By Neeta Lal
I soak in a panoramic view of a mist-swathed Mt. Kanchenjunga and a green forested valley from my suite’s window. Twittering birds and the pitter pater of rain make for a sonorous surround sound as I munch on crispy pakoras, washing them down with hot masala chai!
I’m at the freshly-minted Fortune Resort & Spa Kalimpong (ITC group), a holiday destination that ticked all my boxes of immersive travel on a recent staycation. A delicious breakfast in a lush, landscaped lawn against the backdrop a rising sun? Check. A gourmet dinner under a canopy of twinkling stars? Yes please. A swim in a scenic outdoor pool overlooking verdant valleys? But of course!
Nestled between enchanting views on Upper Cart Road in Basuripul, the resort offers 44 well-appointed rooms and suitesfar from the whirligig of West Bengal’s other touristy towns like Darjeeling and Siliguri. Creature comforts abound. My room offers 24-hour room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite LED TV, an electronic safe, a mini-bar, a room heater, and all other amenities that make for a splendid stay.
After a rejuvenating overnight rest, and a lavish breakfast of continental and Indian delights at the resort’s all-day Zodiac next day, I explore Kalimpong, an increasingly popular getaway destination. Originally part of Bhutan, and with strong cultural influences from neighboring Nepal, the town of 60,000 inhabitants sits upon layers of history. Barely two hours from Darjeeling, it also punches far above its weight in terms of local attractions, culinary experiences and value for money shopping.
Fortune Resort’s easy access to most major tourist attractions makes sightseeing a dream. I begin my tour at the 17th century Durpin Monastery. The shrine’s gold patinated interiors and serene ambience awe me with their splendor. I chat with a young monk who tells me that he fell so much in love with the monastery that he ran away from his home to live here!
Shrines speckle Kalimpong like confetti. That’s because the town is home to Nepalis, Lepchas and other ethnic groups which make it an important and historic religious center for Buddhism. History buffs can also check out the Lepcha Museum that showcases centuries-old local old colonial heritage including artefacts, collectibles and religious texts.
For adrenaline rush seekers, Delo View Point is a must visit. The vertiginous spot – surrounded by vast stretches of manicured landscapes and gorgeous greens – mimics Bollywood-style vistas complete with misty mountains but minus a chiffon-clad heroine of course! There’s paragliding available, fun as the sport seems while you watch sundry excited tourists being launched into the azure aboard colorful contraptions.
Lunch time beckons. Back at the resort, I tuck into a flavor-charged Bengali thali. Gleaming katoris of macher jhol, benganbhaja, aloo posto, kosha maas with piping hot millet rotis tickle my taste buds. My travelling companion feasts on a Nepalese thali of gundruk jhol (mustard leaf curry) , churpi ko sabji, chicken curry and more. The food is so delicious I can’t stop eating! In fact foodies will love the mélange of varied influences– from Nepalese to Bhutanese and Chinese – showcased in the resort’s restaurants, an inflection of the town’s rich multinational ethos.
In the evening, we amble down to the Triveni riverside, a confluence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers. The atmosphere is festive with families picnicking in tents pitched by the river. We enjoy a picnic hamper packed thoughtfully by Fortune Resort, tucking into moist sandwiches and fresh juices watching rafters glide down the river amidst whoops of joy.
Exhausted after an ambitious sightseeing tour, I book myself a massage at the Fortune spa where under the masseur’s skillful ministrations, all my aches and pains vamoose. I drift off to sleep dreaming of sweet things. When hunger pangs strike I head to Neptune Bar for a refreshing minty mocktail followed by dinner at Zodiac where tables are creaking under the weight of an Oriental, continental and Indian repertoire to cater to the most pernickety palate. The accent is on fresh, seasonal and local with some of the kitchen produce harvested from the resort’s organic kitchen garden which also sprouts Darjeeling tea bushes, the chef tells me!
How to get there: Flight to Bagdogra from all major cities followed by a two-and-a-half hour car ride to the resort
Best time to travel: October to May
What to carry: Umbrella, walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses,
Neeta Lal is a New Delhi-based, international awards-nominated Editor and journalist.
