Darjeeling, the land of the mystic thunderbolts, with its undulating mountain folds, verdant slopes and snow capped mountains, is steeped in romance and mystery that has for decades enticed tourists the world over. Political instability, poor infrastructure and competition from the neighbouring state Sikkim, had seriously affected its tourism industry in the past. However, with the concerned authorities putting in their might in developing Darjeeling's infrastructure and by creating new tourist spots along with the return of political stability, the Queen of Hills seems to be finally regaining its lost glory.

For the breathtaking sight of the glistening Kanchenjunga against the backdrop of an azure sky, considering by many as the most beautiful mountain in the world, or a trek along the dense rhododendron forests that are splashed in a riot of colours, are unmatched anywhere in the world.

A visit to the Darjeeling satiates even the most demanding lover of nature's beauty. Today, every nook and corner of the district is well connected by a network of well-laid roads. New spots like Jorepokhari in Sukhiaphohari, Gangamaya and the Rohini spot in the foothills of the districts or the Lolagoan Lava hamlets that have been specially developed for tourists, have put it at par with the rest of its competitors.

Apart from the tourist spots, many are enticed to the hills by thevarious tribes within the Nepali community, that provides a rare opportunity to study the various facets of the diverse and distinct cultures. Unlike other communities, different tribes with the Nepali community not only have their own distinct language but also their own script, dress and traditions. Some of their languages don not seem to be interlinked with any of the tribes, in any aspect. Yet, the Nepalis, derive their strength from this diversity. The feelings of camaraderie amongst the hill population has shunned moves of vested interest to fragment the community on ethnic lines. Even though the dominant population of the hills belong to the Nepali community, other communities too have been able to preserve their own cultural heritage, in their own way. A sojourn to the Darjeeling is particularly made piquant by the simple, fun loving and arefree nature of the hill people. The nature of the people must perhaps have helped the santify the hills from the social evils. Dowry, sati and other social menaces have never impressed upon the minds in the hills. Child marriage and adherence to a strict caste system were prevalent in the previous generation, but with the hills embracing modernity, the mindset of the people has undergone a sea change.

And the driving force behind Darjeeling's leap towards modernity has been its famed educational institutions. Luminaries across the globe, including the royal lineage from Nepal and Bhutan have attended the schools in the Darjeeling Hills. It isn't surprising that the district enjoys the highest literacy rate among the district of the West Bengal. Even though the contribution of the schools towards the economy is of paramount importance - the mushrooming of nurseries is one clear indication - the tea industry and tourism is still the backbone of the hill population. Darjeeling Tea, is still "the thing" for tea connoisseurs, the world over, but competition from other tea growing countries is seriously affecting the fortunes of the industry, which has filtered down to the commoners. With the tea industry tottering, the onus lies with the tourism sector to get the economy of the hills running. It is encouraging that the authorities have understood the ground realities and are working towards promotion of tourism in the Darjeeling hills in a big way. Apart from creating new spots, tourism festivals which were never heard of a few years back have become an annual feature. Introduction of innovative sports such as paragliding are on the anvil, and this is further expected to boost the economy of the hills. Adventure sports such as white river rafting down the frothing Teesta river have already been introduced.