We started from Gangtok on our way to Pelling which was 117 kms away. The road was reasonable and our Indica chugged on manfully. There were some breathtaking views of the Teesta and then the Rangit river. We stopped at Melli for some breakfast before reentering Sikkim. We reached Pelling in 41/2 hours and made our way beside the Helipad to Norbhu Gang resort. This is easily one of the best resorts in the hills. Cute wood panelled cottages with decent amenities are available, The whole place is ablaze with flowers. There is a magnificent dining room with very good Chinese food. The Won Ton soup was brilliant. Service is reasonably prompt. There are wireless internet facilities. A curio shop had some interesting items. The walks are immensely relaxing. The clouds came with us one day, drifting in and out, over the curving roads and the trees ,hiding and then displaying groups of tin roofed houses, a group of giggling schoolgirls and the occasional tourist, and clumps of wildflower nodding away with the errant breeze. Ranjana and Boni loved it, specially the flowers.
The plastic chairs are kept like that so that they don't fly off with the wind. There was complete peace with the occasional bird song, so much so that the dogs could afford a mid morning siesta in the middle of the road.
After a nice nap, we saw evening descend from the mountains. Crickets were still chirping, a few lights were on, as darkness enveloped us ever so gently.
The best was reserved for the morning. We woke early as the sun invaded our room. We opened the windows and the Kanchenjungha peaks were before us!!!!
As the clouds disappeared we had a cheery breakfast, before setting out on a sightseeing trip. We went past the magnificent Darak village and valley and for a moment we thought we were in Switzerland.
Our first destination was the Kanchan waterfalls. This was a gently flowing waterfall situated beside a quaint old bridge.
We then went to the Rock Gardens. Well constructed as a tourist spot, you can make your way down to the river where there are a lot of rocks all around.The river eddied and whirled about and a myriad sunsprays flashed ever so often.
On the surrounding hillside stood this lonely house, a hidden watchman which looked benignly at the cavorting human beings below.
We then ascended to the Rimbik waterfalls, which identified itself by the familiar roar of impatient, running waters.
Our next stop was at the "Wishing Lake". An immensely sacred lake, it is kept clean by the surrounding birds which pick up every leaf fro the lake as soon as it falls there.
We had to walk along a forest road for a Kilometre. Before taking the wooden approachway lined by the traditional prayer wheels, we had to take off our socks and shoes. As we stood beside the lake ringed by the brightly coloured sacred flags, and made our wishes, a small bird as if on cue ,swooped down to take away an errant leaf. The lake was pristine again as the wild flowers swayed in appreciation.
We called it a day after that reserving Pemayangtse monastery and the Palace ruins for the morrow---and THAT was a wise decision!!! I'll tell you why on the next post.
Anjan is singing for you!!!
| Jawlapahaar.mp3 |
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