West Bengal, from the Himalayan foothills to Kolkata
6-25 December 1979 and 28 November 2023
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas of West Bengal, Kalimpong and Darjeeling are near the border with the former kingdom of Sikkim. Kalimpong, once part of the Kingdom of Bhutan until the British annexed it in 1865, became a vital hill trading post linking Tibet, Bhutan, and India. The town retains its Bhutanese heritage; Jangsa Dechencholing Monastery (Jangsa Gompa), the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, was built in 1678 by the government of Bhutan, when Bhutan controlled Kalimpong. Its present building was built in the 19th century, but since these photos were taken, spectacularly renewed. Kalimpong’s blend of Nepali, Lepcha, Tibetan, and Bhutanese cultures gives it a tranquil yet cosmopolitan charm.
Nearby, Darjeeling, founded by the British in the 19th century, became the “Queen of the Hills” and a summer retreat for colonial officials. Surrounded by tea gardens and crowned by views of Kangchenjunga, it is renowned for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—the celebrated Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel that still chugs up the steep slopes.
Descending to the plains lies Kolkata, once the capital of British India, a city of art, literature, and colonial grandeur. With its Victorian architecture, vibrant markets, and spiritual landmarks, Kolkata remains the cultural heart of eastern India. Its Howrah Bridge, officially named Rabindra Setu, spans the Hooghly River, linking Howrah and the heart of the city. Completed in 1943, it is one of the world’s largest cantilever bridges, built without nuts or bolts — a marvel of engineering and endurance.
Nearby, Darjeeling, founded by the British in the 19th century, became the “Queen of the Hills” and a summer retreat for colonial officials. Surrounded by tea gardens and crowned by views of Kangchenjunga, it is renowned for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway—the celebrated Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel that still chugs up the steep slopes.
Descending to the plains lies Kolkata, once the capital of British India, a city of art, literature, and colonial grandeur. With its Victorian architecture, vibrant markets, and spiritual landmarks, Kolkata remains the cultural heart of eastern India. Its Howrah Bridge, officially named Rabindra Setu, spans the Hooghly River, linking Howrah and the heart of the city. Completed in 1943, it is one of the world’s largest cantilever bridges, built without nuts or bolts — a marvel of engineering and endurance.
