P-Ling
to D-Ling & Tiger Nest to Tiger Hill -
(a Long family
sojourn for 9 Days and 8 Nights)
This is in continuation of a few travelogues on account of
journeys initiated by my bro-Kitty, an avid trekker, traveler and explorer of
places. At his behest we could do
Amarnath Yatra, Venkatachalam trek and a few more local treks. As usual he is the one who made us think
about a long family program to North-east.
This time we got lucky to see North eastern part of Himalayas and planned
to visit the land of wellness measured high by Happiness Index. You
must have guessed right. It is Bhutan a tiny nation surrounded by China, Nepal
and India. Unlike earlier times, I could not immediately write about this trip
and due to lapse of time, I might have missed the details, but the happy
impressions which we carry in our minds stay for longer till we re-visit this
place in a different season. Hence this travelogue would definitely find a
revised version in the years to come. We
all eagerly wait for another round in this Constitutional monarchy and THE
LAND OF SERENITY.
A brief intro to the place:
The Kingdom of
Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas land locked between India and
China. A tiny nation with an area of
just over 38000 sq. kms and population of over 6 lakhs but able to give a
powerful message to the world. Popularly
known as Land of Thuder Dragon and often referred as The Last Shangri-La. Though a small country by size and population,
blessed with the most spectacular physical beauty with wide range of flora and
fauna. It is a well-insulated and
protected land, where Vajrayana Buddhism took roots in 8th century
and continues to play a major role in its present-day administration. A nation highly claimed to have balanced
material and spiritual development and blessed to have a Visionary King Jigme Singye Wangchuk who came up with this
beautiful concept. The Gross National
Happiness (GNH) which became the official development philosophy of Bhutan
combining four pillars of GNH being Economic development, good governance,
environmental conservation and preservation & promotion of culture. Religion and governance go hand in hand
keeping this objective in view. We were
in for a peaceful retreat in this great but tiny Himalayan nation.
The family
sojourn began on 13th May and the daily narrative goes on…..
Day
01:
a)
With full of excitement of a long LTC (looked like Long Travel Concession !!) we
embarked upon from Mangalore at around 5.30 am and reached Bangalore
Airport. We had roughly two hours time left
for the next flight and I had carefully planned for web check-in with specific
seats for all the four. In spite of
small delay we arrived at Bagdogra Airport at around 3.30 pm. We were greeted by one Dileep who was to take
us to Phuentsholling (298 mtrs / 977 fts) the gate-way to Land of
happiness which looked like gateway to heavens.
b)
It was a 4.5 hour plain drive covering for about 165 kms and we scraped
through narrow roads of WB and enjoyed seeing plantations on the plan lands for
the first time. Our imagination about plantations
on the hilly regions fell through when we saw many plantations on the roadside. The road was running parallel to river
Teestha and crossing over in a few places on the way, we reached Phuentsholling
around 8.30 pm. We couldn’t resist after
noticing a small temple surrounded by a little garden like place, just opposite
the Hotel we stayed (Hotel Damchin) and rushed to see. The room was spic and clean and kids were in
no mood to leave the room after our long journey since morning. I was not the one to take a NO and made them
get into business of SEEING things through and through from the very first day !!
c)
But we didn’t realize that Bhutanese time is half an hour earlier than
IST and we were gently reminded by the Hotelier to finish our dinner as it may
close by 9.30 pm. Promptly, we finished
our food and went down for seeing this very unique structure for the first
time. To our great surprise, many
localists were rounding the temple with prayer beads in their hands and
fervently rolling the bells of temple and praying. We could hear some mantras in a deep base
voice and felt that we are in a different spiritual Zone. We could hardly see such a serenity in many
of our crowded temples which we could sense in this small temple situated in
the border town. This was an indicator of serene things to come on the way, but
we were not aware of the same.
d)
My appetite for roaming around did not subside here and we went for a
short walk to see the sleepy town.
