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Round the World Travel Guide

The Rocky Road To Darjeeling

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Share jeep to Darjeeling

Fully loaded, my share jeep held 12 people and 1 baby. I occupied a seat in the far back, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to take in the beautiful valley views as we wound our way up the rough and narrow roads. The experience of sitting in the back of a jeep filled with Indian tourists heading to the same place as me was priceless, and far more comfortable than it sounds.

The driver only had half a seat most of the trip - it did not inspire confidence!

As we rose in elevation, the sun began to set. Soon we were passing plantations known for producing some of the best teas in the world! We arrived in central Darjeeling at 6:30pm, just late enough for it to be dark and cool. A guy was standing right near me when I whipped out my Lonely Planet to orient myself. The map looked like a maze of criss-crossing roads. Given the late hour, colder temperature, and higher elevation, I opted to check out the guy's hotel, even if it would cost me a bit extra.

Obviously this is jeep territory

It only took a few steps up a steep gradient for me to feel the effects of the higher altitude. I was breathing harder and could feel my heart pounding. Hotel Polynia turned out to be in Lonely Planet's listing under the midrange accommodations. I had a giant room with a king size bed on the top floor, plus a private bath and plenty of western cable TV channels.

View of the valley as we head up the mountains

For dinner, I ordered some plain rice and a pot of Darjeeling tea to my room. While flipping through the channels I found both of the live (and decisive) matches for the English Premier League's 2008 season. Reception was better on the Chelsea game, however it would be Manchester United's night to reign supreme.

My first room in India

Finally, after all the stories and questions, I was in India. Cold India. I went to sleep under three thick blankets.

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About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking. For more of his adventures, follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

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Comments

  1. Christine Gilbert says

    I voted on the vegetarian poll. I would take advantage of the veggie diet there… Their food is so delicious, you won’t even miss meat. :)

    • Dave says

      You’re right…so far I’m eating far more veggie dishes than meat ones, though I love my chicken curry. :)

  2. Christine Gilbert says

    I voted on the vegetarian poll. I would take advantage of the veggie diet there… Their food is so delicious, you won’t even miss meat. :)

    • Dave says

      You’re right…so far I’m eating far more veggie dishes than meat ones, though I love my chicken curry. :)

  3. lissie says

    You didn’t take the toy train? Does it still run- it basically shares the 1 road up the hill so you will have noticed it if it still was around!

  4. lissie says

    You didn’t take the toy train? Does it still run- it basically shares the 1 road up the hill so you will have noticed it if it still was around!

  5. Komodo Dragon says

    i think the veggie diet would be very uplifting. I would like it very much!

  6. Komodo Dragon says

    i think the veggie diet would be very uplifting. I would like it very much!

  7. Timothy says

    Considered to be the largest bed size that individuals can order from marketing sites as well as local home improvement stores, the king size bed is commonly manufactured depending on the popular and attractive support designs such as chambers, inner springs, foam and water. People who want this specific kind of bed should choose from the varying sizes offered in their places.