BHPian sayakc recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Year End Holidays to Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse As I stand on the balcony of our cottage, I can hear the sound of trickling water – overnight dew which had accumulated on the tin sheds and were rolling down now, onto the leaves of the plants and blades of grasses. The solitude of the morning was only disturbed by a chirping bird – possibly a flycatcher. A serene, cold breeze was blowing from the east, sometimes ruffling my jacket. And in an cloudless, indulgent sky…the first rays of the sun fall on the Kanchenjunga that is staring right in front of us – separated by miles of lesser hills – the monolith turns into pink then gleams like gold and in the next half an hour burns bright white. The Sleeping Buddha has awoken! It was after a long time that we were in the Sikkim hills – but this primitive occurrence never ceases to amaze us. And then reality hits – my exposed fingers are numbed by now , so much so that pressing the shutter becomes an arduous task. A couple of days ago.. We had left our Calcutta home, to the jingle of Christmas carols as we barreled down the Kalyani Expressway – the newest alignment to reach Siliguri. At our newly discovered favourite spot – BP Ghar at Birohi – we had a filling breakfast of Aloo parathas. Amongst other things like nolen gur and koraishutir kochuri, the winters bring along with it the advent of yellow mustard fields. And at Raiganj, with the orange glow of the setting sun in the background, the sight of the mustard fields stretching far and wide into the horizon through a thin layer of the accumulating mist, is a sight that I will remember for long! The rest of the journey to Marina’s Motel, Bagdogra was a routine affair , as we checked in to the hotel at 9 PM after a straight 12 hours journey. Marinas’ Motel used to be our favourite haunt during our stopovers to the Darjeeling and Sikkim hills and hold much nostalgia for us. But times change and so do everything around us – and some changes are for the worse – the erstwhile warmth of Marina’s was replaced by a cold transactions this time around and I have serious doubts if I will ever stay at this place in the near future. Packed and ready to go!The next day, as we reached Biksthang.Evening tea – the sandwiches were devoured as soon as they arrived. Hence no photos! The next morning as the first rays of the sun fell upon Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga main. The snows glistening in the intense sunrays. The entire Sleeping Buddha. Kabru North and South. A slice of sun lit up the the breakfast place. The ‘N’ resting in the garage after a long haul. The heritage section of the Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse where the owners stay. Out on an excursion. At the dinner table. Continue reading BHPian sayakc’s post for more insights and information.
