So, I left for Darjeeling from Gangtok, Sikkim (where I used to work) on 13th of Jan 2018. It took me about 3 hrs to reach “Darj”. I had a preconceived image of lush green tea plantation for which Darj is famous with the main town nestled among high peaks of Himalaya. But it was far from my expectations. I arrived at 8pm. It was a bone chilling evening. I was fully covered from top to bottom with 3 layers of warm clothes. Still, it was making no difference. It was 2 degree celsius, I was totally enervated and dying to get into my bed…

Meanwhile, Dipang da (my boss) guided me to his hotel “Hotel Raphkhang” on the phone. The hotel was located at the centre of the town and it was in close proximity to Ghoom stand. After negotiating my way through the cramped streets of Darj I found the Hotel. Dipang da showed me my hotel room and we went to the third floor where he lived. The lobby was very cozy which gave me some warmth and comfort . The red carpet on the floor made the place so lively and invigorating, the low heighted ceiling of about 7 and half feet with acoustic paneling created a sense of enclosure. Those Danish Oil coated wooden columns and the big Magnolia table looked so rich. All those crockery and show pieces on the rack, those souvenirs from all over the world gave such an enriching and versatile character to the lobby.

We sat there over a cup of Starbucks coffee which Dipang da prepared for me and started discussing about the work. But, his eyes were clinged to the 32″ wide television airing football match of his favorite team “Liverpool” against the rivals “Manchester City”. The moment Firmino scored a goal, my boss elated and jumped off the sofa and started celebrating. He was like a 10 year old kid. We were easy that day. Dipang da briefed me about the project and we called it a day.

Again a bone chilling morning to start the day with. Got up early at around 5:30. After getting ready I left for Chowrasta (The heart of the city). I expected typical views for which Darjeeling is famous. Views I previously saw on Television and in documentaries about Darjeeling. But to my surprise it was like any other Indian city. There were no garbage bins, city was crowded, roads being cramped to the fullest, jammed streets, street furniture were in detrimental condition, horrible looking hardware shops and 4-5 storey buildings at a place which lies in earthquake 5 zone.

Soon, I realized there’s nothing which I found amusing. The city was dying and making its last effort to paddle itself to the surface. But there was no one to save it from drowning. I saw Chowrasta, the Mall Road, the water fountain, Mahakal Mandir, Town Hall, Bhanu Bhawan, Keventer’s and almost all of the pristine locations as I was strolling around the streets of Darjeeling. In Mahakal Mandir people worship two gods. People from two different religion: Hindu were worshiping Lord Shiva and Buddhist were worshiping Lord Buddha. Apart from that I saw the Sikkim Himalayan Railway which is a UNESCO world heritage, then I saw the Tea Gardens, some good scenic views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga (Third highest mountain in the world) as I tried to sponge in the essence of Darjeeling.

Darjeeling, the name is derived from two words Dorje and Ling. It is said that lord Indra’s sceptor fell on one of the Himalayan Mountains giving birth to “Darjeeling – Dorje-ling”. The Britishers designed the city back in 19th century. It was the summer capital of India as Britishers used to come here during summers. They created wide roads, some pretty good buildings, architectural marvels and everything that Darjeeling boasts about in the present day. I worked for another 3 months and then it was time as I had planned to come back to Delhi and apply for higher studies (MS in US). I have some plans for my next visit to Darjeeling. I have yet to experience, why its called “Queen of the Hills”….