A Road Odyssey Serenity And Scenic Highways And Himalayas

Join Date: Sep 2023

Location: Kolkata

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As October, 2023 drew to a close, a palpable consciousness of excitement enveloped our household arsenic we prepared for an unforgettable roadworthy travel to Darjeeling successful our trusted Hyundai i20. With hearts brimming with anticipation and a thirst for adventure, we eagerly anticipated the travel ahead. The crisp autumn aerial and the committedness of breathtaking upland vistas beckoned us, casting a spell of anticipation implicit each subordinate of our family. Our Hyundai i20, equipped for some comfortableness and efficiency, stood acceptable not simply arsenic a conveyance but arsenic a steadfast companion connected this voyage of discovery. As we embarked connected the unfastened road, winding done landscapes adorned successful vibrant autumnal colors, we sensed that this expedition would weave indelible memories?an ode to the joyousness of driving amidst the serene grandeur of Darjeeling.

Date 29th October, 2023, A Road Odyssey: Serenity and Scenic Highways

Embarking connected a roadworthy travel is ever a thrilling adventure, and the crisp greeting of October 29, 2023, marked the opening of an breathtaking roadworthy travel for my family?myself, my wife, our enthusiastic son, and our loyal favored Coco (a rabbit). As the prima painted the entity with hues of orangish and pink, we acceptable disconnected astatine 5:40 americium from our hometown of Serampore successful our trusty Hyundai i20, anxious to research the picturesque landscapes that laic ahead.

Serampore to Bethuadahari
The archetypal portion of our travel took america done acquainted lanes, cruising implicit the Delhi Road, Mogra Flyover and onto the STKK Road till Hematpur and past Gourango Setu gracefully connected america to the road astatine Krishnanagar adjacent Nabadwip More Bus Stand aft covering a region of 110 Kilometers, marking the opening of our road adventure. The roadworthy stretched ahead, promising a tapestry of landscapes arsenic we pressed forward. As we traversed done Krishnanagar, the greeting breeze whispering done the car windows, hunger pangs prompted america to marque a pit halt astatine Bethuadahari for a hearty breakfast. The section flavors and lukewarm hospitality acceptable the code for the day.

Bethuadahari to Raiganj Tourist Lodge
We resumed our travel connected the well-maintained road for different 292 Kilometers of journey, passing done towns and villages that seemed to blend seamlessly with the changing scenery. Noteworthy toll plazas dotted our path, each 1 marked by a unsocial charm and businesslike service. We crossed Palasey past Baharampur, we were fortunate to find the caller Baharampur Bypass unfastened and we proceeded towards the Birbhum territory connector celebrated arsenic Morgram Crossing. Thereafter we crossed iconic landmark, the Farakka Bridge, lasting majestically with its 109 fastener gates. Further, we meandered done the humanities spot Malda, wherever the echoes of the past resonated successful each corner, giving america a little but enriching glimpse into the region's affluent history.

The timepiece struck 1 pm, and hunger beckoned erstwhile again. On our mode we called the Raiganj Tourist Lodge and asked for luncheon for 3 people. The hunger led america to the Raiganj Tourist Lodge astatine 2 p.m. Krishnanagar, wherever we savored a delicious lunch. The lodge provided a welcoming respite, fueling america for the adjacent limb of our adventure.

At Raiganj Tourist Lodge

Raiganj to Siliguri
Rejuvenated, we acceptable retired for the 2nd limb of our travel for different 179 Kilometers, this clip heading towards Siliguri. The way unfolded done Dalkhola, Kishanganj, and Islampur, presenting a panorama of divers landscapes. The prima dipped debased arsenic we approached Bagdogra, casting a lukewarm glow connected the surroundings.

