The Valleys are Calling You…
Break the ice, pack your bags and set out on a beautiful journey towards these valleys. I’m sure they will call you back again.
Our journey began from the west coast of Maharashtra to Eastern India (West Bengal). As we were accompanied by a family, we had a lovely time knowing each other and talking about our likes and dislikes. On our journey, I started freeing myself from the clutches of my own principals and saw that there is a world outside of Mumbai as well.
The train pulled into New Jalpaiguri (NJP) a state in West Bengal, we saw it wasn’t as crowded as we see it in Mumbai. The atmosphere was filled with serenity and serendipity at the station. We saw a few porters approaching us but we chose to carry our own luggage. We had already hired two private jeeps as my father & his friend had pre-booked the hotel rooms. While reaching Darjeeling, I was mesmerized by the beautiful valleys, the tall pine trees, and the flora. It was almost afternoon when we reached our hotel, and we decided to rest as we had come a long way.
Darjeeling is located at an altitude of 6.710 ft. in Northeast India. It is infused with the beauty of the snow-clad peaks of Kanchenjunga, beautiful slope tea gardens on rolling hills, and a variety of flora in these valleys are a beauty.
I was shaken & woken up by my father at 03:00 am to witness the sunrise at the Tiger point. Our drivers had arrived; we all left for the Tiger Point that is situated at 2600 m. The area is always a tourist spot attraction and is jam-packed, as no one wants to miss those moments when sunlight kisses the mountains in its unique ways. Finally, we witnessed what we were actually waiting for at 04:00 am, at Mt. Khanchendzongna; the sky looked crimson red and as the sun rose, it looked like a dark orange ball set on fire.
Darjeeling not only has a wonderful climate but also a variety of flora ranging from orchids to rhododendrons. One such garden at Darjeeling is at the Batasia Loop, for which a toy train ride is a must. Or else one can hire a cab as well. Toy Train has been conferred with UNESCO World Heritage status which gives us a glimpse of the British architecture.
There is also an Eco Garden at Batasia Loop. It offers a lot of information about organic farming and plantations in Darjeeling. You will also find rare species of plants like the Ginkgo Biloba and there are Rhododendrons, Silver Firs, and even tea plants.
The Batasia Loop comprises a Wall memorial in the centre. This was inaugurated in 1995 to honour the Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling Hills who laid down their lives in various wars after India’s independence. At an elevated platform, there is a Cenotaph and a statue of a soldier paying homage.
In my last tourist attraction, I got to see the rolling tea gardens on the slope. Darjeeling has its roots deeply embedded in tea plantations and is a leading producer in the world when it comes to tea. They produce the highest quality of tea which has been retained over centuries.
These were the wonderful places I got to explore in Darjeeling and it introduced me to a new culture and new people. I finally bid adieu to Darjeeling as my journey ended on a happy note and I leave with long-lasting memories. Memories which will call me back again to these valleys. I was no longer a prisoner of my own mind. I was free, felt rejuvenated inside out. Lastly, I end my blog with a quote which says “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page”. — Saint Augustine.
