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Showing posts from August, 2024

Dooars in Rain-5 [Concluding]

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                                                                  **Dooars in Rain - 5 [concluding] Early in the morning at 6 AM, Kuntal woke me up for a walk. The deep forest of Neora Valley at Sultanekhole at that hour was a world apart! Although the sun had risen at this part, its rays barely penetrated the dense canopy. Unknown birds were busy gathering twigs and food, their chirping filling the cool, serene morning air. The interplay of light and shade in the deep jungle, as the sun's rays filtered through, created a mesmerising, otherworldly atmosphere. We crossed the narrow footbridge, where I noticed the crystal-clear water of the thin river below.   Kuntal, standing knee-deep in the water, attempted some challenging poses in the shallow stream. The murmuring sound of the flowing water added another layer of tra...

Dooars in Rain - 4

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                                                                **Dooars in Rain - 4** 28/07/24, Our vehicle arrived well before 10 AM. This time our self-appointed navigator, Kuntal, announced that we would head for the government resort at Sultanekhole, with plans to detour to a few tourist spots along the way, including the Chulsa Tea Garden, Samsing, and Rocky Island. The vast expanse of tea gardens begins well before Chulsa. Along the way, Pijush and I wanted to stop and take some photos of the tea gardens, which Kuntal and Debanu strongly opposed. However, Pijush's colorful language ensured that Kuntal didn't push the issue further!   The road to Samsing winds through a picturesque landscape of tea gardens, jungles, and hilly trails. The vast, tranquil tea gardens are a major attraction for visitors who appreciate sere...

Dooars in rain - 3

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  **Dooars in Rain - 3** The next morning, the three of us—except Debanu—went to the Jhalong riverside to witness the mighty, overflowing river after the rainy night. While Kuntal was busy taking photos around the site using his newfound Go-Pro camera, Pijush and I sat on the boulders by the riverside. The water was turbid and flowing with force, creating a mesmerising sound as it rushed over the stones—a sound that could hold you spellbound for hours. Whenever there was a lull in the rain during the night, we could hear this intoxicating sound from our room.   Sitting there, we lost track of time until Debanu called out to us from the riverbank, showering us with his typical colorful language. He had stayed in the room earlier due to an indigestion problem that had troubled him since the previous night.   After breakfast, we decided our next destination would be the Jaldapara Forest - Murti River bank. Before setting out, we spoke with a few local properties and realized...

Dooars in Rain -2

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Dooars in Rain - 2 Our Bolero navigated the rugged road beside the 'Bhorer Alo' resort, crossed the Teesta River, and headed into the jungle road toward Odlabari. The rain had vanished, leaving us to contend with the oppressive heat.   Having already had lunch on the train, the only way to cool down now was with a cold beer. My suggestion was quickly agreed upon by Pijush and Kuntal. I asked our driver, Mr. Tamang, to stop at a nearby beer shop or bar. However, after a half-hour of driving, poor Tamang couldn't find one. Kuntal, familiar with the Malbazar area from previous visits, assured us he would locate a beer shop there. Debanu, who never supported our beer-drinking habit, kept quiet; the reason became painfully clear later. In Malbazar, Kuntal took charge, heading to a nondescript shop on the busy road. He returned 15 minutes later, clutching five cans of beer in both hands! We quickly grabbed a can each and began to cool down. Debanu, who took only a few sips from t...

Dooars in Rain - 1

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                                                             **Dooars in the Rain** About 27 of my schoolmates, mostly just-become senior citizens or those nearing the golden age, have joined our virtual group over the last three years. Though we’ve had a few meet-ups, attendance has never exceeded fifteen. This year, almost everyone agreed on a trip. The destination had to be exotic—if not, the timing should make it extraordinary, like Darjeeling in deep winter, Tree house somewhere in the jungle, Rajasthan in peak summer, or Cherrapunji during the monsoon. Before finalizing the date and place, I gauged interest, and sadly, only six were keen. With the monsoon already here, Debanu and I decided on Dooars, where the incessant rain transforms the region into a magical place. Our plan was to travel in comfort, stay at a good resort for ...