Darjeeling's heart : Chowrasta

CHOWRASTA

 Historic Chowrasta

Old Chowrasta

Chowrasta is the heart of Darjeeling. It is the central meeting point of four roads. It is a beautiful esplanade where one can enjoy the sips of tea and beautiful scenery of awestricken tourists.

Location

This is a prime location in Darjeeling. The mid-point of four popular roads, Chowrasta is a must-visit place in Darjeeling. It is just above the busy market of Darjeeling. The four roads that meet here are -

1.                 Nehru Road

2.             Dr. Zakir Hussain Road

3.             Mall Road (East)

4.             Mall Road(West)

Nehru road

NEHRU ROAD is an uphill pavement towards Chowrasta which is packed with shops that attract tourists with unique items such as winter wear, curios, historical artifacts, and a line of prominent cafeterias. Towards evening this road gets crammed with street food (corn, chicken lollypops, momos, chowmein, and many more). The hustle of tourists adds charm to this lane. Young girls and boys in fashionable attire walking through this path grab special attention. This road has a fountain just as it enters the Chowrasta. The fountain looks lovely during the evening time when it’s operated with colorful illuminating lights.

Fountain at chowrasta

 

DR. ZAKIR HUSSAIN ROAD is a busy road that connects the hectic local market of Darjeeling with Chowrasta. It is parallel to the Nehru Road from the other side. This road mainly consists of hotels and resorts that provide a close location for the tourists to get connected with Mall Road. This road is jam-packed with grocery shops and local shops selling the food items such as vegetables, fruit, and pickles. It has a Police Assistance Booth in its end near the Chowrasta. The booth is aptly located so that any sort of illegitimate event can be avoided or taken care of if certain things happen. This provides a safe end for the tourists as well.

 

MALL ROAD – The wings of Mall Road composite the other two roads of Chowrasta from east and west. It is a circular road that meets at Raj Bhawan. This road surrounds the observatory hill in the center.

Mall Road

The mall road is buzzed with tourists all year round due to its soothing and calm environment. It is the best place for joggers to stroll early morning. People of all age groups visit Mall Road to meditate. The early morning of Mall Road witnesses people busy in workouts. Early risers amongst tourists are seen out from their hotel rooms to observe nature in its finest contour. Photographers are seen wandering here in search of best captures that may include the Kanchenjunga range, bird watching, sunrise, and sunsets.

Before the G20 meet in Darjeeling, Mall Road was packed with local shops selling warm clothes, souvenirs and street food. It used to be a colorful range of variety of items for the tourists to take home. At present these shops have been shifted to the Raj Bhawan. Tourists can visit there and buy whatever they like from the displayed things.

The road links to the Observatory Hill which is a unique spot on top that overlooks the town. It is a hermitage to the Hindu holy shrines that has been dedicated to Mahakal Baba.

Morning at mall road 

It is also in collaboration with the Buddhists devotees. One can find the rarest combo of a Hindu Pandit and a Buddhist Monk in this temple. The colorful Buddhist flags accompanied with the clanging of the temple bells give this hill the rare view, undoubtedly one of its own kinds.

The entire Mall Road that begins from Raj Bhawan to the entry point of Chowrasta towards the observatory hill is lined up with benches. From here the tourists can get the majestic view of the mighty Kanchenjunga range on clear weather.  The tea and aaloobhuja is a favorite delicacy to be enjoyed here.

 

CHOWRASTA

Chowrasta is an attractive blend of rich culture, historical heritage and fashion. Darjeeling visit seems to be incomplete without visiting Chowrasta. As we take a turn towards the Mall Road from the east, we can see the statues of famous dignitaries. First we will meet

Mitrasen

Master Mirasen (1895-1946) who as a versatile artist earned the fame as a poet, playwright, folk singer and short story writer. He travelled widely in India and Nepal addressing the Gorkha Community and striving to raise them to a higher moral and cultural plane. Secondly, we will meet

