End of Darjeeling tour

On way back from Darjeeling, we wanted to visit zoo, but the traffic police didn't allow us the normal route because we had luggage in the car. I couldn't explain it. Anyway we headed towards silguri. Since we have lot of time left before train arrival,  we went for Bengal Safari in Siliguri. It costed Rs 400 each. They took us by a bus through the forest. Paucity of animals was noticable. Initially there were lot of deers.  Then we entered carnivores zone where we found two Bears. They seemed to be very friendly.  Then two small tigers crossed our road. They didn't bother about us and were just roaming around. Finally two large Royal Bengal Tigers were seen. They were roaming around. One tiger also chased our bus. I donot think it was trying to give us a farewell hug. There were a few more at distance. It was a new experience since we saw tigers only in zoo from a distance. But this was really close.  I forgot to mention about few peacocks here and there. That ended our Safari. We took lunch in nearby canteen. Fodd quality was horrible. Finlly we went to Hong Kong market . I came here some 21 years ago. Foreign goods, camera, electronic goods were chief attraction then. But It was entirely different at present. It was full with shops having shoes, cosmetics, clothes. It was just an ordinary market. Totally disappointed! Anyway we came back to NJP station. Padatik Express was scheduled to come at 8.40 PM on platform 3. Rik and Aheli always claim that they donot bother slleping at night. So I  entrusted them to remain awake till 3 AM when  our station would arrive. At 1 AM I woke up and found both were sleeping. Any way we got down at Rampurhat station. Our driver chhotu was waiting.

SUMMIT Grace hotel

It is an okay hotel. Staffs are good. Food lacks variety but quality is okay. They claim togive you free wifi which you can not connect. Even you are successful in connecting, phone says "no internet". They demand that Kanchanjangha can be seen from hotel. That is true if weather is clear. Rooms are cleaned everyday but bedsheets etc are not changed. They won't serve you tea in room before 7.30 am. So if are an early riser you have to manage yourself . If you want to stay one or two hrs after checkout time because of your train timing, they will refuse you politely. This hotel is known all cab driver so if you want to hire a cab they will come to this hotel. Mall is at a distance 22 mins walk downhill. So when you will comeback from mall to hotel ,you have hire acab for 400 rs. . or you must be able to walk uphill for half an hour. Thattm is really an uphill task.

Darjeeling day 3

Today, we embarked on a journey to the villages of Lamahatta, Tin Chuley, and Triveny, all located on the outskirts of Darjeeling. Our first stop was the picturesque village of Lamahatta, adorned with towering pine trees and a park boasting of sky-high evergreens. A pond nestled atop a hill awaited us, but not without a strenuous climb of 750 meters uphill, which Rinku, as usual, refused to continue beyond the first 100 meters. However, I, along with Aheli and Rik, persevered and finally reached the dry pond surrounded by the verdant pines.

Next on our itinerary was Tin Chuley, where the gentle drizzle threatened to obscure the stunning view of the hills from the beautiful view point. Undeterred, we explored the tea gardens, snapped a few photographs, and savored a cup of tea, despite the cloudy weather.

Finally, we made our way to Triveni, where en route, a captivating vista of the confluence of the Tista river and Rangeet river surrounded by hills left us in awe. Upon reaching Triveni, we sat on the banks of the Tista river and marveled at the sight of the River Rangeet, flowing from another direction and merging with Tista. While the initial streams of both rivers were separate, it was still an ideal location for rafting, but we lacked the courage to partake in such an adventure. After a delicious lunch, our driver dropped us off at our hotel at approximately 5 pm, charging us 3500 rupees.

Later, we strolled along the famous Mall Road on foot, purchasing some cozy sweaters and jackets. We then hired a taxi for Rs. 300 and returned to our hotel, where we indulged in a sumptuous dinner before retiring to bed. As our departure date loomed, we made sure to pack up our belongings in preparation for our next adventure.

