Darjeelings steam engine 782B turns 125
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, April 17: In a grand tribute to Indias railway legacy, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) on Thursday celebrated a major milestone as its famed steam locomotive No. 782B completed 125 years of continuous service. The historic B Class locomotive, built in 1900 by Sharp, Stewart & Co., was honoured in a ceremonial []
5 Easy Weekend Getaways From Darjeeling That Locals Swear By
Need a quick break from Darjeeling's usual rhythm? These weekend getaways offer fresh views, quiet corners, and zero travel drama.
Govt advances summer vacation in Bengal schools due to hot weather conditions
The West Bengal government has announced an early summer vacation for schools, starting April 30, due to the intense heatwave, excluding schools in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Education Minister Bratya Basu stated the vacation's duration will be determined later, based on weather conditions.
Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela are currently shooting their upcoming romantic drama in Gangtok and Darjeeling. The untitled film is directed by Anurag Basu and could be titled Aashiqui 3.
Bengali travellers seem to be moving away from Darjeeling and Sikkim to Kashmir
Compared to Darjeeling and Sikkim, Kashmir offers better value for money in terms of hotels, food, and experiences in addition to political stability, they say
Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak South Asia said, This partnership is a great example of like-minded partners coming together to take a challenge and convert that into an opportunity to do the right thing. We are very happy to partner with Tieedi on this initiative and believe that together we are setting a wonderful precedent in this region for decentralized, community-driven waste management solutions that benefit both the environment and the people working to keep it clean.
Teen Walking With Earphones On Dies After Being Hit by Train in Darjeeling
A 15-year-old girl died after being hit by a toy train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) at Kurseong, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Darjeeling City Guide: Where To Eat, Stay, Shop, And Roam In The 'Queen Of The Hills'
This charming hill town in West Bengal is packed with jaw-dropping mountain views and colonial-era nostalgia, served with a side of steaming momos.
In a first, Darjeeling zoo launches project to preserve DNA samples of wildlife in Hills
Chief Wildlife Warden Debal Roy said 60 DNA samples from indigenous animals have already been collected for profiling
Senior doctor who became face of RG Kar movement transferred to a lower-ranked post
Kolkata: Senior doctor Subarna Goswami, who became a face of the movement by the medical fraternity against the R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy in August last year, has been transferred to Darjeeling and in a lower ranked-post. Goswami been transferred to a post which is one rank lower than his existing rank. As Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rain, hailstorms likely in several South Bengal districts on Thursday, Friday
KOLKATA: The India Meteorological Department has forecast thundersqualls with gusty winds and hailstorms in several districts of South Bengal on Thursday and Friday, due to a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal. According to a bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) accompanied by lightning and hail are likely to occur at one or two places over Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts on Thursday. For Kolkata and neighbouring areas, Thursday's forecast is for ain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. The weather system will intensify on Friday, extending to more districts in gangetic West Bengal, the IMD said. Thundersqualls with gusty winds (50-60 kmph) and lightning accompanied with hail are likely over East Burdwan, Howrah, Jhargram, Bankura, West Midnapore, East Midnapore and Hooghly districts, while other districts in South Bengal could experience thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph), it said. Rain or thundershowers with strong gusty winds are likely in the metropolis on Friday, with temperatures expected to drop to between 32 deg Celsius and 22 deg Celsius, the bulletin said. North Bengal will largely remain dry on Thursday, with light rain or thunder expected only in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. By Friday, thunderstorms with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) and lightning are likely at one or two places across Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, it said. The IMD has also warned of potential damage to standing crops, vegetables and horticulture, as well as loose structures.
With bio-banked genetic material, Darjeeling has Indias first frozen zoo
India's first frozen zoo in Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is preserving the DNA of endangered Himalayan species using cryogenic technology. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term preservation of genetic material to aid future conservation efforts, including the possibility of assisted reproduction.
