Mystical Dalma: Land Where Elephants Rule

 

Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn...

I am not sure how much a nature lover I am but since childhood forests have attracted me like magnets. Inside forests I feel much like home and they are surely my favourite getaways from the chores of city life. Even when I am not travelling I love to read books related to wilderness, hunting and animal conservation. Few of my favourite writers are Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhay, Kenneth Anderson, Jim Corbett, and John Henry Patterson. Their real life experiences and writings have moved my soul deeply everytime I went through their writing. When I was young, books like Chander Pahar and Aranyak left deep impact in my thought process and the love that I developed for nature and wilderness stayed with me since then. It helped me to transform into a person I am today.

How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you...

While returning from Santineketan, my vlogger friend Abhranil (DaBong Family) requested me to plan for the next trip. Much to my delight this time his preference was forest. There are numerous forests throughout India and to choose amongst them is the most difficult part of the plan. Also, we had to keep in mind our pockets as regular travelling sometimes hit us hard financially. Straining every nerve and keeping the budget in mind I zeroed in at the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jharkhand.

At the entrance...

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located ten kilometres from the city of Jamshedpur in the state of Jharkhand. Inaugurated in 1975 it holds significant population of Indian Elephants. On hearing that we were planing for Dalma my brother and Promita joined in. While I called few of my friends to check their availability so did my brother. Finally we were ready with a team of seven people. 

Team Dalma

After preparing my team, the next thing that struck my mind was where to stay in Dalma. Though there are many hotels in and around the sanctuary, my aim was to stay inside the forest. After searching for the availability of the Forest Rest house we found one at Makula Kocha inside Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

Makula Kocha Eco Hut, Dalma

According to the plan we commenced our journey on 28th May, 2022. From Howrah we boarded Howrah-Barbil Jan Shatabdi Express(12021) at 6.20 A.M and reached Tatanagar Junction at 9.52 A.M. 

Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination...

On reaching Tatanagar Junction we searched for our already booked car driver (Dhananjay-8210867744) and headed straight for breakfast to a nearby South Indian stall where most of us had Dosa and some Idlis.. Jamshedpur is a very well planned and properly maintained city. We were amazed to see the cleanliness of the roads. After breakfast we visited Jayanti Sarovar just opposite to the famous Jubilee Park. 

Jayanti Sarobar

We found Jayanti Sarovar very similar to our own Rabindra Sarobar. It is a beautiful place and is a home for migratory birds during winter season. Tata Steel Zoological Park is adjacent to the sarovar and is one of the popular tourist destinations in the town. We booked a battery driven car inside the zoo for forty minutes for Rs 50 per head and went around the park.

We spent a lot of time inside the park observing the animals. Finally the humidity and heat got the better of us. We skipped Jubilee Park and headed straight to Dalma. After taking our respective bathes, lunch was served. Here I would like to mention that once you decide to stay in Forest Rest House you cannot ask for home like comfort. If you say why should I book one then? My answer would be to enjoy the ambience and the lifetime experience of spending a night inside the pristine jungle. 

Go where you feel most alive...

That day, after lunch we headed straight for Chandil Dam. Promita and my brother were too tired and decided to stay back. On our way to Chandil Dam we stopped at an unknown Shiva Temple situated in a picturesque location. The ambience and the remoteness of the place touched our soul. We were so engrossed in the ambience that we almost forgot about time and our next destination until our driver called us.

Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments...

When we reached Chandil Dam, the sun was setting in the western sky. We were just in time to witness one of the memorable sun sets of our life across Subarnarekha river. Only a few lock gates of the dam were open during our visit. 

Chandil Dam

When we left Chandil it was almost dark. While returning to the forest rest house we drove through pitch black forest. Whenever I travel I carry a powerful four battery torch and decided to flush it through the dark forest to catch a glimpse of reflecting animal eyes. Sadly, I could see none. That was a full moon night and the jungle around us looked magical. I requested others to go for a walk through the jungle though it is not at all recommended. The rest house authorities warned us against going too far in that dark. However, we decided to visit the area adjacent to the deer park. There we saw something that is supernaturally beautiful. We saw thousands of well lit eyes from the pitch dark dense jungle. It was sheer adrenaline rush. Although, all the eyes were of the different kinds of deer sheltered in the deer park, our excitement knew no bounds. Later we also went to the shelter of Forest department's tamed elephant.  Walking through the jungle in a full moon night was a long cherished dream of mine and believe me the experience was overwhelming. I thought about the hunters who have spent night after nights in the forest sitting ontop of a tree or wooden platform tracking man-eaters. It gave me goosebumps.

Wilderness touches the heart, mind and soul of each individual in a way known only to himself...

Next day, i.e., 29th May, 2022 we woke up early. After breakfast we headed straight to Dalma Hill top via Pindarbera Forest Rest House. The view of Jamshedpur city from Pindarbera is breath taking.

