Safety in North Bengal/Sikkim

cutiepie

Hi Guys,

Any idea whther its ok to go ahead and plan a vacation in North Bengal or Sikkim. I mean what does the political conditions say/ Tourism is suffering big time there right?

piran_e

As of now things seemed to have cooled down in Darjeeling due to the unstable condition of the central government. Also there is absolutely no issue with sikkim or never was, it has been unnecessarily victimized due to its proximity. Even during the strikes sikkim was absolutely peaceful but the only problem was that the morcha people had also closed down NH31 which is the only road leading to sikkim . But the SC has passed a ruling that the NH31 is to be kept open even if the strike is to resume. Hence it is absolutely safe to make plans for sikkim. Even North Bengal is relatively peaceful , the issue being that the morcha wants to include those parts in it' statehood territory, something which is being resisted fiercely by the bengalis. But even that part is pretty safe.

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somnath

Looks like things are settled down and I am planning to spend 14-16 th Aug at Darjeeling. I think I’ll be able to provide some firsthand info after that visit.

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cutiepie

Sure Somnath,I would be awaiting your feedback on the situation there.Though things seemed to have cooled down i am doubtful about whether tourism is being resumes with full swing.

gqsmoothie

bump...

somnath

Hey, thanks for this gentle reminder . I’m back from Darjeeling and my personal opinion is it is safe for the tourists. In fact, hotel / car owners are not very happy with this Bandh and all. We’ve spent a lot of time with local guys at tea / pan stalls this time and everywhere frustration was very distinct.

Allow me to share our hotel experience. As I always say am biased to Darjeeling Tourist Lodge and never search for any other hotel at Darjeeling but this time I was shocked !!!!! The condition of our favorite place was horrible – no maintenance at all !!!! Manger replied that no boarder since last 5 months…. This is the reason the hotel looks so poor. We decided not to stay there – believe me it was really difficult for us because we really love the place like our own residence. Anyways, even the manager told us to find some other hotel because almost 50% discount is available in other hotel where we’ll get good service. We decided to stay at Palnter’s Club – Darjeeling. Hey it is a great place on earth. Those who had been to Darjeeling and a bit interested in History of this Hill Queen – you all know the significance of this place. Fortunately a room was available and the secretary of the Darjeeling Club did another favor – they didn’t charge any additional amount for extra person we were 3 adults and one kid. It was a good deal. The corridor, bar, lobby everything will remind you the Raj era. This is fabulous. We didn’t expect such an economical rate in the Bar.

The market / shops looks faded – believe me, Darjeeling has lost its colors. No crowd at Chowrasta (only some group of students came to enjoy the weekend and some local guys for a religious gathering). BTW, we came to know it is decided that they are not going to disturb the tourists …… no big movement till the forthcoming ‘season’ is over (God knows how much control they have).

- Somnath

piran_e

That' rather unfortunate. IMO these people are ruining themselves and chopping their own feet. The recent strikes have tarnished Darjeeling' reputation therby cutting of their only source of income, tourism. The rascal politicians only thing about their own power and greed in the name of serving the people , where in fact they are the most selfish people who care two hoots for the people they so dearly choose to serve.

Bhaswaran

Thank you Somnath for updating the present situation, and thanks for giving hint of a nice place. Can you say about the tarriff and the location of this place - the Painters CLub?

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somnath

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stake501

Somnath,

Thanks for the update.

As I'm going to North Bengal in October, straight after puja, do you think there will still be a lack of tourists or do you predict things would have returned largely to normal?

Hence, what I'm really asking is, would it be better to book accomodation in advance, or wait til I get there in order to take advantage of any discounts that may be available?

Or would it be shrewd to try to barter a discount on email before I book.

re: hotels/accomodation, do you think the situation of Darjeeling is mirrored in the rest of North Bengal?

regards

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somnath

Hi Stake,
How are you? In my personal opinion (based on this recent trip and discussion among my friends, relatives and others) I am expecting October is going to be a touristy season in North Bengal once again. Well, I don’t think it will just like previous years but not absolutely dull – that’s for sure. If you look at the train reservation availability - it indicates that Bengali tourists (the major chunk) are not going to just drop the idea of N. Bengal in October.

Stake, I assume you are referring Dooars as ‘rest of N. Bengal’ or any specific place? Advance booking in tourist season is always recommended for Dooars.

And regarding accommodation at Darjeeling, if you have any specific choice of hotels like said Darjeeling Club where no of rooms are limited then it is better to book in advance. What I’ve seen that place is not popular among tourists but tea garden people use to occupy the place and they do not have any season. Other well known hotel at prime location like Bellevue / Sunflower, Shangri-La etc. needs advance booking.

- Cheers.

rohankaikini

Hi all,
I am planning my honeymoon to Darjeeling/Gangtok in mid-December. Considering the current situation there, would anyone be able to predict how it would be in December?
Would it be safe then?

Regards,
Rohan

cutiepie

Problem is that one never knows when they wud start unrest again. The month of October wud surely be peaceful coz its the peak tourist season,but once the festive season is over they might again start agitation. Winter doesnt seem to be the peak season so they may take chances of agitation. Again, u never know. It may be totally peaceful and it may not. I remember in June,when i returned from sikkim,just a couple of days after that violence started suddenly.I was saved.

rohankaikini

Thanks for the information..
I think I'll wait for a month more.. and have a back-up plan in place..
Hoping to see everything clear..
~rohan