Surprised to see a cop standing in the Circle at around 9.30 pm and we
got our first lessons here. As there was
no vehicular traffic, we just walked across the circle seeing an ATM there, to
draw some local currency. But the
policemen would not allow, he is gesturing us and we don’t understand what’s
the big deal. Then we realized that
there was a Zebra crossing, 50 ft away and we are supposed to take it. All vehicles promptly stop here even without
a signal and wait for the pedestrian to cross over. This looked like a great respect to the
common man walking across, which we would never get in our own country. At this point of time we didn’t know that
this is the only country without any traffic signals throughout the place. For the next five days, our driver in Bhutan
did not even honk for more than two-three times !!
e)
The border town of Jaigaon (in India) and the other side of
Bhutan-Phuentsholling was a stark contrast which we could see just after
crossing a wall which separated two countries.
Roads were clean with people behaving orderly and no noise of vehicles –
honking, people shouting. It was a bit
of surprise to see this old town which looked like an oriental place with
peaceful people, whereas Jaigaon looked like a busy dusty market place with
people running around with great impatience and hurry. This was another indicator of things to come
in our way. We were sure for a peaceful
retreat in this place.
Day - 02
f) Phuentsholling – Thimphu (178 kms & 6 hrs)
I got up
early and could not resist a fresh morning walk. A thorough and peaceful walk was waiting for
me and I could see many people going up the hill for a practice in Archery, a
national sport of Bhutan. There were some
cute dogs also on the way taken for a round by cuter ladies and I strolled
around the river path near the Hotel and had a refreshing morning time. Familiar looking people and place. By this time I was getting a feeling that I
must have born in this place long ago !!
The serenity of the nation is visible right from its border town.
After a nice breakfast we checked out and started for Thimphu, the
Capital of Bhutan. We were picked up by
a local agent for getting travel permit and there was a long que to obtain
permission. We had to fill up details
and submit copies of Voter ID/Passport and the officials would enter details in
their systems. The biometric details of
all visitors captured and we were given permits to travel for 7 days. Suddenly
we realized that our SIMs won’t work and we needed a local SIM – myself and
Chinmaya went in search of a Tashi shop and got two SIMS fitted into our
mobiles. Of course the currency was not a big problem
as they would accept Indian currency upto
500/- and in some places even 2000/-.
Now all set to go and our Driver Hamid Bhai was ready to move on.
g)
On the way we were told that we
will pass numerous small town of Gedu, Chukha and Chunzom, the confluence of Pa
Chu and Thin Chu. Immediately after
leaving the border town, the steep ascent started and our spirits were as high
as the surrounding mountains. I was
quite confident that my both kids have grown strong and would withstand the
journey in high altitudes/curvy roads to Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan.
The journey was pleasant and soon we reached certain heights with misty roads
with almost 20 feet visibility. We were
thrilled to remember our own Agumbe ghat and it didn’t last longer. Soon we experienced deep curved roads for
long stretches. Virtually we were
closing on a valley with river in between.
We could see long curvy roads for distance and the scenery was
picturesque. Suddenly it also rained and we stopped over for food on the way for
a brief while.
h)
Reached Timphu at around 7.30 pm
and Upon arrival checked in at the hotel.
This tiny capital city looked
very decent in outlook and we rested in hotel.
Now, we set foot for a veg dinner and visited M/s Hotel Ajantha, near
market place. We searched in google and
in the market area on an obscure corner, we could locate it. We were surprised to know that it was run by
a Buddhist. Food was good and the
parathas served hot with curds. Had a short talk with the owner and appreciated
this pure veg restaurant.
He was too happy to hear and
gave full credit to his father who is a complete vegetarian. He conceded that in Buddhism there is no
place for violence and if possible, we should refrain from eating meat. He was also too happy to know that we are
from Mangalore and he had seen Bangalore and loved the place. All the while, Veenu was too happy to find a
pure Veggie place to eat !!
i)
After a sumptuous dinner
retreated back to Hotel and as usual my appetite for exploring made me got up
early. This time, whole family got up with
me and we slowly walked towards Tashichho Dzong; the main secretarial building
which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and also the
head seat of Chief Abbot of Bhutan. It is the summer resident of the monk
body, the winter being in Punakha Dzong.
Located at the banks of the Wangchhu River the massive fortress was
built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and rebuilt in its present form in
1965 by the Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. In Bhutan a Dzong is a fort and Lhakhang is
a monastery while a Chorten is a small temple.
