Phuntsholing
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| Phuntsholing | |
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  Phuntsholing
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| Coordinates: 26°51′N 89°23′E / 26.85°N 89.383°E | |
| Country |  Bhutan |
| District | Chukha District |
| Population (2005) | |
| - Total | 20,537 |
| Time zone | BTT (UTC+6) |
Phuentsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan, opposite the Indian town of Jaigaon, situated in Chukha Dzongkang. Cross-border trade has resulted in a thriving local economy; the town serves as headquarters for the Bank of Bhutan. Population 20,537 (2005 census).[1]
Approachable only by road, the city is connected to major Indian Railways node, NJP ( New Jalpaiguri ) . From the west Bengal northern town, one has to take a bus ride, from any of the local bus terminals to Phuentsholing. Buses are run both by travel operators in India and Bhutan government run buses. Travel time is approximately 6–8 hours and prices range below Rs. 500 (but of course, hiring a vehicle may charge more)
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[edit] Contrast
There is a stark contrast in the culture across the border, which is separated by a long wall with a single Tibetan-style gate. Locals can sometimes even cross without being asked for papers, but visitors without an Indian passport will need a visa presented by a hired registered tour guide. The gate is manned by Bhutanese Army guards.It is always advisable to carry your identity card or Indian passport to be presented for checking if asked at the gate. The terrain inclines soon after the gate.
The border clearly separates two very different peoples and cultures. Jaigaon is bustling and loud, similar to many other West Bengal centers of commerce, albeit with many conspicuous Bhutanese shoppers. Phuntsholing is uniquely more urban than other Bhutanese towns, having absorbed the neighboring culture, but distinctly far more quiet and orderly than its neighbor. Simply looking at a satellite photo, Jaigaon is packed with small buildings whereas Phuntsholing is dominated by larger edifices placed in rows. Phuntsholing also hosts Bhutan's housing projects for Nepalese refugees.
As the majority of goods traded go into Bhutan, and as it hosts the most accessible Indian marketplace to Bhutan, Jaigaon is much larger and receives far more visitors. All Indians are free to enter Bhutan, though, the currencies (which are actually equivalent) are treated equally and Indian currency notes are accepted almost everywhere in Bhutan.
[edit] Road to Thimphu
From almost anywhere in the city, one can see the road to Thimphu snaking up the hillside, and in the evening it is easy to see the headlights of distant vehicles heading towards the capital. Opposite the big ground PSA is the road that connects rest of cities of Bhutan.
[edit] References
- ^ "Bhutan: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population". World Gazetteer. http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-41. Retrieved 2008-07-11.
Coordinates: 26°51′N 89°23′E / 26.85°N 89.383°E
[edit] External links
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