Sunday, 25 May 2014

KALIMPONG'S COLOURFUL ATTRACTIONS


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