Pelling- A Slice of heaven in the Himalayas

We flew from Mumbai to Bagdogra Airport and took a private taxi to Pelling from outside the taxi stand at the airport. We bargained and the driver agreed for 4000 bucks in a small car.

We started our journey around noon towards Pelling after having lunch on the way. It took around 7 hours to reach Pelling. It started raining during the journey which made the scenic routes more beautiful.

The entrance to Elgin Mount Pandim isn’t grand , but once you enter the reception area then you’ll feel the touch of grandeur .Bursting with heritage artifacts, colonial furniture and plush carpets, Elgin Pandim is so very elegant! Take a moment to walk around the lobby as you sip on your glass of cherry liqueur, the welcome drink they offer.

The room appointed to us was small but cozy. It was our first anniversary. We got freshened up and got ready for candle night dinner!

After that we slept and around 5.30 in the morning, I heard people gossiping in the garden. I woke up to check what everyone was doing in the garden so early. When i Opened my room's curtains, I was ensorcelled with the astonishing view of Mt Kanchenjunga. I knew one can see the best views of Kanchenjunga from Pelling but waking up to this view. Oh My God!

We headed out with the first stop being Mt Kanchenjunga Waterfall.

I love falls located right on the road! No need to trek, and it offers so much beauty to passer-bys! Kanchenjunga Waterfall is one such place – and while you can see the Falls from the main road, you will get the full view of the second mightier Fall once you pay the entry fee of 10 bucks and walk a few meters in. As you are close to the falls, the icy cold water feels like nature is spraying mist on you!.

Next we stopped at River Orange Garden,

It's a beautiful place to hang out in tranquil for sometime with the rimbi river flowing alongside the orange garden Entry fees are 20 bucks.

Now to the sacred Khecheopalri Lake

The beautiful lake, surrounded by lush greenery, Khecheopalri Lake is a holy place for Buddhists and Hindus, and the abundance of colourful prayer indicates just how sacred it is. We trekked to the top of the hill to get the complete view of the sacred lake. It took nearly half an hour to reach the top. There is a small shop where you can buy water, or drinks or something to eat if you feel hungry or so.

Next morning we woke up early at 5 AM to see the view of the glittering peak, Mount Kanchenjunga in the distance – making for an awe-inspiring sight in the mornings, when the first rays of sun danced on the peak turning it into shades of peach and burnt orange.

The road is decrepit and the turns can make the acids in your stomach swirl. There are no food stops, no toilets and no water counter on the way. So brace yourselves for a tiring 2 hours journey. On the way, you will find Changey falls, which is literally on the road. You can stop for a while and have some photos clicked. Singshore Bridge is a massive structure With lush green mountains on all sides. A faint sound of water flowing through the steep edges can be heard. It's a bliss to stand on that bridge. There are a few shops that sell chips and other eatables. Do buy something for the return journey.

Located next to the Bird Park, getting here involves a 30 minute trek of 2 kms through the wilderness (ensure you’re wearing good trekking shoes.) The trek is relatively easy with no uphill or downhill climbs and the sounds of the birds and insects will have you spellbound during the journey and exhaustion is worth the effort.