Fulfilling Long Lost Dreams: Karn and his Mother’s North East Trip with Thrillophilia
Karn had always dreamed of taking his mother to Darjeeling and Gangtok, places she often spoke about with a twinkle in her eyes. She would often share stories of the iconic places such as Glenary’s and the Ghum Station, painting vivid pictures of the beauty they hold.
Hence, in the March of 2023, Karn finally decided to take his mother on a special trip for his birthday. He took the help of Thrillophilia to plan the entire itinerary and there they were - all set to embark on a holiday that would be etched in their hearts for a lifetime.
And indeed, their entire trip was filled with the sights of the breathtaking beauty of Northeast India, the exquisite experiences and the memories they created together.
From the moment they landed at Bagdogra Airport, they had a feeling that this was going to be more than just a vacation—it would be a beautiful opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene landscapes, rich culture, and the charm of both Darjeeling and Gangtok.
A Warm Welcome
As Karn and his mother touched down at Bagdogra Airport, a representative arranged by Thrillophilia was already there, waiting to greet them and assist with their transfer to Darjeeling. The attention to detail and personalised care provided right from the start made them feel valued, setting the tone for what was to come.
Once they arrived in Darjeeling, they were guided to their hotel. Karn mentioned that the hotel was perfectly in line with what he had requested—a comfortable property equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure a peaceful stay for both him and his mother.
In Karn’s words, “I was travelling with my mother, so the back-end team as well as the on ground team was very sensitive towards our needs and went that extra mile to ensure a very happy, enjoyable, satisfying and lasting memory.”
It was clear that Thrillophilia had listened carefully to his requirements.
Darjeeling’s Iconic Sights
The next day, Karn and his mother were greeted by the early morning chill of Darjeeling, but the promise of a stunning sunrise at Tiger Hill motivated them to rise before dawn. Their guide and driver, who Karn described as courteous and highly skilled, took them to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise.
Following the sunrise, their day unfolded with visits to Darjeeling’s most iconic spots. They were surprised to witness a captivating panoramic view of the town from the Batasia Loop, framed by the towering Himalayan ranges. The duo was fascinated by the historical significance of the site.
They continued their spiritual exploration with a visit to the Ghoom Monastery, where the 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue made from Tibetan clay surely left a lasting impression on them.
The next stop was the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where Karn was particularly fascinated by the history of mountaineering in India. The institute, along with the adjoining Tenzing Rock, gave him insight into the adventurous spirit of the region.
His mother, meanwhile, enjoyed exploring the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and especially enjoyed watching the rare and endangered red pandas. Their day ended with visits to Darjeeling’s tea estates, where they learned about the production of world-renowned Darjeeling tea.
The Road to Heaven
After two days of exploring Darjeeling, it was time to head to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The journey was as mesmerising as the destination, with the winding roads lined with aromatic tea gardens and views of the snow-covered Himalayas. Quite satisfied with the services, Karn and his mother praised the team at Thrillophilia for providing smooth and comfortable transfers.
Upon arriving in Gangtok, they checked into another carefully selected and beautiful hotel, where they were once again welcomed with great hospitality. They spent the remaining part of the day leisurely. They both went to take a stroll down MG Marg, a bustling street known for its vibrant markets and restaurants.
Happily, they indulged in local Sikkimese cuisine and shopped for souvenirs and just enjoyed soaking up the local culture.
Spiritual and Scenic Wonders of Gangtok
Gangtok’s natural beauty and spiritual essence were definitely the ‘highlights’.
They began their full-day sightseeing tour, starting with the Tashi Viewpoint, where they were once again treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. They followed this with visits to the Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok temples, which offered them peaceful and tranquil ambiance and panoramic views of Gangtok.
Karn found the visit to the Cottage and Handloom Center particularly interesting as they got a chance to see firsthand the traditional craftsmanship of local artisans.
The final part of the day was spent visiting Gangtok’s famous waterfalls, including the Ban Jhakri Falls and Lhasa Waterfalls. These natural wonders are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a refreshing break from the cultural sites. These spectacular sites gave Karn and his mother an opportunity to appreciate the pristine beauty of Sikkim’s landscape.
A Glimpse of Nature and Spirituality
The last day of their journey took the duo on an excursion to the beautiful Tsomgo Lake which is a glacial lake nestled high in the mountains. The tranquillity of the lake and the surrounding snow-covered peaks, was truly a sight to behold.
Karn noted how the Thrillophilia team had efficiently planned the day to allow them ample time to enjoy the scenic beauty and the stories of the local monks.
Also, their visit to the Baba Mandir was definitely an enriching experience. The story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, whose spirit is believed to protect soldiers stationed in the inhospitable terrain, fascinated Karn.
As the trip came to a close, Karn and his mother reflected on their time in Darjeeling and Gangtok. They also mentioned the incredible way in which Thrillophilia had seamlessly planned and executed the trip making every aspect of the journey memorable.
Karn particularly appreciated the constant communication and personalised care from the Thrillophilia team, with special mention of Surbhi, Avik, and Shivadri, who ensured every detail of their trip was taken care of.
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