Day
– 03:
j)
Coming back to hotel, we were
delighted to see small children running into a school which is just opposite
our hotel. Little Bhutanese kids in
their impeccable uniform getting dropped and crossing over the road was a feast
to see. Soon, the morning activities
startled our imagination of a School in Bhutan.
There was a beautiful song played and kids danced to the tune very
systematically. There was also a short
speech by the Head Mistress followed by a fun filled activity about
concentration. The children were told to
avoid any movement with pens, books when teacher is speaking. To make this habit, there was a game. They played the same song and kids started
putting steps. Suddenly the music stops
and the kids supposed to stop then and there.
This was one good way of improving concentration and their attention to
happenings around. Kids are taught in
English and they are extremely well behaved without forgetting their culture.
k)
First thing in the morning was a
visit to Royal Textile museum and saw some exquisite hand woven
textile. There was also a demonstration
about wearing the national dress for men and women (Gho and Kira). A small boutique shop made us buy a few
mementoes and I was tempted to buy a book on the Visionary King of Bhuthan
which was very informative. A film CD
“Samsara” caught my attention depicting the struggle of a monk in his pursuit
to enlightenment and the lady at the counter smilingly told me to watch with
caution (Not with your daughters). The
theme attracted me but this caution was not understood. We realized it later when we watched at home
and appreciated the conservative caution given by this Bhutanese lady !!
l)
Continuing our exploration in Thimphu
we spend the rest of our time browsing
through the Handicrafts Lane of Thimphu where there are more than 50 Government
appointed shops selling the traditional Bhutanese crafts that you can buy as
souvenirs. Next it was visit to the
famous landmark of the capital, the Memorial Chorten, consecrated in the memory
of the Third kind of Bhutan who is regarded as the father of the modern
Bhutan. Just as you enter the Chorten,
you will be amazed to witness the local people, young and the old alike,
circumambulate the Chorten with the prayer beads or the prayer wheel in hand,
murmuring the sacred words of prayers. The tall four storied Chorten contains
statues and iconography of deities from the tantric teachings.
m)
Further visit Folk Heritage
Museum. One of the oldest house in Thimphu was converted in the Folk Heritage
Museum in 2001 to give an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the
Bhutanese forefathers. It is like entering a traditional Bhutanese home in,
say, 150 years back.
n)
Next it was visit to famous Changangkha
Lhakhang, built in 13th century. Situated on a small hill overlooking
the Thimphu valley the monastery was built by Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. Children
born in Thimphu are taken to this temple because it is considered the spiritual
home of the children born in Chang valley and their names are considered here
by taking the blessings from the protector deity Tamdrin. If we are lucky, we
can witness the local family with the child here performing the rituals. Inside
the Lhakhang, the central statue in the temple is Avalokitesvara, Buddha of
compassion, in his manifestation with 11 heads, a thousand hands and eyes; it
is built with bronze and plated with gold.
o)
It was now time to witness the
National Animal of Bhutan, at the Takin Reserve. Takins are
related to sheep and weigh up 650 kgs. According to the local folktale, the Divine
Madman, Drukpa Kunley, created the Takin by joining the goat’s head in the body
of the Cow. This interesting animal is an endangered species found only in few
pockets of the Himalayas. By the time we were tired and wanted to rest. But the places were so tempting and we
visited Buddha Dordenma which is one of
the largest Buddha statue in the World at 169 feet. The body of the Buddha is
filled with 1,25,000 smaller statues of Buddha. The view of the Thimphu valley
is spectacular from this point. Fully
satisfied about the days exploration we came back hotel and before that we were
taken to a elevated place to watch lighting in the Dzong and finally we retreated
back for the day.
Day 04:
p)
After seeing the present Capital
of Bhutan, we now ready to see the ancient capital of Bhutan – Punakha
(1200 mts / 3936 ft) 77 kms away from Thimphu.
It was early morning start and we stopped over at Dochula pass (3100
mtrs) to see a spectacular view of some of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan
stretching almost 180 degrees. There
were 108 stupas (we didn’t know what was below !!!). Later when we visited Chime Lhakhang in
Punakha realized that. Further drive to
Punakha was through beautiful landscapes and paddy fields. We could see some monasteries like structure
on the far-off valley and hills which were told to be local Lhakhang’s which is
almost unreachable by the tourists.
q)
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan and
after construction of the first motorable road connecting Thimphu to rest of
the world, it became the present Capital.
