Ensconced in the foothills of the Himalayas, the district of Darjeeling is the crowning glory of the state of West Bengal. The hills rise from the Tarai and Doors region and are elevated to an altitude of more than 12,000 feet. The misty mountains, verdant gardens, bevies of clouds playing hide and seek with the Kanchenjunga (or Kanchendzonga) rising steadily at a distance and a cool, comfortable climate have helped Darjeeling to earn the sobriquet, “Queen of Hills”.
The name Darjeeling is perhaps derived from the Tibetan word “Dorjee Lin” meaning land of the thunderbolts. In 1835, the king of Sikkim gifted Darjeeling to the then Governor General of British India, Lord Bentinck, though the present Darjeeling we see today has little similarity with the 138 square miles long land that was handed over to the East India Company.
Once you start your journey towards Darjeeling from the NJP (New Jalpaiguri) station, the scenic beauty changes rapidly with sloping coniferous forests and lush green terraced tea gardens. While you can hire a car to reach Darjeeling, it would be an out of the world experience to avail the joy ride of the toy-train, operated by the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway (DHR). It is a narrow gauge track leading its way through some of the most beautiful mountain routes in the world. The slow moving train, the musical sound of the wheels moving through numerous loops and zigzag lines traversing the mountains, the vintage look of the coach- an exotic experience in itself. Since 1999, it has been recongnized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway, Toy Train
Apart from enjoying the legendary sunrise from the Tiger Hill, you can take the ride to the 13 km long Darjeeling Rangeet valley Ropeway. There is the Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Yiga-Choeling Ghoom Monastery, the Mahakala Temple, Botanical Garden, Ava Art Gallery, among the other prime attractions. Don’t forget to pamper your taste buds at the Glenary’s (for the best pastries and cakes) and Keventers (I like the hot chocolate and chicken cutlet most). There are numerous hotels in Darjeeling, but it’s better to book in prior.
But only an early morning or evening stroll through the hilly roads can help you to get in the essence of this hilly town. The low clouds will wave at you with an occasional drizzle followed by the sunshine immediately. The charm of Darjeeling is inexhaustible; the more you see, the more you want to breathe in.
Yiga-Choeling Ghoom Monastery
I have visited Darjeeling quite a number of times since my childhood. The hill-station has never failed to enchant me. There is a smell that is typical to Darjeeling; a heady mixture of raw tea leaves, pine cones, fog and numbers of unknown flowers. The olfactory receptors register memories in a better and customized manner, we all know, and, this smell will remain with you forever once you visit Darjeeling.
Best time to Visit: March- May and September-December. It’s better to avoid the monsoon from June-August, but if you want to feel the chilly wind, you can even travel during January or February.
How to Reach: The nearest airport Bagdogra is 74 km from Darjeeling and has regular flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. The nearest railhead is at Siliguri, NJP station. Quite a number of trains are available on a daily basis from Kolkata and other parts of India.
Quite a description of Darjeeling. Your words make me feel like I’m visiting it myself. Superbly narrated, Maniparna. And pics are beyond words. 🙂
Though I dare to take an attempt on first pic:
Thin veil of dawn mist
Nature’s pandiculation
Coy smile of a girl
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Better make it:
Thin veil of dawn mist
Nature’s pandiculation
Coy smile of beauty
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Wow! Wonderfully composed, Ravish… you’ve described the picture beautifully…I’m honoured… 🙂
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Thanks so much. Darjeeling has so much to offer…and thanks again for the wonderful haiku… 🙂
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A Great Post Maniparna.. Beautiful photographs of the place!
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Thank you, Sridhar Sir… 🙂
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What a lovely place and such a pity I haven’t been there yet 😥
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I wish you visit Darjeeling soon, Dear…:-)
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thanks for sharing
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My pleasure… 🙂
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Awesome photos Maniparna.
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Thank you… 🙂
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Great pics, Mani.
I plan to visit this Queen of the Hills 🙂
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That’s superb, Anita… 🙂
Thanks for dropping by….
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Great to read. Awesome pics.
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Thanks a lot… 🙂
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After reading your post, I want to visit Darjeeling right away 🙂 Beautiful photos!!!
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I’m flattered….thank you so much… 🙂
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Wow ! what a beautiful place . Feeling happy to recall my memories of Darjeling in 2001 but then did not have digital camera . This place always call me again . Beautiful pictures and write up Mani .
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Darjeeling has changed a lot since 2001. If you visit again you will discover it in a new way 🙂 Thanks for dropping by…I’m so glad you liked the post… 🙂
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Excellent capture of light in the pics.
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Thanks, Indrani… 🙂
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Darjeeling is indeed beautiful 🙂
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It is…thanks, Bushra… 🙂
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Have alsways wanted to visit Darjeeling and now after reading your wonderful post with lovely pictures the urge has been strengthened!!
