Darap Village - An Exotic Beauty of Sikkim

I started from Ravangla to Darap Village where I had booked my stay with a homestay for the next 3 days.

It was already about 2pm when I reached Ravangla Taxi Stand. As a budget traveler, I preferred a shared taxi but realized that there were no services direct to Darap or even Pelling. The locals suggested me to take a shared taxi to Legship and then to Pelling which I obliged. As there were no direct taxi service to Pelling from Legship, I had to switch to another shared taxi to Geyzing.

I was sandwiched in between the co-passengers during both the trips as there were only skeleton services between these smaller towns. I opted for a reserved taxi from Geyzing to Darap as it was getting dark. I reached Darap by about 6pm and it was already dark. My wait to have a glance of the serene village prolonged.

I was received by Shiva Gurung, my host at Darap on the village road. A 3 minutes walk up the cemented steps lead me to the homestay. At home - Radha (Wife of Shiva), Nesang (Daughter), and Prabal (Son), welcomed me. Radha offered hot tea which I gladly accepted before inquiring on my preferences for Dinner.

I was taken to the wooden room, 'Lunga' which was just behind the main house. A compact room with simple but neat furnishings and a clean attached bath. 

Having read a lot about Darap village, my expectations were sky-high. I was anxious to have the glimpse of the village in day light. I barely got any sleep that night. 

Next day, Nesang tapped my room door to offer my cup of tea early in the morning. After a while, I started on my village walk with a young local guide, Kushu Limboo, who was a graduate student. Kushu took me around Darap village and also to several other villages close by. I was so glad we visited Char Garh, an impressive village which was once home to only four families. I could see at least around 50 homes now. But, the name remains!

My guide was introducing me to few of his local friends. He explained me on every little thing about his village - about their culture & traditions. He further explained me that the main cultivation is Cardamom in this part. We went around some cardamom plantations, capturing pictures.

I was taken to many village homes by my guide. One of the village home that we visited was completely made of wood and was given to know that the home was almost 60 years old.

The villagers let me inside their homes without any questions. I was offered tea by one of the lady when I visited her home. To me it looked like a different world. 

Guitar seems to be a fascination for many youth as I could see youngsters playing them in many places. 

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring , sharing person inside.

These guys are ever-smiling, respectful and very helpful!

Darap is about 14km from Pelling en-route to Yuksam. If you are visiting Sikkim, Darap is a must-go place!

Faces of Eastern Himalayas - A Photo Story

The people of the Eastern Himalayas were all looking completely new to me. Round faces and red cheeked toddling up and down the hills. I simply fell in love with them. They are very helpful, hard working and 'always' smiling!!!

Here I am posting some of the pictures of the faces of Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim and North Bengal) captured during my trip.

A group of monks relaxing outside the Rumtek Monastery

A lady weaving woolen sweater in the Darjeeling market

Kids bidding me good-bye in Darap Village

A kid helping his mother in the vegetable shop

A shopkeeper in the streets of Darjeeling with all smiles

Youngster playing Guitar at Darap village

An elderly lady with her traditional nose stud

This newborn cutie caught my eyes in Rumtek

Taxi drivers in Kaluk posing for my camera

Young Buddhist monks at Do-Drul Chorten, Gangtok


Hope this photo story is to your liking. 

Palolem - The Secluded Paradise

It was in last April, I was looking for a virgin and untouched beach destination to spend a few days. Having decided to explore Goa, I was not so keen in the touristy North Goan beaches. 

I decided to explore unspoiled Palolem Beach in South Goa, a perfect place for 'doing nothing'. After a tedious bus ride from Londa Railway Station, reached Palolem by dusk. 

I had booked a cottage, right on the beach, facing the sea in Marron Beach Resort which was in the extreme end of the south side of the beach - charming cottage from where I could see the entire crescent shaped beach and the array of numerous shacks and restaurants that line the sea shore.

These shacks operate on temporary basis from November to April every year as per the government policies. As I was there towards the end of the season, the beach was almost isolated. 

I spent most of the nights sitting in the sit-out counting the stars and enjoying the glorious sight in the front. 

 

I had all my meals at Papillon next door which served the delicious food throughout my stay as the Marron Restaurant was closed for the season. Though I was told that there are few other eat outs like German Bakery, Blue Planet, Casa Fiesta & Magic Italy, I didn't use any of them. For those who can't live without coffee, there is Cafe Coffee Day as well in Palolem.

Though I had initial plans of visiting Patnem and Agonda during my four day stay, I remained in Palolem as I was completely mesmerized by the charming beach. Unlike North Goa Beaches, there are no adventure activities here except that you can take a boat ride to the Butterfly Island. If you are lucky, you can spot dolphins performing aerobics in the bay.

Palolem is around 70 kms from Dabolim Airport and 40 kms from Margao Railway Station. Frequent bus facility is available from Margao.  

When it comes to staying here, there are a plenty of options in Palolem. Choose a beach-side hut for a memorable experience unless you are used to bragging about having stayed at the most exclusive or expensive hotel.

If you are looking for a laid back holiday, Palolem is incredible!

The pictures speaks for itselves. Isn't it.