Photo : Messenger
Standing on the soil of this country, one can behold the breathtaking sight of the world's third-highest mountain peak, Kangchenjunga, without the need for a passport or visa. As October comes to a close, thousands of eager tourists are making their way to Tentuliya in Panchagarh, captivated by the opportunity to witness this majestic wonder against the backdrop of a pristine, cloudless northern sky. The tourist destinations in this northern district are now teeming with enthusiastic travelers, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Over the past Saturday, Friday, and the preceding Thursday, there was a remarkable surge in visitors at the Dak Bungalow in the Tentulia Upazila, as they flocked to this tourist hotspot well before sunrise. These avid travelers gathered along the banks of the Mahananda River, which meanders along the border, to witness the awe-inspiring Kanchenjunga, adorned in its pristine winter Himalayan snow cap. With excited gestures and friendly exchanges, they marveled at the majestic spectacle that lay before them. The sheer magnificence of this mountain peak left them in a state of contented wonder.
Some visitors remained at the site, unwilling to depart due to occasional bouts of fog obscuring their view. Determined to catch a glimpse, they returned the following morning, demonstrating the enduring allure of Kanchenjunga's enchanting beauty.
Kanchenjunga, the second-highest peak in the Himalayas, continues to draw tourists from around the world to the enchanting Himalayan country of Nepal. However, the mesmerizing sight of Kanchenjunga, as it stands proudly on Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, has also captivated many travelers. In fact, some are so captivated by its grandeur that they make their way to Nepal for a more intimate encounter.
As the day unfolds, Kanchenjunga undergoes various transformations, presenting itself in different mesmerizing forms over time. This ever-changing spectacle serves as a compelling reason for tourists to flock to the heart of the Himalayas, where they can immerse themselves in the sheer beauty of Kanchenjunga.
Kanchenjunga, adorned with its enchanting allure, undergoes a captivating transformation of colors, shifting from one moment to the next. At the break of dawn, the first rays of the morning sun bestow upon it a resplendent golden hue, as if the pristine white snow of Kanchenjunga has been sprinkled with precious gold dust. The mountains glisten and shimmer in this golden embrace.
As the day progresses, this exquisite display undergoes yet another transformation. By midday, the northern sky becomes veiled in heavy clouds, casting a shroud over Kanchenjunga. In the afternoon, the once radiant mountain range appears somewhat subdued, as if it were carrying a hint of modesty.
However, the most enchanting display unfolds at dusk, when the entire Kanchenjunga mountain range becomes a willing participant in the evening's celestial play. Its ever-changing visage offers a mesmerizing spectacle, painting the sky with an array of breathtaking colors and leaving all observers in awe of its natural beauty.
In addition to Kanchenjunga, tourists are discovering the district's array of tourist attractions. These captivating sites include: Banglabandha Land Port, Immigration and Zero Point, BGB-BSF Joint Retreat Ceremony, Zilla Parishad Dak Bungalow, which harks back to the British colonial period, The picturesque Plains Tea Gardens,,The serene Anandhara Park, The historical Bhitgarh Durganagari, The impressive Maharaja Dighi, The engaging Stone Museum, The Mughal marvel, Mirzapur Shahi Mosque, and the spiritually significant Bodeshwari Peeth Temple.
These diverse heritage sites offer a rich tapestry of history and culture, captivating tourists with their unique allure and historical significance. Visitors are drawn to these places, where they can immerse themselves in the local history and culture, enhancing their travel experiences and leaving them thoroughly enchanted.
Tourism has become a pivotal driver for the local economy during this period. A multitude of vehicles, ranging from vans and auto-rickshaws to microbuses, are actively engaged in catering to tourists arriving from different regions of the country. They play a vital role in taking visitors on tours, showcasing Kanchenjunga and various other points of interest. This surge in tourism has significantly boosted income for these service providers.
The hospitality industry, including residential hotels and restaurants, as well as private establishments offering tourist services, is experiencing a surge in activity. In fact, the demand for rooms in residential hotels has outstripped the available supply, indicating the robust growth in the tourism sector and the influx of visitors to the region.
Among the residential hotels catering to tourists, one can find ESDO's Mahananda Cottage, Kazi Brothers, Square Residential. Additionally, there are various other residential hotels along the border, such as Residential Kanchenjunga, all of which are dedicated to serving the needs of travelers. Government accommodations are also available to visitors.
When it comes to dining options, traditional Bengali cuisine is a popular choice and can be savored at Hotel Bangla and Nurjahan, adding to the culinary delights available to tourists in the area.
The local administration, in coordination with the police station and the dedicated Tourist Police, is committed to offering comprehensive services, ensuring the safety and well-being of tourists as they explore the region. The Tourist Police of Panchagarh zone, established in Tentulia, is actively addressing various concerns and issues faced by tourists, prioritising their security and providing support to make their travels safe and enjoyable.
Talking to Iqbal Aziz, a tourist from Chattogram, who traveled here to witness the grandeur of Kanchenjunga, said "I made the journey from Chattogram to witness Kanchenjunga, and I can wholeheartedly say that it has been a trip well worth taking. Even after gazing at Kanchenjunga for three consecutive days, my sense of satisfaction remains insatiable. The beauty of Kanchenjunga is beyond words, and simply put, the feeling it evokes is beyond description. To have the privilege of seeing Kanchenjunga from our own country's soil is indeed a stroke of incredible luck."
Advocate Abu Sayeed Sohan, Safin Hasnat, Nabil Bin Ahsan, Jenison, and several other tourists shared their experiences with The Daily Messenger, expressing their delight at witnessing Kanchenjunga in the early morning. They conveyed their deep appreciation for the experience, emphasising the immense pleasure it brought them. They found the journey to be truly rewarding and mentioned their intentions to return when they have the opportunity, as Tentulia in the northern district of Panchagarh offers a multitude of attractions that continue to captivate tourists like them.
Local photographer Firoz Al Sabah shared his insights, highlighting that the most opportune moments to appreciate the splendor of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga are during the morning and afternoon. From the break of dawn to the approach of dusk, this majestic mountain reveals itself in a kaleidoscope of colors, transitioning from white to pink and even to red at times.
During the early morning, the peak basks in a radiant, solitary glow, standing out against the darkened surroundings. In the morning and afternoon sunlight, it takes on a hue reminiscent of burnt earth, creating a captivating contrast. As the day unfolds, the details may become less distinct, and the mountain peak returns to its pristine white appearance. When viewed from a distance, it can resemble a massive block of ice set against the sky, evoking a sense of wonder and amazement.
Md. Sajedur Rahman, the officer-in-charge of the Panchagarh tourist police zone, shared that their primary focus is to ensure the comprehensive safety of tourists arriving from various parts of the country. To achieve this goal, the tourist police have been stationed at the Dakbungalow Picnic Corner, starting from the early morning and continuing until 10 am daily.
Furthermore, they have initiated a new program to prevent any potential harassment or inconvenience experienced by tourists at the hands of locals or miscreants. This proactive measure involves establishing a dedicated help desk, which will operate with the assistance of local community members. This step aims to provide effective support and assistance to tourists, ensuring that their visits are trouble-free and enjoyable.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fazle Rabbi said that tourists flock to Tentulia in Panchagarh from far and wide during winter to see the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Kanchenjunga is beautiful at this time. Also there are many tourist centers including tea industry in Panchagarh plain. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the tourists can enjoy their trip smoothly. Apart from this, another new bungalow called Berang Complex has been constructed along with the old two buildings in Tentulia Dak Bungalow for the accommodation of tourists aiming to facilitate the tourists’ trip to Panchgarh.
Messenger/Fameema