NawangGompu Sherpa

NawangGompu Sherpa (1936-2011), a Sherpa mountaineer, the first man in the world to have climbed Mount Everest twice.  He is also the first amputee (trans-tibial amputee) who reached the summit of Mount Everest on his first attempt and the first disabled person of Asia to stand on the summit. He was the youngest member of 1953 expedition which made the first expedition to Mount Everest. Next stands the statue of Swami Prabudhhananda, who established Ramakrishna Shiskha Parishad for boys in 1941 and Sardeshwari School for girls in 1948 as he was actively involved in the process of converting Darjeeling into a literate and culturally active society. He was a fountain of inspiration for the entire Darjeeling hills. Finally we will come across the statue of the ‘GorkhaAmbedkar’ Kaman Singh Ramudamu. He was the President of All India Nepali Caste Association and led a huge rally against the sixth schedule status as it had no provision for the reservation of the SC community in the new administrative arrangement mooted for the hills.

Rest Sheds and Benches

Every person reaching Chowrasta will want to spend a good leisure time by observing the scenario filled with tourists and their various activities. There are abundant benches placed at a decent space for relaxing. One can enjoy the sips of tea or coffee while enjoying the weather. If its winter, the entire area is engulfed with the blanket of fog giving a chilling experience yet ravishing with the hot sips of fragranced tea. During spring, the visitors can have an eye-soothing experience of watching the joggers early morning and huge number of tourists from far-off places. Sitting on a bench and listening to their conversation about their perception of Darjeeling seems quite interesting.

Horse riding zone

Horse Riding 

Chowrasta is a hub of horse riders. The best activity that a person can enjoy is horse riding. Children enjoy the ride a lot. The pleasant ambience makes it an ideal time to experience. The ponies are all set to match up with the little kids’ age group as well. They are managed well with the experienced horse caregivers. The stable is just beside the fountain area towards the Dr. Zakir Hussain Road.  The ponies are healthy, friendly and calm natured. The round trip of Chowrasta is made with great care and pictures taken here is memorable for the visitors, of course.

Bhanu Bhakta Acharya

Statue of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya

The central part of Chowrasta is adorned witha tall golden statue of Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya. He was a notable scholar who contributed incalculably towards Nepali literature. Born on 13^th July, 1814 AD, Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, he is considered to be the first Nepali poet and he emerged as a master craftsman of Nepali literature. He is well known for translating the epic RAMAYANA in Nepali.Every 13^th July is widely celebrated as Bhanu Jayanti in the hill schools and even the Nepali medium schools in West Bengal to commemorate his birthday and contribution to the literary world.

Amphitheatre

It is the main attraction of Chowrasta. Layered with concrete steps it provides a larger space for the tourists to sit on it and overlook the entire area. It is a prominent place for holding cultural activities and programs. If one is lucky then they can observe the special cultural programme comprising of the locals and innumerable artists with their cultural traditional attire.

Amphitheatre

On usual days, there are constant music videos played on the wide screen. Glimpses of the Darjeeling tour sites are displayed from time to time. There is a colorful dome and it stands there since ages providing the tourists a classic photo zone. Early morning the view of Karate coaching in this place looks pretty and encouraging. Nearby stands a statue of Shamsher Junga Bahadur Rana. He has a great contribution for the establishment of the Gorkha regiment in the British Army.

Traffic Free Zone

The most charming point of Chowrasta is that it is fully traffic free zone. It has lots of merits accordingly. People can enjoy the serenity without any hassle of vehicles all around. Kids can play independently where the parents can simply sit on the benches and observe them. People of Darjeeling are very kind, compassionate and have matured dealing with kids. This clearly indicates that we can leave our kids play in the secured zone right in front of our eyes and do not have to keep a hawk’s eye on them in fear of any untoward incidents. Traffic free zone allows a pollution free environment. Even the two wheelers are supposed to get down and pull along the bikes or cycles from one end to the other if they happen to cross Chowrasta and meet the other end. Potters are seen carrying the luggage of the tourists assisting them to reach to the hotels which are located prominently around the mall.