Destination of the time Hotel Insta 18 Siliguri
We reached the bustling metropolis of Siliguri, the day's thrust culminated astatine 7pm astatine Hotel Insta 18, a comfy abode for the night. Immediately we checked successful and got fresh. After having meal were dormant bushed and instantly went to bed. The odometer displayed the full region covered of 558 Kilometers, each kilometer adding to the tapestry of memories woven during this roadworthy odyssey. Our roadworthy odyssey done West Bengal had conscionable begun, promising much discoveries and delights successful the days to come.

Date 30th October, 2023, Hills and Tea gardens

As the archetypal airy of dawn painted the sky, we bid adieu to Hotel Insta 18, Siliguri, aft a fulfilling breakfast, we embarked connected the adjacent limb of our journey, heading towards the hills and our destination for the time ? Golpahar Homestay, adjacent the Gopaldhara Tea Garden successful the territory of Darjeeling.

Journey to the Hills
Before mounting retired finally, we made indispensable preparations, purchasing snacks, stocking up connected mineral water, and ensuring our car's vessel was brimming with gasoline. Our thrust commenced towards the hills, a full uphill region of 59 Kilometers. The way unfolded with breathtaking views arsenic we reached Darjeeling More and veered close onto the celebrated Darjeeling Heritage Toy Tracks. The travel continued done Sukna Forest, passing service areas, and meandering done lush greenish wood areas.

Enchanting stops connected the way
The travel unfolded done lush greenish forests, passing service areas, and navigating winding roads. The way took america past Garidhura, Dudhia, and the Singbulli beverage garden. The spots- Garidhura, Dudhia, Singbulli Tea Garden, and Phuguri Tea Estate were similar postcards came to life, each contributing to the charm of the journey. At an altitude of 4100 feet, Tingling View Point beckoned, offering a panoramic vista that begged to beryllium captured successful photographs. A delightful java interruption astatine a cafe adjacent the "I Love Mirik" inscription provided a cleanable interlude earlier our adjacent stop.

A halt successful beforehand of the "I Love Mirik" inscription

Tingling View Point

Sumendu Lake: A Tranquil Oasis
Continuing our thrust for different 9 Kilometers, we arrived astatine Mirik Lake, besides known arsenic Sumendu Lake, a haven nestled successful the Darjeeling district. The 1.25-kilometers-long road, surrounded by a greenish parkland and gangly conifer trees, offered a serene retreat. Boating connected the water and relishing the views of Mount Kanchendzonga heightened the experience. Lunch astatine this idyllic spot acceptable the signifier for the adjacent limb of our adventure.

Today?s nighttime halt astatine Golpahar Homestay
Post-lunch, our travel continued to Gopaldhara Tea Estate, 10 Kilometers from Mirik Lake. The thrust towards Gopaldhara beverage estate, flanked by beverage gardens, unfolded similar a dream. The lush greenery, the fragrance of beverage leaves, and the mountainous backdrop created a scenic canvas. By 3 pm, we reached Golpahar Homestay, positioned close successful beforehand of the Gopaldhara Tea Estate garden. Immediately the homestay idiosyncratic took retired luggage helped maine parking my car successful a steep downhill and we checked successful our homestay.

While parking adjacent the homestay

Exploring Gopaldhara Tea Garden
After checking in, a speedy freshening up was followed by tea, and we eagerly ventured retired to research the Gopaldhara beverage garden. Climbing tiny hills adorned with beverage orchards, we marveled astatine the expanse of the Gopaldhara Tea Garden. The aerial was crisp with oxygen, and the show of the roadworthy from Mirik to Golpahar Homestay from the hilltop was awe-inspiring. As dusk settled in, we returned to the homestay. Our time successful Darjeeling and Gopaldhara was a symphony of scenic drives, tranquil lakes, and the comforting clasp of beverage gardens. After a hearty dinner, we retired to our homestay, the nightfall bringing with it a serene silence. The challenging drives up the steep elevation was rewarded with a restful sleep, cocooned successful the tranquility of Golpahar. As we closed our eyes, the echoes of the day's adventures lingered, promising much enchanting discoveries successful the days that laic ahead.

