CONQUERED THE JEWEL OF INDIA
We had an untold fear in back of our mind from entering in the city of the jewel of India, Sikkim when we reached in Jalpaiguri. Everyone needs an Inner Line Permit including Indian citizens to enter this north-east state of India. For the foreigners, it takes more rigidity but it’s not like that they don’t allow us to enter. That’s why we used a strategy that really worked for us. I and Pulak were confident because it worked before with other street smart tourists.
Our friend Pulak’s relatives reside in Kolkata permanently for a long time. We have given our information based on local address to the Security Officer at the first security check point. That’s why we didn’t face any problem whatsoever while entering the Sikkim. While Pulak was handling this issue with the security officer then I and Tanzin didn’t talk to anyone. It was a funny scene. We laughed out loud later when we successfully got our Inner Line Permit.
INSPIRATION FOR THE JEWEL OF INDIA TOUR
Who doesn’t love adventure traveling? Going places that sounded very fascinating!! Does anyone recall গ্যাংটকে গণ্ডগোল – MAYHEM IN GANGTOK by Satyajit Ray? He was such a bold character when it comes to movie shooting in India. I still go mad when I see his movie series.
Another aspect of visiting Sikkim was being close to China. It was a great feeling back those days!! I still remember, I used to joke with my friends that I just visited China last week. In reality, we went up to Tssango Lake which was an altitude of 12,400 feet, 54 km away to China’s Tibetan region border. No Indians can go there without permission let alone any foreigners.
Did you hear about Sikkimese Sniper? Yes, this gentleman got early fame in football with his shooting skill. He considered being the torchbearer of India. He is none other than Baichung Bhutia. We used to follow this footballer back those days.
I’m always being the adventurous in mind from my childhood. And my other two buddies were from the same school of thought. We always wanted to explore places together. While being the graduate student in India, I reckon, these friends were envious about me. They used to tell me, you can visit any place in India whenever you want. I seconded that. In return, I promised my friends that we’ll cover few places of India together when I return home after my graduation. Sikkim tour was one of places that we traveled together.
WELCOME TO THE JEWEL OF INDIA: DAY 1
It takes overnight journey to reach Burimari Land Port of Bangladesh by road trip. From Burimari, under Lalmonirhant district, we crossed the border and went to Jalpainguri for hiring travel van up to Gangtok. I remember, it took little approximately 5 hours to reach in Gangtok. All the way up to the smallest state of India, it was so chilly evening. First night, we took rest for gearing up ourselves to acclamatize with the weather conditions in the hotel room. In India, hotel had always been reasonable and available all year round due to tourists.
THE JEWEL OF INDIA: DAY 2
Like every other trip in my morning exploration hour, we had funny outing for a short period. We went out 6 o’clock in the morning to explore city center. But we couldn’t go far because of dogs. I have observed one thing after years of traveling; every hilly station in the world had dogs that barked all night long. So, didn’t go far because few dogs followed us like a detective. Out of fear, we came back to the hotel for our planned tourist destination in the high altitude of lake tour to begin with.
TSSANGU LAKE AND NATHULA PASS
The glacial lake of Tsongmo, popularly known as Tssangu Lake, it’s at an altitude of more than 12000 feet in East Sikkim which was 35 km from Gangtok. Th e frequent landslides and infrequent repair work are common seen on the roads. It will make the travel experience quite similar to a ride in a bullock cart in a village’s uneven road. However, we forgot all these bumpiness when we reached to a certain elevation point where Yak was seen. I didn’t have a Yak ride but enjoyed seeing others riding on it this innocent animal.
We spent almost couple of hours in Tssango lake when water was not frozen. It was rainy and chilly day. We sipped masala tea every alternative hour. I remember, we climbed up a hill over a tea stall to see the elevation of Tssango Lake.
