KURSEONG: This pretty township which gets its name from a local flowering orchid, kurson – rip, the tiny white orchid growing in profusion in these parts, has inspired the likes of Rabindranath Tagore and Mark Twain. In the British Raj, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was interned close to kurseong. The richly forested ridge, dotted with cottages and schools, enjoys a salubrious climate, gorgeous views and monsoon mists and weave a special magic.
The Darjeeling Toy Train operates from Kurseongs tiny market place abustle with peasants selling fruits and vegetables, rosy cheeked school kids, momo shops and tea stalls. Walikng trails take you past tiny chapels hidden by the verdure, flower filled meadows and glades. Follow the trails to Nagri Spur and Eagles Crag for magnificent views. Mirik: Midway between siliguri and Darjeeling, 37 km from kurseong on the Pankhabari route, is a serene spot set about a pretty lake amidst vast tracts of cardamom and orange plantations. Rescued from anonymity by the arrival of the spill- over of visitors to Darjeeling, Mirik offers boating, gentle walks and lovely Himalaysan views. Kalimpong: Straddling a great ridge overlooking the Teesta river gorge and the tea estate clad hills, about 50 km from Darjeeling and another 25 km from Gangtok, Kalimpong (1250 m) with its salubrious air and gorgeous natural setting is designed for a laid back pastoral holiday. But for those who re more adventurous this is the place to be, Numerous adventure seekers, amongst them the intrepid mountaineer and the author of Seven years in Tibet Henrich Harrer, were attracted to this serene hill town where many an expedition was mapped and plotted over a drink.
High Mountain Grandeur: Since the early 20's this pretty town ship was apivotal hub for adventure buffs, for the lure of the Eastern Himalayas was a potent attraction and Kalimpong, with its trading routes, an excellent base camp. Catch thoese Khangchendzonga views and verdant vistas sweeping down to the Teesta Gorge drained by the Rangeet River. En Route the Booars, go trekking amongst the misty vistas of Lava and Lolaygaon, surrounded by accident forests of fir and oak, past views of the Himalaysa and the Rechila and Jelepa Passes.
Hillside Amble: Wander around the hills to discover some of the town’s little gems. Morgan house is now run as a hotel by the Tourism Department. This handsome stone cladmanor house offers an escape from the hub of the town. The Army Golf course is nearby. Follow the trail to the oldest monastery – the 1692, Bhutanese style Thongsha Monastery. The Pedong Monastery, also of Bhutanese style, was built in 1837. On Tirpai Hills stands the tharpa Choling Monastery of the Yellow hat sect, built in 1937. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery atopDurpin Dara offeres lovely views. Dr. graham’s home, spread over 500 acres, was established in 1900 to educate the children of tea workers by rev. Dr John Anderson Graham. Look out for the marvelous stained glass of the chapel here.
Floral Splendor: Kalimpong's gladioli and orchid nurseries showcase the richness and variety of the botanical wealth of the eastern Himalayas.
GANGTOK: Distinguished by its venerated lakes, monasteries and cottages hidden amidst the verdant folds of the range and the cultural heritage of the lepcha community, Sikkim is slowly reaching out to the outside world. Bounded in the North by Tibet, Bhutan in the east, Nepal to the west and West Bengal to the south. It offers visitors the promise of endless adventure, excitement, spiritual andment rejuvenations it cautiously opens its doors to holidaymakers from around the world. Gangtok the capital of the east is an excellent base for trips to Phodang and Yumthang in north Sikkim, pelling, Pemayangtse and Yuksam in the west.
Monasteries: Rumtekmonastery, headquarters of the kagyupa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism and established after the arrival of the 16th Gyala Karmapa from Tibet, can be approached from Gangtok past cultivated fields and sparkling streams. At view Point, savour those paranomic vistas of the confluence of the Teesta and the Rangeet Rivers. Rumtek has been inspired by the Tsurphu monastery in the Tibet. Nearby is the original monastery(noe renovated and filled with fine traditional paintings) which was established in the region of the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim. VISIT Rumtek during thw Losoong, the Sikkimese New year marked by colourful pagebtary and ritual chham (monastic dances). Just 20km out of the Gangtok is the Zurmang Kagyud Monastery, but further afiled are Sikkim's oldest and most revered pilgrimage points – Tashiding and Penayangtse Monasteries.
Tsongo Lake and Nathu la: The reversed Tsongo lake (3780m) is about 40km from gangtok. Surrounded by snow mantled peaks, this stunning like magical any time of the year. In the summertime , the hills are awash with blooming flowers, in winter it's a stunning snofiled. Yak rides and photo- ops await you. The historic Nath La Pass (14200ft) is about 56 km from gangtok along the indo- Chinese border. An important trading post it was closed from many years but efforets are on to set back the clock. Only liscensed travel agents can take you to both places.
Adventure Highs: Sikkim is renowned for its dazzling Himalayan vistas and gangtok is an important base for exploring its mountaineering and trekking trails out of Bakhim, Dzongri and Yuksam. River rafting is arranged by specialists on the Rangeet Teesta rivers. Heli- tours packages are on offer by the tourist office to enjoy stunning ariel views of the city and enviorns.
Shopping: Carved wodden tables, paintings silk purses and jackets, wollen carpets are available at the Directorate of Handicrafts and handlooms Emporium. In the bazaars, look for wood work, electronic goods, clothing, cheery brandy and pan liqueur are popular gift items.
