Darjeeling, a town and municipality in the northernmost region of West Bengal, is known for its scenic beauty, tea industry, and cultural diversity. But did you know that it is also emerging as a hotspot for sustainable adventure tourism?
Recently, Darjeeling hosted the second G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from April 1 to 3, 2023, under India's G20 presidency. The meeting was attended by more than 130 participants, including delegates of G20 members, invitee countries, international organisations, industry partners, state tourism officials, and local tour operators.
The meeting focused on various aspects of tourism in the region, such as green tourism, skill development, and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities. It also highlighted the best practices, success stories, prospects, and issues in the field of adventure tourism.
Adventure tourism is a type of tourism that involves exploration or travel to remote or exotic areas, where the traveller can engage in physical, cultural, or natural activities. Adventure tourism can offer various benefits, such as enhancing personal growth, promoting environmental awareness, supporting local economies, and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
India has a rich potential for adventure tourism, as it has a diverse topography that provides opportunities for a variety of adventure activities. India has a 7,000-km coastline, 70 per cent of the Himalayas, about 700 kilometres of rivers, sand desert and cold desert in Ladakh.
Darjeeling is one of the prime destinations for adventure tourism in India, as it offers a range of attractions and activities for adventure seekers. Some of them are:
- Trekking: Darjeeling has several trekking routes that offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, such as Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. Some of the popular treks are Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, Singalila Ridge Trek, Tonglu Trek, and Darjeeling-Rimbik Trek.
- Paragliding: Darjeeling has some of the best paragliding sites in India, where one can soar over the tea gardens, valleys, and mountains. Some of the paragliding spots are Jamuney Dara, St Paul's School Grounds, Tiger Hill Road Junction Point.
- Trekking: Darjeeling has several trekking routes that offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, such as Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. Some of the popular treks are Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, Singalila Ridge Trek, Tonglu Trek, and Darjeeling-Rimbik Trek.
- Paragliding: Darjeeling has some of the best paragliding sites in India, where one can soar over the tea gardens, valleys, and mountains. Some of the paragliding spots are Jamuney Dara, St Paul's School Grounds, Tiger Hill Road Junction Point.
- Mountain Biking: Darjeeling has some challenging and scenic trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Some of the routes are Darjeeling-Maneybhanjyang-Sandakphu-Phalut-Rimbik-Darjeeling Circuit (210 km), Darjeeling-Kurseong-Darjeeling Loop (70 km), Darjeeling-Ghoom-Darjeeling Loop (30 km).
- Rock Climbing: Darjeeling has some natural and artificial rock climbing sites for beginners and experts alike. Some of them are Tenzing Rock (named after Tenzing Norgay), Gombu Rock (named after Nawang Gombu), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) Wall.
- White Water Rafting: Darjeeling has some thrilling rapids for white water rafting on the Teesta and Rangeet rivers. The rafting trips can range from one hour to three days depending on the difficulty level and distance covered.
- Tea Tourism: Darjeeling is famous for its tea industry and tea culture. One can visit the tea estates and participate in tea leaf plucking and tea tasting sessions. Some of the famous tea estates are Happy Valley Tea Estate (the oldest tea estate in Darjeeling), Glenburn Tea Estate (a luxury boutique hotel), Makaibari Tea Estate (the first organic tea estate in India).
The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting also showcased some of these attractions and activities to the delegates. The delegates visited the tea estates and participated in moonlight tea leaf plucking and tea tasting. They also witnessed a cultural programme featuring local dances and music.
The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Darjeeling highlighted the potential of sustainable adventure tourism in the region. Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on preserving and protecting the natural, cultural, and social resources of a destination, while promoting economic growth and social welfare.
Darjeeling has been taking steps towards sustainable tourism, such as promoting eco-tourism, reducing carbon footprint, and involving local communities in tourism activities. Some of the initiatives taken by the local authorities are:
Waste Management: Darjeeling has been facing a waste management crisis due to the increasing number of tourists and inadequate waste disposal facilities. The local authorities have initiated waste segregation, composting, and recycling programmes to reduce the amount of waste generated and to promote responsible waste disposal.
Green Transportation: Darjeeling has a narrow-gauge railway that runs through the town and the surrounding areas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. The local authorities have introduced electric buses and cycles to reduce vehicular pollution and to promote eco-friendly transportation.
Sustainable Accommodation: Darjeeling has a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The local authorities have been encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices in accommodation, such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, and waste reduction.
Community Involvement: Darjeeling has a rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, such as the Gorkhas, Lepchas, and Bengalis. The local authorities have been involving the communities in tourism activities, such as home-stays, cultural shows, and handicrafts, to promote cultural exchange and to generate income for the local communities.
Darjeeling has a lot to offer for adventure seekers and nature lovers. But it is also a place of historical and cultural significance. Darjeeling was a British hill station during the colonial era and played a crucial role in the development of tea industry and mountaineering.
The meeting concluded with a roadmap for the next meet in Goa. The participants expressed their hope that the discussions held at the meeting will help countries around the world overcome the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector and promote sustainable adventure tourism.
Darjeeling is indeed a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, or adventure, you will find it here. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Darjeeling and experience its charm and thrill for yourself!
Green Transportation: Darjeeling has a narrow-gauge railway that runs through the town and the surrounding areas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. The local authorities have introduced electric buses and cycles to reduce vehicular pollution and to promote eco-friendly transportation.
Sustainable Accommodation: Darjeeling has a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The local authorities have been encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices in accommodation, such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, and waste reduction.
Community Involvement: Darjeeling has a rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, such as the Gorkhas, Lepchas, and Bengalis. The local authorities have been involving the communities in tourism activities, such as home-stays, cultural shows, and handicrafts, to promote cultural exchange and to generate income for the local communities.
Darjeeling has a lot to offer for adventure seekers and nature lovers. But it is also a place of historical and cultural significance. Darjeeling was a British hill station during the colonial era and played a crucial role in the development of tea industry and mountaineering.
The meeting concluded with a roadmap for the next meet in Goa. The participants expressed their hope that the discussions held at the meeting will help countries around the world overcome the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector and promote sustainable adventure tourism.
Darjeeling is indeed a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, or adventure, you will find it here. So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Darjeeling and experience its charm and thrill for yourself!
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