Last year, we made a weekend trip to the Jayanti forest of North Bengal. It was a short one day trip. We started in the morning and returned home by evening. The picturesque Jayanti hills and the Jayanti river were a visual bliss for us in the tour. What a soothing view it was! I could hardly realise how time flew so fast by watching the vivacious river, listening to the music of flowing water and watching the tranquil hills.
About the journey
I along with my family had started for the road trip on a Sunday morning in the month of October. We started from our hometown Cooch Behar and crossed the jungle of Buxa to reach Jayanti, which took around an hour and forty five minutes. The serene jungle, the river, the amazing flora and fauna of the place made the journey even more alluring. Although we were hopeful of watching a few wild animals on our way, we could only spot a handful of monkeys and cows.
First stop: Nature interpretation Centre
Our first stop was at a museum called Nature Interpretation Centre and Orchid House. It is nestled amidst greenery and we could spot very few people in the vicinity. The museum was founded in 1995 and is home to many interesting things. But the one that caught my attention was a snake made using the real skin of a baby python. It looked so real that it scared me 😀 And I was amused to see the pug marks of tigers, which have been collected from various riverside. Just imagine, what a dignified life tigers and lions lead that we collect their footprints and preserve in the museum 😀
I really salute to the people who are in charge of such museums throughout the country. They live into the jungle in solitary, away from the benefits of technologically advanced modern life. We go, enjoy the place or may lead a life into the wild for a few days but eventually return to the civilization and they spend years there, taking care of the things of nature.
Second stop: Watch tower
Next, we halted to catch the glimpse of our destination (Jayanti hills) from a watch tower. Although the view was faint but it filled my heart with excitement after all I was seeing the hills exactly after a year (in 2015, we visited Phuentsholing) . Near the watch tower, found a temple. A devotee was also there. After a few minutes of conversation, we got to know that spending time into the nature and worshiping the lord is his life. I wonder he chose the place or the place chose him!
Final destination
Upon reaching our destination, I became quiet for a few minutes. Guess when we feel the serenity of a peaceful place that’s what we do. My father had visited Jayanti hills many years back but for mom, my sis and me, it was a new place. I couldn’t wait to feel the water, cross the river and see the other side of the river.
So, we quickly completed eating. Thank God, we had packed homemade food. We couldn’t see many food joints right at that place. And then my sis and I headed towards the river while mom and dad stayed back at the same place.
I heard that the river remains dry for most of the year but guess we were lucky to see and feel the chilled water of the cascading river. Soon, my sister and I, holding each other’s hand, started to cross the river one by one. It was not that deep but the flow was rapid. If you are not careful about your steps and fail to control your balance, you might fall flat on the river. Now, imagine how my sister and I crossed the river. We would tip toe a few steps and after every few steps one of us would lose balance. Although it was too funny but we enjoyed a lot.
After we reached the other side of the river, we started walking towards the bottom of the hills but before that mom and dad called us up and so we had to return. Later, I got to know that locals live there.
Back to home
Before the sun would set, we started our return journey. As we were returning, again we tried hard to spot at least one wild animal but in vein. Animals can be found in Zoos but there is a thrill in spotting one during a journey. Well, better luck some other time.
Best gift from the trip
My mom, who is a school teacher, had been to several places for her school picnics, but it was ages since she had experienced an outing with her family (dad, sister and I). She was visibly the happiest in the group. Her glowing face was the best gift that I got from the outing.
Photography by my sis Debopriya Roy
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