Photo Tour of Laitlum, Meghalaya

It was a beautiful December morning when I visited Laitlum grand canyon in Meghalaya. It took around 90 minutes in a cab from Shillong. Laitlum is located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The minute I alighted from the cab, I was mesmerized by the landscape in front of me. The curelean blue skies and the verdant greenery were bewitching my soul. I stood, mesmerized and speechless. The soothing wind pampered my hair and whispered softly in my ears to live the moment. 

It was the first time I ever visited a grand canyon. Laitlum means "end of hills" and this place offers the view of breathtaking azure mountains and steep winding stairways snaking their way down to the gorgeous valley. The sky was a beautiful canvas of fluffy cumulus clouds. 

Laitlum was not at all crowded. It is an ideal place for trekkers can explore the canyon by trekking from one end to another. It is extremely difficult to capture the raw beauty of Laitlum in camera. The place is nothing short of paradise. One needs to see the beauty through one's own eyes to believe that such a soothing place exists in North East India. 

As I kept looking at the azure mountains and the deep valley, I was overwhelmed with powerful emotions for the Creator who created this beautiful world. I could feel a sublime connection with Mother Nature. I could sense a deep harmony with every element of Nature...the mighty mountains, the modest valley, the jubilant sun, and the healing zephyr.

I felt blessed for the five senses that allow me to grasp the beauty of Nature. I felt immense love and gratitude as I kept gazing at the landscape. 

I thought about the villagers who stay in Laitlum. Such a peaceful existence they have! They are fostered by the raw beauty and spirit of Nature. William Wordsworth had rightly said in the poem Tintern Abbey: "Nature never did betray the heart that loved her."

In the cities, we destroy Nature carelessly and selfishly. And what's the end result? Depression, Stress. Anxiety.

Whereas the people who live in the mountains and hills are so happy, peaceful and content. They allow Nature to guide them at every step. The people of Meghalaya give high priority to cleanliness. The roads are extremely clean. The people are polite, patient and hardworking. The women of Meghalaya run their own business and are sometimes, assisted by men. At every tourist stop, I could see independent women busy with their work. It was a heartwarming thing to witness. 

I love adventure especially when I am traveling. So, I trekked till I reached the white rock-like structure from where the view was incredibly magical. 

I fell so much in love with the place that I felt like staying there forever. I felt that I am wrapped in the arms of Mother Nature, safe and secure. Wherever my eyes traveled, there was only beauty and serenity. 

Such places are perfect for soul searching. As I inhaled the beauty of the place, I contemplated the journey and purpose of my life. I felt so blessed that this experience of my life will find its way in so many of my poems and stories. After all, as William Wordsworth had said, "Poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings recollected in tranquility."

I was reminded of the theory of transcendentalists, a literary movement headed by Ralph Waldo Emerson. A human being must have three relationships in order to live better: relationship with one's own soul, relationship with Nature and relationship with the Super Soul/Divine Energy. How beautifully true! That's what I felt at that moment in Laitlum...perfectly at peace with my existence...in sync with my own soul, Nature, and Super Soul. 

Almost 2 hours passed in Laitlum and I must say that those 2 hours are one of the best hours of my life. Even now when I close my eyes, I can visualize the beautiful valley beckoning me. I had to travel to the next tourist spot, but I felt like staying for a few more minutes. My heart was not ready to leave the place. 

I sat on the grass and gazed at the mighty mountains and the modest valley. I have fallen so much in love with the place. I knew that no matter wherever I go or stay, this place will always stay with me. And a part of me will stay in this place.

Wordsworth had coined a beautiful term called "spots of time" to define a moment when time seems to stop, senses get heightened and life gets a deeper meaning. I am sure that I experienced one such moment in Laitlum.

I was rejuvenated with positive energy. Every cell of my body felt healthy and happy. What a joy it felt being alive at that moment!

Someone has truly said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away." With a jubilant heart, I said goodbye to the beautiful grand canyon of Meghalaya and headed towards my next destination.

