train
takes a unique turn.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museum,
for exhibits of mountaineering memorabilia and equipment.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
is the home of siberian tigers, llamas, black bears and pandas.
Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre houses
an exquisite collection of carpets, leatherwork and woodwork.
Natural History Museum offers a rare
collection of mammals, birds, fish and butterflies.
Lioyd Botanical Garden is a house of
orchids and Himalayan flora.
Singla Bazaar is an angler's paradise,
flanked by tea estates that offer some fascinating guided tours.
Sandakphu (56 Kms) and Phalut (79
Kms) are famous for rhododendron trekking trails. Best season: April - May and
October - November.
Mirik(1700m altitude, 49 Kms), featuring
a magnificent lake and beautifully landscaped garden.
Kalimpong, once the entry pointt of
Himalayas trade, is today the garden town of the Eastern Himalayas. Offering
panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, and an abundance of exotic flower
nurseries.The biweekly 'haat' is just right for souvenir-hunters.