While the wealthy English Lords and nouveau riche Europeans voyaged to far South Africa or Australia for a change, the poor and the ordinary could not. They suffered in the heat and humidity of Calcutta for decades before Darjeeling was settled. The Brits found it reasonable enough for a change after a lot was invested to scale it up. Initially inhabited by the Lepchas, also known as the Rongpas, Darjeeling has served as home to Nepalis, Tibetans, Bengalis, Germans, Jews, Parsis, Marwaris, Chinese, Europeans et al.
What to expect ? / Why should you take this walk?
Culture Shock is a multicultural tour which includes slow strolling through the town and visiting households / families / settlements of various ethnicities, e.g., Nepali, Tibetan, Chinese, Anglo-Indian, Bengali, German, Christian, Marwari, Bihari, Newari et al. Chit chatting with the locals, understanding how and why they made Darjeeling their home, and also tasting their signature delicacies are highlights of this tour. This is a three - four hours activity in and around the Darjeeling town.
A celebration of pluralism in Darjeeling. A display of the internationality of the historic town of Darjeeling. An intrepid activity to understand the importance of harmony and peace above all alongside various cultural practices. An exploration of the diverse rituals and customs by numerous ethnicities. An attempt to give a new lease of life to the dying and endangered traditions that are signature to the indigenous and the migrant communities living in the hills.