Tourism and Recreation in Colonial Darjeeling: A Social History of Leisure

Abstract

The ‘hill stations’ were created in colonial India as part of the British imperialistic project. From the historical perspective these hill stations were the products of British colonialism. During the colonial period, Darjeeling was beautified by the British to save them from the hot and humid climatic condition of deltaic Bengal. Darjeeling emerged as a prestigious hill station in colonial India after 1880. In the centre of the Darjeeling town and on the peak of a small hill, Eden Sanatorium was set up for the residence of the weak and sick English employees. With the establishment of the British rule and the advancement of urbanization, Darjeeling emerged as a vibrant town. Maintaining the balance of the natural atmosphere of Darjeeling, the Mall was created at the centre of the town. The number of hotels began to increase with the increase in the number of tourists in Darjeeling.