[shourya_lahiri]

Darjeeling Jomjomaat...

Its been ages since my last travelogue. Most of my driving ventures were limited to additions to pre existing threads. This trip, however could ask for a separate travelogue, and I feel sharing some of my minor findings and routes with the community might be beneficial.



The travelogue will be about the infamous Kolkata to North Bengal route, which is as unpredictable as it gets ! I will highlight a few key observations thorough out the write up.

So here goes. My profession shuts me off from all worldly desires, for a good portion of the year. So my time onboard is spent planning for upcoming trips, once I reach home. Since 2017, I wanted to get back to hills. Darjeeling, was on mind as I had pretty shady memories, from when I was just 8 years old.

Expert advises and guidances from bhpian - haisaikat & bhpian -Abhi_1512 helped loads right from planning, booking and choosing routes.

22nd Jan 2021. 2230 hrs. Me and my wife started our journey from our home at Ganguly Bagan (South Kolkata). I was skeptical about driving through the night, but it later turned out to be rather productive. Reaching Satragachi was a breeze, before we were stalled behind trucks, as always. But Google-da showed a path through Carry Road which led us out via Kona More. Easy. This route might have be congested had it been day time though.
Very soon we hit SH7, from Burdwan.
SH7 is in great shape.
But then it happened! FOG. And HOW! I literally could not make out anything more than an inch ahead of the bonnet. Absolutely zero visibility. Tried to continue for a while by following the cats eyes, but it was not long before I had to just stop my car and wish for the fog to clear out. Waited for some time only to realise that the exercise was futile. And then started following trucks. Later caught hold of an extremely confident Ertiga guy who raised my speed from 25 kmph to mere 50 kmph. All along 117kms were done with an average speed of 20-30 kmph. The road was so smooth, one can make very good time on it, which I actually did, on my way back. Obviously, word of caution would be to be careful of this route, at night, during winters.
And we reached Moregram.
Moregram stretch is horrible but only for a short while.
Everything untill Kaliachak was smooth. Kaliachak posed just a bit of a hold up.
Farakka was a breeze. Malda bypass is stupendous.
Raigunj section has a lot of diversions, with roads being repaired in alternate sections. Other than that, no hold ups as such.
Botolbari route is now a bit modified (not politically), and for good. We Skipped the usual Nakol exit on the right to avail the Damohona exit instead. Let Google Maps do the rest and in no time one reaches Dhantola.
The Dhantola exit point is undoable with a huge well like dig, atleast for a low slung car, better to take the left cut, immediately before it to meet the highway.
At Dhantola I got down to stretch my legs, for the first time.

23.01.2021 Rest of the route till Siliguri was a breeze, like always. We reached WBTDC Tourist Lodge - Mainak, at around 1230 pm. This has to be the ‘eyes closed’ & ‘go to’ place at siliguri for a day’s break. Evening saw us gorging on mutton momos from in front of Hotel Heritage.

24.01.2021. After a fantastic time spent At Mainak Tourist Lodge, we were garden fresh when we started our journey for Darjeeling.



We took the Rohini road route and in no time were winding through the lush green hill roads. Made a stop a Margaret’s deck and then continued further, crossing Ghum, followed straight to Darjeeling.



At Ghum one can take the left drop road to reach Mirik and the right Path to reach Tukdah forest and finally to Kalimpong. We headed straight though to Darjeeling.
Our stay was at the Silver Boutique Hotel by Sumi Yasashree. A very un-announcing type of stay with very very nice service and immensely cosy. We were to spend the next four days here. Parking was absolutely hassle free as Newton (my car) got to stay at the multi-storied DHR parking lot, which luckily happened to be bang opposite to out stay.
With zero fatigue from driving on the hills, we spent the rest of the evening roaming around in Darjeeling Mall and snacks at Shanghri- La.



25.01.2021 . First thing was to get the tickets for our Toy Train Joy ride for 27th. That job being done, we headed straight for Keventer’s fro breakfast. Stunned by the crowd standing in line, we tried our luck at Glenery’s.



Next up was Darjeeling Zoo. We couldn’t manage to get a glimpse of the famous Bear, still the visit didn’t disappoint at all. Tired of all the walking and feeling extremely lazy (like our furry friends at the zoo), we stopped by at Keventer’s again before tucking ourselves in for the night.
















26.01.2021. Next morning, as was planned, we woke up Newton from his sleep and headed to Lamahatta Eco Park. The route is simple, one has to take a left at Ghum and keep driving (and stopping in between to admire the views), on Peshok road, through mesmerising Tukdah Forest all the way to Lamahatta Ecopark. Had one of the best momos there for lunch. A few pics from that day.












