The forest calls each and every one of us, but only a certain few can hear the calls. After travelling to the northern part of Bengal I was busy with my study but I know that I have a bad habit of wanderlust. It can’t let me stay in a routine bound life. At the end of Oct 2018, I became restless because I was feeling that someone continuously whispering in my ears that “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” So I had opened my travel diary to search which places I can do this winter. There were a lot of options with me so I was a little bit confused.

It was 15 November I was searching for different tourist spot to travel in the winter vacation. Suddenly my phone beeped and when I unlocked the phone I saw it was Rudra asking for a short trip after semester. So when I asked for the place he told southern part of Bengal. And I understood what he wanted to mean. It’s the mysterious Mangrove -Sundarbans. It was the first tourist spot written in my diary, I had planned to visit the place before but always I had to face some problems. But this time I didn’t want to miss the chance again so agreed instantly and started our planning. We contacted the travel guide and collected the information. According to them a team of 4-5 person is better. So we formed a group of 4 people…. Ayan, Koushik, Rudra, and me. For last one week, we were discussing how to make the trip memorable so that when I’m in a vacant or pensive mood this memory can flash upon the inward eye and make my heart fills with pleasure.

07/12/2018

We started our journey on 7^th December. We all met at Sealdah station. Our tour guide was waiting for us at the station. It was a package trip of 15 persons and us 4 were included with it. We boarded Canning local at 8:30 am and reached at Canning on 10 o’clock. Outside the station, we have seen a big signboard telling snake bite help lines. It signifies the terror of snakes in the local people.

The auto-rickshaw were there outside the station. Auto-rickshaw is one of the most important transport systems here. From Canning, we started to Sonakhali ferry ghat. On the way, we had to cross the Matla River. As the damaged Canning bridge on Matla river was under construction so traffic jam was there and we had to wait for half an hour. We finally reached to sonakhali ferry ghat on 11:30 am.

The most beautiful launch M.V. Lafiesta was booked for us. Our launch departed from Sonakhali at 12’o clock. Now actual thrill begins. Let discuss something about Sundarbans.

The Sundarbans a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located at the Southeastern tip of the 24 Paraganas district about 110 km from Kolkata. It got its name from one of the mangrove plants known as Sundari (Heritiera Minor). Sundarbans are a part of the world’s largest delta, formed by the mighty rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna. Situated on the lower end of Gangetic West Bengal, the Sundarbans is crisscrossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries. It is one of the most attractive and alluring places remaining on earth, a truly undiscovered paradise. The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal, halophytic mangrove forests in the world. The name can be literally translated as a beautiful jungle. The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in the Sundarbans. It spans a vast area covering 4264 sq. km in India alone. It is the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park.

Apart from being a unique largest mangrove eco-system of the world, the Sundarbans has the world’s largest deltaic mangrove forests and is also home to one of India’s most iconic wildlife species – the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is also the world’s largest estuarine forest crisscrossed by hundreds of creeks and tributaries, intersected by a network of tidal waterways, small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests and mudflats. The interconnected network of waterways makes almost every nook and corner of the forest accessible by boats or launches making it one of the most attractive and alluring places on earth and an undiscovered paradise. The Sundarbans also serves as a crucial protective barrier for the inhabitants in and around Kolkata against the floods that result from the cyclones which are a regular occurrence. Sundarbans have also been enlisted amongst the finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The history of this area can be traced back to 200-300 AD. A ruin of city built by Chand Sadagar has been found in the baghmara forest block. During the Mughal period, the Mughal kings leased the forest of Sundarbans to nearby residents.

 As we board the Sundarbans launch and head towards our first destination, Gosaba, the windy Matla River and the green vegetation upon its delta has taken our heart away from the din and bustle of the city life. We reached the Gosaba at 1 pm. There are two famous bungalows named Beacon bungalow and Hamilton bungalow.

This is the Beacon Bungalow at where Rabindranath Tagore stayed during his 7 days visit at Sundarban in December 1932. The house was built especially for him by Sir Daniel Hamilton, the Scottish shipping magnate who founded the settlement. He envisaged Gosaba as an agricultural co-operative and Tagore was influenced by his ideas. After that, we went to visit Hamilton Bungalow. The Bungalow was locked so it was not possible for us to know anything about this but I was interested to know who about Mr Hamilton. So i asked our tour guide. According to him—In 1903 Daniel Hamilton bought 10,000 acres of land from the government. These acres were a group of islands at the mouth of the Ganges, part of the Sundarban delta. Gosaba is one of the main deltaic islands in the region. He chose Gosaba as the platform to experiment his ideas of rural reconstruction by establishing the school, co-operative bank, desalinization plant, rice mill, the religious council where peasants would co-operate and work together without exploiting one another and live freely. In his estate, there were no untouchables, moneylenders, middleman who would manipulate the peasants. In 1918 he started a Consumers’ Cooperative Society. In 1919 he set up a central model farm to experiment with paddy, vegetables and fruits. A Cooperative Paddy Sales Society was established in 1923. In 1924 he established the Gosaba Central Cooperative Bank and in 1927 the Jamini Rice Mill. In 1934 he started the Rural Reconstruction Institute. He even issued his own currency signed by him and with a promise to pay a dividend of 100% in land reclaimed, tanks excavated, housing built and so on. The economy was run as a small co-operative society in which work and reward were linked. Hamilton and Tagore exchanged letters at length on ideas of rural improvement.

The condition of the medical dispensary, Hamilton and Bacon Bungalow are today left in a pitiable condition. His legacy and contribution to Gosaba are now gathering dust in the damp and leaky chambers of the Hamilton Bungalow in Gosaba. The legend of this great man shall not be left untold. Every year on 25th December people of Gosaba recall him by celebrating his birth and death anniversary.

After visiting these Bungalows we were hungry so we took our lunch. We finished our lunch on the deck with spectacular jungle views, occasional views of fishing boats, and swampy river banks. Jungle views were not intimidating so far. Since we are going against high tides, our boat speed was slowed. About 5 pm we reached Pakhiralaya spot. The whole day journey to reach the jungle resort island made us tired.   We are expecting lots of pakhi (birds) would on site. During this Journey, we spotted different types of kingfisher, black cormorants, pond heron, Brahmani eagles and above all getting introduced to the lovely mangroves, with surreal creatures like mudskipper fish, fiddler crabs etc. Inspire a hanging and almost broken stairs from jetty ghat welcomed us there. Cemented stairs from jetty also tilted onside. You need to have a great balancing power to reach the bank while using this jetty ghat. The first day of this tour was ended with the heartwarming Folk performance(Jhumur Dance) by the local people. We had also joined them to dance. After the performance, we took our dinner and went to the launch. We had a plan to stay in the launch at night to enjoy the beauty of nature…. the moonlight mingles in the river….the sooting tempo of river’s roar…..the waves keeping a rhythmic beat as they crash against the shore……..the humming of cricket……the whistle of cold wind…..created a heavenly atmosphere. Though I’m not a protagonist of nature still it seems to me Nature is the conductor waving her baton so effortlessly…blending the sounds together creating a musical symphony.