Darjeeling day 2

We commenced our ascent to Tiger Hill promptly at 3:45 AM, in the wee hours of the morning. The frigid temperature was nigh unbearable, despite donning a sweater, blazer, and cap. The biting cold seemed to penetrate every layer of our clothing. The area was teeming with fellow visitors, seeking to catch a glimpse of the stunning sunrise. We eagerly sipped on steaming cups of coffee, albeit at a steep price of Rs 25 per cup! I procured two additional caps, which were swiftly snatched up by Rik and Rinku. 

I had last witnessed the sunrise at this very spot two decades prior, but failed to relish the experience then. Nonetheless, we patiently awaited the emergence of the sun, which finally appeared at 5:10 AM. The sun was a vivid shade of cherry red, resembling a plate as it ascended over the horizon. A chorus of cheers erupted from the onlookers. Although the sight was truly awe-inspiring, the sun rapidly rose and the moment was fleeting. The cloud cover partially obscured the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range, preventing us from admiring its full grandeur. 

Upon our return to the hotel, we departed for Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop at 9:30 AM. Following this, we embarked on a treacherous journey to Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya. The steep, winding roads posed a frightening challenge, but AHELI and Rik thoroughly relished the experience. Rik's peculiar passion for taking selfies led us to halt frequently for photo opportunities. We even indulged in a boat ride at Ganga Maiya. Although we had hoped to visit the zoo, time was not on our side. Exhausted from the day's adventures, we retired to our hotel. Despite my insistence, everyone was too worn out to venture to the mall. We culminated the day with a hearty dinner.

Darjeeling day 2

We started for Tiger hill At 3 .45 AM. It was extremely chilling. With sweater, blazer and cap on,  there was no escape from the ice cold temperature. It was hitting in every possible way. There were lot of people. A cup of hot coffee (@rs 25/cup!) was refreshing. I bought two caps which were immediately used by Rik and Rinku. Last time I saw Sunrise here about about 20 yrs ago. I didn't enjoy it much. Any Finally she rose above the horizon at 5.10 am. It was cherry red in colour, looked like a plate . Everybody cheered. It was an awesome sight. But it hurriedly rose above the horizon.  So all the joy came to an end. We could see kanchan jangha with all it's glory. But it was cloud covered so not that clear 

We came back to hotel  

 At 9 30 we went to Ghoom monestry and batasia loop. After that we headed for rock garden and Ganga maiya. The roads were steep and frightening. AHELI and Rik enjoyed it to their heart's content. Rik developed uncanny passion for taking his own photo everywhere, we also did a boating there in Ganga maiya. We wanted to see the zoo but we were out of time.We retired to hotel. Everybody was damn tired refused to go the mall even though I insisted. So we finished the day with heavy dinner.

Darjeeling day 1

We decided to go to Darjeeling via Mirik from NJp. It was  new route for me. I visited Mirik after a long time. Few changes occured. Now they are changing Rs 20 for. Entry to Lake. They have planted flowers and made it a park. They made arrangements for boating in Lake and also horse riding. Previously there was no such thing. Only natural beauty.  I sat there on a bech by the side of Lake for sometime, i enjoyed it. Then we went towards Darjeeling. There were few view points, tea garden. lepcha jagat .Nepal border etc. Nothing much interesting. In the evening I entered Hotel Summit Grace hotel. I was ordinary hotel with standard facilities  In the evening I went to Mall road on foot. It was down hill and took 22 mins.During return the journey was uphill and I felt pain in back. I donot know if that was significant.

Destination Darjeeling

After a long time we are going out on a short tour. We are heading towards Darjeeling. We boarded Biswabharati train for going to Kolkata. We shall stay in Kolkata till evening. We shall board Darjeeling mail At 10.22pm in sealdah for heading towards NJP.

Dry market

dry market continuing. i donot know whethere this is temporary or due to excess doctors. new problem with probate of father