Enchanting, alluring sikkim!
After days of dreaming and planning we were all set for our dream vacation to sikkim. We landed in Calcutta airport on May 16th and were pleasantly surprised to find comfortable public transport available for our journey to the city. The Volvo AC buses are in good shape and reasonably prized and dropped us after a comfortable drive at Kalighat.
After a sumptuous south Indian lunch at Udupi Hotel we returned to our rooms at Tara Mahal for a break. The hotel, situated in a semi-residential area, away from the bustle of the city, was only a short stroll from the market area. Dinner at Udupi, seasonal fruits ( litchi and jamun) bought from the market, famed Calcutta cotton sarees from Sharee Kutir and fragrance of bouquets of fresh flowers that lined the street -this was not the Kolkatta of poverty and squalor. This part of the city still retains the majesty of being renaissance capital of India.
A day for sightseeing in Calcutta. Is it to be Shantiniketan, a historical tour of the city or a day exploring Science City? Science city won the day, thanks to our kids.
view of the science park
Science city has an outdoor science park that makes science interactive and interesting to kids, though it can do with better maintenance. To properly enjoy and utilize the attractions like evolution park, space odyssey dynamotions, hall of illusions, butterfly enclave, fresh water aquarium etc need more than a day.
There are shows on space, nature (3D), nanotechnology etc though the show we enjoyed most was the astrovision film - Adventures of Grand California.The film projected on to a domed screen was more realistic than even 3D. A must watch for anyone who visits the science city.
After a fruitful and active day , we were back to hotel ( thanks to Volvo AC bus, we did not have to depend on private taxis) and after a brief period of rest were back shopping. An excellent collection of bags and other accessories at bargain rates ( from a Kerala perspective) are to be had in most shops that line the streets.
Next day we were off to Sikkim. The flight took off from Kolkotta and reached Bagdogara within an hour. The airport was small and under repair. Construction work was in full swing but the moment we stepped out of the airport all the chaos was left behind. Welcoming us was the verdant tea gardens glistening with raindrops after a brief shower. The driver arranged by our travel agent was waiting for us and soon we were coasting through deep forest towards Sikkim.
We stopped for lunch at a roadside eatery and had delicious Aloo Parathas and continued our journey. Soon we had the first glimpse of river Teesta. It was a sad sight to watch the rampant exploitation of the river. Innumerable lorries were parked on the dry river bed, busy extracting sand and boulders, a sad indicator of times to come. Soon we reached the famous bridge over Teesta and crossed over to Sikkim.
Arch welcoming visitors to sikkim
The nature of the drive changed almost immediately. We had left the plains behind and the climb begins. The road passed through dark green forest and occasional villages nestled amidst paddy fields. Small gurgling water falls would have been an enchanting sight but for the garbage dumped in them. Often we passed through small nallas into which old mattresses, discarded clothes, gunny bags and an occasional broom was discarded.
Our stay was booked in La Terrasse, at Tadong, about 2 Km from Gangtok. After the long drive, we chose to stay back in the hotel and relax.
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