08/12/2018

Today I was compelled to wake up at 6 o’clock because Rudra was calling me to see the scenic beauty of the sunrise. After taking our breakfast we were ready for  Sunderban delta Safari through the boat guided by our Govt tourist Guide at Sajnekhali Reserve. Our thrilling boat safari had started through various rivers, islands & creeks covering Pirkhali, SarakKhali, Gazikhali, Deul Varani, Banbib Varani etc. On the river bank near the jungle, we observed board indicated name Pirkhali, the guide informed we are now leaving mainstream of vidya river and take left side tributary to reach Sudhanyakhali. Now real thrill has been started. Here jungles on both sides come close to our boats. Rivers is not wide here. We see many types of mangroves on both sides. Notably, Sundari, Goran all covered both river banks. I was standing on front deck holding binocular trying to look into the deep forest to see Royal Bengal Tiger. In Sunderbans, there is a popular saying, you may be looking for tiger on the river bank or in the jungle, but Dakhin Roy (tiger) is watching you from deep jungle. All are anxiously waiting for some darshan of wild animal either in jungle or river bank or in the river. All of a sudden, our team manager Akash silently pointed a swampy land see through the creek. Yes, we observed a big crocodile (about 2-3 meter long) taking rest in sunlight on the bank. Our boat stopped the engine and went close to the creek. Yes, I could see the giant crocodile taking a sunbath on the riverbank.  We stopped sometime there. On the way, we saw deer and wild vulture. But we could not find any trace of Royal Bengal tiger.

We reached Netidhopani at 11:00 am. Netidhopani has a tiger watchtower and a temple that is approximately 400 years old. This camp is that historical place where NETA(Netidhopani) used to work as a washer-woman and washed the clothes of Gods and goddesses and the ghat used by her was located here. Being a part of the core area of Sunderbans is an excellent site where one can find the pleasure of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger. With a beautiful cement walk paved around, this Watch Tower has dense forest spots which may satisfy one’s trail to find the most royal creature. Also, linked to a popular Hindu mythology story of Behula-Lakhinder, many may find it interesting to spot the doorway (stairs to heaven) which the famous Netidhopani used to lead Behula to Heavens.

The worship of Banbibi known as the saviour of forest and is worshipped by the Baulis(Wood Cutter) and Maules(Honey Collector) and fishermen prior to entering the forest in the hope that she will protect the forest goers from attack by the tiger. The legend of Banbibi and the tiger is intimately associated with the lifestyle, social, cultural and religious beliefs of the people.

After visiting this camp we took our meal. Our next visiting spot was Do Banki Camp. This is a very popular tourist spot in the deep jungle. The boat left us on jetty connecting to the forest office on the land. Both side covered with an iron mesh as this is located just deep inside the forest. The 896-meter canopy walk at Do Banki gives an opportunity to view wildlife from a netted enclosure. After disembarking at the jetty, we went to watch tower. From here you can have a spectacular view of Sunderban deep forest. From the watch tower,  we took an elevated path covered with iron mesh. We could see the footsteps of many wild animals roaming near the path. Someone tells we may see a tiger in this area coming for water in the morning or in the evening time. Then suddenly we saw a big deer coming out of one side of the jungle and quickly vanish in another side. That was really an awesome experience to see animal are roaming in deep jungle and we are inside a case to watch their lives.

After this thrilling Sundarbans national park safari, we will reach at Pakhiralaya Village for marketing. We all bought a few things as a memory of this trip. After shopping, we went to Pakhiralay hotel. In the evening Campfire was built and roasted chicken was also there. sitting around the campfire we were eating the roasted chicken. A large music system was arranged by tour manager Akash to dance. At first we four started to dance with the beat of the music. After that, all the members joined with us to dance. At night we took our dinner and went back to the cruise.

09/12/2018

Today is the last day in Sundarban, we woke up with a disappointment in our heart. The disappointment was mostly because of leaving nature and going back to the same old boring life. We started a bit early today at around 7:00 AM. Our plan for the day was the boat safari to visit the interiors of the forest. So it was the exploring time. It seems that there was no clear way for boating. our small boat was entering the interior of the forest by removing the branches of mangrove trees. During the safari, we watched so many unknown birds. We were discussing that we have a chance to see the Tiger, but the boatman laughed and said that to see the Tiger we have to go dense of the forest which is not allowed. hearing this we all felt the sigh of disappointment. But still it was a thrilling experince.

After the boat safari our we were a little bit crazy and as we four friends were there so our craziness was more. our eyes were so much satisfied by watching the natural beauty of Sundarbans. The moment seems to flow like a molten sapphire and there’s deep blue silence,Neither there is earth below, nor sky above, The rustling branches, leaves are saying that only you are here, Only me, my breath and my heartbeat, Such deepness, such loneliness and me…only me, It all makes me believe in my existence.

After that we headed towards Sajnekhali. We noticed a lot of tourists was scanning through according to their own pace, but we were mostly being interested in exploring various canals we rushed through it. We also noticed that, most boats were like rushing towards the destination, but Akash Da set the speed of our one to firm so that we can explore nature at our own pace. We reached there at 12 pm. Our guide obtained a pass for all members from here. Before venturing into the jungle, we have to take a pass from forest department here. Our boat anchored in a protected jetty ghat.  Nobody lives on this island outside this protected area except wild beasts. Inside the forest office, we have seen the Mangrove Interpretation center. Crocodile pond, Bonobibi temple, and wild lizards pond. Mangrove Interpretation center is the most popular among all watchtowers because of its proximity to most of the resorts in the Sundarban area. This watchtower provides one with the opportunity to view wildlife from close quarters. The most sought after sights by a bird watcher are seven colourful species of the Kingfisher, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Plovers, Lap-Wings, Curfews, Whimbrel, Sandpipers and the occasional Pelican.  The West Bengal Tourism Department Corporation Tourist lodge is also situated at Sajnekhali. After 30 minutes stay at Sajnekhali Island , we boarded on the boat for next spot Sudhanyakhali.