The Gopaldhara Tea Garden

View from the homestay and my car resting

Date 31st October, 2023, Tea gardens and International Border past Hills again

The adjacent aboriginal greeting near furniture anterior to sun-rise, got caller and came retired of the homestay. The prima was yet to rise, the locals were engaged with their regular lives, immoderate of them were jogging connected the roads and immoderate of them doing exercises, I profoundly inhaled axenic caller oxygen similar ne'er before. After sunrise retuned to homestay got acceptable and near for our adjacent destination, though thing was fixed we thought of staying anyplace we would consciousness like. The roadworthy was a spot difficult, stiff climbs with hairpin bends and crisp rise, didn?t prosecute much than 1st and 2nd gear, started to measurement the powerfulness of my caller car, and it glided smoothly. After a thrust of 8 Kilometers we reached Pashupati Gate and stopped, we got down and went astir the Nepal borderline till the gate. After talking to the officials of the Nepal Government, learnt that 1 tin instrumentality ain car by obtaining a licence from the Nepal Government and its they were calling Vansar.

In beforehand of the Nepal Border

After a fewer clicks of snaps we started and instantly aft 7 Kilometers we reached Simana View Point located astatine an altitude of 7,500 ft., the Mane Bhanjan, the villages of Nepal, parts of Singalila National Park and the mighty Kachendzonga acold distant from the vale is so a spectacular presumption point.

Few clicks from Simana View Point

Stopped determination for fewer minutes had beverage and past again started, connected the mode aft 4 Kilometers we crossed the Jor Pokhri connector, past aft driving for different 2 Kilometers we passed done the marketplace of Sukhiya Pokhri and we moved up further for 3.5 Kilometers, reached the Pine View Spot oregon the Nature Park conscionable up of a tiny hamlet called Lepchajagat, truthful it was an evident stop. We scaled up a small bit, it is country surrounded by gangly conifer trees, clicked fewer pictures and past had momo from the section road-side vendor and started again.

Father and Son astatine Pine View Spot oregon the Nature Park adjacent Lepchajagat

Pine View Spot oregon the Nature Park adjacent Lepchajagat

One by one, we passed done Lepchajagat, Ghoom Railway Station, Sonada, and Kurseong Railway Station, yet arriving astatine Dow Hill. The full 33-kilometer way was remarkably smooth, though the past conception from Kurseong Bazaar to Old Chapel Dow Hill had a steep incline.

On the mode to Dow Hill.

After visiting Dow Hill, we descended the Hill Cart Road to Kurseong Railway Station, readying to enactment astatine a edifice adjacent the artifact bid line. About 5 kilometers downhill from Dow Hill, we discovered "The Kaiser Valley" Hotel, owned by the celebrated histrion Mr. Mithun Chakraborty.

Parking successful beforehand of The Kaiser Valley Hotel.

From our hotel, we watched a artifact bid walk close successful beforehand of us.

We checked into the Valley View Suite, which featured an unfastened glass-window eating abstraction astatine the acold extremity of the room. Seated there, we gazed retired astatine the distant metropolis of Siliguri. As the prima set, the city's lights began to flicker on, and cars dilatory ascended the Rohini Road, their headlights shimmering similar stars towards Siliguri.

The nighttime presumption from the room

We sat there, engrossed successful speech and the quality of the scene, losing way of time. Suddenly, the timepiece struck nine, and the doorbell rang. The edifice lad arrived, serving our dinner. After our meal, we retired to our beds, contented and acceptable for a peaceful night?s sleep.

Date: 1st November 2023 - Tea Gardens, Hills, Zoo, and Hill Queen

The adjacent morning, we woke up aboriginal and stepped retired of the edifice to instrumentality immoderate pictures.

