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| It's a long drop to the bottom, don't even think about the jump, there's too much time to reflect en route! |
Yes, that's the super impressive Sevoke bridge over the Teesta in north Bengal. And its got a recent coat of paint.
Now called the Coronation bridge, it was opened in 1941. Named to commemorate the coronation of King George VI in 1937, it has since been a crucial link linking north eastern India to Bengal.
As it was built over a fast flowing river, it was apparently never an option to get any help from the river in construction, so the two sides of the river are anchored on the rock ranges on either side. It's a very long drop to the bottom - note the size of the vehicles on the bridge to put its size in perspective- and for the adventurous, there are some roughly hewn steps down to the river bank.
For decades, it has been one of the most important tourist spots near Shiliguri, though there is very little place to spread out - it is in the Himalayas. The bridge offers spectacular views of the Teesta as it flows through a narrow gorge.
There's a popular temple nearby. But you will have donate elsewhere too - the bridge has monkeys that are ready to snatch any eatables you might display! Experts at eyeing their targets - chips packets, bananas, corn, etc, the speed at which they approach can be disconcerting.
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