India, Oct. 15 -- I still remember stepping off the winding road that snakes up from Siliguri into the hills, breathing in air that tasted of dew and pine, and catching my first glimpse of Kanchenjunga emerging from a veil of morning mist. For me, it was never just a trip; it was a chance to slow down, to see the world stretch out in ridges and valleys, to sip cups of tea under the mountain sun, to feel like a speck in the universe and yet be wildly alive. It's no wonder hordes of visitors throng to the tourist places in Darjeeling every year, making it one of India's most beloved hill destinations.

Did you know? Darjeeling was once known as 'Dorje Ling' or the 'Place of the Thunderbolt'.

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