Kalimpong: Gods and flowers

Walking, loitering in Kalimpong 

Mac Farlen Church - the caretaker shared how the church looked more beautiful after the post-earthquake restoration taken up about a decade ago

As he closed the Church for lunch he suggested we could wait outside and once he was back we could re-enter the Church

The Church compound had benches, benches that offered a view of the town

Catherine Graham Memorial Chapel - located in the premises of the Dr Graham's Homes, clouds gave the place a dreamy look

The building (under massive renovation works) is of the lineage where even the walls and windows espoused grace

It reminded me of G K Chesterton's description of church buildings 

Durpin Monastery - was shut when we reached but as we waited one of the caretakers came with a bunch of keys 

Once inside we felt the place to be special and were glad that we waited and that those outside were busy clicking images, one of the few times I am happy about tourists moving with mobile phones (aka cameras!)

The monastery is surrounded by defence land and its entry by mobile towers

Buddha Purnima day - parikrama (or its equivalent) of Kalimpong with the holy manuscripts and blessing people en route, by the young - old - men - women all alike

People stood respectfully in lines to receive the blessings, we happily joined them, some of them also offered water and soft drinks to those walking

Buddha Pada campus - a door

Located at 12 mile and locally known as the Japanese temple - a place calm and stunning at the same time

Being there gives you a feel of the campus having been built with not only detailed and well-discussed plan but also with a lot of love 

Park atop Deolo Hill - near the paragliding point in Kalimpong

The park is spread across and authorities have been able to maintain it in a reasonable state despite what tourists do to it

Walk downhill via the steep road, amidst the clouds was as much (or perhaps more!) fun

This, final image, again from Buddha Pada