CACTI, PARKS AND SHRINES
(By Subbaram Danda)
Kalimpong is a major hill-station in West Bengal
attracting a large number of tourists especially in summer. Cool climate, natural sceneries, exotic
nurseries, leisure parks, museums and shrines join together to make it a
desirable destination for visitors.
Paragliding is another activity that has become very popular there. The city is at a distance of about two and a
half hours drive from Darjeeling.
We set out in the morning for Kalimpong from Darjeeling
in a hired car. Along the 50-kilometre route
we could see plunging gorges, variegated vegetation, occasional streams and human
settlements on slopes. The ghat road
wound its way up and down the hilly terrain negotiating several tricky turns
and twists.
Confluence of rivers
Shortly before reaching Kalimpong we stopped near a hair-pin bend at a place from where we could see two rivers -- the Teesta and its tributary the Rangit -- meet in a ravine below. 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.
Exotic cacti
Kalimpong is also known as the “City of Flowers” popular
for its rare orchids, exotic blossoms and uncommon cacti. It is an established exporter of several
select varieties. Our first halt in the
hill-station was at a private cactus and flower nursery. Holding a ticket to see it, we entered the place
with our own reservations but were astounded by what we found. Pumpkin-sized cacti with ribs of thorns all over their 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 types 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 hill with a difference
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 rolling
(a huge transparent sphere for children to get in and spin) are available
there. The hill serves as a well-patronized
hub for paragliding activities. 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.
The Science Centre
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.
Towering Hanuman
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.
Buddha statue
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.
May 25, 2014
