The Queen of the Hills Casts a Spell...
Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills in eastern India, enamored me with her undulating peaks, spectacular views and quaint charm. Misty skies and descending, enveloping clouds added to the other-wordly charm of this beautiful hill station. What's not to love in this lovely town? Winding lanes running up and down, dotted with little tea shops and cafes, offering the famed Darjeeling tea and some delicious cakes and snacks, provide succour to tired feet and souls. Sunshine plays hide and seek with dark clouds and thick fog. The local people take the unpredictable weather in their stride. They have grown up in this land, braving nature's hardships and quirks with a smile. When the sun does shine, it bathes the entire ranges and peaks with a glow. It seems heaven has descended on earth. The next moment dark clouds loom and there is a chilly, freezing wind blowing. In this paradise, there are some worldly treats to visit. The Darjeeling zoo, nestled in the Himalayan Mountai