Glimpses of Kolkata, Darjeeling and Gangtok

My Holiday trip to Darjeeling 27th April to 6th May

Here are a few things I thought may be of value.

27th April

We reached Kolkata on 27th. Did the usual Kolkata tour. Dakshineshwar, Belur Math, Victoria Memorial et al. It was pleasant and there were slight drizzles.

At dakshineshwar we had Paani Puri in Kolkatta style with matka plates.

We went to Dakshineshwar through the Howrah bridge and returned through the new bridge. The usual bustle, noise and dirt of Kolkata is still there, but the traffic seems to have become somewhat more manageable.

28th April

After a relaxed breakfast, we left for the airport. En route we visited Science City. This is a science theme park. There is a ropeway that takes us into the park. There are numerous science related displays. We saw a documentary on sharks in the (mercifully air conditioned) domed space theatre. The domed ceiling gave the feeling that we were underwater, looking up at the sharks.

Kolkata airport is dirty and litter is thrown all over the place. At Chennai Airport, the cleaning staff work continuously to keep the place spic and span. But at Kolkata, I could see food stains on the floor and discarded disposable cans overflowing the scanty dustbins. They need to spruce up and clean the place.