Before reaching Sudhanyakhali we took our lunch. As we were a little bit tired so some were taking a short nap. Standing  at Sajnekhali ferry ghat, we could see a distant view of Pakhiralaya. Boat driver told us that sometime tigers swim this river to reach the other side of villages. Now we are sailing along the Vidya Rivers. Both sides of the river are covered with dense forest. We could see different types of mangroves on the left bank. Our boat is keeping 20 ft distance from the border line of deep jungle. We now can see many infamous creeks entering into the deep forest. Entry paths of those creeks are covered with nets so that fishing boats cannot enter into the deep jungle for crabs and honey. If lucks favours, we can see the glimpse of tigers at the swampy river bank. We reached Sudhanyakhali after 1 hour of boating. We observed an old ship anchored in this place, it may be  a victim of infamous Aila storm that ravaged Sunderban delta a few years back. There is also a watch tower. From the watchtower we observed a panoramic view of mangroves all around , narrow stretches of creeks, and deep forests. In this place, Forrest office nicely presented various mangroves plantation with proper labeling. I especially did not want to leave this place because this place was our last light of hope to see “Bagh Mama”. We watched one monitor lizard there. After spending some time we started for Sonakhali at 3pm.

It took us around 1.5 hours to reach Sonakhali and even though our acquaintance was short, we had developed a strong bond among ourselves mostly due to the same wavelength of our love for nature and wildlife. Even though I personally prefer Himalaya, Hill Stations to be specific anyday over Forest, but this first trip to Wildlife gave me enough motivation to explore this other part of Nature. Within the next few minutes, we started towards our same old boring life, we promised Akash Da to keep in touch and back again!!

We had packed our luggage and “Bagh Mama”….ha ha… may be the next time. The mother nature also knows that the picture perfect beauty of the Sundarbans amazed us but she did not allow us to the see the so called dakkhin Roy/Bagh Mama aka Royal Bengal Tiger  because she knows that this is the only way to make us visit this wild life again. We reached Sealdah station at 7:30 pm. We four friends bade goodbye to each other and headed towards home. In spite of watching such pristine beauty and wildlife of Sundarban I have to say again EAST AND WEST, MY HOME IS THE BEST.

If you have eagerness in your heart, it means you are alive, If your eyes are filled with dreams, it means you are alive. Learn to be free like the wind, Learn to flow freely like the river, Embrace every moment with open arms, See a new horizon every time with your eyes, If you carry surprise in your eyes, it means you are alive, If you have eagerness in your heart, it means you are alive…

If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go, because, in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working, studying or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.

After the 4th semester exam, such type of thinking was coming in my mind. But I was unable to choose any place where to go. It was 10th June midnight, I was busy in reading the novel No Full Stops in India by Mark Tully, suddenly Adrish phoned me, “We are planning for North Bengal trip, if you want to join with us confirm now only”. I was just shocked to hear it, instantly I told him that I want to go but I will confirm it by tomorrow. Next early in the morning I called Adrish and confirmed that I will go. After that, I came to know the details of the trip. So from the next day planning was started.

We are 10 in our groups. Adrish, Arindam, Amitava, Dibyadipta, Dishant, Sambit, Satantra, Satyabrata, Shounak and me. We discussed among ourselves so that we can make our trip memorable. All were giving their opinions. In short in the last few days, we forgot everything except thinking about the trip. We had a piece of bad news also, on 17th June we got a weather forecast that weather may be bad during our scheduled trip. But we were so much eager to go on the trip that this news had no effect on us.  We started our journey on 22nd June. Out of 10 friends, we 5 boarded our train from Burdwan Junction. Rest 5 boarded the train from sealdah. It was Uttarbanga Express.

23/06/2018

The next day when our train reached New Jalpaiguri it was 7:30 am. looking at the sky I prayed to God so that our trip is not ruined.

One bolero car was booked for us. Santantra phoned the driver. As the driver told that he will take 15 min more to reach the station we planned to take tea. After a few minutes, the car had come, we packed our luggage and started to Lava. On the way to Lava, we stopped our car at Gorubathan to take our breakfast.

Gorubathan is a small town in the Kalimpong District of North Bengal. Gorubathan is known for its landscape of the Neora river, mountains, and forests, which is a destination for tourists. The landscape of the area is unique as the hills meet the plains here. Chel riverbed is a good location for picnickers and nature lovers. Just above the village is Dalim fort. The ruins of a fort built by the Bhutanese kings can still be seen here. The place located on top of the hill also offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding. One has to trek the last stretch to reach the ruins of the fort.  

After taking our breakfast our car started to run towards Lava. The road from Gorubathan towards Lava is also beautiful. The first few kilometers you will be traveling through tea gardens with Chel river on your left. The road continues through Faforkheti, This is a small village and a picnic spot for the locals. The picturesque village has the potential to become a tourist attraction.

When we reached Lava it was 12:30 pm. A hotel was booked for us. The owner of the lodge gave the keys to our room and we went to the respected rooms to take bath and change clothes. After 1 hr the owner called us as lunch was ready. During lunchtime, the owner told us about the tourist spot near here. After lunch, we planned how to cover all the tourist spot and started to visit.

Situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, Lava is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and its beautiful view of the Jelep La and Reche La passes. Lava offers some nice walks for nature lovers. You can walk towards the Neora Valley National Park, this area has good vegetation. If you want to go for a serious jungle trek, the Neora valley trek also originates in this area, but you would need to take permission from forest department before entering the core area of the forest.  Within walking distance from town is the natural interpretation center of the Lava forest department. Inside you can have a glimpse of the flora and fauna found in the area. The center is relatively well maintained and well stocked.

Within walking distance from town is the natural interpretation center of the Lava forest department. Inside you can have a glimpse of the flora and fauna found in the area. The center is relatively well maintained and well stocked.

Common tourist places around Lava include Ratnarishi Gumpha or the Lava Monastery, this used to be a small quaint monastery but has been reconstructed in recent years and now is a large compound with an institute of Buddhist learning next to it. The official name of the monastery is Kagyu Thenkchen Ling Monastery and the institute is named as The Ringpe Dorje Institute.

24/06/2018

Next day we all woke up late in the morning as we were discussing different funny topics at late night. But our driver were urging us to get up early in the morning because today our trip was to go Lolegaon and Changey La Falls and fog wrapt the whole place so if we do late to start our journey then it will take too much time to visit all the place and then it will be risky for the driver to drive the car as the condition of road was also not good. So we took our breakfast as soon as possible and started our journey.