Pindrabera Forest Rest House...

From Pindarbera we went to Dalma Hill top. In my personal opinion I didn't like the place much. Apart from the Hanuman Temple at the top the entire place lacks maintenance. Moreover, the tourists from the adjacent places have filled the place with plastic trashes. My humble request to tourists travelling anywhere in the world is to "take only memories and leave only footprints."

Dalma Hill Top

We spent around two hours at the top enjoying the view it offered. Enriched, we returned to our rest house.

No one who loves the woods stays on the path...

That afternoon temperature went as high as 42 degree centigrade. That day, in the evening it felt like as if the heaven broke down and atrocity of the rain was relentless. We enjoyed the fierce downpour from the comfort of the rest house with a cup of tea in our hand. 

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain...

That night we chatted for long hours while playing cards. Finally, the dinner was served and we retired for the day. Next day, i.e., 30th May, 2022 we woke up at 4 A.M and went to the Makula Kocha Village located three kilometres away from our rest house.

The cleanest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness...

We checked out from the rest house at 11 A.M, put our luggages in our car and went to the adjacent deer rescue centre. We left Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and headed for our last destination of the trip Dimna Lake. Dimna is an artificial lake in the steel city of Jamshedpur. It is located in the foothills of Dalma mountain range and is famous for its serenity and pleasant greenery.

Dimna Lake, Jamshedpur

Few locals were bathing in the lake and as usual Promita, Sudipto, Suman, Abhranil and my brother could not resist themselves from plunging into the lake.

Learn the art of growing without losing your inner child...

As we had a train to catch so we could not prolong our enjoyment at Dimna any longer. We had our lunch at a renowned Chinese joint near Tatanagar railway station.

Nothing brings people together like good food at a good restaurant...

Dalma left a deep impact in each one of us. The memories of moonlit jungle pathways, adrenaline rush while driving through the jungle at night, staying in a forest rest house and childish plunge into the Dimna Lake will stay with us forever.

 Until next time...

(Picture Courtesy: Sudipto Sinha, Emon Bag, Suman Karmokar and Abhranil Kundu)

(N.B- Videos of our trip to Dalma can also be see in DaBong Family youtube channel.)

Bolpur: The Land of Literature

I always loved travelling to offbeat places far away from the hustle and bustle of our regular lifestyle. Every time I travel to these remote places I find my soul and rediscover myself as a traveller. That's how I can sum up my trips so far but this time I decided to break my regular travel pattern. While nature has always been in the top of my priority list literature also incites me from within. So, this time I decided to break my regular travel pattern & take a trip to Bolpur, Santiniketan on 29th April, 2022.

One-day, my brother told me that he was travelling to Puri with his office colleagues on 29th of April, 2022. I could never sit back when it comes to travelling. So I decided to take a short trip as well. Whenever I start to plan for a trip nature comes to my mind first but as the time was very short we could not make the necessary ticket reservations. I called up Netin and he came up with the plan of travelling to Santiniketan. In the mean time I also called Abhranil Kundu (one of my friends) and disclosed him the entire plan. Finally we all agreed upon and set forth.

We boarded Santiniketan Express (12337) from Howrah and reached Bolpur on 29th April, 2022. Bolpur being a heritage station is very well maintained.

As soon as we stepped out of the station we were encircled by the awaiting Toto drivers and offered us with several packages for sight-seeing. We thoroughly negotiated with many toto drivers before selecting one. Fortunately, our Toto driver was a humble person and offered us a good package (Boloram- 8759647922). We boarded his Toto and headed straight towards our accommodation for the next couple of days, Lodge Swagatam.

After reaching the lodge we quickly freshened up and headed for lunch as we were very hungry. Our destination was Ghare Baire Restaurant. The restaurant is famous for Bengali cuisine. On finishing the lunch we called up the Toto driver and headed to our first spot of the day Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary/Deer Park. Entry fee for each visitor is fifty rupees. The park is a part of the sanctuary which serves as a rescue centre for the Chitals or Spotted deer. The park is very well maintained and it being off season we were the lone visitors in the park. The tranquillity and serenity of the place touched our heart. More than 250 Chitals are being conserved in the park.

While we were strolling through the vast wilderness we noticed a watch tower and quickly went to the top for getting an overview of the area. Here I would like to mention that I prefer travelling during the off seasons not only because it is budget friendly but also because I can witness the true essence of any place when people are less in number. If one is planning to visit Bolpur, Ballavpur Deer Park is a must visit place.

From Ballavpur Deer Park we went straight to Srijani Silpagram maintained by Eastern Zonal Cultural Council, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is an ideal place for people who  are in love with culture. The objective of the place is to provide a realistic glimpse of different states and their cultural heritage.

