A photo-feature of mine titled "Cacti, Parks and Shrines" has been carried in WRITER'S E-ZINE, an online monthly magazine, in its February 2015 issue just released. It is based on our visit to Kalimpong, a hill-station of West Bengal.
Cacti, Parks and Shrines
By Subbaram Danda
As we drove down the ghat road, negotiating tricky turns and hair-pin bends, beautiful scenery unfolded on both sides of the road. Plunging gorges, tall pine trees, sprawling tea estates and occasional streams were a marvellous sight to behold.
It was a nippy morning and we were heading for Kalimpong, a hill-station in West Bengal at a distance of about two and a half hours drive from Darjeeling, where we had gone on a short sojourn. We had heard a lot about Kalimpong from friends. Its cool climate, exotic nurseries, leisure parks, museums and shrines join together to make it a great destination for holiday-lovers. Paragliding is another activity that has become very popular there.
Confluence of two rivers
Shortly before reaching Kalimpong we stopped at a place from where we could view at a distance the meeting point of two rivers -- the Teesta and its tributary the Rangit. The two rivers originate in the Himalayan glaciers. It was a lovely sight, which no visitor should miss. The local people call it a “Lovers Link.” It was an excellent opportunity to click nice photos. A hot cup of tea and a packet of spicy potato chips from a stall there provided the much-needed refreshment in the breezy chill environment.
Thorny Beauties
Kalimpong is also known as the “City of Flowers” popular for its rare orchids, exotic blossoms and uncommon cacti. It is also an established exporter of several select varieties. Our first halt in the hill-station was at a private cactus and flower nursery. With a ticket to see it, we entered the place with our own reservations but were astounded by what we found. Cactus types of the size of a pumpkin each with ribs of thorns all over its surface and big yellow or pink flowers at the top were indeed a sight to behold. They were nurtured and grown with all care in transparent tents. Thin tall cactus varieties could be seen standing upto a height of about eight feet. Among the wide assortment of flowers, we could identify the eye-catching lilies, roses and bulbs.
The highest point of Kalimpong is called Deolo Hill, from where one can have an unhindered 360-degree panoramic view of the city. A beautifully landscaped garden has come up at the top to serve as a recreational arena with well-paved undulating pathways and a variety of flower beds and neatly-trimmed plants. Several resting areas with benches under canopies have been provided at different points in the park. A tourist lodge is also located in one corner. Pony rides and zorbing ball play (a huge transparent sphere for children to get in and spin) are available there. The hill is also a well-patronized hub for paragliding activities. We could see several gliders hovering over there in colourful chutes and landing. We spent more than an hour walking round the place in the pleasant mid-day weather. People who like walking will love it but others are advised to stay put near the gate.
Miracles of science
The next attraction we went to was the Kalimpong Science Centre at a short distance from the Deolo Hill. Set up in 2008, it showcases through exhibits the intricacies of scientific phenomena in simple terms to popularize them among students and the general public. All branches of science find an expression there. Children will certainly love the displays. The one item we enjoyed most was the “Miracle of Mirrors.” A person standing behind a set of mirrors appears to onlookers as only a bust! There is also an out-door science park. Among its multifarious activities is one that facilitates formation of science clubs in educational institutions and elsewhere. One cannot miss a long row of busts of renowned scientists in the lawn in front of the main in-door block.
Hanuman shrine
Our next stop was at an open-air Hanuman shrine, where the Lord’s towering statue stands on a hillock approachable by a long stairway. The image is in reddish vermilion colour with a glittering crown on the head and a triangular cloth flag of saffron colour fluttering. We did not go up but could see the image from the entrance point on the roadside.
Nearby there is a large colourful statue of Buddha on a raised open terrain. Climbing a flight of steps we found ourselves in front of the image. There was no one in the vicinity. We spent just a few minutes seeing the statue and taking photographs.
It was afternoon and it threatened to rain. We decided to head back to Darjeeling. After lunch at a local restaurant we began our return journey. We reached our resort before dusk. Though somewhat hectic, it was a worthwhile and enjoyable one-day excursion.
About Subbaram Danda:
Subbaram Danda is an author and a former journalist. Two of his books Marvels Very Majestic and The Rustles of Pleasure have been listed at Amazon.in and Flipkart.com. He was Chief of News Bureau of a multi-edition business daily and later Media Relations Chief at a foreign diplomatic mission. His contributions have appeared in The Financial Express, The Hindu Business Line, Industrial Economist, Newsman, Merinews, QPeka and SPARK. He has travelled extensively. Photography is his cherished hobby.