By Rabindra Nath Sinha KOLKATA: A surprise announcement by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on February 5 at the plenary session of Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS)about higher cap on use of tea plantation land for non-tea, commercial purposes has prompted trade unions to make it an issue for protests in north Bengal . The chief ministers announcement also has political implications, particularly in the Darjeeling hills, where her party, Trinamool Congress, has hardly any base and circumstances [] The post Bengal Govts Decision To Raise Cap On Use Of Tea Plantation Land For Commercial Purposes Creates Furore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
KOLKATA: Clashes erupted between activists of various Leftist student bodies and Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) across West Bengal on Monday during a strike called by CPI(M)'s student wing SFI on university campuses across the state demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu. Clashes were reported between members of the TMC's students' wing and Leftist activists of AIDSO and SFI in Medinipur town in Paschim Medinipur district, Siliguri in Darjeeling district, Cooch Behar district and Panskura in Purba Medinipur district. Campuses of Jadavpur and Presidency universities in Kolkata wore a deserted look as common students, faculty members and other staffers stayed away while Students' Federation of India (SFI) members gathered on the campuses to enforce the day-long strike that began at 10 am. Campuses of other higher educational institutions such as Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University and Burdwan University were partially affected as some classes were not held even though semester examinations were conducted, officials said. However, fewer SFI activists were seen on these campuses, unlike at JU and Presidency University. Activists of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the students' wing of the ruling TMC, were also seen on the campuses. The strike did not affect vehicular movement so far as the SFI activists did not cause any disruption to road traffic and candidates proceeded smoothly to various examination centres across the state since the morning hours. West Bengal board class 12 examinations also began on Monday. Two students were injured when a car in the convoy of Basu grazed past them during a melee in Jadavpur University on March 1 as Leftists students tried to prevent the minister from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union polls. Basu sustained injuries as the windshield of his car was damaged by the protesters. The incident took place when Basu was leaving the premises after attending the AGM of West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA) as the chairman of the TMC-aligned teachers' body. Outsiders sheltered by the TMC had instigated the violence and vandalism on the Jadavpur University campus on Saturday during the AGM of WBCUPA in the presence of Basu, SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar alleged. Tracing the chain of events on the Jadavpur University campus on March 1, Sarkar told PTI, The students only wanted to have a discussion with the education minister in the presence of vice-chancellor but he behaved in a high-handed manner with them and tried to leave the campus in a huff. Despite the students demanding an audience with the minister, he, accompanied by TMC musclemen and outsiders, boarded his car and his driver accelerated the vehicle without concern about the safety of the students who were protesting near the vehicle. His car injured two students, one of them seriously, and he did not bother to look back but sped away, Sarkar alleged. Basu is responsible for the injuries to the two students and we demand his resignation from the state cabinet and police action against him for fuelling fire on Jadavpur University campus, he said. The SFI will extend its help to the smooth conduct of the higher secondary examinations, which began on Monday, and will organise camps near examination centres to assist the candidates, he added.
Indian-origin Asma Khan's Darjeeling Express is the perfect go-to-spot for Biryani lovers!
UK's King Charles And Queen Camilla on Wednesday took part in pre-Ramadan preparations during a visit to Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant based in London.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that the State government will not disrupt tea cultivation while granting approvals for tourism-related activities
Seven persons held, 22.5 kg of ganja seized in two separate cases
In one case, the contraband was procured in Odisha, and in the other, it was purchased in Darjeeling
NEW DELHI: As a part of ongoing Operation Chakra-IV, the CBI in close coordination with German authorities has dismantled a sophisticated virtual asset-supported cybercrime network targeting German nationals since 2021. The international operation division of the CBI had registered a case on February 12, 2025 against Rahul Shaw, Shubham Sharma, Rajeev Budhiraja and unknown others, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act 2000. A senior CBI official said, Following the registration of the case, agency sleuths swiftly conducted extensive searches at multiple locations associated and linked to the accused persons, yielding substantial incriminating evidence. The raids took place at six locations across Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri between February 14 and 17 and revealed that this transnational cyber-enabled financial crime network was channelling the proceeds of crime through virtual assets, he added. As a part of the investigation into the case, the CBI arrested Rahul Shaw from Siliguri, a key accused in the case and was produced before a special court here. During raids conducted at his residential premises, the CBI sleuths recovered seven mobile phones, one laptop and incriminating documents about the crime, the official said. The CBI has also unearthed an illegal Call Centre being operated by the accused Rahul Shaw and other accused persons at Webel IT Park, Matigara, Darjeeling in West Bengal and dismantled the same, an official said. He also added that during the raid, 24 hard disks of computer systems used by the accused persons, containing incriminating digital evidence, were recovered from the said illegal 'Call Centre' as the operation continued to identify the proceeds of the crime. The officials said investigation into the case to find a broader network on the basis of international leads is ongoing in close coordination with the foreign law enforcement agencies. The CBI official alleged that during 2021-2022, the accused individuals conspired to target the German victims by gaining unauthorised remote access to the victims computer systems and bank accounts, under pretext of offering tech support services. They falsely informed the German-based victims that their bank accounts had been compromised. Claiming that their funds were at risk, the accused allegedly manipulated the victims into transferring Euro 646,032 to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by them, he added. According to the officials, the agency has initiated Operation Chakra-IV to combat and dismantle organised cyber-enabled financial crime networks through a globally coordinated law enforcement response leveraging INTERPOL channels.
