Darjeeling, Kalimpong to explore adventure tourism opportunities
To promote adventure tourism in the hills, the tourism department of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is planning to develop Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong. Necessary steps will be taken to make these places more than just a tourist destination.
Travellers to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong will now have a host of adventurous activities at these destinations. GTA is now working to develop infrastructure in the hills and will soon be offering tourists with facilities like hill biking, paragliding, rafting and cycling. Besides promoting adventure tourism, major steps will be taken to make travellers aware of homestay facilities in these regions.
The authorities are also planning to launch ‘camp stay’ options near Tiger Hill. “Travellers visiting the hills can opt to enjoy rafting at Malli in Kalimpong. For mountain biking, one can go till Chatakpur in Darjeeling. Places like Sandakphu and Singalila are also gaining popularity for trekking,” Sangay Sherpa, In-charge of Adventure Tourism, GTA.
As per the statistic, 80 per cent travellers in Darjeeling are below 40 years, and is expected that adventure tourism will help boost the number. Apart from developing infrastructure for homestays and adventure tourism, measures will also be taken to ensure security and safety of tourists.