Punakha is an ancient city and the Punakha Dzong is considered as the
most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. The fortress is to be reached by crossing
over a river which adds to the glitter of the fort. We could see a number of beautiful flower
plants and background of mountains was mesmerizing. We could see a suspension bridge built in
olden days to cross over the river.
Perfect place for Chinmaya to take clicks !!! Veenu did some local purchase and got three
good umbrellas for Mangalore rains. I
just silently swallowed a plate full of Veg Momus while also feeding them to
two local dogs who happily gave me company.
It was quite tasty and hot!!
r)
After visiting this ancient and
beautiful Dzong, we started back towards Paro and We were particular to visit
Chimi Lhakhang on the way. It is the
most famous ancient temple of fertility associated with the religious art of
phallus. On a narrow stretch of
mountains, we reached the base and walked for around 20 minutes to reach the
temple. On either side of the road,
there were small shops displaying artifacts and some very beautify paintings on
canvass done by local persons. The
temple was quite impressive in its origin and we came to know about a radical Buddhist
monk who set a new path for the localists.
We can call him Osho of Bhutan.
Lam Drukpa Kuenley
(1455 to 1570) was an enlightened Buddhist master who personified the true
essence of Vajrayana tradition and is known as crazy wisdom transcending
mundane culture of religion. He was called
Divine Madman for his non conventional and outrageous style of teaching. He wandered as a vagabond along countryside
indulging in dance and song, alcohol and women, hunting and feasting. He was a social critic who taunted hypocrisy
of established monastic orders. He was
known for taming a number of demons and demonesses that were tormenting
Bhutanese people and subdued infamous and much feared demoness of Dochula and
buried her on the mound where Chime Lhakhang was built in 15th
century.
s)
After these two very important
places in Bhutan, we started our journey towards Paro. We continued the drive to descend along the
Wang Chu [Thimphu River] to meet Pa Chu [Paro River] at Chunzom, the confluence
point of Pa Chu and Wang Chu. Few
kilometres from Chunzum is the Thamchok Lhakhang, a private temple owned by the
descendent of the famous Tibetan bridge builder, Thangthong Gyelpo, also known
as the “Iron Chain Bridge Builder”. Still you can see the iron chain bridge which
is built by him. It is a photographer’s delight. By the time we reached Paro it was too dark
and we could see a tiny but beautiful run way and the Airport at Paro. At Paro
stayed in a Home stay kind of Hotel called Park Hotel.
t)
As per plan we are supposed to
visit the Ta Dzong, the National Museum and the Rinpung Dzong [Paro Dzong]. The
Museum boasts of its collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes. There are
also textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of
stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. The stamps’ hall is very popular
and displays, among others, 3-D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed
stamps and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti. Located below the
Museum is Paro Dzong. Also called the
Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, Paro Dzong was built in 1645
by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
u)
It is an imposing square
fortress with a central tower and courtyards housing the administrative
quarters and the monastic section.After the visit, we will take the leisurely
downhill walk to cross the typical Bhutanese Cantilever Bridge, one of the
finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each
end. Next drive 20 minutes to the end
of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong. Drukgyal Dzong was a fortress and Buddhist
monastery, now in ruins. The dzong was probably built in 1649 at the behest of
Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate victory over an invasion
from Tibet. One can see the towering peak of Jomolhari (7,316m, 24,003 ft) from
this point. This mountain, also revered as a powerful goddess, forms the border
with Tibet and provides magnificent background to the ruined Drukgyel Dzong and
village. None of this happened since we were short of time and energy required
to be conserved for the D-day to climb Tiger Nest Monastery – Taktsang
Monastery.
v)
Day 05: We were over
enthused in anticipation of challenging part of the program - Hike to Taktsang Monastery.