The greeting view

After freshening up, we embarked connected our travel to the Hill Queen, Darjeeling. About 10.5 kilometers into our drive, we stopped astatine Tea Pot, the renowned Margaret's Deck, wherever we enjoyed a meal of tea, sandwiches, and blistery chocolate.

At Tea Pot, Margaret's Deck parking

After breakfast, we continued towards our last destination for the day. We passed done Sonada, Ghoom, and Batasia Loop earlier arriving successful Darjeeling. My lad expressed his tendency to sojourn the zoo first, truthful we cautiously navigated the congested autobus and jeep basal and the bustling marketplace. After a thrust of astir 24 kilometers, we reached the multi-level car parkland adjacent the zoo. The parking rates were Rs.50 for the archetypal hr and Rs.20 for each further hour.

After exploring the Zoo and the Mountaineering Institute, we made our mode to "The Little Tibet" (93330 71717), our cozy retreat for the adjacent fewer days adjacent Raj Bhavan, conscionable a abbreviated stroll from the Mall. Parking our car successful their backstage lot, we swiftly checked successful and freshened up.

Eager to instrumentality successful the breathtaking views of Kachendzonga, we wasted nary clip and walked a specified 2 minutes from the edifice to scope the vantage constituent adjacent Raj Bhavan.

Following a leisurely stroll done the bustling Mall area, we couldn't defy indulging successful Momos from the roadworthy broadside eateries and Softy ice-cream astatine Kaventor?s.

Iconic Darjeeling Clock Tower

Returning to our hotel, we ordered a delicious meal and spent the evening readying our adventures for the upcoming day.

Date 2nd November, 2023, Sunrise, Batasia Loop, Heritage Steam Vista Joyride and Tibetan Dinner

Early Morning astatine Raj Bhavan and Darjeeling's Transformation
We began our time early, drawn by the allure of witnessing the sunrise overgarment Kachendzonga successful changing hues adjacent Raj Bhavan. The breathtaking spectacle filled the greeting aerial with the dependable of countless camera shutters capturing the magic. Returning to Darjeeling aft 2 decades, we couldn't assistance but announcement the important changes - from revamped roads to adorned houses and hotels, everything seemed renewed.

Mighty Kanchendzongha

The Church, Darjeeling adjacent GTA Bhawan

Exploring Batasia Loop and Nostalgia of Toy Trains

My Son and his favored "Coco" astatine the balcony of our hotel.

After returning to our edifice for a refreshing bath and breakfast, we acceptable retired towards Batasia Loop. Despite the congested road, we persevered for an hr to screen a specified 6 kilometers. Finally reaching Batasia Loop, we were greeted by a bustling country resembling a fair. Local vendors tempted visitors with colorful displays of sweaters, shawls, and caps.

At Batasia Loop

My son's excitement was palpable arsenic helium spotted the diesel artifact train, evoking memories of my ain puerility sojourn to Darjeeling successful 1985. Inspired by nostalgia, we decided to embark connected a joyousness thrust aboard a steam locomotive if tickets were available.

Steam Locomotive Joy Ride to Ghoom and Heritage Exploration
Post Batasia Loop and a sojourn to Ghoom Monastery, we returned to our edifice for luncheon and near our car down to sojourn Darjeeling station. Fortunate to unafraid tickets, we boarded a practice steam locomotive.

Train Time Table

The Steam Engine which chugged the train.

The travel was a delightful throwback arsenic the bid whistled and chugged past quaint roads, bustling markets, and yet halted astatine Batasia Loop. A little halt astatine Ghoom, location to a fascinating railway depository showcasing antique instrumentality and their histories, capped disconnected the memorable thrust earlier returning to Darjeeling Station.

Culinary Delights and Evening Stroll
Venturing up to Chawkbazar, we planned meal astatine Kunga, renowned for its Tibetan and Nepali cuisine, disappointed to larn the restaurant's operational hours - the edifice opens from 10 americium till 6pm, we were bittersweet to perceive that nutrient would beryllium delivered aft 7.30 pm, we wandered on the Mall Road until returning to our hotel. Later that evening, we ventured retired again to cod our dinner, reflecting connected our adventures arsenic our clip successful Darjeeling drew to a close, leaving america with a premix of nostalgia and reluctance to bid farewell to this enchanting place.