Whilst we were inside the silpagram weather suddenly turned stormy and soon it started pouring heavily. Fortunately, by that time we had almost completed our exploration. Sellers from the nearby locality displayed their self made handlooms to the visitors. We not only enjoyed the place but also were surprised by the sudden upturn of the weather. The downpour was so welcoming after such a hot and humid day that I wished to drench myself but somehow managed to control my exuberance.

Because of the rain we had to drop our plan of visiting Surul Zamindar house and were forced to return to our abode. Finally, when the rain stopped it was already 7: 30 P.M. We went for a little stroll in order to explore the locality and its street food. Santiniketan is not famous for its street food so apart from panipuri and chicken momo we could not find any other choice. That day we had our dinner at Canteen 4. It was a sumptuous dinner and the quality of food was excellent. We were so tired from the day long exertion that after reaching the lodge we could hardly stay awake. We quickly called it a day.

Next day i.e. 30th April, 2022 we woke up early and headed straight towards the Kankalitala Temple located in the outskirts of Bolpur. Due to the heavy rainfall in the previous night, the weather was very pleasant. On our way to the temple we witnessed numerous small villages. We halted every now and then to get lost amidst the greeneries. When we finally reached the temple it was already 9: 30 A.M.

Kankalitala temple is one amongst the fifty-one Sati Peeths in India and is very auspicious among the devotees. Here I would like to mention that there are no bullies or Panda (one who force the devotees for money) in this temple so everyone can offer their prayers peacefully and according to their capacity. We spent quite some time sitting in the temple campus as the place offered us immense inner peace. The temple is located at the banks of the Kopai river.

Here it is important to mention that one visiting Santiniketan must surely witness the sunset from the banks of the Kopai river. When we went beside the river we saw many devotees bathing in the river before offering their prayers in the temple.

There is a small water hole or Kund beside the temple and according to the locals the water in that water hole never dries even during drought. The devotees often carry the holy water of the Kund far and wide as a mark of blessing.

From Kankalitala we went straight to Shonajhuri forest market or Khowai market or Saturday market, as people tend to call it. The market is named after the numerous Shonajhuri trees that grow in the area. Being a Saturday the market was in full swing when we visited the place.

People from nearby localities sell their handmade looms and wooden house hold items sitting between the Shonajhuri trees. If one decides to purchase sarees and wooden decoration for their household decoration Shonajhuri market is the best destination for them. There is no fixed price for the items and one need to sharpen their bargaining skills before purchasing stuff. I would request my readers to kindly taste the local kheer and sweet curd in between exploring the place. From Shonajhuri we headed straight to Banabithi Henshel Ghar for lunch. After having their delicious food we were so full that we could hardly move. As time remains a permanent constraint in short trips, we had to keep rolling. Our next destination was Surul Zamidar Bari.

In spite of the age old structure, the Surul Zamindar Bari is very well maintained by the Surul trust and to keep up with the expenditure of maintaining the colossal palace, every now and then it is being rented out for the commercial purposes. I love visiting palaces as I feel that every brick holds some history behind it. Being a thinker, I love to retrospect the bygone eras.

From Surul Zamindar Bari, we came to Viswa Bharati Campus. Visitors are restricted from entering the campus due to political unrest so we had to take pictures from outside the campus. We witnessed Chatimtala, Kala Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavan, Parthana Bhavan, Viswa Bharati Museum, Poush Mela Prangan, etc.

 

We also visited Maharshi Devendranath Tagore house known as Santiniketan where Rabindranath Tagore spent his adolescent days. Here we heard an interesting story from a localite that the name of the place is not Santiniketan, instead it is the name of the house and because of obvious reasons it got so popular that it became a household name. So now Bolpur is known as Bolpur (Santiniketan).

We bid adieu to our Toto driver and went back to our lodge. That night we again had our dinner at Canteen 4 and conversed late into the night reflecting on our trip so far before snoozing.

On 1st May, 2022 when we woke up it was already 9 A.M. We rearranged our belongings in a lackadaisical manner and took bathe before check out. From there we went straight to Bangladesh Bhavan but unfortunately it was closed for renovation.

We strolled through the Vivekananda Sarani exploring numerous beautiful farm houses and experiencing the true essence of Santiniketan. We got too exhausted in the scorching sun and headed for Kasahara, the cafe located adjacent to Sangeet Bhavan. We had our lunch and passed time in a lazy manner as our return train (12348 Sahid Express) was scheduled at 5: 38 P.M. All three of us enjoyed our stay at Bolpur and laden our soul with new memories. As according to the great poet: 

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky..."

Oh! We also visited Gitanjali Rail Museum on our way back which is adjacent to the Bolpur railway station. Our stay in Bolpur is very well depicted in Abhranil's vlog "Da Bong Family".

Picture Courtesy: Netin Baidya and Abhranil Kundu)