Indeed it was a memorable trip

[Elaborating the lines,, written down in bits n pieces in a composition book, during my travel to Kolkata and Sikkim in Dec (12^th -20^th) 2009]

I love traveling. To note few of my trips: have traveled to Andaman n Nicobar islands, been on a trek to Himalayas, a trip to Wynad, leisurely tours to Malnad (as its my mothers native) n many more. I guess I have got this from my mother,, she was an unweary traveler.

But this trip is different from other ones. If u ask me why??

 “As I write these lines,, the aircraft hovers over Karnataka…jetting towards Kolkata, it carries a bunch of passengers awaiting to get back home. Among them is a lone traveler who is a stranger to the land jet is heading to. Right, I’m sitting here,, all packed up and excited…amidst stranger co passengers. It’s a beautiful day. As I watch the brightly lit cotton clouds fly with me, I smile , i wud see my best friend soon.. :)

                         Fingers clicked overpowering my senses.. irresistible shot (12th Dec 2009)

However hard i think, very few things i can associate with Kolkata:
Huge idol of Durga and Kali, chubby people living on sweets, old buildings, red round bindis, bengali accent pôsond (pasand..like), bôdol (badal..exchange), shôsta (sasta..inexpensive)

Wonder what could be more...its a short stay at Kolkata."

Then echoed the Pilots voice-outside temperature 26'C, very fine weather, he wished a nice stay at Kolkata..n apologized for late arrival.Flight's departure was delayed a little..so i thought i should forgive him,, after all he brought us safe. I love the feeling of sitting in a descending plane,, makes u feel light weightless. Through the window, could see a map drawn below getting zoomed every second.. finally trees n building ran behind n squealing plane parked at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose international airport. I smiled and approved air hostess n stewards their patient service. All the more excited, i hopped down the craft collected all my baggage..rushed through the exit.

I found my friend,,PK! :) Waving, grinning,jumping with excitement we greeted each other and sank into a cozy conversation. A moment unaware of surroundings, i was. And the next moment moms words flashed in my mind “don’t ever lose sense in excitement..there are lot of things in this world which u wudnt want to see.. so be very careful”. "Aithamma.." tho mom wanted me to see the world she was little worried, she convinced herself we are brave kids. But mom was convinced more when PK’s mom said,, naan Kolkata ge hogidnalla,,avle(PKne) nannan ella kade karkond hogiddu, kalsi enu aagalla, ibru nodkond bartare.. :)

Since we had decided on low cost best trip..we waited for the airport bus. I quickly turned around to get the first glimpse of Kolkata,,a queue of yellow taxis in the stand, a politician with folded hands on big Bengali banner.. people rushing in n out of the bus..walls with movie posters.To make maximum utilization of time,, standing in-front of the airport we listed important places to visit,time it takes to reach the place, and time visitors are allowed. As PK was very much acquainted with the place during 4 n half years of her stay..she was quick in sorting out ‘what to visit, and when’. Bus dint turn up so we tuk a taxi.. big yellow taxi(counting crow song ringing in my ears),,

   comfortable is the journey through the streets of Kolkata..outside the window i see cycle rickshaws, man pulled rickshaws, wooden buses,,old buildings...like sequel of frames of old paintings displayed. Then a feeling of wonder creeps in me n i become speechless...am taken back in time..

Sunny afternoon, 12th Dec 2009

Nearly an hour we traveled n paid “dada” 180 bucks (no sir or bhaiyya). The first impressive factor about Kolkata is cost of living-u’ll completely agree with me when i talk about bus fare. After refreshing and a bit of relaxed chat we headed to Dakshineshwar. We traveled 1 hour in bus from salt lake city to banks of river Hooghly. When we asked which stop we need to get down for Dakshineshwar, many people sincerely offered help. People there are helpful and kind (inference from entire stay). Paid Rs. 9 for the journey..! 
Walking through a connecting street with local shops we were attracted to white “ivory” bangles (traditional Bengali bangles called Shankha pola)..having no time to shop :( we headed straight to the temple[Visiting time: 5.30 A.M. To 10.30 A.M. and 4.30 P.M to 7.30 P.M ]. 

Welcomes you with well designed gate and you can never imagine what is awaiting for u inside.  

...beautifully crafted marvel with perfect combination of two earthy colors...stands on enormous courtyard..stuns all its viewers...

Entrance of Dakshineshwar

Main Shrine of Goddess Kali

4 among the 12 subsidiary shrine for Lord Shiva

The temple is built by Rani Rashmôni, devotee of Kali. Capturing its beauty, we seek blessings of Lord Shiva in a subsidiary shrine. Huge Crowd n long queue made it impossible for us to go inside the main temple..so we got a glimpse of Kali Mata in the oil lit lamps. Courtyard is surrounded by 12 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Flowing beside this temple is river Hooghly.

               ...n there lies astonishing beauty,,where mans creation blends thoroughly with nature's..

Vivekananda Setu..view from temple [12th Dec 2009, 6:30 PM]

People on the boat..heading towards Belur Math

Belur Mutt on the other bank.. reminds of movie "Water"

We visited Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Kottadi at Dakshineshwar which was so calm and silent,,cut off from outside world. Few bhaktas sank into meditative moods.

A boat ride to Belur Math was inexplicable..the mist cover over Hooghly river,, soft pink n purple painted the sky.We chose to sit on the front end of the boat..slowly engulfed by the thin mist..chilled us. Getting closer and closer to the bridge we were amazed to realize there were two bridges,,which were superimposed. Belur math (on the other bank-Howra) lights dimmed through the mist...

Belur math is noted for its architecture-Combination of Hindu,Muslim n Christian styles as symbol of unity of religions. Darkness prevented us from capturing it. It is the head quarters of Ramakrishna mission,,and founded by Swami Vivekananda. We sat a little while listening to bhajans. Then headed to Ramkrishna Museum..but we were late by few minutes :(   (met few Kannadigas in the campus,,:) )

After the brief visit to Belur math we took a bus from Howra to New Market. Walked through the brightly lit energized streets,, preparing for Christmas. We had "totally yummy" gur [bella(kannada)..jaggery] rasgullas.. my mouth waters as i write this. Dined at Piccadilly Square(Subhas Bose road)..a small cute London based restaurant with sweet ambiance..place was lit with "light poles"..we had delicious aloo waffles.

It was 10 pm by the time we got into a taxi to return..i was surprised to see lot of female commuters. Kolkata is a safe city comparatively. That night,, stayed at university guest house..

Next day would be a big day.. Journey to Gangtok...