My maestro enjoying his portion

Date 3rd November, 2023, Again Sunrise, Packing and Car Checkup

Final Glimpses of Kanchenjunga and Last Moments successful Darjeeling:
We woke up aboriginal and hurried retired of the edifice to drawback different glimpse of Kanchenjunga. The greeting aerial was bustling with enactment arsenic we noticed constabulary unit preparing for the Governor's visit, adding a consciousness of urgency to the day. Spending a mates of serene hours soaking successful the majestic sight, we reluctantly returned to our hotel.

Reflection and Restful Contemplation
For the remainder of the day, we chose to enactment in, feeling a premix of emotions arsenic the realization that our travel was coming to an extremity settled in. The heaviness successful our hearts was palpable arsenic we packed our belongings, each infinitesimal tinged with a quiescent sadness.

Farewell Dinner and Quiet Reflection
In the evening, we decided to person our farewell meal astatine Glenary's, a spot filled with memories of our clip successful Darjeeling. After a leisurely stroll done the Mall country and a heartfelt dinner, we returned to the edifice successful somber silence. Freshening up, we retired to bed, each of america mislaid successful our thoughts, softly reflecting connected the cherished moments of our trip.
As we drifted disconnected to sleep, the value of bidding adieu to Darjeeling hung dense successful the air, a poignant reminder of however journeys inevitably gully to a close, leaving down memories that would enactment with america forever.

Date 4th November, 2023, Hill Cart Road and backmost to abode

Homeward Journey from Darjeeling to Serampore
After a hearty breakfast, we acceptable disconnected for Serampore, starting our travel astatine 10:40 successful the morning. Despite encountering a spot of postulation adjacent Kurseong, my lad insisted connected taking the scenic Hill Cart Road alternatively of Rohini Road. Passing done Gidda Pahar, Gayabari, Tindharia, Sepoi Dhura, Sukna, and yet reaching Darjeeling More, we were pleasantly amazed by the smoothness of the full stretch.

Return Journey via Islampur to Raiganj
Continuing our journey, we crossed Islampur, Kishanganj, and Dalkhola earlier reaching Raiganj. We made a pit halt astatine Badsha Hotel, wherever we enjoyed rotis, curries, and acold drinks, fueling up for the roadworthy ahead. Moving forward, we passed done Malda, Farakka, and Baharampur bypass earlier deciding to crook onto the Gauranga Setu roadworthy conscionable earlier Krishnanagar astir 10:45 pm.

Unexpected Obstacles and Final Leg Home
Unfortunately, our creaseless travel deed a snag arsenic we encountered a postulation jam connected the Gauranga Bridge owed to a broken-down truck. Despite the hold and the ensuing hour-long wait, we yet crossed the span and continued connected our way. Arriving location astatine 2 am, we were filled with mixed emotions, reflecting connected the memorable moments and challenges faced during our journey.

Reflection connected the Journey
Throughout the trip, our Hyundai i20 proved to beryllium much than conscionable a means of transportation?it became our companion for discovering scenic landscapes and embracing the joyousness of the unfastened road, particularly done the hills and mountains. Remarkably, it achieved a mileage of 19.5 kilometers per liter adjacent with the aerial conditioning on. The cardinal to its performance? I maintained a dependable velocity of nary much than 80 kilometers per hr connected level roads and a cautious 18-20 kilometers per hr successful the hills.

Odo astatine the extremity of the trip

As we settled backmost into the comforts of home, our hearts were dense with the bittersweet feeling of concluding a memorable travel filled with some challenges and cherished experiences.

Last edited by GoodMorning : 25th June 2024 astatine 15:48.