Four places in Gangtok were on the list: Flower show, Do Drul Chortan Stupa, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Handicrafts center. Last two were closed due to weekly holidays.
Flower show has good collection of flowering plants arranged nicely. As the number of photographs is just too many for this blog, I will put up elsewhere. Funny part was that every visitor wanted to be photographed himself/herself with the flowers. Selfie culture has changed the definition of photography. You are always in the center!
Next was the Do Drul Chortan Stupa situated atop a hillock. We have visited almost a dozen Buddhist worship places and all have been impressive: clean, quiet, peaceful, simple.
On way to Pelling (as such only hours from Gangtok), two more sightseeing were added on basis (3500).
Chardham is a of replica of Hindu temples. The twelve Jyotirlingas and the Canteen within the is good.
Reached Pelling – Hotel Sonamchen (peak season rate – 3200). Location of the hotel is good. Rooms, facilities and food – ordinary.
First was at Chenrezig monastery near Pelling. It is said to be Indias first A good tourist attraction.
As usual, for daily quota of extra earning, visit to Singshore bridge was offered by driver for Rs 2,000 extra. This is Indias highest and Asias second highest suspension bridge. For a change we refused and
Hotel Pink Mountain, Darjeeling. We had better hotels in Gangtok. Poor ventilation. Very congested location. Food – average. (Peak season rate – 6000).
Evening was free. We needed rest very badly. Moreover, we were supposed to start for Tiger Hill at 4 in the morning next day.
