Darjeeling, with love

We also ate a hearty meal at the Glenary's.  It's basically one of the most popular restaurants in Darjeeling,  the other being Keventer's. 

The night at Darjeeling saw the emergence of clouds. The entire town fell into their embrace and the scenario was a treat for the plain dwellers.  We had an early dinner and ended our day.

We moved to the rock gardens next followed by Himalayan zoological park and mountaineering institute.  The mountaineering institute also homes the mortal remains of Tenzing Norgay.  The zoo is vibrant with diverse wildlife and lush in flora and fauna. 

The whole day was spent well amongst the lush green environment. There was the Tibetan refugees center, which tells the story of their exodus from their homeland and their survival in the exile.  It's the tale of perseverance and challenges.  We really have several things to learn from them.
We then went to visit a tea estate on the sloppy terrain. 

The overall trip was short and we returned on 19th May.  Anyone who craves for hills and are tired of this summer heat,  can visit the queen of hills,  as it is aptly said.  Come and visit when the mountains call.

Unable to take more of the pricking summer heat,  we headed to Darjeeling,  the queen of hills. It was a very short summer retreat. We reached new jalpaiguri on 16th May, took a cab to Darjeeling.  It's roughly three hours journey to the majestic hills. If time permits, one can also take the heritage ride from NJP to Darjeeling,  which costs INR 1,400 per person. The entire route to Darjeeling was covered with clouds. Temperature had fallen to a comfortable 17 degrees. We reached our hotel on the Mall road at around 4 o'clock in the evening.  After a few refreshments in the hotel,  we took to walking along the vibrant mall road. 

Next morning we started from the hotel to Keventer's for our breakfast.

After breakfast,  we reserved a car for the sightseeing.  We started at the peace pagoda.  Away from the hustle and bustle of the town,  amidst the hills and the greenery of Darjeeling,  it's a serene Buddhist temple. 

The next day we had to return. We said our teary goodbyes to the town with a promise in heart to revisit the paradise as soon as possible.  Nevertheless,  we planned our journey back to NJP with the remaining sights on our checklist.  On our way down,  we were treated well by the open arms of nature,  which never fails to amaze us with her endless charms.  We visited a monastery, some offbeat destinations which includes Jorpokhri. We visited Gopaldhara tea estate.  Both the sites also offer home stays to tourists. So, if anyone wants to spend a weekend in the lone, serene nature amidst the hills, he is always welcome.  No need to mention,  both the places have immense to offer to the visitors.  We concluded our sojourn with a visit to the Mirik lake.  One must also visit the Pashupati market near the Nepal border.