I hope you enjoyed the photo tour of Laitlum. In the next travel post, I am going to take you to another beautiful place of Meghalaya.

Have you been to Meghalaya?

Which is your favorite place in Meghalaya? Let me know in the comments below. 

Canvas of a Mind : Kalimpong Diaries #2

In my latest novel, "Canvas of a Mind", the backdrop plays a very crucial role. The psychological mystery novel is set against the backdrop of Kalimpong, a remote hill station in West Bengal. It traces the lives of two sisters, Akashi and Ipsha and how their lives change when a stranger mysteriously appears in the town and starts stalking the younger sister desperately.

In Canvas of a Mind: Kalimpong Diaries #1, I shared about the beautiful Kalimpong golf course where one of the most important scenes of the novel takes place. In this post, I am going to talk about another beautiful place of Kalimpong, the Deolo Hill which I have captured in the novel. 

Kalimpong is situated on a ridge that connects the two hills, Deolo and Durpin. Deolo is the highest point of Kalimpong town that attracts plenty of tourists. It is also renowned for paragliding. 

I went to Kalimpong in 2015 with the rough idea of "Canvas of a Mind". Spending half a day in Deolo helped me visualize my characters there. 

The turning point of Canvas of a mind takes place here in the form of a catastrophe, which changes the lives of Ipsha and Akashi. When you will read the novel, you can surely relate. 

When I was writing the scene, I could easily visualize my characters in this beautiful place. Since childhood, I had read so many mysteries and thrillers of Satyajit Ray and Ruskin Bond, set against the backdrop of hills. I have noticed that hills beautify and intensify mysteries in such a beautiful manner.

When I was trying to do the same with Canvas of a Mind, I absolutely enjoyed the process. It was wonderful observing how the hills of Kalimpong helped me develop the story. 

If you want to read my novel, here's your chance to win a signed copy. All you need to do is click on the following link and participate in the rafflecopter giveaway, in association with Writer's Ezine. 

http://www.writersezine.com/p/giveaway-of-canvas-of-mind-by-purba.html

Ideal Yatra: A vacation in McLeod Ganj

(Image Source)

I have a huge weakness for the hills. When I am amid the hills, I experience a sense of tranquility. I feel closer to myself. Therefore, the best gift that I can give myself is a vacation in the hills. I am quoting a few lines from one of my poems “The Hill Song” that clearly explains my love for the hills.

I keep going back to the hills

Bask in the delicious sun and the greenery,

Read the love letter of the mountain breeze.

Listening to the inner and the outer tune

I slumber peacefully on the verdant earth

My soul talks to the flowers.

I have always wanted to visit McLeod Ganj which is located 4km north of Dharamsala Town. It is one of the biggest traveler hangouts in Himachal Pradesh that attracts plenty of tourists from all over the world. There are so many things about McLeod Ganj that attracts me.

The scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar Mountains, the peaceful and spiritual ambiance, the variety of cuisines, the Buddhist way of living, attaining inner peace through yoga and meditation are enough to convince me that I will have a great time McLeod Ganj. This is the place where I can get in touch with my inner self and feel rejuvenated after coming home from the vacation.

As McLeod Ganj is quite far from Kolkata, I have been postponing this trip for a long time. But now I really wish to gift this vacation to myself soon.

Four days in utopia

Since there is no direct flight from Kolkata to McLeod Ganj, I will first take a flight from Kolkata to New Delhi. I can choose Indigo Airlines for that. After that, I have to take another flight from New Delhi to Dharamsala. Spicejet Airlines is good for that purpose. Then, I have to finally take a cab from Dharamsala to McLeod Ganj.

Day 1

After checking in the hotel, I wish to try some authentic Tibetian cuisine in a nearby café. After soaking in the beautiful ambiance of McLeod Ganj for some time, I would like to visit the Dalai Lama Temple which is famous for its peaceful ambiance. I would then explore the Tibetian market while returning back to my hotel. 