Reached back to our hotel at around 1500 hrs, whereafter we were in no mood to venture out again. Laziness at its peak!

27.01.2021. Our first Toy Train Ride. Its something one has to experience in person. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.












The rest of the day was spent at Mahakal Mandir, right atop Darjeeling Mall, and Bhutia market. Souvenirs were bought for family and friends, and we were already feeling sad as we were to depart the very next day.













28.01.2021 We started our journey early. 0700 hrs sharp. Our destination today was Malda, as I wanted to cover as much as possible towards Kolkata on our return leg. But our route was through Mirik this time, via Lepchajagat, Sukhia Pokhri, Gopal Dhara Tea estate. We just took the right hairpin from Ghum. On the way came the connector to Mane Bhanjan, from where one can go to Sandakfu (where I wish to drive to one day).







At Mirik we had Brunch at Hotel Jagjit. And were quite taken aback with the quality of food it had to offer. Their momos are a must try!

On returning, we were crossing Dhantola at around 1400 hrs and I decided to give Dalkhola a try. Covered up good distance between Dhantola and Dalkhola, but as was expected had to get stuck at Dalkhola. But thankfuly, the pain was short lived and I was back on course in no time.
We checked into Hotel Golden Park in Malda. The mind really yerns for the hills, right after we have said goodbye to them. Our stay at Hotel Golden Park was very simplistic to say the least. But the next day, since we were feeling a bit down, made a detour to Santiniketan, where we spent a night at Mohor Kuthir and did the usuals before we returned home the next day.
If someone wants to avail a little breath of fresh air while returning from the amazing North Bengal, this can really act as a mood uplifter. On thing to remember is - Do not avail SH11 ! . Instead there is an alternative that I hope bhpian - Abhi_1512 will be kind enough to shine light upon, as it was too late in my case.

Hope my findings help other members and hope that you have enjoyed reading my amateurish write up
Thanks for your time, keep revving !

[turboNath]

Wonderful travelogue shourya_lahiri ! Extremely crisp and detailed write up. Loved the pictures of Newton and the birds!
My last North Bengal escapade was way back in October 2020 and my heart is already yearning to go back (my plan is already ready though ) ! Thanks for sharing!

[SamitMukherjee]

Wonderful travelogue and great pictures!
Thanks for the route update.
Just one query- On SH-7, did you take the Nowapara-Nakpur route to reach Moregram or you opted for any diversion before that?

[shourya_lahiri]

Originally Posted by SamitMukherjee

Just one query- On SH-7, did you take the Nowapara-Nakpur route to reach Moregram or you opted for any diversion before that?

Glad you liked it!

SH7 is pretty straightforward, I didn’t take any detours. The usual Futishanko, kuli etc...

[anjan_c2007]

Originally Posted by shourya_lahiri

Its been ages since my last travelogue. Most of my driving ventures were limited to additions to pre existing threads. This trip, however could ask for a separate travelogue, and I feel sharing some of my minor findings and routes with the community might be beneficial.

Well described travelogue with great pictures. Thanks for posting. The travelogue will be useful for those who intend to visit the hill station. Trust you had a jolly good time driving the solidly built car during the long drives.

I have been there quite a few times during 2005-06, while being posted at Sikkim. Do also visit Sikkim sometime in the future.

[shourya_lahiri]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

Well described travelogue with great pictures. Thanks for posting. The travelogue will be useful for those who intend to visit the hill station. Trust you had a jolly good time driving the solidly built car during the long drives.

Yes, its been a pleasure driving Newton on the twisty roads, steering and body control feels great on those turns. As far as Sikkim is concerned, I have driven only till Rishikhola.

[ABHI_1512]

Crisp travelogue with all the necessary details tucked in. Happy to be of help Shourya, I am glad you totally enjoyed your Darjeeling escapade. Some lovely pictures made this Monday morning a little less grungy.

Wishing many more travels with that little brute of your vehicle. I can visualise how you had fun all the way to Darjeeling with that brilliant engine

[haisaikat]

Beautiful photographs Shourya. Your writing style depicts you are a fan of Ray, Jomjomat and Newton, you would understand what I mean.

Glad I could be of any assistance. With increasing people taking the Domohona route doubt how long would the tarmac hold its shape so better make the best use of it as long as possible.

