Darjeeling : A dream destination!

Adventure tourism, ecotourism and cultural diversity all in one! Oh… did we forget to add breathtaking scenic beauty? That’s the beautiful Darjeeling, one of India’s favourite summer destinations tucked away at the foothills of the Himalayas! Literally translating to “the Land of Thunderbolt”, this charming hill station has been given the nickname ‘the Queen of the Snow laden Himalayas’!

A destination known for its breathtaking views, sprawling tea gardens, spectacular waterfalls, Darjeeling is most known for its breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest mountain). Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.), 13 kilometers from town, the Tiger hills is one of the most visited viewpoints for its spectacular views of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. It is said that from the Tiger Hill one can even view Mouth Everest (Nepal) the world’s highest peak from here. The views of the sunrays slowly revealing the ice-capped peaks of Khangchendzonga is said to be a spectacle of a lifetime!

Quite close to the Tiger Hill is the Senchal Lake, an ideal picnic spot, a water reservoir known not just for its spectacular beauty, but also for supplying drinking water to Darjeeling. Gushing down from a height of 100 feet over a precipitous crag and rushing down the valley below, the beautiful Victoria Falls can be dubbed ‘Beauty with a Purpose!’ The waters of these falls are harnessed for generating the electric supply for Darjeeling and its suburbs; it is also known to be the first Hydel Project in India.

Located just below the Eden Sanatorium, is Darjeeling’s famous Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in India; the Lloyd Botanical Garden in Darjeeling covers 40 acres of sheer beauty and is also home to two living fossils!

Other impressive parks here include the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, the Nightingale Park/Srubbery Park. Known not just for its attractive natural waterfalls but also for its boating facilities, the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya attracts visitors from all over, while the Nightingale Park / Srubbery Park apart from its beauty is known for various cultural programs held here. It is also known for a giant Statue of Lord Shiva and a temple housed here.

Another must visit when travelling with little kids is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling. Established in 1958, this zoo is considered as one of the best zoos in the country, and is the only centre that breeds the Tibetan wolf in captivity. Other animals found here include endangered species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan black bears or Siberian tiger.

Darjeeling being a place known for its tea plantations, can a trip here be complete without a walk through these carpeted gardens? Situated along 18 Lebong Cart Road, the Happy Valley tea is one such tea estate that allows tourists to do just that!  If you’re travelling with kids, try the pony ride from Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants. A place free from vehicular movements, tourists can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range, or enjoy lazing by its open cafes basking in the sun and enjoying the peace and quiet the Mall provides.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Chowrasta, the Observatory hill is situated on the highest ridge of the town. Known to locals as the “Holy Hill”, atop the hill, is the interesting Mahakal temple where one can see both a Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk share a common altar. Also found here is the Dhirdham temple, modeled on the lines of the famousPashupatinath temple of Kathmandu.

Being home to mostly a Buddhist populace, Darjeeeling is also known for its many monasteries, the Druk Thupten Sangag Choling Monastery (Dali Monastery) situated at Dali, is one of the most famous monasteries here, as it is the headquarters of Drukchen Rimpoche XII, the supreme head of the Kargyupa lineage.

Another well known monastery here situated on the Old Military Road is the Mag-Dhog Yolmowa Buddhist Monastery. As its construction coincided with the beginning of the First World War in 1914, it is dedicated to the cause of world peace, the name Mag-Dhog translating to ‘warding off the war’. While one can find statues of Lord Buddhadepicting different forms, this monastery is also known for its statue of Padma Sambhave. While this monastery is known for its valuable ancient scriptures, the paintings on its walls are also fascinating, said to be done with the help of herbs.

Another must visit monastery here is the ancient monastery Ghoom Monastery, built in 1875, by Lama Sherab Gyatso. Blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet, it is known to house some well preserved rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts as well as the statue of the ‘Future Coming Buddha’ known as Maitreye Buddha.

Showcasing four avatars of the Buddha, the Japanese Peace Pagoda established by Nipponzan Myohoji, a Japanese Buddhist order, on the slopes of the Jalapahar Hill is another must visit and is known to be the highest free structure in town.

Other interesting attractions here include the War Memorial constructed in memory of the brave martyrs of Darjeeling who laid down their lives in the different wars since the independence of the nation.

Like other hill stations, Darjeeling has something for its adventure lovers! Try the Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car, also known as the Ropeway; it is India’s oldest passenger ropeway, connecting Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar at the bottom of the valley. From here tourists can get a breathtaking view of the valley and Darjeeling’s lush tea plantations.

Give the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute a try too, the oldest mountaineering institute in the country for its various mountaineering courses and museum. It was built following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest, by local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. Apart from Tenzing, this institute is also linked with legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu (the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa.

And no mention of Darjeeling is complete without a mention of its delightful toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A journey delighting kids and adults alike, known for its breathtaking views of the Kanchanjunga Range, the highlight of the journey being the Batasia loop situated almost 5 km away from the town – a gigantic railway loop where the Toy Train makes a 360 Degree turn. This loop besides the views is one of the greatest attractions of the Darjeeling, for it is here the railway line descends 1,000 ft in altitude making a circle.

Looking at taking home some souvenirs? Try the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, a centre set to help rehabilitate the exiled Tibetans, it is known for its excellent carpets, woollen goods, woodwork, etc, which is famous across the globe.

