Summer of 2009 – Day 4, contd.

Looking at the gravity of landslides, we had to cut short our visit to Darjeeling and return back.

We then decided to return back to Teesta valley and enjoy the forests on the way to Triveni. We drove through the jungles to the Teesta Tea Estate. Lush green stretches made our day. We even tried sliding down the tea plants in the slopes and had fun doing so. Jaishree was just freaking out laughing at me slipping down and getting stuck at a shrub.

Continuing from the forests we reached the Triveni view point. This view point has been developed just to provide a panoramic view of the ‘sangam’. Triveni is the point where the river Rangeet joins the river Teesta and provides for a magnificient view. The Rangeet is comparitively rapid than the Teesta. This junctions divides the land into the parts of Sikkim, West Bengal and erstwhile portions of Bhutan.

We then drove down further right to the shores of the rivers and spent some time on the white beach. Jaishree even tried her hands at fishing but could not handle the catch! The moment a fish landed in her hands she couldn’t suppress the ticklish feeling and immediately threw it down! At least she held it for a couple of seconds just enough for a photograph to be taken.

After having spent nearly an hour or so at this mini-beach we drove back to our guest house at Tinchuley. Let’s see if the weather improves tomorrow and the landslides get cleared up for our trip to Gangtok.

As tall as it can get

These kind of trees dotted our way to Darjeeling from Tinchuley. In fact there is a thicket comprising such trees at the backyard of Takdah valley. Some of these trees go to a height in excess of 100 feet. Looking up at them from ground gives a chill up the spine. Pine.

Teesta in the roughs

Teesta was running rough because of all the rainwater that was flowing into it from the hills. The continuous rains made it swell and look dangerous. This picture was taken from the national highway running along with the river at a little height in the Teesta valley.

Summer of 2009 – Day 3, contd.

Kalimpong is a bustling town nestled away in the hills across the Teesta.

The drive to Kalimpong from Tinchuley was another thrilling experience. As most of the roads were blocked because of the landslides, we had to maneouvre our way through snake like roads on the Teesta valley.

The entire way was covered in dense clouds and thick mist. It’s been two continuous days of rain now. Because of these heavy rains the water had started flowing down the hills from the top and made its way right into the Teesta. When we reached down at the national highway and met Teesta, we found it in the rapids taking away with it everything that came its way! The water was high and rough. The waterfalls from the mountains provided us with amazing views.

At Kalimpong we headed straight to the old monastary which was closed and covered in mist. We walked around soaking ourselves in the beauty. Jaishree did some shopping at the local market and then we drove back to Tinchuley.

School time, kid!

Tinchuley and adjoining villages are as remote to the world as the nose and the toes! But, seeing children going to and coming from school even in such heavy rains is a delight to watch! There are a few schools in the vicinity and children often walk 5-10 km to and fro. Captured here is a girl walking to school… Happily!

Tiger Bridge (circa 1911)

This is a typical arched bridge made by the British in 191¹(circa). The big arch is conspicuous. Made on the river Teesta right at the foothills, this bridge is still functional and stands majestically tall. We started our 5000 ft uphill drive to Tinchuley from here.

Summer of 2009 – Day 3

After having perched ourselves at the guest house in Tinchuley, we were greeted by the effects of the cyclone ‘Aila’ that hit West Bengal and Bihar. At first it was drizzling but soon turned into a heavy downpour which is now into its second consecutive day! The weather wants to palt spoil sport with us perhaps!

We are unfazed though a little bogged down. After all this cyclone has taken heavy toll in Kolkata (incidently heaviest since 1860s). Moreover landslides in the hills have blocked the roads to Darjeeling, our next destination in the itinerary. The news from Sikkim too is grim.

We changed our plans as the road to Darjeeling is inaccessible and now go to Kalimpong instead. We have made Tinchuley our base camp owing to its central location amongst the places of interest in North of West Bengal. After an early breakfast we drove to Kalimpong. It took us 2 hours to reach Kalimpong while enjoying the surreal-istic beauty of the hills.

Tea plantations at Takdah, Teesta Valley

There are plantations of all major tea brands here in Teesta Valley. Namely Duncans is the most visible brand here. As far as eyes can go, it is this cushy green carpet on the hills.