Day 2

I would start my 2^nd day at McLeod Ganj by visiting the Tushita meditation center. I wish to attend the guided meditation session that starts at 9.30 am.

After feeling rejuvenated with the meditation session, I would move towards the Bhagsu Waterfalls.  

Day 3

On the third day, I would like to trek to Triund. I have heard from many people that Triund is the gem of McLeod Ganj which one cannot afford to miss. Basking in the beauty of the snow-clad mountains while taking the trek will be an extremely rewarding experience. 

Day 4

On the last day, I would like to go to the market to purchase some memoirs. I would also try some more cuisines. Most importantly, I would spend the last day in McLeod Ganj going for Paragliding in Bir-Billing. I have earlier done Paragliding in Kalimpong, but I am sure Paragliding in McLeod Ganj will be a thrilling experience. 

Just planning this itinerary in my mind is giving me an adrenaline rush. Trekking, Paragliding, trying various cuisines, attending a meditation session, shopping and interacting with local people…a vacation to McLeod Ganj is the Ideal Yatra I am looking forward to. 

The Toy Train Journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” 
― Pat Conroy

I have always wanted to explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway by taking a toy train ride from Siliguri to Darjeeling. It takes about 8 hours to reach Darjeeling from Siliguri in Toy Train, but the journey is rewarded with beautiful views that is a treat for any nature lover.

I can proudly say that the toy train journey became my most favorite part of my Darjeeling trip this year. Plenty of songs have been shot in the Darjeeling Himayan Railway such as"Mere sapno ki rani", "Kasto maza hai relaima".etc, Movies like Barfi,and Mein Hoon Na have also featured the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. 

So, it was a great adventure to explore the toy train ride amidst the hills and greenery.

All set to start the journey from Siliguri

Sukna (altitude: 533 ft): This is the first station that comes after Siliguri. Sukna implies 'dry place'. The station is situated at the foothills of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. The uphill journey to Darjeeling begins here, taking the traveler through dense tropical forests. 

The dense tropical forests of Sukna

The uphill journey to Darjeeling begins from Sukna

Heading to the next station

Tindharia (altitude: 2822 ft): The next station is Tindharia which means 'three streams'. 

The tea plantations

View of the plains below

Kurseong (altitude: 4864 ft): The next station is Kurseong which means 'white orchids'. Kurseong and Kalimpong are hubs of orchids. Last year, I went to Kalimpong, which is located close to Kurseong, where the flowers mesmerized me. From Kurseong, the entire view of the plains below , Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri can be observed. 

The toy train halting somewhere in the midst of the journey, allowing me to take some photographs.

Tung (altitude: 5656 ft): Tung is an intermediate station along the Hill Cart Road. The area is covered with evergreen coniferous trees and has the Senchal Sanctuary.

The evergreen and lush coniferous trees

Sonada (altitude: 6552 ft): This is the next station on the way to Darjeeling. The weather is very cold here and you can see trees wrapped with clouds.

Ghum (altitude: 7407 ft): Ghum means 'turn'. It is the highest point along the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route, after which the train travels downhill to Darjeeling. It's extremely cold and misty in Ghum. 

The Ghoom Railway Station

Batasia Loop: Batasia Loop is a feat of Railway Engineering that eliminates the requirement of reverses. It is a U-shaped loop where the toy train travels after crossing the Ghum railway station and reaches Darjeeling. Batasia offers a panoramic view of Mount Kanchendzonga (only if the weather is clear). A Gorkha war memorial has been built within the Loop.

The train travelling through the Batasia Loop to reach Darjeeling

So that was my Toy Train Journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling, full of beauty, adventure and thrill. I am glad that I could tick off one of the things in my bucket list: to explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and get lost in the enchanting, mystique hills.

"We travel, initially to lose ourselves, and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again-to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more." ~ Pico Iyer

To the distant land!

