“Kasto Majja Hai Lelaima, Ramailo O Kali Odhali” is the familiar tune that comes to my mind whenever I hear the word Darjeeling. This is why I jumped at the prospect of visiting a hill station with bright sunshine layered with green tea plantations over a steep ridge. Darjeeling is truly the definition of beauty and fun.
The Nepalese words of this song from an Indian movie ‘Parineeta’ depicts the beauty of Darjeeling and answers why I always longed to visit such a majestic hill station. Further, this song was shot on a toy train hauled by a steam engine of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and to be on it would be an experience of a life time. While the natural glory and vastness of the Himalayas have always captivated me, being in Darjeeling atop this train would mean joy and happiness, with my heart chugging along the slopes of wilderness.
Darjeeling is famous for its colonial era architecture, Buddhist monasteries and the heritage toy train but interestingly, Tiger Hill and Happy Valley Tea Estate are long time people favourites and not without reason.
I was thrilled like a child to see the mightiest mountains in the world. Early in the morning, I prepared to ride a jeep and reach Tiger Hill much before the sunrise, reason being I did not want to miss watching the snow-capped mountains get kissed by the first rays of the sun. The breath taking view of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world and Mount Kanchenjunga, the third tallest in one single view was an exhilarating experience. The panoramic view of these mountains inspire one to attempt a summit, even the amateur mountaineers. The sun glazed glaciers at once elevated my happiness beyond imagination. I was stunned to the core after seeing this incredible landscape and scenery.
Once inundated with tigers, this hill had captured the imagination of the British who aptly named it Tiger Hill. To most Indians, this climb up and a view of the Himalayas is a matter of great pride. The sun lit mountains is a sight to behold and is an awe-inspiring experience, one for keeps. The rapidly changing colours of the snow peaks as the sun rays fall upon the mighty Himalayas, adds to this enthralling experience of a life time.
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