What does a traveler want when they set out to wander? We want an escaped for peace, happiness, rejuvenation, and to feel the warmth of the mountains which always spreads it arms wide to embrace us everytime we reach out to them. Yes, I am obsessed with mountains and I can just write on and on. But nevertheless, I'm about to write a blog on Darjeeling. The word darjeeling actually means 'Land of thunderbolt' and the name is enough to skip my heartbeat and race my pulse. This is one place I have visited nearly 4 time, so its almost like in the back of my hand but everytime I've found it completely anew.
Darjeeling is known for a lot of things. It's rightly called the Queen of Hills, as it is bestowed at the foothills of the Himalayas. To start with, its the spectacular view of the mighty Kanchendzonga from any of its corner and mistake the clouds to be an avalanche or river, running into nowhere. Whether it's sunrise or sunset you'll be spellbound sitting at the benches in the periphery of Chowrasta. It seems to be an unembellished canvas of nature with numerous captivating panoramas. The Chowrasta being the heart and soul of Darj, is filled with local markets and food ventures.
Tea plantations are an inseparable part of Darjeeling. Acres and acres (46,500 acres to be precise) of land are covered with tea plants , thus it's also known as tea estate. Most livelihoods are dependent on the tea estate and so is a major attraction. Darjeeling tea is often called the 'fine wine' and is preferred all over the world for its exquisite taste and the magical aroma. Workers mainly women work as tea pluckers, hand picks the best of the tea buds and takes them to the factories at Darj or Kalimpong for processing into the 'fine wine'.
How can I not write about the diverse and idiosyncratic traditions of Darjeeling? Buddhism is the predominant religion, hinduism is also followed. The dialect spoken are also vivid, Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali , who actually inherit its origin from Tibet. Traditions are incomplete without mentioning the Sherpa, who are the most important and ethnic groups from the Himalayas. The 'sher' means east and 'pa' means people, these people follow their own conventional way of living, from growing veggies, barley, wheat in their own farm, , to wearing dresses that are customary. There are also abundant richness in the arts and crafts, which are unique not only in their traditions and customs but also religious faith. Whether its the hand painted silk scroll paints called 'THANGKAS' or curved decorated Sherpa knives called KHUKRIS or the TIBETAN MASKS that often embodies the wrathful dieties and also provides tranquility and calm.
Also the PRAYER FLAGS which are found all along the trails and roads , everywhere in the mountains. The 'OM MANI PADME HUM' is an auspicious mantra symbolizing the spirit of enlightment and promotes peace, compassion and strength to the people. This mantra is printed on all the flags and also engraved on the PRAYER WHEELS that are found in all the monasteries and pagodas and are always turned clockwise so as to help beings purify their karmas.
Toy train in Darjeeling is also a famous sight to look for. That's an acclaimed UNESCO world heritage ride.
Some of the beautiful places to visit in and around Darjeeling are enlisted. I could travel to these places as I've been to Darjeeling multiple times.
How to reach ?
NJP is the nearest rail station taking around 3 hrs to reach. Bagdogra being the nearest airport, takes around 2.45 hrs to reach. There's another airport recently made is at Pakyong, takes around 3.25 hrs to reach.
Where to stay ?
Ample of hotels. From ₹500 to ₹25000, you'll find staycations of all types. I've stayed in hotel Lion Gate ,at Chowrasta, for 3 times and hotel Dil for once.
What to eat?
Thukpas and momos are the most famous and both are just awe-some. If you're at Darjeeling never miss to feed at Glenarys and Keventers.
When to visit?
You can visit Darjeeling anytimeof the year. Its mostly cloudy. So to find a clear sky , you need to visit Darj quite a few times. Best time is from November to February. Darjeeling as such never received snowfall recently but the outskirts do get covered with snow in winters.
Where to go next?
You can stay only at Darjeeling from 1 day to even 7 days, there will never a single moment of boredom. Just lay quietly in the lap of mother nature and get absorbed in its warmth because its splendid beauty will keep you mesmerized forever and ever. You can go to anywhere in North Bengal or North Eastern India , keeping Darj as a hault.
How can I end a blog on Darjeeling without mentioning Feluda?
Feluda and bengalis have an eternal connection. Whether its their breakfast at Keventers or buying Thangkas at Nepali Curio Shop at Chowrasta, you're bound to smile remembering দার্জিলিং জমজমাট.
To end this blog I quote here a few lines from লালমোহন গাঙ্গুলি 's poem,
'অয়ি কাঞ্চনজঙ্ঘা !
দেখেছি তোমার রূপ উত্তরবঙ্গে
মুগ্ধ নেত্রে দেখি মোরা তোমারে প্রভাতে
সাঁঝেতে আরেক রূপ, ভুল নেই তাতে -
তুষার ভাস্কর্য তুমি, মোদের গৌরব
সব মিলে তোমারেই করি মোরা স্তব।'
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