Darjeeling

Darjeeling has a special place in our hearts. Every adult has a fond memory of a holiday spent there. For decades it has been the favorite summer holiday destination for Bengalies. It has had it's moments of turmoil and for a small period it slid from it position as the favorite tourist spot. But the moment peace returned to the hills, the summer exodus from the plains resumed its frenzy. In the summer of 2012, we found Darjeeling bustling with activity.

 

I, for my part, did not like the crowded city. Little did I realise that the glory of the city is revealed only when you see it through the clouds rising from the lower valleys. 

 

Darjeeling in Mist                                        Copyright@ 2012 Indranil Banerjee

Darjeeling is full of history. At every step, you will find traces of its colonial past. Most of the buildings are beautifully arranged on the slopes to take advantage of the best views of the majestic Kanchenjunga. A good number of roads fall in the car-free zones. These are perfect for pedestrians. We were lodged near the Mall. The roads are easily navigable. It was fortunate that we had a buggy with us. So, every evening, we took a walk in the Mall and did loads of shopping.

Darjeeling                                                                                                                            Copyright@ 2012 Indranil Banerjee 

In the day, we took a car to see the seven-points. The whole morning was devoted to the zoo. The zoo has a huge collection of  Himalayan birds and big cats. Indra was busy clicking photos, while I was trying hard to focus my infant's attention towards the animals. It seemed we were more excited to see the animals. We saw a snow-leopard and a wild-cat. We also saw a very camera-friendly bear, which was posing gracefully for our cameras.






In the Zoo                                                                                                                         Copyright@ 2102 Indranil Banerjee

 For the first time in our life, we saw the rare Red Panda. These reclusive animals are so shy that they are kept outside the cages.



Red Panda                                                                                                                         Copyright@ 2102 Indranil Banerjee

Ghoom Staion                                           Copyright@ 2012 Indranil Banerjee

Before lunch we stopped to see the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. We also halted for a photo session in a tea-garden. We had lunch in one small restaurant near the Ghoom Station. As we were digging into delicious chowmein and chilly chicken, the train whizzed passed with tremendous noise. We rushed outside like a couple of children and waved crazily at the astonished passengers. I still wave at passing trains. There is something about trains that brings out the kid in me.


We wished to catch the toy-train from Ghoom Station to come back to Darjeeling. However, the scheduled train was cancelled and we missed the earlier train. We ended up chasing the train to Darjeeling. But this was not before we walked around a sleepy Ghoom station covered in mist. This is the famous Batashia Loop. I can just imagine how it must look in a clear day, with Kanchenjunga shining in the backdrop. If you wish to see or purchase some beautiful photographs of Darjeeling, you can visit the Das studios in Mall. In the gallery, you will see photographs taken over a period of nearly 100 years. You see Darjeeling in all her moods.


The Japanese Temple                                                                                                     Copyright@ 2012 Indranil Banerjee

We also visited a Japanese temple built near Darjeeling. The imposing white structure was beautiful and well-worth a visit. The surrounding hill-side is a perfect spot for a picnic. You will find many beautiful trees, almost bowed over with the weight of summer blossom, to spread your blanket under.




Summer Blooms                                                                                                                  Copyright@ 2012 Indranil Banerjee

After a day's travels, it is wonderful to spend the evening in Mall. The huge square is full of shops and cafes. The atmosphere is festive and benches are full of happy families celebrating the end of a eventful day. I believe the Mall is the biggest attraction in Darjeeling. Do not forget to have coffee and muffins in the roof-top restaurants in Mall, while dusk sets in amidst twinkling lights of the city  This is a perfect place Adeiu to the Queen of the hill-stations.


The Mall                                                                                                                              Copyright@ 2012 Indranil Banerjee