THE WILD, WILD NORTH!

Nature never fails to leave us in awe. Here we are, sitting inside concrete jungles, taking a bit of time off to think about our leisurely expeditions. But again, time has come to leave the AC buses, car and jeeps. The wild seems beautiful when mankind doesn’t hamper their ancient beauty.

A mechanized car has no place in an organic jungle. The natural beauty gets hampered. But, there are very less options. A family tour consists of various age groups. Take a jeep. Take a jeep to North Bengal! The dense jungles, the tea gardens, the rivers- all are beautiful in their own way. So earthen, so simple, so magnetic.

“Dooars”- means doors. This region forms a gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and the North-Eastern states. The Dooars valley stretches from river Teesta on the west to the river Sankosh on the east over a span of 130 kms by 40 kms. The lush green valleys are bound to take your breathe   away. Let the fresh air soothe your mind and caress your hair. Give into the wilderness.

Visit the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gorumara National Park, the home of one-horned Rhinoceros, the mighty Bison, Leopard, the Spotted deer, the huge wild Tuskers, Wild Boars. Take an elephant Safari. Enjoy the wild amidst it’s wilderness.

Buxa Tiger reserve is a must go. The huge reserve (approx. 759 sq kms) with it’s prodigious , Bhabar, presents nature in a way you never imagined in your wildest dreams. Still unaccessible and unexplored in parts, nature is still unfolding it’s mysteries to us.

For bird lovers , the Rasikbill Bird Sanctuary is a paradise. The variety of birds includes cormorants, different variety of storks, ibis, spoonbill, kingfisher, parrots, etc.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Murti. A life changing experience it will be. Realizations and reflections have their own way of seeping seamlessly inside your mind when you are cradled by nature. The Jayanti will leave you stunned.

But the best part of North Bengal is the long drives through the forest. If you are fortunate (or unfortunate!) enough, you may come across a Leopard or a Bison or they may cross the road in a leisurely stroll. Hold your breathe …. And thank the author!

When you are going to North Bengal, visit Coochbehar. And if you are going during November or December, join and celebrate the Raas Mela, the ancient of all traditional fairs. Celebrate greenery, celebrate the colours of North Bengal! Once you get the taste of wilderness, you feel the urge to come back.Again and again.

North Bengal stands as the witness of silent revolutions in nature. A silent, ancient pillar on Nature’s victory, which Mankind couldn’t conquer. We can only look and witness the beauty and wonder where Nature’s creativity ends. Because in never does. And that’s why the Universe is ever expanding. And we stand. Silent observers of the powerful play going on.

P.S: Book your hotels beforehand. And try for resorts. And stay a day by the Murti. You won’t regret. I promise.

• About the Author

About Shreejit Guha

Run, Jump, Climb to the cliffs of Isolation and jump into the sea of madness and cacophony. Listen intently to the paroxysm and choose your way. Be content. And be Confused. Thus is my philosophy.