 

night at chowrasta

Hawa Ghar

The open spaced area is right on the right of the Chowrasta. Most of the political meetings are held here as this place has wide area where a huge number of crowds can gather.  It is an ideal place from where the speeches can be delivered reaching out to all. Painted in white this is a high level platform whit stairs from both ends. Multifarious cultural programme are held here on special occasions.

Busking

A new trend of busking can be witnessed at regular intervals. Darjeeling Municipality in collaboration with the local artists of Darjeeling contributes into this act to support the musically inclined youth of the hills. There is a lead singer with musicians of the same team. Tourists gather all around them to witness their engaging performance. They organize such shows for charity and the collection is contributed to aid the needy. We can also listen to awesome Nepali songs and Nepali artists playing Sarangi which would be a classic treat for our senses.

Antique Shops

Chowrasta is surrounded by a couple of antique shops that sell unique items.

Old buildings at chowrasta 

The curio shops have silver ornaments, beads, colorful gemstones, Tibetan items and many more that can be taken home as souvenirs from Darjeeling.  Anklets, Buddha statues, symbols in frame, wall hangings, rings, nose pins, earrings, bracelets and amulets are some of the other interesting items found here.

Tea Shops and Lounges

Famous outlets like Nathmulls and Golden Tips are present in Chowrasta to cater to the needs of the tea enthusiasts. There are roof top lounges where the visitors can enjoy the sips of first and second flush during their visit. The variety of Darjeeling tea can be tasted and bought as well. Associated with exquisite cups and saucers the charisma of these shops gets elevated.

Skateboarding

A new attraction of Chowrasta is gripped by the skateboarders. Amidst fog the stillness of the dewy air get many times whizzed with the sound of rolling wheels of the skateboard coming downhill carving their way through the mist. Young kids are seen speeding in their skateboards all along the clean pathway of Chowrasta and via Mall they head towards the long concrete road. It has become quite famous amongst the young boys and girls of Darjeeling.

Heritage buildings and shops

Oxford Book store is one of the oldest book store located at Chowrasta. The Chalet Hotel is always a special one in the range of historic buildings and shops of this place.

Oxford Book store

It is 100 years old wooden building with old fashioned interior and rooms. The ancient structure is never tampered and incessantly displaysthe heritage as it is since centuries. There is the District Library just below the Mall Road. The Bhanu Bhawan stands gloriously at the mid-point. It is a huge white building with a blue dome. On its apex there is the figure of a man holding Khukuri in his hand symbolizing Gorkha. This building is also known as Gorkha Ranga Mancha Bhavan where the cultural programs and political meetings are held. St. Andrew Church holds its own importance and dignity.

 

Bhanu bhakta Acharya at dusk

How to reach

Chowrasta can be reached from any uphill way from the Central Market of Darjeeling bus stand.  The market of Darjeeling is named as Chauk Bazaar. One can take the steepy stairways to reach Mall Road as shortcut. The visitors can take the path that begins from the traffic point of the Darjeeling Railway Station. Visitors can also take the romantic pavement from the zoo side. It is bit longer but the peacefultrail will certainly make the couples fall in love with Darjeeling even more.

 

Visiting Time

Chowrasta is an open pathway and space for all people. However, the shops remain open from 10 AM to 9 PM. If anyone wants to enjoy the hustling of this place may visit during these hours.

 

Chowrasta – The Pulsating Vibe of Darjeeling

Chowrasta not only defines the cultural heritage of Darjeeling but it is the symbol of history and modernity as a whole. Lounging in Chowrasta gives a lifetime experience for those who really aspire to acquire knowledge of historic places. Sipping the tasty tea and watch the world pass by is an enthralling moment one can have here. This place conveys the beauty and glory of Darjeeling in its own exceptional form.

Chowrasta at daytime 

The old pine trees of Chowrasta hold the dynamics of growing Darjeeling and its native. It is a nostalgic place for the people who have really grown old, a happening zone for the upcoming generation. The road, environment, trees, birds and of course the century old architectures are the silent observers of the manifold facets of the evolution of this town that makes it ‘Queen of the Hills’ in in truest sense.