Further up the road from Tssangu Lake, an additional one hour journey would have got us to Nathula Pass. We didn’t opt to be there (border with China) at a height of 14140 feet – because foreigners are not allowed to go.
We came early to the city to enjoy the daily scene of MG Road. The pleasant evenings in the city are best enjoyed with tea and momos – a straight lined road stretch with a souvenir shops, lodging and street food options. We tried coffees on the street side as it was getting popular in India back those days. The beautifully ornamented road with lamp posts, park benches and colorful flowers looked retro and chic.
THE JEWEL OF INDIA: DAY 3
In the early morning of Day 3, I went all alone to explore the morning life of Gangtok. I had come across health conscious city dwellers on the road for the morning workout. After walking about a kilo, I had seen an unforgettable seen in the city where I found few monks. They were murmuring mantras with enchanted Tibetan music. Wow, I won’t forget that part of Gangtok face. It’s still on my head. The weather of day 3 was comparatively better than day 2. We planned to visit 3 locations where most of the visitors do visit. In a sequential order, I tried to memorize 25 years old memories.
RECALLING MEMORIES FROM DIFFERENT BLOGS AND PICTURES
Firstly, Tashi View Point: Every visitors come to this point. From here, total Gangtok city is seen. This point gives the most panoramic view of the city. The view point almost perches with the cliff with staircase into it. I recollect, there was a restaurant in this view point for the tourists. Every tourist come to this point for a short break and takes picture with their family and friends. I still remember the view point because we had a nice short snack break and photo session with my friends. Atmosphere was absolutely calm and quiet.
Secondly, Enchey Monastery: From my google search, I found a legendary Lama known as Drubthob Karpo. Apparently he was known for his flying powers is credited with the foundation of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. Constructed in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda, the interiors are full of colors with traditional Tibetan monastic paintings. Tibetan architecture always attracts people due to dominance of red color. We had so many colorful pictures inside and outside of this monastery. Every tourist must visit this place.
Thirdly, The Flower Exhibition Center: It is located within walking distance from MG Road. People like me found it very interesting to visit. Our tour guide insisted us to visit this place because Sikkim blooms the most unusual flora and fauna in all over India. If I give practical example then you’ll understand the emotional beauty of the center. Well, I spotted a rare species of red color night queen flower inside the exhibition hall. Mostly we see white color night queen. It’s a heaven for nature lovers, especially during the annual flower show which is held from April to May.
VISITING GANGTOK IN CURRENT SCENARIO
Most places in Sikkim require a permit. Obtaining permission is not difficult these days. Once you reach Sikkim, your primary location is bound to be Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Over here, all the arrangements regarding travel and permission can be made quickly. Gangtok also has a tourism information centre like every other hilly station of India I’ve come across. One of my friends last visited Gangtok in 2018 with ILP taken without any hassle from the checkpoint. Also I know travelers from Bangladesh, they visited Gangtok with ILP taken from Dhaka itself. However, during Pandemics, traveling is totally restricted to India except for medical purpose.
How to Reach
You can take a bus or hire a shared cab or taxi to reach Gangtok. There is also a train route to reach Gangtok. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is located in Siliguri, 124 km away from Gangtok. If you are planning to reach by air then you can look for your flight either to Bagdogra Airport or Pakyong Airport. Bagdogra is 124km away from Gangtok city. And Pakyong is the nearest airport around 60km from the Indo-China border in Sikkim. It is recommended to take a bus or cab, as it is the most comfortable and reasonable way to reach.
Best Time to Visit You can visit Gangtok to get wintry vibe from September to February. During this season, it is noticed that the tourist visit more compared to other months due to the pleasant weather. You can also visit the place in the summer time from March to August with your loved ones.
LONG GONE MEMORIES
My friends would go nostalgic when they go through my blog. Thus, I have a plan to do a webinar on this epic journey in the lockdown of 2021 to reminisce long gone memories. I’m sure many forgotten memories will pop up in our minds and we’ll laugh at loud.