In May 1991, as a young student in the XIth standard, I ventured to the picturesque hills of Darjeeling, curious and filled with wonder. Thirty-two years later, in October 2023, I returned to this enchanting land, not as the young, wide-eyed student I once was, but as a father, accompanied by my spirited and playful daughter, Aaditri, my cherished princess. This trip, spanning just three days, was a tapestry woven with threads of nostalgia, excitement, and new discoveries.
The journey commenced aboard the Podatik Express, departing from Sealdah railway station at 11 p.m., with my wife, daughter, sister’s family, father, and aunt in tow. By 9 a.m. the following day, we arrived at New Jalpaiguri station, marking the start of our expedition to the Queen of the Himalayas—Darjeeling, our haven for the next three days.
The sight of the magnificent Kanchenjunga, with its bewitching allure visible from every nook and corner of Darjeeling, was a stroke of fortune. Unlike my previous visit, digital photography spared me the constraint of film rolls, allowing me to capture these moments without end.
The transformation of the landscape was stark. Once expansive, empty lands had given way to a sprawl of houses, hotels, and bustling shops that now adorned the once solitary paths. The roads, once quiet, now reverberated with the cacophony of vehicles and their persistent honks. Yet, amidst this transformation, the resplendent beauty of the Himalayas and the scenic foothills remained, etching indelible impressions upon my heart, both through the lens of a camera and the eyes of memory.
The local cuisine, particularly the famous spicy momos and heartwarming thupka, disappeared swiftly from our plates, offering solace in the chilling weather. Nights had transformed, too, with a vibrant display of lights adorning the lively markets, a stark contrast from the past.
A horse ride, ignited by my daughter’s insistence, rekindled memories of my own adolescence. This journey was a testament to my father’s desire and determination to create these fleeting moments in the hills. Overall, this brief yet invigorating trip infused our spirits with fresh oxygen, preparing us for the challenges that lie ahead in the coming days. Darjeeling—a place where time weaves echoes of the past with the vibrancy of the present. As I stood there, in the midst of the past and present converging, I recognised the profound magic in revisiting a place through the changing lenses of time and generations.