The Darjeeling Hotel Where Paatal Lok 2 Is Shot Was A Maharaja's Summer Home
A 138-year-old hotel, once the summer home of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, plays a major role in the Amazon Prime original Paatal Lok 2
Small tea growers of north Bengal welcome CMs move to investigate tea boards decisions
According to their official statement, the small tea growers contribute over 64% of the total tea produced in the State and free entry of Nepal tea harms mainly Darjeeling & Dooars, Terai tea
With eco-friendly travel holidays gaining prominence and sustainability paramount, many well-heeled travellers worldwide are opting for luxe train journeys and cruises instead of flights to cut down their carbon footprints. Be it the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, the Golden Eagle Danube or Indias Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, and the Deccan Odyssey, slow travel travel on the worlds best luxury train routes has become the most sought-after experience. Inspired by the famous Agatha Christie novels and movies like Murder on the Orient Express (1974, 2017), Harry Potter (2001, 2011), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), Tezz (2012), The Polar Express (2004), rich travellers want to see and experience the fine things in life. It is a harmonious blend of elegance, sustainability, and the joys of slow travel. For those who can afford it, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. Not to forget the gourmet food, array of sparkling wines and lavish interiors. Imagine your very own palace on wheels traversing through the picturesque landscape of India, Europe, Russia, Africa, Scot-land or the trans-Siberian route bet-ween Moscow and Vladivostok. Unlike air travel where you are lost in the clouds, luxury train journeys offer you diverse landscapes from tropical rainforests and beaches to arid deserts and snow-capped mountains. Small wonder that ticket bookings are full and impossible to get. Travel Like Royalty Anju Sharma, an avid traveller and travel content creator says, Travelers today are seeking more immersive cultural experiences that benefit local communities rather than contributing to over-tourism or exploitation of resources. She points out that these luxury trains offer plush interiors and greener experiences. Take for example the Maharaja Express or Deccan Odyssey. They incorporate energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, solar panels, and eco-friendly HVAC systems to help reduce energy consumption and cut down carbon footprints. The Local Connection Not many know that these luxe trains act as a link between rural and urban economies and people. For starters, the gourmet meals served on these posh trains are cooked from locally sourced organic ingredients. The motto here is simple: support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint. Travellers get to taste the best of both worlds. This shift is more than just conservation or convenience its about nurturing ones bond with humanity and nature, says Kamakshi Bhatnagar, a Lifestyle coach & Influencer. Green Energy Journey Modern trains in general, especially those that run on electric power seem to be far more energy-efficient than any other forms of travel. Be it planes, buses or cars. Trains that run on electricity often derive this power from renewable sources like wind or solar energy, further helping reduce the overall environmental impact. Not just this, many of the luxe train routes are meticulously designed to minimize disturbances to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats. They allow the travellers to indulge in an immersive experience in the lap of nature without harming it. Many foreigners prefer travelling on the Deccan Odyssey train because the whole package and travel experience is worth it. One day you are exploring rock-cut temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the next day you are rolling through the lush Ratnagiri-Goa coastline, shares Sheetal Dev, a luxury travel advisor, who designs customised holidays in India and abroad. A perfect track record worth every penny! All On Board Travelling by train is one of the best ways to cover a lot of ground in a single journey. Anju shares how the Maharaja Express includes planned visits to Ranthambore National Park which is known for its tiger population there. These trips allow travellers to consider visiting such habitats to get a blend of both, cultural interactions with local communities and a peep into vast expanses of the wildlife population. The Deccan Odyssey, on the other hand, engages in planning similar itineraries including visits to a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries. This promotes sustainable tourism practices in regions otherwise left unexplored. The Maharaja Express and Palace on Wheels engage in improved waste management methods as well. They rely heavily on recycling, reducing plastic use and conserving water, says Kamakshi. Explaining further that Indian railways working more towards electrifying tracks that would overall reduce emissions from diesel engines. Such initiatives are markers that stress the fact that luxury can coexist with sustainability. Cost Of Luxury While luxe trains offer a whole lot, they come with a whopping price tag depending on the route, the rooms, the duration of the journey and the places visited. Its hard to digest, but you pay a bomb to taste a tiny bite of luxury. Anju says, It can range from