K' pong rejoices in good tourist flow

NISHA CHETTRI, SNS, KALIMPONG, 9 NOVEMBER 2018: Diwali this year indeed came as a blessing for home-stay owners in Kalimpong district. The owners said the footfall of tourists, which started a month ahead of the festivals, was 'best during this time of the year.

Kalimpong is not only known for tourism, but also for floriculture and farming, while the weather is also a factor that attracts tourists.

"The rush was unusual during Diwali this time, and tourists love the traditional Tihar festival replete with the traditional Deusi and Bhailo songs sung by men and women groups." a home-stay owner said today.

Home-stay owners on the outskirts of the town are the happiest lot as they say that their business grew considerably during the festivals of Dashain/ Dusherrah and Diwali.

Bookings have been tight for the past one month at the Khawas Home Stay, located in the Ecchay Forest Village, around 17 km, away from the town. The owner, DK Khawas, said that tourists enjoyed the Diwali/Tihar festival. "Some even had marigold garlands hanging from their necks as they joined the local lads in singing the traditional Deusi songs," he said.

"We had never Experienced this type of Diwali in our life. This time was different.  We had been working, but at the same time, we also celebrated the festival with the guests. I had very tight bookings since Dashain (Dusshera) It was a great improvement in business," Mr Khawas added. 

At Palighar, a farm-stay, below 12th Mile, clients from London said they experienced Nepali culture/tradition first hand. The owner of the facility, Kabir Pradhan, said that the tourists enjoyed the 'Deusi party' in the village and that the flow of tourists has been a lot better than last year.

Sanjogeeta Subba, the president of the Hotels and restaurants Association of Kalimpong, said that the flow of tourists, especially during the time of festivals, is increasing every year. "However, most of the tourists have started opting for home-stays rather than hotels," she said.

"The political situation is good here, and the bookings are good too. It is quite better as compared to last year she said, adding that tourists like Kalimpong, "but there are hardly any places for them to spend their evenings which make them stay here only a night or two."

Later, Mohan Kartha of Chennai, who had just returned to Thana Dara in the town after sightseeing at Delo with family, appreciated nature and the landscapes in the district.

"I have never seen a hill station more like Kalimpong. The views, from Kanchenjunga to the small streams, are beautiful. To attracts more tourists and to generate more income, roads are very important.

"It the roads are good, tourists will surely come for a road-trip to Kalimpong said Mr Kartha, who added that he was upset with the road conditions as he traveled from NJP Railway station in Siliguri to Kalimpong.