Nov 8, 2009 - Kolkata

After a 6 hour bus trip back to NJP we jumped on an overnight train to Kolkata. ... Both of them obviously had hearing loss, so not only was the BollyWood ring tone set at maximum, but it was necessary to yell into the phone at a level that could probably be heard in Kolkata without the use of the phone. ... Now, onto Kolkata (Calcutta). ...

Nov 2, 2009 - Darjeeling

Darjeeling (population of ~110 thousand) is a stunning town full of colonial-era buildings nestled into a green hillside and overlooking the Himalayas which are dominated by nearby Khangchendzonga (3rd highest mountain in the world). ... Though the best views we've had in India were from Tiger Hill - a high point above Darjeeling that gave us views of a huge expanse of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest. ... Very interesting! We also took high-tea in the oldest hotel in Darjeeling which is a beautiful relic from the colonial past. ...

Oct 30, 2009 - Kurseong

Took a share jeep just over an hour through the hills to the larger town of Kurseong (population of 40 thousand). ... Kurseong is famous for tea plantations and is also a popular destination for honeymooning and vacationing Indians. ... We had come to Kurseong to take the world heritage "toy train" to Darjeeling. ... We returned to Kurseong for another night and took a share jeep to Darjeeling the next morning. ...

Oct 28, 2009 - Mirik

After arriving in New Jalpaiguri on the overnight train, we caught a rickshaw then share jeep to Mirik. ... Mirik is a small town (only 9000 people) and popular honeymoon destination in the Himalayan foothills. ... While in Mirik, we walked around the man-made Sumendu lake (~3. ...

Oct 10, 2009 - Fly to Kolkata (Calcutta)

10-10-09 During our stay here we plan a half day guided sightseeing tour of the city that will include some of the historic Raj buildings; the Pareshnath Jain temple and clay idol workshops. 11-10-09 Today we say goodbye to our travelling companions, giving us a couple of days in Calcutta by ourselves to do some more sightseeing. ... 12-09-09 Last day in India before we head off for some relaxation.10-10-09 During our stay here we plan a half day guided sightseeing tour of the city that will include some of the historic Raj buildings; the Pareshnath Jain temple and clay idol workshops. 11-10-09 Today we say goodbye to our travelling companions, giving us a couple of days in Calcutta by ourselves to do some more sightseeing. ... 12-09-09 Last day in India before we head off for some relaxation....

Sep 27, 2009 - Drive to Darjeeling

Towards the end of our journey we start our climb up to the hill station of Darjeeling. ... In the days of the Raj the Bengal government escaped from the Calcutta heat to take up its official summer residence here and today’s city dwellers still do likewise with Darjeeling being a popular holiday spot. ... 28-09-09 & 29-09-09 Tiger Hill is the highest viewpoint (2590m), some 8 miles from Darjeeling and weather permitting, we plan to make a dawn excursion here to contemplate the sunrise and the ravishing beauty of the world’s third highest mountain Kanchenjunga (8586m) and other eastern Himalayan peaks. ...

Aug 31, 2009 - Darjelling

Whats up you'll Happy Birthday John and Dad Right now I'm the far northern part of West Bengal about to cross into the Sikkim, an area more similar to tibet than the rest of India.Whats up you'll Happy Birthday John and Dad Right now I'm the far northern part of West Bengal about to cross into the Sikkim, an area more similar to tibet than the rest of India....

Jun 4, 2009 - Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court is a spectacular building with a well laid out structure and a beautiful courtyard. ... Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar is the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court and presently has 35 companion justices. ... With our energies being restored we picked up Atul (Bunty's cousin) who took us around better part of Calcutta, namely, Park Street where we had amazing Kathi Rolls and puchkaas (the local name for golgappas). ... But with Bunty around rest is an alien word who had already organised a party and on top of it he also decided to try his hand at making 'aam diye bhindi' inspired from the menu of O' Calcutta at New Delhi. ...

May 31, 2009 - Patna to Siliguri

The next day we came to learn that the condition of Uncle was under control and he could continue his trip in China. Finally we reached Siliguri at about 12. ... 30 am.The next day we came to learn that the condition of Uncle was under control and he could continue his trip in China. Finally we reached Siliguri at about 12. ... 30 am....

May 22, 2009 - Elephant Safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Visit to South Khairbairi Nature Park

I awoke this morning at 4:45 a.I awoke this morning at 4:45 a....

May 21, 2009 - Drive through West Bengal Dooars & Jeep Safari in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

org/wiki/Kalimpong"target="_blank">Kalimpong that was heading to Kalimpong proved to be a beautiful and scenic drive through a region known as the Kalimpong, albeit to a much lesser degree - had much more of an “Asian” feel to them, driving through the Jump to full entry

May 20, 2009 - Checking Out Kalimpong

org/wiki/Kalimpong" target="_blank">Kalimpong, the Kalimpong. ... org/wiki/Kalimpong" target="_blank">Kalimpong is a pleasant town, although there is not really a lot to do here. ...