Changey La falls is located about 10 km from Lava. It is the highest altitude waterfalls in north Bengal. It may not be a world-famous tourist spot but the water is crystal clear and the sound of falling water in the midst of hills and forests is an experience like no other. One can also end up enjoying a small trek as there isn’t much other option than walking. The journey towards Changey La falls is full of ups and downs since the road is not well maintained but the view during your journey can compensate for the rough road. Still, this place is unknown to many people but those who have been to Changey La falls they all have been awe-inspired by the view of this great 400 ft waterfall. A 900 ft walking trail from the last motorable point will sound of the waterfall makes a wonderful contrast. In numerous chirps of amazing Himalayan birds whistling thrush makes the atmosphere heaven like. If you like the wild but serene environment around the beautiful yet majestic waterfall. Whether you are staying or just visiting Changey La falls has magic that lures you and leaves mesmerized with the beauty so raw that makes you coming back for more.  

From changela La falls we came back to our lodge to take lunch but our lunch was not prepared and our driver was urging again to take lunch as soon as possible. So we had decided to take our lunch at Lolegaon.

Lolegaon is a small Lepcha village situated in the far end of the Himalayan Ridge & located at a distance of 24 km from Lava lying at an altitude of 1675 meters. Lolegaon is known for its simplicity and panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjunga. It is a perfect place for the gateway from modernized travel destination and from all the city pollution and giving them a leisurely time to observe and take in a natural beauty surrounding them. In short, this is the place for exquisite wilderness and tranquillity.

The famous one at Lolegaon is Canopy walk. It’s a hanging wooden tree-top bridge that goes through dense jungle. But due to a heavy thunderstorm, the bridge is damaged so now canopy walk is not allowed. As we all were adventurous, we further explored the forest area. It’s a good place for the wilderness lover. Numerous colorful birds and butterfly, mountain goats, rare orchids are there. Presence of a small Buddhist monastery makes the traveler more attractive to visit Lolegaon.

On earth, there is no heaven, but there are species of it and one can find a piece of heaven during his/her visit in Lolegaon a place untainted by the modernized society where the stars shine more brightly and one must hear at night is the alluring sound of nature.

After visiting the forest we took our lunch at a nearby shop. After lunch, we visited the Buddhist monastery. Sitting in front of the large statue we were enjoying nature’s beauty. We were spell bounded by seeing the picture-perfect beauty of nature. Peace gets its true definition at here.

In the afternoon we returned to Lava. We took rest for few hours and then roamed the local market of Lava. Few of us bought some kits as a memory of this place. Next day our trip was to go Darjeeling.

25/06/2018

We were compelled to awake at early in the morning as our driver was urging to hurry up. We packed our luggage and took breakfast. We bade goodbye to the owner of the lodge and started to visit Darjeeling. Our driver told that our car will go to Darjeeling via Kalimpong.  Lava is situated 34 km east of the town Kalimpong. We reached Kalimpong via Alagarh. Due to heavy rain in the last few days, the condition of the road was very bad so it took too much time to reach Kalimpong.

Kalimpong is a small hill station nestled on the foothills of Shivalik ranges at an altitude of 1250 m overlooking Teesta valley. The word ‘Kalim’ in local dialect means King’s Minister and ‘pong’ means Stronghold. Some say that the name has been derived from the word Kalibong. It’s a type of fiber plant used to make paper which is in abundance in Kalimpong. It is situated on the northern edge of West Bengal and is about 54 km away from Darjeeling. With the alpine weather and panoramic view of the adjacent valley, Kalimpong is paradise for the nature lover. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. The presence of Church and monastery sprawled around the town creates a quiet ambiance. There are many tourist places of interest in Kalimpong but we were unable to visit that places because we had to reach Darjeeling before 2 pm.  

However, we reached at Darjeeling Chauk Bazar on 2:30 pm. When we reached Darjeeling Mall the sky was covered by cloud and rain had started. Again we all started to pray to almighty. As our lodge was far from Mall so it took time to find our lodge. The owner of the lodge welcomed us and told to take lunch. After lunch, the owner gave a short introduction to Darjeeling and nearby tourist spots. He also told the plan for the next day. We took rest for few hours at the lodge and at evening we went to Mall. It was Football world cup time. I have never seen such kind of football fever in a town like Darjeeling. Flags of different countries were hanging there. The car drivers decorated their vehicle by his supporting country flag. When we reached Mall the cloud almost vanished. The queen Darjeeling was looking more beautiful by wearing the cloak of fog.

The Chowrasta or Darjeeling Mall is the heart of Darjeeling town. This is where some of old and heritage stores are lined up on one side there is an open view on another side with different trees all around. Few important roads (Nehru Road, Dr. Zakir Hussain Road, Mall Road) and narrow lanes originate or terminate at the Mall. Zakir Hussain Road enters the mall through a crowded bazaar. Further left on the boundary of the mall are a number of small shops selling items like tea, antiques, gifts and souvenir items. Besides the shops, there is the Hawa Ghar, a large two-storied concrete structure where cultural programs are performed during the high season. On the left of Hawa Ghar there are benches for sitting and watching the grand view of the mountains behind. In between two entrance of Mall road, there is a huge statue of the Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya, who wrote the Nepali version of Ramayana translating it from Sanskrit. The mall offers a great opportunity of shopping. We all bought a few things at those shops and also took our snacks at the mall. After a few hours, we all came back to our lodge. We had a plan to go to see the sunrise at Tiger hill so we all took our dinner early and went to be for sleep.

26/06/2018

Next day we woke up early in the morning but it was bad luck for us again the sky was covered with cloud and it was dazzling. So we all took a short nap. We took our breakfast at 8:30 am and our driver reached at Mall at 9 am. After that, we started to go to Rock Garden.

Barbotey Rock Garden is located 10 km away from Darjeeling in the valley down below. There are sharp hairpin bends on the way and the gradient of the road is very steep. The view of Darjeeling’s landscape and the mountain range from the road is unparalleled. It was created by Darjeeling Gorkha Council. When we reached there we saw many stalls were being set up the locals selling tea, snacks, and crafts. As the entire garden has been created by cutting the rocks so the name Rock garden is so perfect. There is a wonderful waterfall that comes all the way from the top and over the rocks to down below. Stairs are made by cutting rocks and small bridges are also there to climb and reach to the top. There is beautiful flower gardens shrubbery at all levels along with nice seating arrangements to take rest and enjoy the views. It was mainly created to introduce a special attraction for tourists a little outside the town area so that the visitors have an added incentive to come to the hill station.

