"Fly Over the Valley: Experience the Thrill of Darjeeling Ropeway"

Darjeeling, the queen of the hills, is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is famous for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train. One of the other major attractions of Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Ropeway, also known as the Rangeet Valley Cable Car. It is a must-visit for anyone visiting Darjeeling as it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys, tea gardens, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at the Darjeeling Ropeway, its history, features, and tips for tourists.

Background of Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Ropeway Cable Car: 

The Darjeeling Ropeway was built in 1968. It covers the total distance of 5 KM long ropeway (2.5 KM to and fro). It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Darjeeling town North Point Singamari. From an height of 7001 feet in Darjeeling town it descends to the level of 801 feet at Singla on the banks of the Ramman river. Surprisngly it was India's first cable car syste. This cable car was started to enjoy the scenic views of the valley which was otherwise not easily visible.  Initially, the ropeway had only one cable car and could carry up to three passengers at once.  However, in 1998, the ropeway was renovated, and 16 more cable cars were added. Currently, the ropeway has 16 cable cars and can carry up to six passengers per car.

The cable car ride offers a stunning view of the valley below, tea gardens, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The ropeway has three stations – the Darjeeling station, the Tukvar station, and the Singla Bazaar station.

The cable cars of the Darjeeling Ropeway are equipped with glass windows, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Each cable car can carry up to six passengers and is operated by a trained operator. The cable cars are connected to the cable by means of a detachable grip, which allows the cable car to be disconnected in case of an emergency.

Tips for tourists visiting Darjeeling Ropeway:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Darjeeling Ropeway is between October and December when the skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant. The summer months between March and June are also a good time to visit, but the views may be obscured by clouds and mist.

• Operating hours: The Darjeeling Ropeway operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. However, it is closed on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month for maintenance.

 • Ticket prices: The ticket price for the Darjeeling Ropeway is INR 200 per person for a round trip. Children under the age of 3 are not allowed on the ropeway, and children between the ages of 3 and 8 are charged INR 100 per person.

 • Dress appropriately: It is advisable to dress appropriately while taking the cable car ride. The temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes, so it is recommended to wear warm clothing. Comfortable shoes are also recommended as there is a short walk involved from the ticket counter to the cable car station.

• Carry essentials: It is advisable to carry essentials like water, sunscreen, and sunglasses as the sun can be quite strong at higher altitudes. A camera or a smartphone is a must to capture the breathtaking views of the valley, tea gardens, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

 • Be prepared for motion sickness: The Darjeeling Ropeway involves a lot of movement, and some people may experience motion sickness. It is advisable to carry medication for motion sickness if you are prone to it.

 • Follow safety guidelines: It is important to follow all safety guidelines while taking the cable car ride. Do not stand up or lean outside the cable car, and keep your children close to you at all times. Do not carry heavy luggage on the cable car.

 • Avoid peak hours: The Darjeeling Ropeway can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit during weekdays or early in the morning.

How to reach Darjeeling Ropeway?

By Local Taxi: From Darjeeling Motor stand - get a passenger van which plies between Darjeeling Market to Singamari Stand North Point. From Singamari stand , you have to walk for 2-3 minutes to reach the place.

By Foot: There are 2 ways. From Darjeeling Market head straightly towards the North Point Singamari. It is just 3.5 KM away from the main market. Pedestrian foot path helps you a lot.

Another way is from Chowrasta. Head straightly towards the North Point. Google map and any local will help you to get your right direction. Keep walking straight. Some landmarks in between will help you to know that you are moving in right direction. RKSP Higher Secondary School. Shrubbery Nightiangle Park. Zoo then your destiny will be reached. 

Conclusion:

The Darjeeling Ropeway is an experience of a lifetime for tourists visiting the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling. The ropeway offers breathtaking views of the valley, tea gardens, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The cable car ride is a thrilling experience, and tourists can capture some unforgettable moments during their ride.

 However, it is important to follow all safety guidelines while taking the cable car ride and to be prepared for motion sickness. Tourists should also dress appropriately and carry essentials like water, sunscreen, and a camera to make the most of their visit.

 Overall, the Darjeeling Ropeway is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Darjeeling. It is a unique experience that offers a bird's eye view of the beautiful landscape and is sure to leave visitors with lasting memories.