"In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:"
Time flies…we grow…a world grows
within us! And, at certain junctures, life takes us to places, people and
moments which leave imprints on our transient existence. We are but travellers in
our life-boats and our life-ride is what makes us richer, wiser and fuller from
the core.
That’s exactly what I was
thinking, tucked on the upper berth of the railway compartment, while travelling
to Jhandi a few days back. My colleagues (all seven of them) were excited about
this trip and so was I. We planned almost a month ahead and finalized the trip
itinerary, notwithstanding the ever-mounting workload that could have dislodged
our preparations at the eleventh hour. Godspeed! Finally the d-day was there
and we’re onboard our ark. Recollecting and anticipating, kept me awake for a
few hundred minutes. I don’t remember falling asleep. When I woke up, the train had just reached New
Jaipaiguri Junction. Hot coffee greeted me, whispering into my uncoiling senses
the thrill of the ‘misty’ mountains, which was yet to unfold.
We got off at New Mal Junction. From
there onward the ‘real’ thrill began! But before that, we refuelled ourselves
with platter full of sumptuous momos and omelettes. Now that the calories were
packed in and spirits were high, onward we rolled…leaving the
township…following the bends and curves of the “rocky mountain high.” We
crossed Gorubathan, the last major township on our way to Jhandi. Our vehicle
sped across the bridge over river cheel and up we went along the meandering
course of the lush mountains. The breathtaking view of the steep mountain
green, the bumpy rugged road, the scent of raw chlorophyll, smoky cloud playing
hide ’n’ seek, the chilly breeze, and warm company… took my mind off instantly from
the mundane…as if, I was living my dream. Time flew and before long a bright
yellow hoarding greeted us – Welcome to Jhandi Eco Huts!
Nestled on the cloud-covered
mountains in Upper Lungsel, Gorubathan, and overlooking “the valley of eternal spring”, Jhandi Eco Huts will mesmerize your senses. To someone (like
me) who has been “long in city pent”, the aroma of the raw mountain green and
the freshness all around, offered a slice of heaven! The resort at Jhandi
comprises a few wooden huts, neatly furnished and complete with all basic
amenities we’re acquainted with. So, on one hand we had a super comfy almost
home-stay experience and on the other, once we stepped outside the resort
premises, we were fascinated with the virgin beauty of the locale. What more
could you ask for?
Before we’re there, I read that the
location of Jhandi Eco Huts is unique due to the fact that it offers a scenic
view of both Mt. Kanchenjunga and Teesta basin. One could see the Dooars and
the Nathu La range from Jhandi on a clear day. So, I was brimming with
excitement. Sadly, not everything you ask for gets sanctioned by the
wish-master! During our stay there for 2.5 days thick fog and cloud cover
deprived us from the heavenly view the place is known for and we had to console
ourselves that ‘next time’ we would get lucky! Yes, I am pretty much sure that
I will visit Jhandi Eco Huts again sometime soon…that place has got a hold over
me.
Food is an intrinsic part of our
existence and if you’re a Bengali that sums up the very reason why we’re
typified in media for our spontaneous overflow of gastronomic indulgence. The food
fair at Jhandi Eco Huts simply spoiled our taste buds. Even the simplest boiled
rice with crispy potato fry and local vegetables tasted no less than a
star-rated continental dish. I guess some part of the credit goes to the
overall ambience of that magical retreat. Humble, gracious, delightfully funny,
attentive, honest, friendly and most importantly a perfect host – the employees
and attendants of Jhandi Eco Huts won our hearts.
To our delight Mr. Rajen Pradhan,
the owner, joined us for an early evening conversation sharing his vivid experiences
as – a wildlife photographer cum independent video film maker, an animal
behavior specialist, a sustainable development trainer and consultant. By the
way, he is also the district correspondent for a leading media group. Not every
day you would meet a person as talented as him! Inspired and motivated…yes,
that’s what we were after meeting Mr. Pradhan. I will remember his warm
hospitality, humbleness and insightful discourse for a long time. He arranged a
bon-fire especially for us. Thanks to him, that evening was simply magical!
During our stay at Jhandi Eco
Huts, we went for a sight-seeing trip to Lava. It was my first time in Lava and
I returned with somewhat mixed feelings about the place. On one hand you’ll be
awed looking at the towering Monastery (Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery) with its
squeaky clean ambience and the panoramic view of Lava city from there; on the
opposite side there’s cramped up shacks lining the winding road leading up to
Lava Bazaar (marketplace). The place looked too crowded and commoditized.
Every good thing must come to an
end…so was our stay at Jhandi Eco Huts. On our way back to New Mal Junction for
homeward journey, we went on a sight-seeing spree…briefly touching bases at upper
Fagu Tea Garden, Samsing, Sakham Forest, Suntaley Khola (hanging bridge & the
Bhutan Hills viewpoint) and Chalsa. As our vehicle sped through countless tea
gardens on a sun-kissed Sunday afternoon, I could still hear the mountain’s
call, the cricket’s call “and oh, the call of the sky!”
[Photo courtesy: Swarup Kumar Paul, Sandipa Roy, Monishankar Das & yours truly]