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I wish you visit it soon, Deepakji… 🙂
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No doubt it is a must see place-loved the pics
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Thanks a lot, Indu… 🙂
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after reading this post,Came to know about many attractions in Darjeeling those i never heard from those who already have visited,in last two years i have planned many times to visit Darjeeling but my lazy nature always stopped me. I think i should visit at least once.
Loved reading it, pics are fantastic.
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Thanks a lot, Jyotirmoy… you will love the small hilly town… 🙂
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I have an eternal plan to visit here 🙂 😀
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:-D…. let me know if you finalize the plan…
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I also have the Kolkata Visit III plan; I will let you know in the distant future 😀
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😀 😀 ….
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Beautiful pics…. 🙂
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Thanks a lot…:-)
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Beautiful pictures wow 🙂
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Thank youuuu 🙂 ….
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beautiful captures Maniparna…I was four years old when we last went to Darjeeling, the memories of the toy train still make me smile 🙂
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Glad to know that the post revived your memories…:-) Thanks so much, Neha… 🙂
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the smell of Darjeeling – loved the way you described – you seem to have wonderful olfactory sense – how I love the smell of forests and farms!
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Thank you so much. Smell does play a great role, na? Smell of forests and farm or ocean…all of them are different and we can distinguish them at once… 🙂
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Very true Maniparna – when it comes to seas and oceans I end up forgetting a whole lot of things – a state of oblivion! Totally happy to be in touch with someone similar in olfactory senses and nostalgias! 🙂
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Hi5 on this…. I love Mother Nature…she is a healer for me… 🙂
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Hi5 to you! 🙂
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Mesmerizing! 🙂
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Thanks, Meera. Ramadaan mubarak… 🙂
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Wow wonderful!
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Thank you… 🙂
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most welcome! I love hearing about such interesting places!
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🙂 ❤ …
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awesome 🙂
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Thanks, Joshi… 🙂
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A walk in heaven I say!! Stunning photography 🙂
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Thanks …glad you liked …:-)
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Beaaaiuuuuuutifulll … Rocking ..
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Thank you… 🙂
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Gorgeous shots!
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Thank you… 🙂
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Beautiful and a fitting tribute to The Queen of Hills! I too had spent some years nearby Darjeeling Kalimpong and Gangtok each so heavenly. Thank you for rekindling beautiful memories.
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That’s great! Those places are so serendipitous…. 🙂
Thanks Dilip, for stopping by…
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What enchanting images, especially those with the hills shrouded in mist. Small wonder that you return again and again!
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You got it! The mist is so very enchanting…it’s like a diaphanous veil covering the small town… 🙂
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Such a beautiful place! Loved the details you provided!
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Thank you so much… 🙂
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Hope I visit the place someday.. very beautifully written and presented.. 🙂
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Thank you, Hema. It’s a beautiful small hill-station..you will love it… 🙂
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I bet. 🙂
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🙂 …
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Superb, atmospheric, photographs and engaging text
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Thanks a lot, Derrick… 🙂
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Nice pictures captured the charm of Darjeeling beautifully.
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Thank you so much… 🙂
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Your post with its beautiful pictures strengthened my wish to visit this magical place, hopefully sometime soon.
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Thanks, Beloo 🙂 I wish you visit Darjeeling soon..:-)
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Darjeeling is one of the must visit places for me. Thank you for the post. I know whom to ping now, if I were to plan something. 😀
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Haha..anytime… just let me know you are coming, I will set your itinerary… 🙂
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Sure, will be a pleasure. 🙂 🙂
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🙂 …
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Your post is so lovely. You reminded me of my childhood. One of the most beautiful place to live . Thank you for this amazing post.
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Wow! Did you use to live there? What a lucky child you were… 🙂
Thanks a lot…glad you liked the post… 🙂
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I went there for a holiday for few weeks and treasured so much about the place. Thank you 🙂 and your most welcome
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That’s great..spending a few weeks sounds nice… 🙂
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The essence of Darjeeling so very enticingly captured in this post…you are luring all your readers to head towards the mountains with the bewitching pics of the five treasures of snow…the mighty K!