I missed the toy train ride by a few days margin maybe and most importantly could not get a glimpse of the Red Bear and the Tiger the way you could catch then through your lens.

Lamahata eco park will definitely be on my radar next time I visit, thanks for the nice pics of this place.

Keep travelling, the 1.5s from the Ford stable are all gems, keep it for as long as you can.

One click from our trip, Batasia Loop

[mi2n]

Short, sweet and crisp pictures.

I had taken a hiatus from the Travelogue section for almost a year, so having a lot to catch up with. The name Darjeeling in itself is bait enough to skip the Que.

We were on the same route on the same night and we crossed each other a few times on the Moregram-Farakka stretch. I recognized the Figo from your photos. Boy you're really flying on that stretch despite the low visibility. Wait, am I getting myself into a soup here? We crossed, you were flying, so I must have been flying too. Anyway, it will remain a memorable drive to Siliguri because of the fog itself which persisted from midnight till 10 a.m. almost leading to a 21 hours grind to Delo for us. Kudos to you for enduring it all alone as we were a convoy of three cars, each taking turns to lead while the rest followed the tail-light, and yet it was unnerving at times.

We will meet again on the road someday. Keep sharing!

[shourya_lahiri]

Originally Posted by mi2n

Short, sweet and crisp pictures.

I had taken a hiatus from the Travelogue section for almost a year, so having a lot to catch up with. The name Darjeeling in itself is bait enough to skip the Que.

We were on the same route on the same night and we crossed each other a few times on the Moregram-Farakka stretch. I recognized the Figo from your photos. Boy you're really flying on that stretch despite the low visibility. Wait, am I getting myself into a soup here? We crossed, you were flying, so I must have been flying too. Anyway, it will remain a memorable drive to Siliguri because of the fog itself which persisted from midnight till 10 a.m. almost leading to a 21 hours grind to Delo for us. Kudos to you for enduring it all alone as we were a convoy of three cars, each taking turns to lead while the rest followed the tail-light, and yet it was unnerving at times.

We will meet again on the road someday. Keep sharing!

Wow! small world it is then! I will never forget that 'foggy' experience. My leads were trucks. But after I got to Moregram Farakka, I actually picked up a bit of pace. You should have seen me on the SH7 stretch, I was literally crawling behind the trucks

[shourya_lahiri]

Originally Posted by haisaikat

Beautiful photographs Shourya. Your writing style depicts you are a fan of Ray, Jomjomat and Newton, you would understand what I mean.

Glad I could be of any assistance. With increasing people taking the Domohona route doubt how long would the tarmac hold its shape so better make the best use of it as long as possible.

I missed the toy train ride by a few days margin maybe and most importantly could not get a glimpse of the Red Bear and the Tiger the way you could catch then through your lens.

Lamahata eco park will definitely be on my radar next time I visit, thanks for the nice pics of this place.

Keep travelling, the 1.5s from the Ford stable are all gems, keep it for as long as you can.

One click from our trip, Batasia Loop
Attachment 2119701

You Noticed Newton too, mean you are no lesser a fan yourself
Lamahatta is a must visit, especially for the fantastic Peshok Road.

[arjab]

Originally Posted by shourya_lahiri

[h3]
Very soon we hit SH7, from Burdwan.
SH7 is in great shape.

Has the stretch between Lochandas Setu (when you take a right) up to Kuli level crossing been repaired? In December 3rd week, 2020 it was all broken tarmac with medium to large sized potholes. Would be great to know.
Thanks!

[shourya_lahiri]

Originally Posted by arjab

Has the stretch between Lochandas Setu (when you take a right) up to Kuli level crossing been repaired? In December 3rd week, 2020 it was all broken tarmac with medium to large sized potholes. Would be great to know.
Thanks!

Throughout SH7 I could only see my cars’s bonnet . All I can vouch for is that cumulatively speaking SH7 is very much drivable.

[dpaul]

Very crisp and well written travelogue. However, I must add that tourists mostly flock to Keventer's and Glenarys. Although both are great places in their own right steeped in history, there are other little gems around for the foodies. For example, a little place called Boney's which is quite popular with the locals. It is located inside the market complex just opposite the municipal clock tower. My personal favourite here is the delicious tuna sandwiches and yummy choco-vanila pastry. I personally believe in trying out the lesser known joints popular with the locals.

Regards
Debasish

[Travelmania]

Congratulations Shourya for a crisp and smooth travelogue. Like many travellers from Kolkata I also love to visit Darjeeling often. Whenever I feel down try my best to visit this place. Loved your detailing throught the TL..