Sunny Darjeeling hots up for year-end bash

Deep Gazmer | TNN | Dec 28, 2015:DARJEELING: The sun is shining bright on the magnificent Kanchenjunga, the town is bustling with tourists and last-minute party details are being worked on: Darjeeling is gearing up to usher in the New Year with gusto.

Hotels and resorts are booked with domestic as well as international visitors and restaurants are busy deciding on mouth-watering spread for their New Year menu.

After a cold and bleak week, the sudden change to sunny days seems to have buoyed Darjeeling into a festive mood."I always make it a point to visit Darjeeling during Christmas and New Year with my family . Darjeeling has a different flavour to offer during this time of the year," said Asish Chakraborty , a state government official who was once posted in the Hill town.

Unlike other places, the Hills have fewer "entertainment" options, but that does not spoil the party . Chowrastha, the popular Hills promenade, is buzzing with shoppers and visitors. Hotels and restaurants are rushing against deadlines to put all party arrangements in place. Special dinners, barbeque with bonfire and other cultural activities are being designed by hotels to regale their guests.

The Park has planned an exotic spread, but the officials preferred to keep it a surprise.But regular Thai servings, like `Pla Nung Manao' (fish in lemon juice), `Laab Kai' (northern chicken salad) and `Pla Choo Chee' (fish in shrimp paste), are on the offering.

Badal Majumder, manager of The Elgin Hotels and Re sorts, said, "We will have candle light dinners, bonfire with cocktails and live band playing for our guests on the New Year's Eve. We are fully booked on that day ." The Darjeeling Gymkhana Club and different social organizations will also lining up fun-filled New Year's Eve programmes.