Finding Serenity in Nature
Being a banker, weekdays are a whirlwind of stress, so I crave nature’s serenity whenever possible. This monsoon season, I ventured to a small Himalayan village near Siliguri, renowned for its exotic birdlife. Lush greenery draped the hills, and the mesmerizing clouds promised a rejuvenating escape.
A Journey Through Picturesque Landscapes
The punctual Darjeeling Mail arrived at New Jalpaiguri station at 8 am. Light rain and the urban clamor greeted us. We wasted no time securing a cab for 1500 rupees and headed towards our destination, Rongtong.
Rongtong is accessible via the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s toy train. The road journey itself is a birder’s paradise, cutting through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and Sukna Forest Reserve. We enjoyed a quick tea and snack break at Sukna, serenaded by the croaking and quacking of frogs from a nearby pond.
Rongtong Homestay: A Birder’s Paradise
Upon checking into Rongtong Homestay, owned by Peter Beck, we were welcomed by a greater necklace thrush in the backyard, as if inquiring about our journey. The previous day, while observing a Juno Scarlet minivet thrush in Sipoidura, a fascinating centipede-like creature clinging to a blade of grass caught my eye.
A captivating sight awaited – a female Yellow-vented flower picker perched on a high branch, seemingly spoilt for choice with the abundance of colorful fruits. Its black eye patches, white head, and unique underbelly resembled a roof snake.
Unwinding by the River and Exploring for Black Baza
After a fulfilling birding session on day one, we reached the banks of the Shiva Kola River, a perfect spot to unwind after a long year. The breathtaking view of the Gashim River amidst the verdant mountains created a romantic ambiance. Luckily, the usually crowded destination was deserted that day.
The second day dawned with rain, quickly clearing to reveal eager birders ready for another adventure. Spotting the uncommon blue-bearded bee-eaters at a tea garden was a delightful surprise. Then, we encountered the resident valid cuckoo, followed by the majestic sight of a great Indian hornbill, locally known as Hong Kong.
Paglajora: A Hotspot for Birdwatching
Our journey continued to Paglajora, a birdwatching hotspot nearly 50 kilometers from Darjeeling. Here, we observed an elegant adult long-tailed broadbill with a distinctive black cap, seemingly disturbed by the surrounding bird activity.
A sumptuous lunch was followed by the sighting of a brilliantly colored maroon oriole meticulously preening its feathers in a distant pine tree. Finally, a blue-throated barbet marked the conclusion of this eventful birding day.
A Night at Skyline Retreat Lungchu
Our stay continued in Kalimpong, where we spent a night at Lungchu Skyline Retreat homestay in Luchu village.