Guest User
January 31, 2023
As someone who left Kolkata in 1992 and came back for real in 2018, I have had far less exposure to the hills in the north of Bengal - namely Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan & surroundings, than a normal Kolkata person. But I have always loved the grandeur of Himadri Himalayas visible from the East, during my few trips over 2-3 decades to Darjeeling and Sikkim. Suddenly I was craving a view of those majestic snow-laden peaks on top of the world and realised that this was the best time to be hill bound. This time, we decided to avoid Darjeeling, the now congested nightmare queen of the hills, for the easy and quaint Kalimpong. Web searching for accommodations I was trying to find a sweet spot - between too expensive 5 stars (not that there are any) and super expensive tea garden resorts and "affordably" priced homestays. Fortune rewarded me with Windsongs, a delightful homestay that seemed to be suited exactly to people like us. Our experience exceeded our expectations. Situated on the Rishi Road, just outside the bustle of central Kalimpong, Windsongs is a labour of love and care. Well designed and very well maintained rooms (2 deluxe rooms and 4 cottages), each having a lovely balcony providing great view of the hills and the valley. That part of the hill, to the point eyes can see down, is owned by the family of the hostess, Mrs. Subhadra Pradhan, her husband, son and daughter-in-law, Karan and Deepsahana. It has one of the best nurseries in Kalimpong, managed by the family. The flowers, orchids and cacti around the place are the hallmarks of the place. Having one's breakfast or lunch, or just lazily gazing at the gill, sitting under the arch thunbergias, buzzing of hundreds of wasps and Himalayan bees is both spiritual and therapeutical. But no praise of Windsongs is complete without paying a special tribute to Mrs. Pradhan. She is the perfect host. Caring, efficient, graceful, hard-working and drawing the lines, so politely, when needed. Loved her touches that came as complimentary snacks during a breakfast, apples for the return journey and especially the custard for the last dinner. The lazy morning chat in her garden after breakfast, talking of our family and children in various parts of world - Mumbai and Boston, and a surprise common family connection - gave us the feeling that we have made a friend in the hills and we will keep coming back. Here's to you Mrs. Pradhan.