Wandering along Kanchenjunga Day 5

Day 5 

Once again it was a bright sunny day... This was the day we were moving from Gangtok to Kalimpong... Taking a deep breath of clean air, marvelling at the natural beauty and  having my fill of Kanchenjunga for the last time at Gangtok, we set on our onward journey... 

Our road to Kalimpong, was a trail besides  the River Teesta. This river has its origin in a glacial lake in the upper reaches of Sikkim Himalayas. Running all through Sikkim, this river is also the lifeline of the state. River Teesta and its tributary the Rangeet provides wonderful routes for river rafting. Having the opportunity staring right in front of us, we  jumped at it...

It was a walk with the momentum of nature.  The view was fantastic but the feel of ice cold water is beyond my capacity to explain... When we  plunged in the challenging emerald blue water of river, it was exhilarating... 

I had thought while  para sailing, I had reached the zenith of euphoria, from the feeling of a free bird that engulfed me, drinking in the beauty of the Nature from birds-eye view...I never thought I could experience it again and again.... Even if I did it would be like anew all over! 

The river rafting was simply marvellous... Above the exhilarating experience,  the adrenaline rush when we plunge in the water is stupendous...  The icy cold water which packs a mean punch in the beginning, settles into being a delight.  With the sun  showering its warmth on us, every dip was a joy....

The minute the sun played truant, when we came into the shadows of the trees falling on the flowing water, did we realise the extent of chill packed in those waters...


While we were on water we were going between Sikkim and West Bengal... On one side was the South Sikkim district and on the other Kalimpong district... It ended at a place where South Sikkim, Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts met the Teesta... The entire journey was amidst thick brush of trees in different hues of green and the emerald water taking up the silvery sheen under the golden shower of the sun rays... 

While rowing, basking in the warmth of the Sun, the water droplets falling from my lashes made me aware of a certain aspect of Nature. Nature shows you what you want to see... At times, even if it is visible, our mind may not register  if one is not attuned to it.. if one is not seeking it... That is why I guess each person's experience is different from the same set of events. The quality of earth, sky, air and water is, they bless the one who keeps it unsullied and also the one who uses it judiciously...in a nutshell who reveres it.... Is it a wonder that, in the verses of Mantra Pushpa in Sama Veda, it is the Mother Nature who is eulogised ...!

                                          

                                                                    ~~~ oOo ~~~

A few more things impressed me in Sikkim in addition to the beauty of the bountiful Nature... 

The people of Sikkim are very genial. Amidst difficulties of life and adversities of Nature at times, they are cheery, amicable, courteous and warm-hearted. They look out for each other...

They are Eco-conscious and Eco-friendly... Its a no plastics zone... So streets are extremely clean... No litters any where... Even at parks, litter baskets are kept and the people there make it a point to use them. In North Sikkim even water bottles are prohibited... It's a horn free zone... Even while driving on mountainous stretches, horns are not used... All drivers are extremely competent... Saw honking only once when a vehicle from another state jumped the queue and put the life of the rest in danger on a mountainous terrain... 

The entire farming community has gone in for organic... Fruits and vegetables taste heavenly.... Bananas and oranges had the sun ripened delicious flavour ... Oranges have the tangy zing in them...The food available is mostly vegetarian... The dishes have a distinct Sikkimese flavour, very appealing presentation and delectable.

The quality of air and water is noteworthy...

                       ~~~ oOo ~~~                

When we reached the hotel at Kalimpong I was greeted to the full range of Kanchenjunga massif... Could see the winding road to Nathu La too in Sikkim at a distant... It was a very pleasant surprise and a feast to the eyes...

                                                                             ~~~ oOo ~~~