Bhutan - 1 (Baghdogra to Pheuntsholing)

 The land of dragons!!.. well well well !! Tucked between towering mountains, this small and beautiful neighbour with a happy heart became quite an obsession - thanks to the multitude of experiences shared by my good friends.. So, one fine morning, in April 2015, we embarked on an odyssey that would forever change our perceptions about the mountain kingdom. 

        As our flight from  Chennai to Bagdogra was announced, I rang Mr.Pema, who was supposed to be our guide cum driver for the entire tour.  “Bizhuji, don’t worry. I’ll be there’  came the assuring retort from the other end.  Landed Kolkata on time. But, then came the annoying news that our flight towards Bagdogra will be late by atleast 3 hours.  Pema was using a Bhutanese SIM which would be of no use in Indian territory.  There was no way I could pass on this latest development to our friend as he must have already crossed the borders to reach the airport.   Boarded the flight at 3.15pm and the next 45 minutes were quite difficult as our entire scheme of things revolved around this one person, Mr.Pema.

    At last, after a delay of about 3 hours, we touched the ground at 4 in the evening.  Fearing the worst, frantically searched for Pema at the visitor’s lounge.  Heaved a sigh of relief as I got the glimpse of the recognizable  face waiting expectantly for us.  The handsome chauffeur smiled in acknowledgement as I waved at him. Collected the luggage and there we were …  hitting the roads towards the mighty Himalayas …  to the world of happiness.  Pema was jovial and at once the kids began to relax with him.

     By the time we reached the famous Cornonation Bridge which connects Siliguri and Jaipalguri districts, it was dark and Pema began to accelerate ..   Stopped the vehicle for food at a wayside eatery.  A huge painting of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk  and his beautiful lady love adorned the wall. Little did we know that we were to see this picture in almost all the places that we would venture. While the man at the counter and Pema were renewing their acquaintanceship, food was served.  Food was palatable and after a bumpy ride, reached Jaigaon at 9.30.  Soon, we were in front of the famous Pheuntsholing Gate, a gargantuan gate reminding us the mightiest forts in some Hollywood films with two huge dragons adorning the centre.   The Bhutan taxi took us inside.  The transformation was dramatic. Gone were the din and buzzle just a few yards away at the other side of the impressive wall.  The immaculately paved ways with ornamental lamps were a sight to behold.

 Occupied a cosy-looking room.  Tired after a long and wearisome  journey, everybody was in a hurry to hit the bed.  But, here was an opportunity for me to take a nocturnal shot of the massive doorway.  Soon, took off with the tripod and camera.  The place was almost deserted.  Unaccustomed to the use of tripod, took some time to sort everything out.  With smirking faces, the guards watched the entire proceedings with some amusement.