darjeeling-emerges-as-cool-haven-as-heatwave-sweeps-through-south-bengal

While sweltering heat grips the plains of West Bengal, Darjeeling, the queen of hills, offers a welcome respite. 

 

Tourist activity in the hill town has seen a dramatic surge in the past week, with hotels running at full capacity and cab services overwhelmed with bookings.

 

This influx coincides with the peak of summer in Kolkata and other south Bengal districts, where temperatures have soared to an unbearable 40 degrees Celsius, reaching highs of 45 degrees in Bankura. 

 

In stark contrast, Darjeeling offers a haven of cool comfort, with daytime temperatures hovering between a pleasant 12-13 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 22-23 degrees Celsius.

 

"The more uncomfortable the weather gets in south Bengal, the more tourists we see flocking to Darjeeling to experience the cool weather," says Sudesh Poddar, president of the West Bengal chapter of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). 

"Hotel business is booming, and finding rooms is becoming increasingly difficult," he said.

 

The bustling heart of Darjeeling, Chowrasta, is teeming with tourists. Local estimates suggest that one in three visitors are domestic tourists from within West Bengal itself.

 

"We literally fled Kolkata," says Samir Dutta, a resident of Lake Town in north Kolkata who arrived with his family. 

 

"There were no train tickets available, so we took a bus to Siliguri and then a cab to Darjeeling. We plan to stay here for a few days until the weather in the plains improves," he added.

 

The iconic Glenary's, Darjeeling's most popular cafe and bakery, is a hive of activity, with patrons jostling for a seat. 

 

"It seems everyone has decided to come to Darjeeling now," remarks Avishek Sanyal from Baguiati, Kolkata, who is vacationing with his wife for five days. 

 

"We've been here several times, but we've never seen such large crowds," he remarked.

 

The influx of tourists is a welcome boost for the local economy. Tea shops, street vendors, and cab drivers are all experiencing a surge in business. "Bookings are pouring in," says Prem Moktan, a local cab driver. "No driver is making empty trips either uphill or downhill. We hope this continues in the coming days."

 

Pranita Chhetri, a vendor selling woollens outside the famous Keventer's cafe, is surprised by the demand for winter wear. "People weren't expecting it to be this cold," she says, pointing to customers buying sweaters and woollen caps upon arrival.

 

Hoteliers echo the sentiment. "There's a healthy flow of tourists," says Amit Khatri, owner of Hotel Broadway. "Most hotels are at 100% occupancy."

Darjeeling, with its picturesque landscapes, colonial charm, and refreshing mountain air, has always been a popular tourist destination. 

 

However, this year's heatwave in the plains has propelled it to the top of the list for those seeking refuge from the scorching summer.