About 3km further down is the Ganga Maya Park. It is also like Rock Garden. Due to a thunderstorm, the road was blocked and the park was also damaged so decided not to go that spot. After that our second tourist spot was the tea garden. There are 87 tea estates /tea gardens in the Darjeeling hills that have been accorded the right to label its procedure as “Darjeeling Tea” by the Tea Board of India. Each estate produces teas with different characteristics of taste and aroma. We visited the Puttabong Tea Estate.  Each estate produces teas with different characteristics of taste and aroma. We visited the Puttabong Tea Estate.

Overlooking the magnificent snow-capped peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga – the world’s third highest mountain range, the Puttabong Tea Estate is located at an altitude of 1500 to 6500 feet and spread across a long distance. This garden is one of the biggest tea estates in Darjeeling, located at a stretch of approximately 20 Km from Darjeeling city to Sikkim State border. Puttabong – which literally means house of green leaves has a number of distinctions to itself. It is the first tea estate to fetch the world record price of Rs 10, 1001 per kg for its antique tea in 1992. Not only that it is the first Darjeeling Tea Garden to receive the first prestigious ISO 9002:2008 certificate in manufacturing, plantation, and marketing which adds another golden feather in the crown of this estate. The pure mountain air, unique soil and altitude at the Puttabong tea estate along with the utmost care and quality standards implemented by Jayshree Tea management produces the finest of Darjeeling teas appreciated by discerning buyers around the world. Near the estate, there are many shops selling a different kind of tea. The seller offered us tea to taste and also told the proper procedure for how to make a cup of tea. We all bought green and black tea there. The serenity of the natural beauty is a solace to the nature lover. It seems that here nature is waiting for us holding the kettle full of tea and telling us,” My dear take a sip in the cup of tea and clear the muddle of your brain.”

After visiting the tea garden our next plan was to go Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or Darjeeling zoo is another tourist spot of attraction. This is the only specialized Zoo in the country and is internationally recognized for its conservation breeding programmes of Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of Eastern Himalaya. The zoo has over 200 species of trees & plants, shrubs, climbers, medicinal plants etc. out which there are some 60 varieties of Orchids. As we entered through the main gate we saw some curio and souvenir shops on the left. And right in front is the Aviary, a huge circular birds cage. Different kinds of Himalayan birds are there. There are roads spanning out in all directions, one straight up, one on the right and one turning towards the backside. We took a few steps forward, look up on the hill towards the right. We saw Himalayan Black Bears roaming about. We followed the straight up roads and saw a different kind of deer and goat on the left side and at the right side, there are a snow leopard, black leopard, Himalayan jackals. Where this straight up road ends there is a Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Again we came back to the circular birdcage and went straight ahead keeping the main gate to right and we reached to the Red Panda conservation section. On the same road, there is an aquarium and section for pheasants. At the end of this road, there is a section of reptiles and amphibians. Different kinds of snakes, tortoises, and small salamanders are there.

             After visiting this zoo we were very tired and hungry too. So we reached the hotel. We had a plan that in the afternoon we all will take a ride in toy train so that another tourist spot, Batasia Loop is covered by us. But the owner of the hotel told us that for traveling in toy train it is required to book the ticket at least before two weeks otherwise we have to book the ticket in tatkal. So we planned to book the tatkal ticket for next day. In the afternoon we all went to Darjeeling Mall to spend time. A cultural programme was going on at Hawa Ghar We watched the programme for a few minutes and then started to roam. Beside the Hawa Ghar, there are benches to sit and enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. Old people were sitting there and enjoying the beauty. Few of us bought the antique Buddhist statue, different kind of handmade things, gifts for their love. In the evening we took Darjeeling’s special momo. After finishing momo when we reached Chauk Bazaar we saw that sky is covered with cloud and it was dazzling. So we returned to the hotel. We took our dinner and went to bed because we had a plan in the next morning.

27/06/2018

Today we had the plan to see Sunrise at Tiger Hill mountain. But again it was raining so we had to drop that plan. After finishing breakfast we planned that at first, we will visit the Japanese temple after that we take a ride on the toy train. So we phoned our car driver. the Japanese temple is 10-minute driving distance from Chauk Bazar.

The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two storied white building is built in a traditional Japanese style. Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha. As we entered the temple there was a picture of the founder of this temple. Walking up the wooden stairs we reached the large prayer room upstairs. In the prayer room, chief priest was offering the prayers, beating a huge drum from which a reverberating sound originates that fills the entire temple premises. The humming sound and the chants add to the solemn atmosphere. As we entered the room, we were invited to sit and join the prayer. A small drumming pad and a stick were given to us so that we too can drum in the same rhythm. I was amazed at how such a small pad too can generate similar resonating sound. On our exit, small sweet balls were offered that represent the deity’s blessings. Close to this temple, there is a peace pagoda. According to the Lotus Sutra, the very appearance of the Peace Pagoda is an embodiment of Lord Buddha that radiates peace and non-violence. It purifies the land as well as the mind and soul of the people. It is open to people of all races and creeds and is purposely made to propagate peace and prosperity in the world. This is the tallest free-standing structure in Darjeeling. As we climb up the stairs in the Pagoda, we saw two concrete models of lions on two sides at a lower level. The avatars of Buddha are all large statues carved in the walls and polished in gold color. 

From peace pagoda, we reached the hotel and came to know that tatkal ticket is also not available. We had dropped one plan already and now this news made us more disappointed. So once again we all went to Darjeeling mall to spend our time before packing our luggage. After that, we took our lunch. One hawker had come in the hotel to sell a different kind of shawl. We all bought that shawl. We packed our luggage and bade goodbye to the owner of the hotel.

It was the last day of our trip and we had packed our luggage not to travel another place…….it was time to go home…….in spite of watching such picture-perfect-beauty of queen Darjeeling I have to say again EAST AND WEST, MY HOME IS THE BEST.

To me, ”Visit Darjeeling once and you will have with you a lifetime of memories, memories that you will cherish forever.”

To know unknown, to see unseen, to move to an unknown place—is man’s inheritor’s instinct. Our mind is like a boat full of imagination can reach anywhere anytime, so fast it is like it always wants to be free. Einstein says, “like a swift river a free mind can never stagnate.”

