We visited Dooars in the summer
of 2012 and 2013 and can still visit two or three more times to explore the
main tourist destinations. It would be an understatement to say it has elements
of natural beauty and wildlife adventure. We love recalling memories of the
places and uncertainties.
I would advice anybody planning
to travel to Dooars to travel by Kanchankanya express, though it frequently
runs late, especially from Siliguri Junction to Alipurduar Jn. Pack a good
tiffin for the morning train journey. A good starting place can be
Rajabhatkhawa Jungle lodge. Although the services there are the worst in all
the WBFDC bunglows still the scenic beauty of the lodge and its surrounding is
excellent. From Alipurduar Jn you can hire a taxi to the lodge. One may prefer to
have one taxi hired for the entire tour. It might be a better idea to have
lunch at small restaurants nearby Alipurduar Jn before going to the lodge. In
the afternoon one may travel to the Jayanti Riverbed and leisurely stroll
across the river. Stay at rajabhatkhawa overnight. Next morning visit the Buxa
fort. Be prepared to walk uphill for a few kms. Return and have lunch. Visit
rajabhatkhawa museum after lunch and move on to Malangi tourist lodge. Next
morning get up early to go to Jaldapara. You can take an elephant safari, or a
jeep safari (we preferred to skip this as we had seen enough wildlife during
our tour). The evening may be spend by going to Chilapata forest (we saw a wild
elephant herd in this safari). Next morning leave for Phuntsholing (Bhutan). Visit
the monasteries and crocodile breeding centre. From here you can travel to
Murti. Alternatively you may prefer to have your lunch at Hasimara(Malongi
Lodge) and then move on to Murti This is the place I liked best and you may stay
the rest of your vacation here. Next day morning take a stroll in the Murti
river bed, but be careful about elephants, they arrive here quite frequently.
The next jungle safari is Gorumara in the afternoon. Wish you see the Rhinos
and Bisons over here and pose a few photos with them. Carry some warm garments
with you as during the return journey you may find it’s chilly. More?
Next day get up early and you can
travel to MongPong Tourist Lodge. It is another beautiful location. But don’t
wait. Take a taxi to (Mongpo and /or) Nam Thing, at Sitong, near Shelpu. Under
Kurseong Sub-division.You will go there latpancher. This is the best place in
this tour. So if you want you can cut of a few destinations but don’t miss this
place. Next day stroll around the Mong pong lodge and take evening train back
from New Mal Jn.(again kanchankanya).
Booking of hotels: Book Hotels of
WBFDC lodges. Details on the website.
Taxi: Gaji bhai is good:
9232631364.
