Day 1:
Reached Siliguri from Kolkata and then went to Jaldapara National Park- Madarihat being the name of the place, which is three hours drive amid the dense jungles of Dooars. Checked in at Hotel and post lunch went out for Jeep Safari . The Jeep Safari allotted to us was from 2.00 pm and we reported at the WB tourism office around 1.00 pm. We entered the main gate and then went to the first watch spot of salt pit at Hollong. Two Rhinos, were spotted there. And we went to the next watch tower. On the way we saw an elephant and few deer and innumerous peacocks. At the next watch tower we could spot a byson calf. Then we were lucky to spot some sambar deer, and rhinos on the way. Then we saw the herd of elephants at Hollong were bathing in the riverside. Thus ended our Day 1 safari and we returned to the hotel by evening and relaxed with some fresh pakora and Darjeeling tea.
Day 2:
Next day early morning we set out for elephant safari. The ride was from Hollong bunglow area, which was 10km inside the jungle. The elephant safari was a thrilling experience because the elephant takes you to the interior of the jungle. We spotted rhinos , peacock's dancing, wld boar and few monkeys. The ride was very enjoyable and after one and half hour we returned to Hollong. It's onset of spring and so most the trees were bare and roads were go filled with dry leaves.
After returning to hotel, post breakfast we set out for Bhutan Border which is around 40 mins away from Madarihat (Jaldapara). We hired another cab and after a very easy immigration process we were permitted to enter Bhutan (Phuentsholing) for a day. Phuentsholing is a beautiful place with Monasteries and a nice market place...after exploring the city for 2 hours we returned to Jaigaon(India-Bhutan border city). Then returned to hotel and rest for the night.
Day 3:
Nothing g much to explore today. It was a return day...we check out from hotel late and then came back to Siliguri by afternoon. After shopping at Hongkong market we checked in to our hotel in New Jalpaiguri as the next day we had very early morning train to Kolkata.
Day 4:
Shatabdi express at 5.30 am and reached Kolkata at 2.00 pm
This was a weekend trip from Kolkata where freshness of air gave us a newness to our mundane life. The serenity of the forest is a perfect gateway that all city dwellers longs.