thousands of bucks to tens of thousands of dollars per person. This implies that the pricing is kept high to cater to the needs of a niche travellers segment mainly high-income individuals, celebrities, and rich folks. Kamakshi says, Well it is luxury travel so by default its going to be expensive. She hopes that in the future, sustainable travel and luxury will be made accessible to other people as well. But the fact is that across the world, luxury and exclusivity come at a premium cost! Go Green With an effort towards engaging in greener ways, luxe trains are no longer limited to opulence or mere comfort. They have adapted themselves into an amalgamation of indulgence and responsibility. Prioritising energy efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable measures are nothing but glimpses of diving into a world of sustainability while travelling in style in the lap of luxury. So what if the ticket price burns a hole in your travel coat, after all not everybody can have the luxury of travelling in a palace on wheels! Luxury Travel Guide Maharaja Express: The Indian Splendour over 7 days-6 nights (Deluxe Cabin- Rs 6,51,000 to Junior Suite Rs 8,34,960) Palace on Wheels: (Presidential Suite per night- Rs 2,67,509) Deccan Odyssey: (For International Travelers Rs 7,21,136 starting) The Maharaja Express and Palace on Wheels engage in improved waste management methods, relying heavily on recycling, reducing plastic use, and conserving water. Kamakshi Bhatnagar, Lifestyle Coach & Influencer Posh Track Record Some of the most sought-after luxury trains in the world are the Maharaja Express, the Deccan Odyssey, The Glacier Express (Switzerland), the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, the Golden Eagle Danube, Belmond Royal Scotsman and the Golden Eagle Train trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Vladivostock. Travelers today are seeking more immersive cultural experiences that benefit local communities rather than contributing to over-tourism or exploitation of resources Anju Sharma, Travel Content Creator
Best Time to Book a Cheap Flight to India With MyTicketsToIndia
The winter months from December to early March are often considered the best time to visit India, its perfect for exploring. The heat starts to build from April onward, and the summer monsoon usually sweeps through between June and September. However, with India's large size and different climates, theres always something new to explore throughout the year. At My Tickets To India, weve compiled this guide to help you find the best times to visit some of the country's most popular destinations. Best Time to Visit India Overall The best time to visit India is during the winter, from October to March when most regions experience pleasant weather. During this period: Northern India, including Delhi, Rajasthan, and Agra, has cooler days, perfect for exploring historic monuments like the Taj Mahal and Jaipurs Amber Fort. Southern India, including Kerala and Goa, enjoys a tropical yet comfortable climate ideal for beach vacations and backwater cruises. Regional Highlights: Best Times to Visit Specific Places Best Time to Visit Kerala, India The best time to visit Kerala is from November to February when the weather is cooler and less humid. Its perfect for exploring Munnars tea plantations, the backwaters of Alleppey, and Cochins cultural landmarks. Best Time to Visit Goa, India For beach lovers, the best time to visit Goa is from November to March. The festive vibe, coupled with sunny days and cool evenings, makes it a prime time for water sports and nightlife. Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh, India The ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh is during the summer months of May to September when the snow has melted, and the roads are open. This period is excellent for trekking, biking, and exploring the stark beauty of the region. Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India The Andaman Islands are best visited between October and May. The clear skies and calm seas make it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach hopping. Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal, India To see the Taj Mahal in all its glory, plan your visit between October and February. Early mornings during this season offer spectacular views, often with a misty backdrop. Best Time to Visit Northern India The northern states, including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are best visited from October to March. This is also the best time to explore destinations like Manali, Shimla, Rishikesh, and Varanasi. Best Time to Visit South India South India, including popular destinations like Bangalore, Coorg, Munnar, Ooty, and Hyderabad, is most pleasant from October to February. Seasonal Travel Considerations Summer (April to June): Ideal for visiting hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Darjeeling. Monsoon (July to September): A great time to experience Keralas greenery and Ayurveda retreats. Winter (October to March): Perfect for exploring most of India, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa. Best Times to Fly from the USA to India If you're flying from USA to India flight planning your trip well in advance can help you secure the best deals. The best time to book flights to India is during the low travel seasons, such as March to May and September to November. For festivals like Diwali (October-November) or Holi (March), its advisable to book