By Satyaki Dutta
If you are a working professional or a student overburdened with assignments, you can feel the city walls closing in. The daily routine-bound life and the same routes make your eyes, mind and soul lethargic. Food orders in the apps, going out to the movies or window-shopping, nothing seems to cheer you up. To cure the ailments, you need a breath of fresh mountain air which can rejuvenate you, make you ready for the battles ahead. A short respite in Darjeeling can do wonders for you in this regard.
To visit Darjeeling you don’t have to break a sweat, as the place is well-connected to Kolkata by road, railways and air- all three. The ‘Queen of the Hills’ –Darjeeling retains the old charm, with all the modern amenities. You can take a flight to Bagdogra or a train to New Jalpaiguri, and book a car from there to reach Darjeeling in 3 hours. Follow the winding path across the mountain which passes by the toy train line, forests, tea gardens and cinchona plantation. You will find the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, is waiting for you in all the glory to welcome you.
Snow-capped mountains lined by green forest
If you are planning for 2nights 3 day short trip to Darjeeling, you can relax yet have enough time to cover all the major spots. Located at an altitude of 6710 ft., Darjeeling is the perfect place for a short hill station holiday. Follow the river Teesta when you are coming by the road where the plain land meets the mountainside and soak in the untouched natural beauty.
The world-famous Darjeeling tea plantations
On Day 1, reach the place around noon and on the way take breaks at various viewpoints. Do not miss Ghum station and Batasia loop. At an altitude of 7407 ft., Ghum is the highest Indian railway station. Reach the place of your accommodation, to have your lunch and relax for the day. You can walk to the famous mall in the late afternoon or evening, to visit the great market there, with numerous food stalls and tea bars. Rest for the night watching, the twinkling lights from the houses by the mountainside.
You will have to get up early in the morning if you wish to go and watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill, a breathtaking beautiful site. After that, you can go and watch the other important points like Ghum Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Darjeeling Zoo, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Rock Garden. From the Ropeway (cable car), you can have a panoramic view of the place and the surrounding tea gardens as well as the local monasteries. Take a break with a cup of steaming Darjeeling tea, re-energise you.
Darjeeling tea, a brand which doesn’t need introduction
If you can manage time, you can take a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, offering a short tour from Darjeeling to Darjeeling station. However, you better book the tickets early, as there is often high rush during top tourist seasons.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
On the third morning, have breakfast in the famous Keventers, watching the sunrise and the snow-cap on Kanchenjunga if the veil of fog goes away. Pack your bags then and start the descent to return in your daily routine-bound life. But wait! Your tour is not over yet.