Photos

Teesta is the longest river in the hills of North Bengal. It originates from lakes and glaciers in north Sikkim, forming two rivers Lachung chu and Lachen chu (chu ='river' in Tibetian/Lepcha languages), which unite at Chungthang, then literally bisects the state running north-south. It then takes its magnificent form near Singtam, flows through Rangpo into West Bengal. It divides the Darjeeling district into the sub-divisions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

The emerald color Teesta is not as calm as it seems. White water rafting is a common sport here. The sandbanks are used by rafters for camping.

This photo is taken from the Ramitey View point in Pedong, situated on one side of the famous Damsung forest. The speciality of this view point is that it offers the longest view of Teesta compared to any region, and at the same time the Mt. Kanchendzongha which looms large on the right (not in this picture). The left end of Teesta here is Teesta Bazar, the bifurcation to Darjeeling, while the right end is Majhitar. One can actually see the campus of the Manipal Institute of Technology along the river banks (extreme right in the frame). Below Majhitar is Rangpo, the border of the states of West Bengal and Sikkim.

The slopes below this particular viewpoint are the property of the Department of Forestry, which cultivates Chincona. Chincona plantation was introduces in this region by the British, as a source of Quinine, which was used for treatment of Malaria. Nowadays, cultivation still continues, despite alternative x-quin derivatives.