Enchanted Paradise! – Borong and Kalimpong

Engulfed in the peace, spirituality, serenity and bounty of nature are some off -beaten and unexplored places which I happen to visit recently. One of them is Borong, Sikkim.

Located in the South of Sikkim, hidden in the Indian Himalayas, this place lies in a feeling of natural beauty casting its shadow on its innocent earth. Borong is an ideal destination to spend a peaceful holiday away from stress and tensions of monotonous work life. Magnificent views of soaring peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga, carpets of green dotted with vibrant colours of wild mountain flowers, music of chirping birds, fresh mountain air, and aroma of burning pine; is what makes my stay in Borong an out of the world experience. ‘This tiny hamlet, with not much to do here as far as activities and tourist attractions are concerned has much more to offer…

Come spend a moment in the lap of Mother Earth…

As I began my Journey from New Jalpaiguri Station to Borong, the entire road trip was so scenic. The beauty of this road trip cannot be captured in words. How much fun it was to cruise through the roads, the winds that gently touch your skin as you open your arms through the windows. The winds that you feel in your hair as though someone is whispering in your ears and the voice that echoes deep inside you. The winds that blow your dress feels as though the angels bow down as the gates of heaven open. The Waterfalls, and the lush green foliage is so soothing to the jittery nerves as you cross the curly roads and the heightened elevations.  Borong is a scenic village perfect for nature lovers. It mesmerises anyone with its breathtaking beauty.

A feast for the sore eyes is the majestic sunrise and the gorgeous view of snow -capped mountain range. When the sun kisses the snow peaks at the time of sunrise, it’s a sight that is worthwhile.
One can spend a relaxing holiday just gazing at the snow clad Himalayas changing into hues of orange with the rising sun, watching clouds play hide and seek from your hotel balcony or sipping a cup of hot tea while snacking onto delicious momos.

We had a cosy stay at a resort in the upper reaches of Borong, where one experiences the tranquility of Sikkimese countryside. We even enjoyed our lunch visit to Mt. Narsing village, where we had the authentic meal at a local restaurant. The local delicacies like the Thukpa or the Momos are a treat to savour.
As we move forward to Ravangla, we stop by at the Temi Tea Garden. It’s the only tea estate in Sikkim and produces top quality tea for International market. Enroute our road journey we felt as if we were floating literally with the clouds. The breathtaking gorgeous view of the entire estate made me fall in love with the place. 

The perfect foggy weather and wind blowing was apt for a wanderer like me. I felt like running through these tea meadows like a free bird.What a feeling of joy, soon I forget all responsibilities that hold me back. I walk around in a wide awake daydream, humming my favorite song, how I wish I could shout aloud. The angels in the heaven may wonder why am I so glad? Yes am dreaming and I know its alright.

My next stop was the Buddha Park. My trip would be incomplete without the visit to this awe inspiring place which showcases the Buddhist culture. A gigantic 135 ft. statue of Lord Buddha features in the complex which is so eye – catching and unique.

The stunning murals depict the stories of Buddha and the massive gardens are a treat. Outside the temple there are water fountains you can wish upon with a coin. The prayer flags that blow endlessly uplift you. The whole environment becomes so calm and soothing with the chants. The prayer wheels line through the walkway. The whole area exudes and enriches the feelings of spirituality and oneness.

After such a wonderful and serene environment visit, another perfect place to rejuvenate was Kalimpong. The whole idea of a vacation is to unwind and relax, which came true in form of a leisure travel to Kalimpong where time was at my beck and call. The joy of simply doing nothing, lazing around and sleeping on a hammock for hours was on the “to – do list”.

 My most poignant memory of Kalimpong, would be the colourful blooms and thus undoubtedly this place known as the “City of Flowers”. To top it all our home stay at “Windsongs” was a cherry on top of the cake. . One word to describe our stay ….Sublime! It was one of my best accommodation experience.

The room overlooked the valley.  The hospitality was remarkable. The food was just perfect.  The landscaping of this property was amazing. Morning tea and breakfast were served at the Pergola covered with a dark glossy foliage giving it a welcome shade. A tiny little waterfall cascading over the rocks behind the Pergola, where you can hear the sound of the water was so soothing. This quaint little gem made me fall in love once again.

The day comes to an end bringing in a sense of harmony and happiness as I laze through the day, enjoying my time with my besties. I stand out in the porch, my eyes are glued to the last orange rays before twilight beckons. 

As you change from shades of pink, to shades of orange and then you fade into darkness, there I go chasing you… the sunset n me! 

When I look back, I thank my life for everything. The exquisite view is so nostalgic when the dusk sets…

This day, this time may never come again but it makes me believe that each day is a new beginning and ends beautifully so one must cease the moment and enjoy to the fullest.

In the evening whilst, our group relaxed outside the cottage sitting on the logs singing songs, many fireflies crowded around. As the evening turns into night, I sit outside the verandah. I listen to the whispers of nature and enjoy “Me time”.

The next day begins with an early morning walk as I feel the morning dew, covering the entire turf outside the cottage. Bare feet, tip toeing I enjoy the misty morning with cooled soles. The day proceeds and am ready to go visit the Delo Hill.

Delo Hill is a beautiful nature park. The view point from the hill top gives a panoramic view of Teesta river, mountain slopes and alpine forest around. A leisurely stroll amidst the peaceful surrounding and splendid views cheers up your mood and makes you feel happy. The childhood days are relived while enjoying the swing at the park and relishing my favourite ice-cream.  

 

An adventurous soul can even try Paragliding out here. 

Here I sit,
Thinking of all,
The moments of the past.
I love to sit and watch the world,
Watch the water pass, the birds fly by.
Layer upon layer of bright clouds,
Bright sun rises through the pines.

I love the feeling of being there,
No more daily rigmarole,
Just sitting here on the cliff,
The cold air across my face, oh what a wonderful feeling.

The absence of all the noise and commotion,
The busy city life I leave behind,
I forget all the anger and the pain,
I just sit on my cliff and begin to unwind.

To let me live my life my way,
Just let me be like a bird so free,
Watch nature's world so peaceful and quiet,
Oh what I wouldn’t give,
To sit here on my cliff,
Just to my heart's content.
I wonder what I gained and what did I lose.

Mind is travelling as far as eyes can see, memories I weave.