After breakfast, drive of 20 minutes to the end of the valley
to Drukgyel Dzong from where one can see the towering peak of Jomolhari
(7,316m, 24,003 ft). This mountain, also revered as a powerful goddess, forms
the border with Tibet and provides magnificent background to the ruined
Drukgyel Dzong and village. Taktsang
Monastery, clinging on the steep rock, is one of the holiest temple in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche
(Guru Padsambhava) flew on the Tigress back and meditated here. His wife was
transformed into a tigress and she assisted him in his tantric ways.
The trek to the temple through
the pine tree and sweet aroma of the air is indeed a very special and memorable
event. The return hike will take about 05-06 hours. The hike is usually till
the cafeteria from where we will have a breath taking view of the Monastery and
a photographer’s delight. For the first
03 hours, we will take the ascend on the well marked trail to reach the
cafeteria [lunch point] from where we will get the best view of the Tiger’s
Nest. Further 02 hours hike will reach us to the Monastery. However recommended
hike is till the cafeteria for the elderly people as per travel agents. The real trek is here only. The essence of the monastery is lost if we
miss this part.
w)
The climb up hill was quite
difficult at times and we have to maneuver through narrow cliff. After certain point there were clearly laid
down trails and the elevation uptothe cliff is around 900 mtrs. We slowly climbed up with sufficient rest
enjoying the natural beauty of the place. There were many stops for Photo
session than for taking rest on the way !!
Our young photographer was clicking in all directions and delighted to
get some very sharp photos of the cliff on which Monastery was standing
tall.
After climb of around 5 hours,
we reached the peak and there was a well laid out procedure of receiving us and
keeping our belongings in a specified place.
Mobiles, cameras are not allowed inside. A well behaved Lady guide took us inside each
of the Lhakhangs and explained the specific importance of the temple. She was keen on telling us about the
procedures to follow and to respect age old traditions. There were many monks who were doing Prayer/Japa
and we are not supposed to disturb them.
If any of the tourists is stranded and left alone, it will be taken
seriously and he has to be with the group without disturbing the serenity of
the place.
x)
It was very orderly and the
explanation given about the religious traditions and practices of the
monastery. A very highly sanctified
place with lot of good vibes and we could not resist seeking permission for
sitting with closed eyes in a temple. The feeling was very reverential and we
sat for a while after which we were promptly picked up by the group
leader. While coming down, we saw
another small peak where there were some monks.
Out of curiosity we climbed upto see Guru padmasambhavas Tiger cave and
a monk was pleasantly sitting with his Jap mala. After getting his blessings, we came back to
the main trail. The steps were very slippery and carefully, we got back.
y)
We came back by 4.30 pm and all
of us very hungry. The cafeteria was
stil open for those who have climbed up and not returned. After a proper meal, came down the hill and
started back to Home stay at Paro. It
was now the wish of Chinmaya to have a BHUTANESE
HOT STONE BATH which is needed to be
booked in advance. As told to us there
can be nothing better than to soak your body in the traditional tub after the
Taktsang Hike. Similar to Japan, Bhutan
offers a traditional form of bath called the hot stone bath.
Originally practiced for health
or luxury purposes, a Bhutan hot stone bath takes a lot of time and effort to
prepare. Particular stones are handpicked from the river which are heated up in
the open fire until they turn blood red. The traditional wooden tub is filled
with cold water and then the red hot stones are dipped in until the water warms
up. Herbs are added to the water and the
experience can be compared to that of a natural hot tub minus the jets. The
herbs used varied according to family and the recipe often was treated as a
family secret, which was passed down from generation to generation. It is a very natural experience that includes
the elements of water, fire and earth.
z)
I would be failing if I don’t
mention about the Home stay in Paro and our early morning visit to Kichu
Lhakang. This Hotel is fully managed by
a Lady by name Psang Dolma with the help of another five girls who were very
active and courteous. They were in fact
were waiting on the road to receive us and show the way to Hotel when we
arrived at around 8 pm. Mrs. Psang Dolma w/o Gem Dorji, was a very curious lady
and she enquired us thoroughly and we had a good interaction.
The family was very pious and we
were told that her husband goes to the nearby Lhakhang every day at 5.30 am in
the morning. They were also surprised to
know that we are pure vegetarians and she virtually blessed us saying that they
also don’t want to eat any meat at all. They
have regular prayers at home and the whole family looked very sober and
affable. When we told her about Taktsang
hike, she said her brother is a monk there and further to the Taktsang
monastery there is another place for trekkers where they can stay in the
monastery surroundings. She invited us
to visit next time and assured to arrange for a special visit to the Monastery
which is further up hill. We were
delighted.
aa) Previous
day morning, we had gone for a walk to nearby Kichu Lhakhang which is said to
be one of the oldest Lhakhangs of Bhuthan.
The early morning atmosphere was so serene and we could see a number of
old ladies and daily walekers visiting Lhakhang and offering their silent
prayers. Most of the ladies were having
a long bead and they were repeating a mantra as initiated by their monk. We wanted to visit inside sanctum
sanctoriumand took permission through Gem Dorji and went inside for a
while. It was delightful morning to
offer prayers on a Buddha Purnima day
and we were deeply touched by the serenity of the place.
bb) To
our great surprise, when we came out, we saw an old Monk who was curious to
know about us. In his tit-bit Hindi, he
enquired as to where we are from. He was
enquiring about distance and the amount of money spent by us to visit this
Lhakhang. When he heard about distance
and price, he was virtually elated and blessed us that we have come a long
way. The warmth and affection were very
clear in his eyes and he wouldn’t let us go.
Finally, he took two ten-rupee notes from his pocket and gave us to
keep. It was a simple gesture and so
remarkable that he was touched by our visit from a long distance and our wish
to pray on a Buddha Purnima day. I
carefully kept this into my valet, as a souvenir and we wished him
farewell. Such a simple act of giving
ten rupees note made us think about the humane nature of Bhutanese people. This place is truly blessed.
cc)
With a heavy heart and great
peace/joy from within we returned back from Paro next day morning. After reaching Phuentsholling, it was a
different world of chaos and nuisance.
We virtually felt out of place and the difference in attitude of people
and the state of affairs in this place was too much digest. It was like coming from Heaven to visit
Hell. Out plans were like that to reach
Gangtok same day and later come back via Darjeeling. Virtually, I would say that our trip ended
here at Phuentshilling itself and the balance was only for information
sake.
dd)
There was nothing much to write except
about some chilling experiences in Tsomog lake / Changu lake, a glacial lake in
the East Sikkin district, 45 kms away from Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m, the lake
remains frozen during the winter season it is actually a replica of the
topography and terrain which we saw in Bhutan.
In Darjeeling we visited Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a
67.56-acre zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.
The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet, is the
largest high altitude zoo in India. Tea garden: Darjeeling tea is a tea grown
in the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India, and widely exported and
known. It is processed as black, green, white and oolong tea. When properly
brewed, it yields a thin-bodied, light-coloured infusion with a floral aroma.
ee) The
last part of the program was Tiger Hill which is located in Darjeeling, in the
Indian State of West Bengal, and is the summit of Ghoom, the highest railway
station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It
has a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together. Very
early in the morning, we went to Tiger Hill to catch a glimpse of sunrise over Kanchenjunga. We could also see Batasia loop. The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway created
to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in
Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. At this point, the track spirals
around over itself through a tunnel and over a hilltop. It was commissioned in
1919.
The Nathula pass and the Baba Mandir was
really enjoyable, but the chaos and rush seen in Gangtok and Darjeeling, was
not very palpable as we just descended from a very orderly nation and our minds
did not really enjoy the Indian side of the very same Himalayas.
ff) It was a revelation that with orderly and
disciplined citizens whose beliefs system is deeply rooted in religion and
righteousness, we could make lot of difference in our attitude towards fellow
beings in particular and the nature in general. Visit of Bhutan would remain fresh in our
minds for a long time to come. We had such a serene experience in each and
every place we visited in Bhutan. There were
no traffic lights and no honking in any part of Bhutan. People are so kind and courteous in their
behavior with fellow citizens. The differences in governance of a
constitutional monarchy and institutional anarchy was very visible. The reverence and importance given to the age-old
culture & tradition and good governance by the rulers reflected in the High
Happiness Index of the nation. With a
great hope that we would emulate the quality of life in this tiny nation, we
returned home.
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