Thrillophilia Northeast Review Through the Lens of Ranipa
Ranipa is a video blogger, constantly on the lookout for new adventures to embark on and share travel stories through her lens.
This time, she and her partner set their eyes on the beautiful and magical Northeast India, more specifically, the serene hills of Sikkim and the tea-covered slopes of Darjeeling. They had heard so much about this region, but seeing it for themselves was an experience beyond anything they could have imagined.
Instead of handling the trip logistics herself, as she often did, they decided to book through Thrillophilia, a travel site that her blogger friends had been recommending for ages.
That decision saved her both time and energy. Thrillophilia handled everything from stay to activities, leaving them with only one job, soaking in the incredible beauty of Sikkim.
Serene Lakes, Majestic Peaks, and Unexpected Companions
From the moment they arrived in Gangtok, they were greeted by the crisp mountain air and stunning landscapes that stretched as far as the eye could see.
There was something so serene, almost poetic, about the Himalayan atmosphere.
As they journeyed through the twisting roads lined with fluttering prayer flags, Ranipa felt a sense of peace wash over her. There, amidst the towering peaks, she realised why people called Sikkim the Hidden Paradise. It was as if time slowed down, letting her soak in the beauty of nature, one breath at a time.
Their first major adventure was Tsomgo Lake, a place so stunning it almost did not feel real. As they stood by the crystal-clear lake surrounded by snow-clad mountains, she could not help but think of the quote, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” And there they were, heart and soul, lost in the breathtaking beauty of this magical place.
The lake mirrored the sky so perfectly that she found herself staring for what felt like hours, taking in every ripple and reflection.
And of course, what is a road trip through Sikkim without a few quirky experiences?
While heading to Pelling, they met a troop of friendly dogs who seemed to follow them everywhere. These adorable furballs would pop up at every other stop, wagging their tails and looking like they wanted to join the adventure.
Ranipa liked to think of them as their unofficial tour guides. Every time they stopped at a scenic spot, there was a new set of dogs ready for their close-up in her videos!
“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”
Their journey from Gangtok to Pelling took them through dense forests, picturesque valleys, and charming little villages that made her feel like they were driving through a movie set.
Ravangla was one of those stops that made her gasp. The sheer grandeur of the Buddha Park, with its towering 130-foot-high Shakyamuni Buddha, left them awestruck.
There was a certain calmness that overcame her when she stood in front of such a massive, peaceful figure. It felt as if all her worries had evaporated, leaving her to focus on the beauty of the moment.
Pelling was magical. Their hotel offered sweeping views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and the sunrise there was something she knew she would remember for the rest of her life.
That moment when the sky blushed with the first light of dawn and the peaks began to glow was what she woke up to every morning in Pelling.
Khecheopalri Lake, their next stop, was said to be a wish-fulfilling lake. Whether or not that was true, she whispered her wish into the breeze, hoping the serene waters would carry it somewhere special.
And then came the monasteries, the silent guardians of these hills. Khecheopalri and Pemayangtse monasteries were so peaceful that she wanted to hit pause on life for a while.
Like it is said, “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”
Ah! The Tea Spell…
Their trip would not have been complete without a visit to Darjeeling, the land of tea, mist, and magical sunrises. Thrillophilia had arranged a hilltop hotel that looked straight out of a postcard, overlooking endless green slopes and the iconic tea gardens.
They spent their evenings sipping the local brew and watching the world go by. If there was one thing to know about Darjeeling, it was that tea was not just a drink, it was a way of life.
And it tasted a thousand times better when sipped fresh from the source.
But Darjeeling was not just about tea for them.
They woke up at an early hour one morning to visit Tiger Hill, where the magic of the sunrise over Mt. Kangchenjunga left them both speechless.
“Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully,” but Ranipa would argue that sunrises like this one were proof that every day can start beautifully too.
If anyone ever visits Darjeeling, she would recommend the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. As someone who loves adventure, that place was pure gold. They also visited the zoo, where she had her first encounter with a red panda, capturing some great shots of that little creature to share.
And yes, more dogs followed them around there too. At one point, they almost named one because it felt like the dogs were as much a part of the trip as they were.
A Trip One for the Books
Reflecting on this trip, Ranipa could not help but smile.
Northeast India had a way of sneaking into her soul. Every view, every mountain, every encounter with nature made her fall more in love with this hidden gem of India.
Thrillophilia made it all so easy, allowing them to focus on what really mattered, the experience. This trip was surely one for the books, and she could not wait for its next chapter.
So, for travellers like her, always on the hunt for new experiences, she would say, pack your bags and head to Sikkim. Trust her, the memories will stay forever.
Read more: Thrillophilia North East Reviews