The picture is taken from the Darjeeling rope way. Sitting in the rope way, I couldn't help but marvel at this distant land shrouded in tea plantations. 

My mind wanders 

To the distant land

As I gaze at its tranquil beauty.

My eyes get cleansed

By the tantalizing greenery

I now see only immaculate purity around me.

The zig-zag path

Is complicated, but not chaotic

May be subdued, but not confined.

There is abundance of harmony

Harmony is the best form of beauty

The tune is soft yet euphonious.

My mind wanders

To the beautiful distant land

My thoughts flow like a rivulet.

I think of people

Inhabiting such harmonious places

Where Nature is the guardian angel;

Do places influence people

Or people influence places?

Proximity to Nature is certainly big magic.

-Purba Chakraborty

03.04.2016

Linking this poem with Poetry Pantry #296

Paragliding in Kalimpong!

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" ~ Helen Killer

I went to Kalimpong last year summer with the motive to tick some of the items in my bucket list. I wanted to try adventure sports such as Paragliding and river rafting. Though I couldn't do the latter due to bad weather conditions, I was successful in living one of the best days of my life on the day I flew in the sky for about ten minutes.

We reached the Kalimpong Paragliding society. I could see many paragliders in the sky and I was determined that I am going to do it. To be honest, there was a little lingering fear in my mind, but I was extremely determined to overcome my fear and experience the oneness with the sky. The excitement was much more than the nervousness. 

There were two kinds of flight, medium flight of 10 minutes and long flight of 20 minutes. As it was my first time, I decided to sign up for the medium flight that was priced at 3000 INR. 

I got introduced to my pilot who was a very friendly guy. He assured me that there was nothing to worry and that it will be a life-changing experience. He told me to not move when we are flying and to carry the selfie stick. 

We climbed up the hill and got ready for the take off. My Dad accompanied me in climbing up the hill and motivated me to enjoy to the fullest, without letting any fearful thoughts enter my mind. I was extremely motivated by Dad's words and told him to click pictures with my camera. 

During the take off, my pilot was running towards the edge of the cliff. As the cliff neared, I closed my eyes for a few seconds. When I opened my eyes, I was in the midst of the sky. 

I uttered a loud "Wow!" I was overwhelmed with reverence and amazement. I looked around with the eyes of a child. I couldn't stop reveling as I gazed at the lush green carpet, the hills, the tiny roads, the cars and people that looked like toys. It was as if I was seeing the world for the very first time. The heavenly beauty and the delicious tranquility were injecting my soul with an abundance of joy and fulfillment. 

It took a few minutes for the feeling to settle under my skin that I was actually amidst the sky. The wind was kissing my face with a secret welcome message and the sky was embracing me in its tender bosom. 

The view changed as we flew from one corner of the sky to another. As we were flying, my eyes fell on a blue bird that was flying a few hand distance from us. I kept looking at the bird with eager eyes and assumed that the bird was also looking at me, wondering, "What are these humans doing in my territory?"

Those ten minutes of Paragliding were the closest I have ever felt to Nature, to my soul and to God. I was flying in those ten minutes, dropping every single baggage that I had. 

I was one with the Nature and in complete harmony with my soul. I could feel every single heart beat of mine. I felt so alive, young, jubilant and full of positive energy. All the toxic thoughts that were there at some corner in my mind got cleansed by Nature. 

I was reborn again. I fell in love with life again. Finally, it was time to land. I could see my Dad waving his hand at me as we were landing. I felt so happy to see him. Those ten minutes felt like a really long time as it had a such a huge impact on me.

After landing down, I hugged my Dad. I couldn't say a word as I was still lost in the euphoric feeling. It was definitely one of the best days of my life and I felt so good to relive those moments as I was writing this post after almost a year.

You can read my post Dear Kalimpong, I heart you to know more about the beautiful place.

"Nothing is permanently perfect. But there are perfect moments and the will to choose what will bring about more perfect moments." ~ Mary Balogh