Diary of North Bengal 8/ Our companion Jaldhaka

View of Jaldhaka from Gairibash


After spending a few moments in Rocky Island, we started our journey once again. As mentioned earlier, we had to make River Jaldhaka, our companion now. After coming down to Samsing, we took the road on the left hand side. The beauty of this road was simply awesome. Our Bolero is running amidst the tea gardens. The Himalayas have shifted back a little bit now. 

After speeding for almost ten kilometers through the tea gardens, we reached a village called Maure. It’s a tri-junction. The road on the right goes to Chalsha via Khunia More. We took the straighter road and moved through the Rubber forest. The mountainous roads have begun once again.  

River Jaldhaka welcomed us in Gairibash. It is the first attraction on the way to Jhallong-Bindu. There is a natural view point on the main road itself. The view of Jaldhaka from the view point is mersmerising. On the other side of Jaldhaka, it’s Bhutan. 

A funny thing happened in Gairibash. While checking the mobile, I realized that the time shown by my phone is much ahead of what it was supposed to be. I got the feeling that in just 15 minutes, time has gone ahead by about 45 minutes. How was it possible?

My curiosity was met by a local. Since we were very close to Bhutan, the time shown in my mobile was actually Bhutan time. After experiencing the youthfulness of Jaldhaka, we started our onwards journey. 

After travelling four kilometers through the mountainous road we had a jouney break on the Jhallong Bridge. Jhallong is small village located on the banks of Jaldhaka. West Bengal Forest Development Corporation run Nature Resort is located here, which provides an amazing view of the Jaldhaka. During the Gorkhaland agitation in 2013, it was burnt down by the protestors; however it is functioning once again. To experience the real beauty of Jhallong, one has to spend at least night here. 

We don’t have the permission to enter the premises of the Resort. So, we experienced the beauty of Jhallong from the Bridge itself. We can see a confluence of two rivers as well. A small stream called Jhulung Jhora is meeting with Jaldhaka. 

View from Jhallong Bridge


We started our journey once again. Our destination now is Bindu. On the way to Bindu, we saw the Jaldhaka Hydel Power project and another village called Paren. 

‘Don’t go towards the River. It can be dangerous’. 

As we were progressing towards the Jaldhaka barrage after parking our car, we could see the caution from the local administration. Just a few days ago, there was a huge tragedy here in Bindu. A boy was washed away by the flash floods in front of his parents. To avoid this type of incident in the future, the administration is taking some important and necessary steps. But the tourists are gladly defying the orders. I feel this nuisance is everywhere. Let the administration warn the tourist, they will turn a blind eye to all those warnings. Thankfully, since the weather was clear, there was not much water in the barrage.  

The beauty of Bindu has been enhanced by the barrage which sits on the lap of two mountains. There is confluence of Jaldhaka here with two small streams, namely Dudhpokhri and Bindukhola. 

Bindu Barrage


Bindu is actually ‘bindu’. In Bengali, ‘bindu’ means point. Here Bindu is the last point of West Bengal before Bhutan. On the other side of the barrage, lies the King’s country. There is no hindrance in traveling a bit to Bhutan after crossing the barrage. People’s need rubs the political boundaries. On a Market Day, people from nearby Bhutani villages, cross the border, come to West Bengal, buy necessary item and go back to their respctive homes. In Jhallong, every Wednesday is a Market Day and in Bindu, it is Thursday.
We were so engrossed in our trip, that we didn’t realize we were actually very hungry. After having hot Thukpa in a local restaurant, we started our journey back. 

Read More: Diary of North Bengal 7/ Samsing, Santalekhola and Rocky Island


How to Reach

Avail New Alipurduar bound Kanchankanya Express from Sealdah and get down at New Mal Jn, the next day. Gairibash is at a distance of 39 kms from New Mal. Jhallong and Bindu are at a distance of 43 and 50 kms respectively. From Siliguri, Gairibash, Jhallong and Bindu are situated at a distance of 93, 97 and 104 kms respectively. 

Where to Stay

WBFDC Nature Resort, Jhallong


Tourists can stay in the Nature Resorts run by West Bengal Forest Development Corporation in Jhallong and Paren respectively. To book those resorts, log into the website, www.wbfdc.net. Private resorts and hotels are also available in Jhallong, Bindu and Paren.

Comments

  1. matesaway6 June 2024 at 05:35

    Your vivid descriptions truly transported me to the breathtaking landscapes of Rocky Island and the surrounding areas. Your encounter with the time difference due to proximity to Bhutan was fascinating and added an unexpected twist to your journey. The cautionary tale about the dangers of the river serves as a reminder to always heed local warnings and respect nature's power. Your exploration of Bindu's significance as the last point of West Bengal before Bhutan, and the cultural exchanges between locals and nearby Bhutanese villagers, was enlightening. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.

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