Darjeeling witnesses rise in tourist inflow this monsoon

Darjeeling is witnessing a record inflow of tourists this monsoon season because of the sweltering heat in northern plains.

A large number of domestic and international tourists visit Darjeeling at this time of the year, but the number has already crossed the last year's record.

Puja Gupta, a tourist, said that the rains have added to the beauty of the place.

"I was enjoying the view over here, the clouds over here. The weather changes in five minutes, sometimes it is sunny, sometimes it is rainy. It is very enjoyable," she said.

Samrat Sanyal, a tour operator, said that apart from its beauty, a calm political atmosphere attracted tourists to Darjeeling.

"People anticipated there will be some untoward incidents but it has not happened. The political leaders have been mature enough to realise that tourism has been very important industry for them and many local people are employed in this industry and revenue is generated. So all together, the peace, tranquility, the charm of the monsoon has actually made Darjeeling a very hustling and bustling place. So we are quite happy," said Sanyal.

Darjeeling, for many people, means tea, but the eponymous hill station nestled in the Himalayas in the northeast is also a gateway to spectacular views of the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, as well as a rare glimpse of snow leopards and red pandas.