By obeying our daily routine we become a machine which can not do any work himself, and our mind turns into a backdated software version–which always sends a message to the brain to update it. If the brain is unable to solve this problem then we feel boring, irritating etc. the easy solution to this problem is to hang out any place for a few days. And that place will be quite different from our daily life enjoying the place and the weather should be pleasant, free from deen and bustle.

throughout India, there are so many such type places, but from my village, north Bengal is closer than any other such type of places. That is why I have chosen that place to hang out. In my daily life attending class from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. my brain was turned into a bookful-blockhead. I was unable to think anything freely, so I was so much eager to visit any place which is free from such type of mental hazards.

     My friend Ayan Datta(chemical engg) lives in Coochbehar. One day I told him that I am feeling so boring here so I will go to your home and it is your duty to show the beautiful tourist spot in your district. He agreed and accepted my proposal. We started our journey on 17th December 2016. We boarded our train from Burdwan Junction. It was the Uttarbanga Express.                                                                        

18/12/2016

On 18th December at 10:30 am we had reached Coochbehar station. The weather was very pleasant. From the station, we took an auto-rickshaw to go nearby minibus stand. The New Cooch Behar station is very beautiful neat and clean and good looking. It looks like a palace, designed in Roman style. We reached the bus stop and took a bus to go Tufanganj. After one and half hour we became welcomed by Ayan’s mother at his house at tufanganj where his mother and little sister lived with his maternal uncle and grandmother. Ayan addressed them and I offered pranams to them. Ayan’s aunt cooked very delicious food for us. I was too much hungry and tired also. After taking bath we took a meal. In the menu, there were different types of fishes like Catla, Rohu, Vetki. As we both were very tired so I took rest for almost two hours. At 4:30 we started to visit the side scene of Tufanganj. A river named Raydak flows beside this village. The river is small but then the current was too much. I took a few snapshots and then visited nearby Madan-Mohan temple. After that, we came back home. After dinner, we packed our bag to go BUXA. Ayan’s mother helped us to pack our bag. She also cooked tiffin for us. Then we went to bed to sleep because we had to get ready the next day very early in the morning.

19/12/2016

We set to alarm at 5 a.m. but we opened our eyes at 5:50 a.m. Then we took our bath and breakfast. Then we prepared yourself at 6:55 a.m. Then we borrowed a bus to go to Alipurduar. We reached Alipurduar at 8:30 a.m. Ayan’s two uncle stays there. We took light tiffin there and started our journey. One Bolero car was booked for us. The car started at 10:00 a.m. At first, we went to Rajabhatkhawa. There is a long history with the name of that place.

In the year 1765 AD, King Dhirendra Narayan was enthroned as the 13th king of Coochbehar kingdom. Immediately after enthronement, a conflict between him and Debraj, the king of Bhutan on the issue of the possession of the plain land adjacent to Buxa Hill initiated. In the year 1769 at Chekakhata , a hamlet adjacent Alipurduar, the commander-in-chief of Bhutan, Mr.Pensbu-Toma captivated king Dhairjendra Narayan on at the annual banquet, organized by the king of Cooch Behar and the king of Bhutan jointly. The king Dhairjendra Narayan was confined at Buxa and later sent to Punakha , the then capital of Bhutan. Thus, the influence of Bhutan king enhanced gradually on Cooch Behar kingdom and Bhutan King desired to liberate the Cooch Behar kingdom with the help of East India Company. The combined force of Cooch Behar and the East India Company under the leadership of Captain Jones destroyed all the Army camps of Bhutanese soldiers located in the state of Cooch Behar, during the month of December 1772 and liberated Coochbehar from the influence of Bhutan. Mr.Parling, the collector of Rangpur sent a letter to the king of Bhutan stating that the British Army would capture the capital of Bhutan if the King of Cooch Behar, King Dhairjendranath Narayan was not released. as a consequence, a treaty was signed between the East India Company and the king of Bhutan on 23rd April 1774. As per prime condition of the treaty, King Dhairjendra Narayan along with other followers was released. The king along with the followers started marching towards their native state Coochbehar. Receiving the message, the royal personnel of Coochbehar started to welcome their beloved king and arranged a lunch in this place to bestow honour or their king and arranged a lunch with Rice (Beng.Bhat). Since then this place is named as “RAJABHATKHAWA”.

We went to a museum at Rajabhatkhawa. We came to know a brief description of the Buxa forest. RAJABHATKHAWA is enriched with plenty of sightseeing destinations. It is Surrounded by thick forest, the place is a storehouse of flora and fauna. Here visitors may witness, 32 types of creepers and herbs, 112 breeds of orchids and more than 150 species of trees are found in the emerald green woods Wildlife safaris, bird watching and trekking are the other prime activities of the tourists visiting the destination. It is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers.

Then we started to visit the Buxa forest. Our car had reached the foot of the buxa hill. Then Ayan and I took our luggage and hired a guide and started to climb the hill. The hill was so inclined and we both were not a good rock-climber so after a few minutes we were feeling very tired. We started to climb the hill at 11:00 a.m. and when we reached Buxa-Fort it was 12:30 p.m. A peaceful retreat nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, BUXA DUAR remains a favourite in any travellers precious album for a lifetime. It is a destination that makes hectic urban life seem irrelevant; a location in the lap of nature with mountains, forests, and streams that’s BUXA DUAR enriched with its scenic charm and a rich bio-diversity, situated in the JALPAIGURI DISTRICT of West Bengal famous for its tiger reserve, the only one in the whole of the Kanchenjunga circuit. It is a small hilly forest village of 25 families with no electricity and poor or even mill cellular network, which means complete freedom from phone calls and a chance to absorb the beauty of the place. The distance of BUXA-DUAR FORT  is 4.5 km(approx) and the altitude is 867 m. On the way to Buxa we saw Buxa river and Bala river.

The origin of this fort is uncertain. before the occupation of the fort by the British, it was a point of contention between the King of  Bhutan and the Coach Kings. the British on the invitation of coach king intervened and captured the fort which was formally handed over to the British on November 11, 1865, as a part of the treaty of Sinchula. The British reconstructed the fort from its bamboo wood structure to stone structure. The fort was to later be used as a high-security prison and detention camp in the 1930s; it was the most notorious and unreachable prison in India after the Cellular Jail in Andaman. nationalist revolutionaries belonging to the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar group such as Krishnapada Chakraborty were imprisoned there in the 1930s. Forward Bloc leader and ex-law Minister of West Bengal, Amar Prasad Chakraborty, was also imprisoned at Buxa Fort in 1943.  Besides, some communist revolutionaries and intellectuals like the poet Subhash Mukhopadhyay were captivated here in the 195os.

