The day started with a good view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. This morning, I could see the 8000m+ mountain from my bedroom window! Until today, the weather had been cloudy, misty, grey, and cold. It was a pleasant surprise to wake up to this view. For breakfast, I’ve opted to … Continue reading / view photos A glimpse of the Himalayas
Category: Culture
Mall Road and Chowrasta
I had a lazy start today then eventually ventured out at midday. First, I walked around the many markets of Darjeeling. I bought a small bag for my laptop/phone charger and cables. There are markets for food, shoes, clothes, bag, and many other things. Most of the branded goods (Nike, Adidas, North Face, etc) are … Continue reading / view photos Mall Road and Chowrasta
Darjeeling Toy Train ride
Whilst I was making my way to Darjeeling, my American friend, Steve, was getting to know the place. He went on the “Toy Train”. On the journey up to Darjeeling, we did see a train track on the road. I thought this was disused until we heard a horn then saw the train itself. It … Continue reading / view photos Darjeeling Toy Train ride
A cold welcome in Darjeeling
My Turquiose Letterbox homestay owner arranged for a taxi to Kolkata airport. I took an early morning flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra. Bagdogra Airport is the gateway to the northeast of India. My first stop in that area was Darjeeling in West Bengal. After landing at the airport, you have a long drive in a … Continue reading / view photos A cold welcome in Darjeeling
Stetson and Flamingo in the Artsy cafe
The Artsy cafe is a modern place. The customers are probably quite wealthy Indians. My homestay fellow guest, Steve, had recommended it. When I went in, most people were sitting on the wooden tables (for food). Some were sitting on the side, outward facing high tables with stools. They were using laptops. I sat on … Continue reading / view photos Stetson and Flamingo in the Artsy cafe
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
For my final day in Kolkata, I decided to escape the noise, pollution and crowds. I went to Kokata’s botanic garden. This was lovely and peaceful. On arriving, I went straight to the Giant Banyan Tree. This 270-year old tree looks more like a forest than a single tree. It was extraordinary. The placard said: … Continue reading / view photos Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
Alipore Jail Museum
My next stop was Alipore Jail Museum, which served as a colonial-era prison from 1864. The prison was closed in 2019 and reopened in 2022 as a museum, commemorating India’s struggle for independence. The museum captures some of the conditions prisoners endured. The gallows were a reminder that some were executed for crimes against the … Continue reading / view photos Alipore Jail Museum
National Library
I’d not spent much time in libraries on this trip. So I was happy to discover the National Library was in Kolkata. The National Library, a grand colonial mansion, started as the Calcutta Public Library in 1836. It was originally non-governmental, funded by public donations and run by a committee of Europeans and Indians. In … Continue reading / view photos National Library
Indian Museum
My final stop for the day was the Indian Museum. This is a cross between the British Museum and the Natural History Museum in London. There’s a lot to see in one visit, especially after you’ve already been to Rabindranath Tagore’s house and the Marble Palace! There were some fascinating exhibits like this 250-million-year-old tree … Continue reading / view photos Indian Museum
Marble Palace
After leaving Rabindranath Tagore’s house, I walked to the Marble Palace. After passing security, I made my way to the crowded entrance. People were waiting for someone. After a short wait, a guide appeared. He’d just finished his previous tour. We joined him for a tour and brief history. He pointed out various sculptures in … Continue reading / view photos Marble Palace