Floating Fogs: An enchanting affair with nature

The mercury was hitting almost 40 degrees in the very beginning of summer in Calcutta. Complaining about it was not going to help. Clothes getting soaked in sweat, umbrellas, goggles, and scarves to cover our faces were the story like every year. And it was just the beginning of summer, in April. It was going to get worse. Hence, a short break was required from this scorching heat. And nothing’s better than a peaceful and serene weekend in the hills of North Bengal.

The view when we reached Lolegaon, totally covered with fog

Dibrugarh express took us New Jalpaiguri and from there we hired cars all the way to Lolegaon. Our first halt was at 29th Mile, for breakfast. With a lake beside the restaurant and clouds slowly gathering above in the sky, we finished our breakfast and returned to the road. With little drizzles from time to time and the rising altitude, it was getting exciting. By the time we reached near Lolegaon, it was like we were in the middle of a huge cloud. The visibility was near nil. It was exciting but scary too. Anyway, we reached the hotel, unpacked, and took a nap. It was raining heavily. That is why we were unable to go out and see the place that day. At night, when the rain stopped, we got an amazing view of Kalimpong city from Lolegaon.

The path towards the Canopy Walk

Day 2 was all about the canopy walk in Lolegaon, which is one of the major attractions of the place. It was again a thrilling experience. With most of the sky covered with clouds and the temperature was also not that high. Overall, it was a good cool day. The canopy walk is a bridge through the forest area where the bridge or canopy is hanging from the trees. It was one of a kind of experience. Fun-filled and thrilling! The canopy walk was conquered and it was time for some breakfast, the hill style! Momos, thaipo, and coffee! Now we were on the way to the second part of our journey, destination Rishap, but via Lava town.

Lava, a small town in the valley of North Bengal is unique on its own. Small houses, high and low roads, a variety of shops, and the Lava monastery make the landscape a soothing and spectacular view. We left Lava behind and went upwards towards Rishap, our final spot of the tour.

A view of Rishap Village

Rishap is a village in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. The local Lepchas and Sherpas have made small cottage-type of accommodations for tourists. It is secluded, isolated, and peaceful. A day or two in Rishap is bliss, indeed. All we did was checked into our hotel rooms, sat on the courtyard, among some very beautiful local flowers, and relaxed by watching the view of the hills. A few of my friends went for a short trek through the village the next day. In the evening, he had a bonfire in the courtyard where we sat and sang songs amidst the serene atmosphere of the hills.

Flowers in the courtyard of the hotel in Rishap

It was one of the best tours of my life, with my friends. And till date remains one of my favorites with loads of fun and memories.

A view while returning from the hills

Most of the photographs here are taken by my friends, I have collected these from them.