A Desi Film Experience at Sunrise Point- Melodrama, Thrill, Action, Romance, Humour and Climax
On 27th December, I left my hotel at 4.00am to sight the rising sun inspite of assorted odds. It was 7th day of the vacation(Sikkim& Darjeeling) and over- enthusiasm was giving way to fatigue, mercury was dipping and the wind incapacitating, the kids refused to comprehend our fancy for sunrise (action at a beach and an amusement park is their first and last love) we took the bold step of leaving them in the hotel-room at their teary request. We felt heavy, you know why! My husband and I left early to avoid traffic(as we were told) but to our shock we lost the race as the parking lot was full by the time we entered it. It was pitch dark and a few sensible people were carrying a torch, we did not belong to that category. We failed miserably in the attempt to stay close to families that had light, so we advanced in snail-speed towards the viewing gallery.
The path was rocky and inconsistent with high and very high steps, upward and downward slopes, and if you banged into Mother- Earth you were lucky because it was impossible to avoid collision with another human being. There was so much crowd on the way that we could advance without using our legs, I did not dare to think this at that time but in retrospect I wonder, what if people very ahead in the chain had lost their balance, the domino effect for the people at landing would be devastating! It was still dark while we reached a point from where it was impossible to go further, people glued themselves to their spots (which they would not vacate even for a nature's call) I could see an outline of a building which was the viewing gallery, there was a sea of heads trying to get into the gallery that seemed to have reached its capacity hours before.
The path was rocky and inconsistent with high and very high steps, upward and downward slopes, and if you banged into Mother- Earth you were lucky because it was impossible to avoid collision with another human being. There was so much crowd on the way that we could advance without using our legs, I did not dare to think this at that time but in retrospect I wonder, what if people very ahead in the chain had lost their balance, the domino effect for the people at landing would be devastating! It was still dark while we reached a point from where it was impossible to go further, people glued themselves to their spots (which they would not vacate even for a nature's call) I could see an outline of a building which was the viewing gallery, there was a sea of heads trying to get into the gallery that seemed to have reached its capacity hours before.
We manipulated our way ahead by politely saying "Excuse me, excuse me, please!" until it became impossible to advance, and finally we were proud owners of two spots. Even though the sun was hidden there was a lot happening around, people were talking and there was so much sound that they had to shout to be self- audible, kids were howling out of cold, uneasiness and boredom, the tea- coffee vendors were squeezing in and out of no where (calling out in a well- practised shrill voice) I couldn't stop laughing when a man holding a five -year old boy for more than an hour started cursing him for not standing on his own, to the man's grief the boy began a howl and then the game of passing the parcel began between the husband and wife.
Suddenly the sky changed colour and everybody became still, all heads craned towards the sky to see the spectacle. The sun rose in slow motion so that we could soak in the pleasure slowly and it was indeed spectacular. The twin extravaganza was to see the Kanchenjunga- world's third highest peak turn golden with the rising sun. The experience was so exhilarating that it was worth all the effort or may be more! (December is not the peak Season)
Suddenly the sky changed colour and everybody became still, all heads craned towards the sky to see the spectacle. The sun rose in slow motion so that we could soak in the pleasure slowly and it was indeed spectacular. The twin extravaganza was to see the Kanchenjunga- world's third highest peak turn golden with the rising sun. The experience was so exhilarating that it was worth all the effort or may be more! (December is not the peak Season)
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park- Darjeeling
This is the country's largest zoo at a high altitude (7000 feet) and meets International standards for conservation and breeding. It specializes in conserving endangered species like Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and Snow Leopard in the Eastern Himalayan. Read about it in the wildlife section. Just click the link below.
http://joyfultravelpie.weebly.com/wildlife/category/the-darjeeling-zoo
This is the country's largest zoo at a high altitude (7000 feet) and meets International standards for conservation and breeding. It specializes in conserving endangered species like Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and Snow Leopard in the Eastern Himalayan. Read about it in the wildlife section. Just click the link below.
http://joyfultravelpie.weebly.com/wildlife/category/the-darjeeling-zoo
After- thoughts for Darjeeling
Lost in Bengal- Darjeeling is a quintessential invention of The British who were always looking for places with low temperatures and land to grow tea. Its geographical proximity to Kolkata is an advantage which motivated The East India Company to build roads in the difficult terrain and make a township. Over the years, the town has grown tremendously without any improvement in infrastructure thus making it highly congestive, dirty and un-sustainable for tourism. The locals Of Darjeeling city and near by areas are very different from Bengalis culturally, thus they had started an agitation years back to separate from West Bengal and have their own state by the name of Gorkha land. When you are in the city, you cannot escape from the war happening between the two groups as riots, banners and possessions are as frequent as commercial breaks in your favourite programme.
No less in Beauty- Darjeeling is as beautiful as any hill- stations in North India if not more. The majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range is an unbelievable sight and can be seen from anywhere in the city. It is like the proud beauty- guard of Darjeeling. The sloping-roof houses, hotels, town-hall, museums etc reflect European architecture and colourful Buddhist monasteries lie in clusters in the mountains. At the lower ranges, tea-plantations provide rows and rows of knee length flora in perfect symmetry.
Tea Cafes- The finest tea not only grows in Darjeeling but is also served there in many cafes attached to tea- shops in the mall road.
No less in Beauty- Darjeeling is as beautiful as any hill- stations in North India if not more. The majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range is an unbelievable sight and can be seen from anywhere in the city. It is like the proud beauty- guard of Darjeeling. The sloping-roof houses, hotels, town-hall, museums etc reflect European architecture and colourful Buddhist monasteries lie in clusters in the mountains. At the lower ranges, tea-plantations provide rows and rows of knee length flora in perfect symmetry.
Tea Cafes- The finest tea not only grows in Darjeeling but is also served there in many cafes attached to tea- shops in the mall road.