When we reached the BUXA-FORT, we were very tired and took rest for 5-10 min. Then we started to visit the broken Buxa-Fort. After British rule, this fort was abandoned. At the entrance, there are two tablets. In one–letter to Rabindranath Tagore in 1931 on his 71st birthday by the prisoners……and in another–reply of Tagore. Near the Buxa-Fort there is a Buddha temple or  Gumpha. After that, we took short tiffin and started to climb again to reach Lepchakha.

Lapchakha often called the “QUEEN OF DOOARS” and a hidden treasure of Dooars is a plain area surrounded by five hills–Ramita hill, Sinchula hill, Pampsi hill, Piping hill etc. It is a place where silence extends its own magic and loneliness finds its true definition. It is a place to gaze the clear sky on a full moon night, a place where one can enjoy the hospitality of the Dupka community. In fact, the beauty of Lepchakha lies in the view from the plain. About 12 rivers flowing through Dooars starting from Sankosh to the Torsa look like glistening snakes meandering through the plains below. The night offers a different view when the lights of Alipurduar town seems to merge seamlessly with the stars around. Lapchakha is a small village. Electricity is still not present here. There is a crisis of water also. The villagers are very simple. There is a small school also.

When we reached Lepchakha it was 2:00 p.m. our guide bade us goodbye and went to Buxa. we went to the hotel which was booked for us. it was a bungalow made of wood. there are cabin-like rooms in it. We kept our luggage and washed our hands’ legs and mouth. then a man who was supposed to look us after called us and told that our meal is ready, so we took our meal and then started to visit side-scene of Lepchakha. The natural beauty of this place is just indescribable. Seeing the picture beauty of this place anyone can feel that he is now in heaven. There were so many divisions in the road, as we were moving that place without any guide so it was an adventure to us. We reached the India-Bhutan border. There is a small river flowing denotes that international border. We visited the side-scene for hours and then we felt a little bit tired and reached the bungalow. In Front of this Bungalow, there is a small ground. We stood there and enjoyed the sunset. In the evening the beauty of that place is quite different. The hills are covered with fog and the total nature become calm, cold and silent……..solar lights are switched on in every house……and a sweet fragrance of unknown flowers created special magic to us and we started to enjoy it. Suddenly I heard the sound of the bell of a nearby Buddhist temple and it indicated that the time is now 7 p.m. We were enjoying the beauty for one and half hour. Dew wetted our head so we quickly reached to the bungalow. We start chatting with the villagers, they eager to know our daily life…….they also told their lifestyle…..how they survive in rainy season…..etc. We took our dinner at 9 p.m. and reached the ground. Then the total nature is totally different. Fog wrapped the total area and it seemed that it is a city of death. A pin-drop silence remained everywhere. We wished Good Night to the owner of the bungalow and went to sleep.     

20/12/2016

Next day we awoke at 5:30 am. Then we washed our face and get ready. The cook of the bungalow made a good delicious breakfast for us. After taking breakfast we bade all goodbye and started to trek to that place from where we started our journey. We reached at the bottom of the hill at 8:30 am. On the way, we phoned our driver to come. But he was still absent when we reached the bottom point of the hill. So we planned to eat Velpuri. Our driver came after half an hour and we started to visit Jayanti. Jayanti is 10 km far from Santalabari. We reached that place and took a guide. There are a few tourist spots. Tiger Resort, Pookhri Pond, Watchtower, Small and Big Mahakal.

The northern part of Jalpaiguri district is covered with forest. Its name is Buxa Tiger Resort. The total area is 761 sq.km. It contains four beat office. North Jayanti, South Jayanti, Bhutia Basti, Phanskhawa. Of them, Jayanti beat is the biggest. The natural beauty of this forest is beautiful. Here are mainly two types of trees—Saal and Segun. There is a speciality in the forest. As all trees here are not evergreen so many dry leaves fall under the tree but no one is allowed to collect these because these are used as fertilizer which helps to grow small bushes and it creates the forest denser. These bushes are the main food for deer and other vegetarian animals. tigers used those animals as their food. Thus a complete food chain is controlled. There are different kinds of fruit trees also. We saw Amalaki forest especially for stag, chalta trees, especially for the elephant. The main motto of this forest is to preserve the tiger.    

Imagine in staying in a cottage amidst a lush forest overlooking a meandering river and the distant mountain Jayanti is one of the last destinations in Dooars still untouched by mass-tourism. Often termed as the “Queen of Dooars “, this heavily forested area is close to the famous Buxa Tiger Reserve and the historic Buxa Fort.  Although Jayanti river is mostly dry throughout the year, its shores of white pebbles add to the eternal beauty of the place. With the soothing sound of Jayanti river blending with the chirping birds our trip to Jayanti rejuvenated our tired soul. This is village is forming a natural boundary with the Bhutan hills. Bhutia Basti is 1.5 km away from Jayanti, a nice tribal village. If anyone stays there he/she will see a team of the wild elephant.

On the way to Pookhri hill, we went to a nearby small tower. Pookhri is a sacred and holy pond on top of the top of Pookhri hill at a distance of 4 km from Jayanti. To reach one have to trek the distance partly through forested hills and partly through previously used road. The whole trek is quite a joyful experience provides a scope to come closer to nature. People visiting Jayanti hardly miss a chance to visit the pookhri pond. The beauty of the surrounding is certainly something which has a refreshing effect. It is a religious place for Bhutanese and other people. The water of the pond is considered is so much sacred that people even don’t put their legs into the water of this lake. A large number of big sized Magur and tortoise are there in the pond which attracts the tourists much. We bought soybean and puffed rice to feed that fishes. There are two small temples beside the pond. During the Buddha Purnima, a small fair is organized. Another temple is of Devi kalratri, at the time of Maghi Purnima the Devi is worshipped by local people.

         On the way to Pookhri, we saw a road which was through the dense forest. The name of this road is 24 Mile. The king of Coach captured this place and a few other places of Alipurduar from the king of Bhutan. The Coach liked hunting. So he used to hunt in this forest. And the distance between the palace and this place is 24 mile. So the name of this road also 24 Mile.

