Hymns of the Mountains - Darjeeling Snapshot 1 - The Landscape

Snapshot 1 - The Landscape

"Darjeeling" - The land of thunderbolt as it literally translates to ("Dorje"- thunderbolt / the scepter of Indra and "Ling" - place / land) is a district in the hilly slopes in the north eastern province of the state of West Bengal. This land has long a history, it's roots running down to the age of the Mahabharata. Rulers of diverse clans and nationalities have claimed Darjeeling during eras that's now buried in the dust of  time. Couple of centuries back this land was overtaken by the "Gorkhas" and dwelled as an unpolished jewel in the empire of Nepal and Sikkim. East India company reclaimed it later. During the days of non-independent India, it was also gifted to the Britishers by the Raja of Sikkim to serve as a leisurely refuge for their tired soldiers and officials. The shades of it's past still reflects in the township and it's people. But today as one sits on a terrace gazing into the vast expense of the mountains beyond and hill slopes blanketed with the rich green Tea plantations, it's hard to imagine what this place has gone through. 

Often regarded as the "Queen of the Hills" among the north eastern province, it's naked beauty is one to felt and kissed. Curves of mountains playing away along the horizon of the snow clad peaks. Garmented viridescent escarpments makes for a fairy tale backdrop. The sinuous roads that led to the tiny habitations along the hills' appears like strands of hair exquisitely flowing down its' body. The air feels light as it permeates through the lungs. The ether has customary visits from the clouds now and then. The sun caress gently on the skin as it's dominance ceases at this altitude. One's psyche is enlightened whilst inundated by the ambience. 

One thing is for sure... in these mountains, you will untether your being and embrace an existence of higher order.  

#Darjeeling #Landscape

DISCLAIMER *I do not claim all the pictures in this article. It belongs to the respective owners. This pic is taken by "Surendra Pradhan - Winner of Photography competition 2017"