October is a perfect month to start travelling again for those who like spending their monsoon indoors. The skies will clear, the air will be crisper, and it is the best time before blooms come to life, before the pallor of winter sets in.
Mungpu is just an hour from Darjeeling. It is the home of the house that was Rabindranath Tagore’s summer retreat. And you can still visit this home to walk into the glorious past oh his days there.
But for those who harbor a genuine love for the natural world, Mungpu has a lot more to offer. As you arrive by road, you will see a vast vista, that will look like a patchwork of undulating tea gardens and meadows with wild orchids. It almost looks like God’s kaleidoscope.
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The woods are thickly scented with wild orchids, the village life simple and the landscape a magical brush with virgin nature. Little bubbling streams cross your path, and only the local urchins can guide you where they go. As you come closer to the town, you see an increasing number of flower nurseries.
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Another historical aspect of the town apart from Tagore’s connection is the first quinine factory. Also known across India’s northeastern end for its cinchona plantations, Mungpoo’s first quinine factory dates back to 1864. Quinine was earlier extracted from barks of the cinchona plants and used as a medicinal compound to cure malaria.
Image Credit: thebetterindia
You can also visit the Kalijhora waterfall. Perched at 550 feet above sea level, these waters eventually meet the grand Teesta near the Mahananda Sanctuary. It is a great spot to relax away from the maddening crowds. You can also embrace the serenity and peace at Dinchhen Sherap Chhoeling Gompa. Shanti Chowk, in the premises of the Gompa, epitomise the gentle indifference and peaceful demeanour of the monks who live here.
Image Credit: thebetterindia
Mungpoo is 35km away from Darjeeling, and can be accessed via Sikkim Bengal National Highway 31A. The nearest airport is the one at Bagdogra, and the nearest railway station is at New Jalpaiguri. You can find comfortable stay at the many homestays offered here. And it is an adventure to use the local transport to go about Mungpu.
So, if you are done with the crowds, and need some break away from bustle, then head to Mungpu for a perfect October getaway.