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On a clear day, the mighty K looks heavenly from Darjeeling. Also, the sunrise from the Tiger Hill, which we missed three times due to fog. 😦
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You are lucky to stay close to a heavenly place on Earth… heard about the spectacular views of the snow clad K from Tiger hill..fog does play a trick to unveil her majesty…can smell the aromatic tea leaves of Darjeeling:)
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Now, I’m feeling like making a trip 😀 Thanks for such a beautiful comment… 🙂
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Such beautiful pictures!!! Darjeeling indeed is a world of its own and its beauty is unparalleled! 🙂 I was with you through the entire narrative… Smelling the smells, seeing through your eyes…
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Thanks so much for such a wonderful comment, Aishwarya 🙂 I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post… 🙂
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I suspect like many other people around the world, I’ve known the name Darjeeling since my childhood because of the famous tea. I’ve never had the opportunity to visit the place, unfortunately, but from your description of it, I think I’d find it a very interesting and beautiful destination.Maybe one day (sigh)… 🙂
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Yes, most people know the name for the famous Darjeeling tea. I remember the adage, there are so many wonderful places to see, but so little time..(sigh, indeed)
Thanks a lot for dropping by, Bun… 🙂
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You’re very welcome. One of the great things about blogging is I get a chance to experience through other people places that I may never see for myself. 🙂
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Exactly…my feeling too… 🙂
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Visited it as a kid. And so want to visit it again. My best childhood pics are the ones clicked at Darjeeling! Maniparna, the pics are fabulous! Especially the train pic:) loved it! 🙂
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Thanks a lot…childhood memories are always the best, and the pictures as well..:-D
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Though I have never visited Darjeeling but I can see through your eyes and experience the every small things you have so beautifully captured, in fact one can smell the beauty of the place in wonderful narration. I have heard a lot about the toy train and the magic that mist plays with the sky, there is a distinct aura surrounding the place, the lofty mountains and the snow capped peaks and the lush green plantation and the little chill in the air and the mysticism is visibly palpable through your beautiful chosen pictures and the romantic description of the road to the destination and the engagement of our multiple senses with the essence of nature…there is something truly mystical about the place why it continues to remain etched out in the memories of visitors and they are always short of words to give wings to their thoughts about Darjeeling…
It is monsoon time and here in Hyderabad we have started experiencing the premonsoon showers and it is indeed such a relief after the grueling summer we all have gone through…it is time to cheer with rain dance…looking forwards to your inspiring monsoon poems.
:D:D:D
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You have beautifully described the charm of the hill town even without seeing it! I wish you visit it someday so we can have a wonderful post from your side.. 🙂
Hehe…it’s raining here in Kolkata, too. I think my readers are exhausted by now with my “rain” posts…:-P
Thank you so much, Nihar… 🙂
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Definitely I will do it soon and your beautiful narration has triggered my urge to experience the essence of nature as the Queen of Hills pending in my agenda. By the way I love nature and being close to such beautiful place makes my inspiration goes sky high…yes we will then have a lovely discussion.
No, not at all with your rainy post, it rains the lovely words from your basket and the poetry of joy and romance. Good it is rainy everywhere and lots of water to feed the nature and quench the thirst of mankind.
Always a pleasure Mani, if I may be permitted with your due permission to shorten the name for our conversation.
😀
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Haha… yes, absolutely 😀
I will look forward to you nature posts as well. That you love nature is very much in your book, “Voice of Nature”… 🙂
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Thanks and take care!!!
😀
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You too… 🙂
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😀
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She’s a follower of Sai Baba
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🙂 ….
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Oh It made me nostalgic. Every year my boss goes there.
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Thank you…. it’s a wonderful place… 🙂
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Lovely pics Mani! Darjeeling is indeed an exotic place more because of the magnificent tea gardens and the spectacular Kanchenchunga range! A must visit hill station. 🙂
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Absolutely, Balroop… 🙂 Thanks a lot… 🙂
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Beautiful pics and you words make me want to travel… another place on my long list 🙂 Thanks Maniparna
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Thank you so much, Andy…it’s a beautiful hill station… 🙂
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indeed it is… and beautifully captured 🙂
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🙂 ….
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Lovely read Maniparna. The glowing peaks of Kanchenjunga, misty sky, lush green valleys, the toy train, monastery – you’ve captured the beauty of Darjeeling in its full glory in this post. There is something very romantic and nostalgic about the place.
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Yes, always, Somali. For me, it brings back the childhood memories as well… 🙂 Thank you so much…
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I visited Darjeeling in June! It’s one of my favorite place … thanks for reviving my memories…
http://www.docdivatraveller.com
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Thanks, dear. I visited two years ago..time for a re-visit… 😀
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So wonderful !!
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Thank you… 🙂
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Beautiful post I have another friend who also posts pictures of the mountains I never get tried of seeing them. Great information about the best times to travel I would love to visit them some day.
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Mountains have a charm of their own. They are grand, stand high above the others and yet so down to earth, silent and sombre. I love mountains. Hope you’ll visit them some day…:-) Thanks a lot for dropping by, dear. Have a great week ahead… ❤
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I have heard so much about Darjeeling. Will definitely visit someday. A wonderful narration with great pictures.
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It’s a beautiful place. Hope you visit it soon. How are you doing? Hearing from you after a long time…. 🙂
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Doing fine. Just busy with studies 🙂 Will try to be regular.
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Great… 🙂
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Darjeeling is where tea is harvested right? Or am I confusing that with somewhere/place else?
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You are right! The flavoured tea with long leaves… 🙂 This is the place….
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Aha! My childhood paradise! Thank you for evoking the memories so beautifully! 🙂
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Glad to know that it made you nostalgic. Thank you so much for stopping by… 🙂
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Here’s to serendipity! 😀
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Yay!
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🎆🎇🎆
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