Family Adventure in the Scenic Hills of Darjeeling

Whispers of the Wild

Today was an adventure that took us high into the clouds, both literally and figuratively. Leaving behind the familiar streets of Darjeeling, we ventured into the heart of Singalila National Park. It was a day filled with crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and the thrill of spotting rare Himalayan wildlife. A day to remember, etched in our hearts forever.


Explore Singalila National Park: A Himalayan haven for rare wildlife, stunning views, and unforgettable trekking adventures.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Granola, a cozy little spot in Darjeeling. I opted for their signature granola bowl, a delightful mix of crunchy granola, fresh fruits, and creamy yogurt. Thomas, ever the traditionalist, went for a classic English breakfast, while Leela happily munched on a stack of pancakes. Fueled and ready, we set off for Singalila National Park. The drive itself was an experience, winding through narrow mountain roads with stunning vistas at every turn. The air grew crisper as we ascended, a welcome change from the more humid air of the lower regions. It reminded me of our hikes in the Odenwald forest back home, but with the added grandeur of the Himalayas.

Singalila National Park, perched high in the Himalayas, is a sanctuary of biodiversity. As we entered the park, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. The towering trees, the vibrant rhododendrons, and the distant snow-capped peaks created a landscape that seemed almost otherworldly. The park is known for its stunning views of Kanchenjunga and even glimpses of Mount Everest on a clear day. Although Everest remained hidden behind a veil of clouds today, the sight of Kanchenjunga was more than enough to leave us in awe.

We decided to explore the park on foot, hiring a local guide to lead us through the trails. The guide, a friendly and knowledgeable man named Dorjee, shared fascinating insights about the park's flora and fauna. He pointed out various species of birds, including the vibrant scarlet minivet and the elusive satyr tragopan. Leela was particularly excited, her eyes wide with wonder as she tried to spot the birds Dorjee described. I was reminded of my childhood in Nashik, exploring the hills around our home, a sense of nostalgia washing over me.

The mountains are calling and I must go. - John Muir

Dorjee told us about the park being home to the elusive red panda, a creature I've always been fascinated by. While we didn't spot one today, just knowing they were somewhere in the vicinity added an extra layer of excitement to our hike. We did, however, encounter a group of Himalayan black bears from a safe distance, their thick fur coats glistening in the sunlight. Thomas, with his background in physics, was particularly interested in the adaptations of these animals to the high-altitude environment.

After a few hours of trekking, we stopped for lunch amidst the serene surroundings of the park. We had packed a picnic of sandwiches, fruits, and Indian snacks from a local shop. As we ate, we soaked in the beauty of the landscape, the silence broken only by the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. It was a moment of perfect tranquility, a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way back towards Darjeeling. Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped by The Yellow Box, a charming little shop I had read about. It was filled with an eclectic mix of local handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. I picked up a beautiful hand-woven scarf for myself and a small wooden toy for Leela. It's these little mementos that help us relive our travel experiences long after we've returned home.


Explore The Yellow Box in Darjeeling for exquisite local crafts and souvenirs, capturing the essence of this enchanting hill station.

For dinner, we decided to try Thakkali Restaurant Darjeeling, known for its authentic Nepali cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with traditional decor and a warm ambiance. We ordered a variety of dishes, including momos, thukpa, and dal bhat. The food was delicious, a perfect blend of flavors and spices. Leela, surprisingly, enjoyed the momos, devouring them with gusto. It's always a joy to see her embrace new culinary experiences.


Experience authentic Nepali cuisine at Thakkali Restaurant in Darjeeling, where flavors meet breathtaking views.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Glenary's— Bakery, Restaurant & Pub for a relaxed day of culinary exploration [Itinerary of Tomorrow]. We'll start with breakfast at Hotel Lunnar (Pure Veg.), followed by lunch at Dafey Munal Restro Cum Bar, and end the day with dinner at Nawangs Restaurant [Itinerary of Tomorrow]. I am also keen to explore Glenary's as a bar in the evening.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Singalila National Park was everything I had hoped for and more. It was a day of adventure, discovery, and connection with nature. It was a day that reminded me of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the beauty around us, and creating memories with loved ones. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, enriching our lives in ways we never imagined. The park is closed during the monsoon season, so planning a trip during the spring or autumn would be ideal. I am also reminded of the importance of carrying warm clothes, as the temperatures can drop significantly.