several months ahead as flights fill up quickly. Routes from the USA to India Our travel agency offers seamless flights from major US cities to India: New York to Delhi or Mumbai Chicago to Hyderabad or Bangalore Los Angeles to Chennai or Kochi San Francisco to Delhi or Kolkata We ensure you get the best routes with minimal layovers. Flight durations typically range from 15 to 18 hours, depending on the city pair and airline. Top Airlines for Affordable Travel At MyTicketsToIndia, we collaborate with IndiGo and offer a smooth travel booking experience complete with exclusive deals and discounts. As a leading domestic airline, IndiGo is famous for its affordable fares and reliability within India. Several airlines stand out for offering affordable international flight tickets to India . Here are our top recommendations: Emirates: This Airline is known for its excellent service and competitive fares, Emirates frequently offers seasonal promotions, making its premium services accessible for long-haul travelers. Qatar Airways: This is an ideal choice for flights to the USA and Europe, Qatar Airways combines comfort and top-notch service, earning its reputation as a favorite among international travelers. Singapore Airlines: Perfect for Southeast Asia travel, Singapore Airlines is celebrated for its world-class service and reliability, making it the go-to option for destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond. IndiGo: A dependable choice for domestic travel within India, IndiGo provides budget-friendly fares, a vast network of routes, and a strong reputation for punctuality & customer satisfaction. Air India: Air India, the flagship carrier of India, offers a wide network of domestic and international routes. Known for its Indian hospitality and competitive fares, it is a great choice for travelers looking for comfort and affordability. If you're planning a trip, Air India flights from USA to India provide a reliable and convenient option. Tips for Booking Flights The best day and time to book India trips is mid-week, preferably Tuesday or Wednesday, for better deals. Avoid last-minute bookings during peak seasons to save on airfare. Use our expert services to get discounted rates on flights from USA to India with zero convenience fees. Why Book With MTI? We specialize in providing customized flight options for travelers flying from USA to India. Whether youre planning a cultural tour, a beach vacation, or a spiritual retreat, we ensure hassle-free bookings, affordable fares, and excellent support. Conclusion Indias diverse climate means theres no single best time to visit. Instead, the ideal time depends on your chosen destination and interests. From the snowy peaks of Kashmir to the sunny beaches of Goa, every season offers unique experiences. Contact us today to plan your trip from the USA to India and enjoy an unforgettable journey. For more information, please contactEmail: info@myticketstoindia.comPhone: +1-585-910-2929Website: https://www.myticketstoindia.com Website: https://www.myticketstoindia.com.auWebsite: https://www.myticketstoindia.ae
Guntur cybercrime police arrest social media fraudster at Indo-Nepal Border
Vijayawada: A team of the Guntur Cyber Crime Police has arrested a person who impersonated as Telugu Desam NRI convener for defrauding several persons in the guise of providing them medical assistance. The accused, Konduri Rajesh (34), was caught at the Indo-Nepal border in Panitanki, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, after a manhunt by the AP CID team. Police here said in a media release that the accused had fled to Goa, then to the Andaman Islands, and subsequently to Nepal via Uttar Pradesh and he continued his fraudulent activities there too. The accused exploited social media by monitoring hashtags like #help_@naralokesh, #help_@pawankalyan, and #help_@ncbn on Twitter to identify potential victims seeking medical and financial assistance. He used disposable US phone numbers to contact victims through WhatsApp and posed as the TDP NRI Convener. To make his scam appear real, he used AP IT minister Nara Lokesh's photograph and sent fake bank credit receipts to the victims, the media release said. He would then follow up with calls from Indian numbers, pretending to be bank managers, and convince victims to deposit money into his accounts under the pretext of (beneficiary) charges. The investigation has revealed that the accused Rajesh is facing nine cases registered under various sections of the BNS and IT Act. Some even cases in Andhra Pradesh and two in Telangana were registered last year. These were in addition to four cases registered in Telangana during 2022-2023. The amounts defrauded in the nine recent cases total `54.34 lakh, the release added. The release said the police received 1,614 complaints against him in total, of which nine have been formally registered as cases. Two additional complaints are pending registration in AP and four in Telangana, involving a fraud of `3 lakh. The cumulative amount lost by victims across all cases is estimated at `57 lakh. The arrest came after a 15-day operation by the investigation team through West Bengal, working in collaboration with the police network there. The accused was caught at Panitanki, under the jurisdiction of Kharibari police station in Darjeeling.
Indian Tea Association Submits White Paper On Darjeeling Tea Industry To West Bengal
It also highlighted key issues like production challenges and market dynamics.