          The stalactite cave of Mahakal is a popular pilgrimage destination of the Hindus. It is one of the pith of Sati’s 51 piths. This cave temple is located near Bhutan border dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a popular sightseeing destination of Jayanti. To reach Mahakal cave one has to trek through forested hills for nearly one and half hour. This journey is not tough at all and tourists visiting Jayanti should definitely visit this cave temple. Apart from the pilgrimage point of view, the whole journey renders a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature so closely. Though the chances of viewing wild animals are rare it is guaranteed of hearing the chirping of unknown birds and butterflies of varied colours as well. During Shivaratri, a large fair is held here.

There are two main watchtowers. Chunia Watch Tower and TGN-I Watch Tower. Chunia is 12 km far from Jayanti. TGN-I Watchtower is 3 km far from Jayanti. When we were coming back from Pookhri pond we saw a gang of wild elephants but we were so much astonished to see it that we forgot to click a single snap. After that, I had the feeling of Shankar in Richtersveld hill when they faced a gang of deer but they forgot to shoot.  

At last, we reached the bank of Jayanti river. The River Bed of JAYANTI is one of the main attraction of this hamlet named JAYANTI. The wide bed of the JAYANTI RIVER as it snakes through the forest is one of the most beautiful places one can ever see. There is not much water in the river, so travellers can walk on the river bed, take photos and listen to the birds whistling and other sounds that the forest produces. Migratory birds like Goosanders, Ibis Bill, Fork-tails and many other species of birds visit the swift rivers of Jayanti.

There had a steel made railway bridge over the Jayanti river, which was built by the East India company in 1915 for transport dolomite from the nearby hills to the other part of India. But now you can see just a ruin of some pillar and steel bar, in 1993 it is affected very much by a flood and almost broken down. At the time of this bridge construction, it had maintained a height of 52 feet but now it is just with the land level. The river is near about filled with stone and soil here. The river or rather its wide bed was strewn with rounded white pebbles and white sand offers many opportunities. Travellers can easily reach down and witness one of the most beautiful sunrises; collect smooth pebbles to carry back home, and allow to the cool waters caress their feet, gaze at the distant blue mountains of Bhutan or explore the opposite bank. The trip here is incomplete without a walk on the empty riverbed on a moonlit night. The white sands glisten under the moon’s benevolent gaze and they seem to be walking on the Milky Way with the forests on both sides as dark and impenetrable as the vast universe.

There are some huts made in the river bed by the private resort owners to provide the visitors to sit there and enjoy the natural landscapes, here and there some little boys catch fish from the river. Except that, real variety of flowers, gardens in the bank of the river gives the travellers a romantic feelings– altogether it will give its visitor a journey to his dreamland. We took our meal at the resort.  

JAINTI is famous amongst the tourists for the view of the SUNRISE and SUNSET. Though there is no particular spot to witness these and the same can be seen from almost each and every corner of this hamlet visitors prefers the river bed to enjoy the watching the sunrise and sunset. It looks really spectacular to watch sun rising or setting behind the hills on the background of forests, In morning just after the sunrise the white JAYANTI RIVER BED turns into a golden river bed for a while and it is a real treat to watch while in the sunset time just when the sun falls behind the hills and darkness starts to began and various type of insects starts to come out with their noises all these create an amazingly exciting and thrilling atmosphere altogether that none of the travellers wishes to miss.

After travelling we were very tired and then we started to go Tufanganj. We reached there at 4:30 pm. Then we took bath and took rest. Rest of the day we stayed at Ayan’s house (Tufanganj) and gossiped with the family members of Ayan and described our experience. Then at night we planned our next day trip and packed our bag, then went to bed for a sound sleep.

21/12/2016                               

Next day we got up very late in the morning. Then we took breakfast. Yesterday we planned to go Bhutan Ghat. As we had a plan for a picnic there so all were busy with packing food. Ayan and I cooked fried Maggi for all. After completion of packing, we started to go Bhutan ghat. It is Known for its scenic beauty it is idle for leisure holiday and angling. Strategically located near the border with Bhutan the region is blessed by the scenic beauty and the swiftly flowing River Raidak. There is a beautiful forest bungalow built in 1904 close to the Riverbank and is best to stay is during monsoon or just after the rains. It is only an extension of or is a part of the BUXA TIGER RESERVE. It also is known as Raidak North ranges blue heaven is truly heaven to the tourists. It is located in mountainous terrain, flanked by hills covered with luxurious green forests. It also serves as the elephant corridor and is an attractive destination for wildlife lovers.  The beautiful forest, known and unknown birds, the low valley of Raidak River with its blue water, wild animals strolling around and drinking the water of Raidak River are unforgettable and rare sights for a tourist. Another forest is Raidak, which has everything to satisfy tourists. Sights of a group of elephants, chirping of birds and tea gardens on the way to Raidak will never let you feel stressed out. Tourists can stay overnight in Raidak Forest Bungalow or Bhutanghat Forest Bungalow situated at the border of India and Bhutan. From the rest house set amidst the natural landscape, one can enjoy the sight of wild animals crossing the river or grazing in the forest glade near the bungalow. Winters are cold with foggy mornings and nights. Summer is mild and constitutes a very short period of the year; hence the climate is always conducive to tourism. Endangered species of animals like tiger, rhinoceros, elephant, make their habitats in the forests other animals include different types of deer, bison, birds, and reptiles. Many films of BOLLYWOOD and Tollywood are shooted in this most fantastic hamlet including the famous Mr and Mrs Iyer. BHUTANGHAT is one such place where you can enjoy a thrilling wildlife adventure. We reserved a Scorpio. When we reached the gate of Bhutan Ghat we faced a problem. The guard at the gate wanted gate pass from us. But there was no gate pass with us. It is a rule that permission is required from the headquarter of forest to enter. But there was no gate pass with us so we had to change our plan. Then we all decided to go to a nearby place named Phanskhawa. PHANSKHAWA is a Picnic spot in the true sense but enriched with splendid natural beauty. In one side, the tea garden extended up to the horizon, and in another, the rows of hills and in the middle, the picturesque Bungalow surrounded by tall Pine Trees. The river Phanskhawa flowing below. Sitting on some big boulder in the river, travellers look at the hills and Nature comes inside their mind. Truly the panoramic beauty of this place is a real treat for the eyes and mind for any traveller. We spend the whole day there and took some group photos as a memory. We came back at Tufanganj at 7 pm.

It was the last day of our tour and my mind was filled up with lots of experience. I again packed my bag…….not to travel another place…..it was the time to go home……..and in spite of watching such a natural picture-perfect-beauty again I have to tell “EAST AND WEST MY HOME IS THE BEST”.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton