At around 1: 30pm, I was about to enter Bhutan for the first time from Jaigaon on the Indian side and Phuentsholing on the Bhutan side. Immediately as I crossed over the imaginary line under Bhutan Gate from Jaigaon to Phuentsholiang, the chaos and dirt of Jaigaon miraculously disappeared and transformed into order and cleanliness. I was bowled over; OMG! All tourist to bhutan need to get a permit.It is a transit document which is surrendered once you finish your travels and leave Bhutan.
Phuentsholing has its share of tourist attraction.The Karbandi Monastery is a place to visit. It is said that an Indian couple prayed for a child here and the prayer was fulfilled.The next morning I took the mountainous roads to Thimphu and I reached at around 4 pm, I rushed to see the flag lowering ceremony.The Buddha Dordenma is said to be the largest Buddha statue in the world.
After two days it was time to start for Paro.Paro is a true feast for the eyes, with the Paro river meandering through the town.The hotel Olathang in Paro, where I stayed is a tourist attraction in itself. It was built in 1974 to host international guest coming to the coronation of the 4th King of Bhutan.Early next morning , I startef from Paro to New Alipurduar to reach Home.