I recall a few sunny nature trips that I took back in October 2017 in this particular travelogue.
The Flower Show Museum across the White Memorial Hall (near the main Mahatma Gandhi Marg (MG Road) in Gangtok is a myriad ensemble of rare blossoms that spring in the state of Sikkim. If you wish to be awestruck by the poise, fragrance, and laughter of the exotic flowers, then this is your place. I certainly wished so.
Later that very day, I visited the Plant Conservatory at Gangtok, East Sikkim. This is a nature lover retreat and a botanical delight. It lies in the midst of the sloping Himalayan wilderness and sports a garden, a greenhouse, a few ponds, and bridges. I felt lite as a twig the moment I entered the magical doors of the conservatory. As luck would have it, the balmy October sun greeted the greening leaves and blooms of the many Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Daylilies, and Orchids spread across the garden.
Early on a bright virgin morning, a couple of days later, I jumped out of my hotel bed and set out to catch glimpses of the 3rd highest peak in the world-Kanchendzonga, popularly known as Mt. Kanchenjunga. It stands at a height of 8,586 meters. This could be done from a spot in Gangtok known as the Tashi View Point. But, it was not to be, as the clouds hid the mighty slope for the day.
At Tashi View Point, I watched the sunlight play the hither-shine-thither-shadow game across the Mangan hill range. I wondered:
Is not the same true about our lives too? Our hopes shine forth and at times get overshadowed by the clouds that rumble on the dynamic horizons of our life-course. If the green shoots are pictured as our sincere life-efforts and works, then they have the potential of keeping our mountain-like egos and dignities from sliding down.
I woke from my reverie by the not-so-faint chirping of the rare Hodgeson Redstart bird that near wing-flapped me in the cheek! Perhaps, it was all too keen to form the echelon that seemed all to set for a take-off in the gleaming horizons yonder.
It was the very last day of the week-long trip for me, and I was contemplating the best way to spend the day.
Watch the video to discover more …
Lovely video, Rajat.
I often find on my own mountains that they are best experienced when the weather is not too bright. The depths of the valleys and the foothills come more into prominence with a few clouds lingering.
Thank you so much for your kind appreciation, Charlotte. Nature is an all weather marvel. Clouds hovering over the mountains are pure joys. I too find them very fascinating and heavenly!
Thanks Rajat, appreciate you sharing your journey.
blessings,
Cynthia
Cynthia, I thank you so much for watching and liking my share. Sharing is caring dear friend!
Thank you for this Rajat! Very descriptive visual. Felt like I was there.
You are most welcome, Paula! So glad you enjoyed reading and watching the travelogue.