As she walks down memory lane fringed with tea gardens and stalls selling warm jalebis, Vineeta Rai remembers what she’s always loved about her hometown.
Charm is abundant in my hometown of Darjeeling. Whether it is the friendly “yes!” followed by a raised hand by which many locals greet each other, the winding road that reveals a different scene at every bend, or the knowledge that there could be four seasons in a single day—the town packs quite a punch.
GETTING THERE
The three-hour ride across the hills after either a train journey that culminates at New Jalpaiguri or a flight to Bagdogra is a mix of wonder and a churning stomach. Besides the beauty, the messages painted along the road like ‘hurry burry spoils the curry’ make for quite the chuckle.
On a clear day the mighty Kanchen junga, the world’s third-highest peak, can be seen from Batasia, around five kilometres ahead of Darjeeling town. This view always leaves me gobsmacked. The majestic mountain range can be seen from other parts of the town too but it is not a year-round pleasure.
PLACES TO CHECK OUT
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