The search for a two hours drive from Bagdogra airport lead us to this beautiful hamlet 'Bungkulung'. Amidst the turbulent time of State Election in Bengal we dared to venture out for a leisure trip and what would be more convenient than a quick plan to land in North Bengal,our very own. Our arrival to Bagdogra was late in the afternoon, so I was looking for a place that would not be too far. Bungkulung proved to be that perfect place what we were craving for.
From Bagdogra it took little more than two hours when we took the route via 'Dudhia'. Bungkulung appeared to be a sweet, serene, desolate village nestled in between Kurseong in the east and Mirik in the west. One could not miss the glittering lights from Kurseong town dominating the night sky from here. The village, it seemed, quite spread out one across the valley while taking gradual slope towards the 'Balason' river bed. The neatly kept houses and their front curtilage decorated with various colourful flowers will surely overwhelm one's imagination. It seemed we were in a perfect place away from all the cacophony.
We checked in at 'Bunkulung Eco Retreat' around evening and greeted with fresh Tea and crispy pakodas. The property had 3 cottages owned by certain Mr Rai who himself was a gentle and nice human being. As was expected the hospitality was full of warmth. If you are someone who would like to spend the evening quietly under the silent sky tracking the innumerable stars or just want to stroll down the dark village roads draped with a light shawl, this place is for you.
Next morning, I woke up early to witness how the hilly village life comes to life with the first rays of the day. As I wandered with my camera, I found that the villagers woke up much early and were busy and running with their daily chores already. With the hens went clucking and the cattles grazing and little toddlers on their tricycles, it was an usual village life which we long for so desperately.
After having breakfast with delicious momos, we got ready for a 3 km walk down to the Balason river. In reality, the walk turned out to be an hike as we went downhill through some dense green forest. The walk was particularly enjoyable when we found ourselves completely on our own in the middle of the forest. The serpentine roads cutting through the tea gardens of 'Singbuli Tea estate' was the highlight.
The banks of the river was quite crowded, a picnic spot to be specific. Locals were enjoying themselves singing, dancing and feasting. Any thought of having an 'holy dip' died down prematurely when we found the water to be icy cold. After taking few snapshots it was time to come back. Now it was an uphill hike and the 3 km walk seemed an eternal and arduous task. When we returned to our stay, hot lunch was already on the table and we were also so damn hungry.
Those who want to spend a day or two in complete oblivion of the hustle and bustle of daily life, Bungkulung will surely embrace those people with all its silence and calmness.
Oshadharon lekha hoeche,dada,jaygatao khub shundor:)
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