The constant heat is somehow lived through our work and kids' schooling, but as soon as summer vacations happen, we all think of a holiday in the hill station. When we think of going on a vacation to the hills in India, places like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Shillong, and Manalli come to mind. However, the main towns of all these regions are cramped, packed, and overcrowded. Going to these places can only bring you more noise, tourists, and an unpleasant experience.

For travelers who want to spend a quiet and peaceful holiday away from all the hustle and crowd, staying at Cilantro Comfort Pelling is more than a wishful gift. This small town situated in the West district of Sikkim, at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga, is a beautiful petite town sited at a height of 6800 ft. Covered with wild-thick forests, perfect locations for mountain viewing, and adventure sports like mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, and trekking routes, it is ideal for a long getaway.

Reaching this place is a cakewalk if you have already traveled to Gangtok from Siliguri. It is 125.8 km from Siliguri. You can take a direct cab from NJP, which takes about 4 hours to reach Pelling. The journey will be a pleasant one as the entire route is picturesque with rocky hills and green vegetation. As you reach nearer to the destination you will find that the temperature drops to about 20-23 degrees Celsius, adding to the initial experience of summer in Pelling.

The Cilantro Comfort Pelling is a wonderful property that provides you with a majestic view of early sunrise in the morning from your rooms. With 20 Keys, this property provides great hospitality and offers an extended lawn in the front with Instagram-worthy gazebos. The rooms are divided into many categories and cater to all kinds of travelers be they solo travelers, travelers with family, or corporate staycationers. As you enter the property’s driveway, you are greeted by the hotel staff, who traditionally welcome you with “Khada,” a traditional piece of clothing and tika offerings.

The rooms have wide windows, providing the guests with an uninterrupted view of the surrounding mountains and forests. They have a multicuisine restaurant right in the hotel to provide you with hearty meals. The food is also served in the garden, where you can enjoy the mild, cool wind and your delicious meal in the gazebos or the tables set in the garden. After a hearty lunch, you can go wander around the property and check out the flower beds or rest under the clear skies.

If you are a person who likes to check our nature’s bliss, here are a few things you can add to your to-do list before visiting Pelling:

1. Kanchenjunga Falls It is believed that the pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world. It gushes down from a height of 100 feet into a pool. A drive to the waterfall from the hotel takes about half an hour. This waterfall was recently discovered by a local traveler and is one of the most beautiful sightseeing locations.
2. Singsore Bridge Singshore Bridge, with a height of over 100 m and 240 m in length, is the highest bridge in Sikkim and the second-highest bridge in Asia. It is truly a man-made marvel that offers a spectacular base view of immense greenery that makes it difficult to distinguish between the lowlands and the mountains. You can feel the thrill when you are standing in the middle of the bridge and the strong wind blows. The river flowing through the uneven rocks seems breathtaking along with the effusive sound of the waterfalls.
3. Khecheopalri Lake This is a sacred lake for Hindus and Buddhists and is located 34 km from Pelling. This lake is said to be wish-granting and holds a very special place for the locals. The lake is formed in the shape of a foot and is believed to be blessed by Padmasambhava. Your visit to this spiritual lake will be a blessing and also add to a marvelous day spent well.
4. Chenrezig Statue and the Skywalk The complex houses a 137 ft (42 m) tall statue of the bodhisattva Chenrezig, the tallest Chenrezig statue in the world. The place is also the location of India's first glass skywalk. The skywalk is a glass bridge and is a famous tourist attraction. People love to walk on the glass bridge for a thrill. These two architectural marvels look more beautiful with a clear sky and the view of Mount Kanchenjunga in the background.
5. Rabdentse Ruins Rabdentse Ruins is the archeological site that tells Sikkim’s story of glory. Until 1814 A.D., it was the second capital of Sikkim, established by the Chogyal II. As one enters the gate, the chestnut trees welcome the visitors by dropping mosses on them and leading to the stone throne comprising of three standing stones known as ‘Namphogang’ which the judges used to pronounce the final judgment. Walking a little further, one will see ‘Taphap Chorten’ which was the entry point of the palace, while the ruins are at the center of the fourth courtyard which offers a mesmerizing view of the southwestern region of Sikkim.

Evenings in Cilantro Comfort are mostly accompanied by the soothing hum of the night incest and the swoosh of the wind through the trees. You can also enjoy a private party on the lawn with a bonfire. The always-smiling team of the hotel is ever-ready to help you with your requests. Your nights will end with a meal consisting of local cuisine, available if requested. The soothing environment, surreal surroundings, adequate temperature, and a host with a great team are all you will need for this vacation.

Get ready to pack your bags, chalk out the dates, get your tickets, and head towards this dream destination. Perfect not just for you but for your family or your friends. Pelling is best visited from September to December. If you love the cold and are here to find what Sikkim holds in the outskirts of its cities, you will go back with awe and an urge to come back soon. Cilantro Comfort’s warm hospitality and serene property will make your stay a memorable one.