If you’re looking to be in harmony with nature then this is the perfect getaway for its spectacular beauty, ecotourism & much more!

Metro Ride in Kolkata

Have you ever enjoyed a tide in the metro rail at Kolkata (previously called Calcutta) in the eastern state of West Bengal? If not you have missed something in life! Visit Kolkata soon and explore the pleasure already enjoyed by the teaming millions. Are you ardent to know more- about the metro railways in Kolkata? Read on…

A Brief Overveiw of the Kolkata Metro Railway: The city of Kolkata boasts of the metro rail network in the undergrounds. The metro railway way of Kolkata has achieved the status of zonal railways. The operations started in 1984. In those days the metro railway in Kolkata used to ply between Esplanade and Bhowanipur. With the passage of time the metro railways started growing in length (well literally). Now, the expansion of the metro railways is between Dumdum (in north of Kolkata) and Garia (in the southern fringe of the city). There are plans of constructing the metro railways between the eastern and western parts of the city.

The idea to build underground railway station was conceived in 1949 by the Late Bidhan Chadra Roy (a noted political figure and reformer). In that time the coaches had ordinary revolving gates. The first metro coach was flagged off from Esplanade to Bhowanipur (now Netaji Bhavan) carrying eminent personalities under the ministership of Abu Barkat Ataur Ghani Khan Choudhury. He served as the Railway Minister between 1982 and 1989. In 1986, the line was extended in the southern end till Tollygunj (now Mahanayak Uttam Kumar). The modernization and maintenance of the metros have been hindered at regular intervals due to political events post 1986.

However, as the years passed by the popularity of the metro rails in Kolkata grew phenomenally. Hence, the number of coaches grew with time. Recently, air conditioned coaches have also been introduced. The numbers of trains have been increased. In the office hours the trains ply more frequently compared to the lean hours. The weekdays see more footfall in the metro and therefore the frequency of the trains are higher than the holidays.

Initially manual tickets were sold at the ticket counters. Then the magnetic tickets were introduced to help the metro staff track the errant riders. The gates accepted the magnetic tickets with certain built in checking process. The systems of package rides were introduced. Individuals could purchase tickets and use it for many rides within the stipulated period. Now, there are escalators to provide additional comforts to the metro users.

The stations of the metro railways were previously names according to the locations. In the recent times Madam Mamata Banerjee of Trinamul Congress (who is also the railway minister) has renamed these stations paying ode to the famous personalities of the yesteryears who had made a difference to the country, and especially Bengal.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE METRO RAIL (IN KOLKATA):

The metro systems in Kolkata are complex and imbibe applications of many new technologies. The engineers who are employed to maintain the same have personal expertise and foreign qualifications and experiences. These seasoned and well-trained professionals maintain the metro railways with vim and vigor making use of may new technologies.

• Cut and cover process have been followed in the city making use of the diaphragm walls.
• Shield Tunneling used compressed air as well as airlocks were used.
• The stations are air conditioned. Ventilation system is maintained to control the environment of the stations.
• Transformers (dry categories) and circuit breakers are used.
• Some stations controlled trains by making use of micro-processors.
• Introduction of automatic ticketing systems are on cards.

METRO COACHES EXCLUSIVELY FOR WOMEN:

In the recent times there had been an effort to introduce women’s special coaches in the Kolkata Metro. This did not work out. During the rush hours it was not convenient for people to find which coach was allocated only for the women- leading to unwanted incidents. Also, the men felt it was unfair that the women could get up in any coach as per their preferences, while they had to avoid some coaches. There was also loss of time in searching and getting into or avoiding these coaches. Families found it difficult as the women had to get up in separate coach and the men in others. Boys as young as 10 or 12 years were asked not to board these coaches, separating them from their mothers. It was inevitable that these coaches approach did not work out well.

BENEFITS OF RIDING THE METRO RAILWAYS IN KOLKATA:

• It utilizes one-fifth energy to carry each passenger when compared to other road based transportation systems.
• It generates less noise, nil air pollution and is an environment friendly transportation system.
• It does not occupy any road space in the areas where it is underground.
• In the zones where metro plies above ground, it is usually located on elevated land.
• It is more comfortable, safe and reliable compared to the other transportation systems of the city.
• It generally maintains time.
• Journey is fast and saves time.

THE KOLKATA METRO RAILWAYS PROVIDE:

Better Connectivity: People can travel from Tollygunj to Dumdum (a distance of kilometers) in less than half an hour. Can you imagine such facilities in any of the road transport facilities?

Train Timings: The metro railways in Kolkata maintain proper timings in general. There are trains at frequent intervals so ease out the commute for the users of the metro.

Basic Comfort: Yes, metro railways do provide a lot of comfort but barring the peak hours. If you are riding the metro for pleasure, endure that you do so in the lean hours or holidays.

DEATH TRAP:

It is unfortunate that many people are choosing the metros tracks in Kolkata to end the woes and miseries of their lives. The smooth plying of the rails is hampered on those fateful days when such an incident occurs. Commuters are delayed in their journeys to their destinations which is not at all a good sign. This should come to an end. The high officials of Metro should adopt strict measures to avert such attempts.