I am already looking forward to tomorrow, and our continued exploration of Darjeeling.

Dining Delights in Darjeeling

Our culinary journey today was as memorable as our exploration of Singalila National Park. From the comforting breakfast at Granola to the authentic Nepali dinner at Thakkali Restaurant, every meal was a celebration of local flavors and culinary traditions. These experiences added another layer of richness to our day, making it all the more special.

Granola was a delightful start to our day. The cafe had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed breakfast. My granola bowl was a work of art, a colorful mix of fresh fruits, crunchy granola, and creamy yogurt. It was a healthy and delicious way to fuel up for our day of trekking. Thomas enjoyed his classic English breakfast, while Leela happily devoured her pancakes. It's always a challenge to find something that everyone enjoys, but Granola managed to do just that.

After our trek in Singalila National Park, we were ready for a hearty lunch. We decided to try Burger Cartel | Cafe & Restaurant, a popular spot known for its gourmet burgers and sandwiches. The restaurant had a lively and energetic vibe, with colorful decor and upbeat music. I opted for their signature burger, a juicy patty topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all the fixings. Thomas went for a classic cheeseburger, while Leela enjoyed a simple grilled cheese sandwich. The burgers were delicious, a perfect combination of flavors and textures. It was a satisfying and indulgent way to refuel after our hike.


Discover delightful flavors at Burger Cartel in Darjeeling - where every bite brings joy amidst stunning views.

As evening approached, we decided to try Thakkali Restaurant Darjeeling, known for its authentic Nepali cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with traditional decor and a warm ambiance. We ordered a variety of dishes, including momos, thukpa, and dal bhat. The food was delicious, a perfect blend of flavors and spices. The momos were juicy and flavorful, the thukpa was warm and comforting, and the dal bhat was a hearty and satisfying meal. Leela, surprisingly, enjoyed the momos, devouring them with gusto. It's always a joy to see her embrace new culinary experiences. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.

These dining experiences were more than just meals; they were opportunities to connect with the local culture and traditions. They were chances to savor new flavors, try new dishes, and learn about the culinary heritage of Darjeeling. They were moments of joy, laughter, and connection with my family. As we continue our journey, I look forward to discovering more culinary gems and sharing them with you.

Shopping Spree at The Yellow Box

Our visit to The Yellow Box was a delightful detour on our way back from Singalila National Park. This charming little shop, filled with an eclectic mix of local handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, was a treasure trove of unique finds. It was a chance to support local artisans, discover hidden gems, and bring home mementos of our Darjeeling adventure.

As we stepped into The Yellow Box, we were immediately greeted by a riot of colors and textures. The shop was filled with hand-woven scarves, intricately carved wooden figurines, and sparkling jewelry. The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood and incense, creating a sensory experience that was both calming and invigorating. The shop owner, a friendly and welcoming woman named Pema, greeted us with a warm smile and invited us to browse at our leisure.

I was immediately drawn to the hand-woven scarves, each one a unique work of art. The scarves were made from a variety of materials, including silk, wool, and pashmina, and were adorned with intricate patterns and designs. I picked up a beautiful scarf for myself, a vibrant mix of colors that reminded me of the rhododendrons in Singalila National Park. It was a perfect memento of our Darjeeling adventure, a reminder of the beauty and vibrancy of this region.

Leela, of course, was drawn to the toys. She spent a long time examining the wooden figurines, carefully selecting a small wooden elephant to take home. The elephant was intricately carved and painted, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the local artisans. It was a simple toy, but one that I knew Leela would cherish for years to come.

Thomas, ever the practical one, was interested in the local handicrafts. He picked up a set of hand-carved wooden coasters, each one adorned with a different design. The coasters were made from locally sourced wood and were a perfect example of sustainable craftsmanship. They were a practical and beautiful addition to our home, a reminder of our commitment to supporting local artisans and sustainable practices.

Our visit to The Yellow Box was more than just a shopping trip; it was an opportunity to connect with the local culture and support the local economy. It was a chance to discover unique and beautiful items, each one with its own story to tell. It was a reminder of the importance of supporting local artisans and preserving traditional crafts. As we continue our journey, I look forward to discovering more hidden gems and sharing them with you.