I have a candid confession to make. I have never written a travelogue this quickly. The photographs (uploading process has been super smooth) – they are still okayish, but dear reader, I will admit ,perhaps, this has compromised with the quality of the writing. This is more of a narration of where we were and what we did and what we ate.
After the Old Silk Route drive in November, we had initially planned to stay put in Kolkata in the year end. But as the year end approached, the itch started. See how everyone were planning their vacations and enjoying their lives and we were sitting like morons. That very thought was painful and the pain was only increasing as the days passed. So unable to bear any further, we decided that we will go "somewhere" in the hills of North Bengal or Sikkim. Leaves weren’t a problem, so slotted in the last week of the year - Christmas Eve to the 31st of December. Some doubts remained though - like the weather, political situation and accommodation. But then, felt that it should work out in the end with the right intentions.
Kanchenjunga summit pyramid from Elgin Mt. Pandim, Pemayangtse. Rabdentse ruins
Talked to our office admin (they have tie ups with the Elgin Group of Hotels) and wanted to explore if there are any accommodation available in their hotels. Was skeptical because the year end is actually a high season and getting rooms just two weeks away was even more challenging. But, we kind of hit the jackpot here - we got 3 days in Pelling and 3 days in Darjeeling. Was wary about Darjeeling though, but then, the town was calm for quite some time.
Bags were packed and on the dawn of 23rd Dec we left home. Saw a LTD stickered XUV500 on the Kona Expressway. Reached Bagdogra after a 12 hours marathon run. Malda town continues to be a nightmare took exactly an hour to cross it.
Reflections on glass. Batasia Loop
Christmas was in the air and with Christmas trees and gift boxes and red ribbons and the smell of cakes and pastries – we were elated.
Next day started from Bagdogra at 11.30 AM. Travelled through Melli-Bhanjyang-Namchi-Ravangla-Legship and reached Pelling (the resort is actually at Pemayangtse) at 6 PM. Excepting the broken stretch between Melli and Bhanjyang, the road was excellent. Deep pine forests, views of the Rathong-Kokthang and Kanchenjunga, beautifully dotted villages in the hill sides and deep, deep green forests, it was invigorating.
That evening was a special one with bonfires, Christmas decorations, clanking of glasses and cutleries and a sumptuous buffet spread of Roasted Chickens and Grilled Fishes.
The next day we woke up late and lazed around before finding the way to the breakfast table. Watched Kanchenjunga looming ahead and consumed cups of tea and time went by in a jiffy. In the afternoon, we went to a restaurant, Melting Point (
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restauran...im_Sikkim.html ) , for lunch and ordered for Fried Rice, Thukpa and Chicken Manchurian. Did not find the place worth the 4 stars of TR.
In the evening we went to the Pemayangtse Monastery. Dined at the Kabur Restaurant at night and returned to the hotel around 9 in the evening.
Breakfast stop at BP, Morgram. View from Helipad. Mustard fields ripening. Christmas celebrations and decorations.
The next day was the last day at Pelling. We drove down to the Rabdentse Ruins (2 kms) in the morning and hiked to the palace complex. The hike took around 25-30 mins with my toddler son and it was good that he didnt need much support. While returning back we were famished and went to a place Big Bowl for lunch. Had rice and egg curry and dal for lunch. Later we went to the helipad ground from where we watched the sunset on the Kanchenjunga range and visited a local fair. Called it an early night.
Attachment 1711880 Lunch at Glenarys, Darj.