Sandakphu: Gateway to Heaven
Dec. 1, 2022
Beyond the regular
About 30kms from Darjeeling lies a beautiful and small place called Bijanbari. The soothing breeze, the chirping of birds, and the dawn wakes the sleepy village. The babble of the pebbles on the brook adds a delicate effect to the serene beauty of Bijanbari.
The Rock and The Fall
On the way to Bijanbari I came across this beautiful waterfall-the Hima Falls, and as the bridge crosses the river you cannot avoid taking a picture or two.
A little further away, stands the Biswambhar rock, gallant like a knight- a steep 50-ft high rock rising vertically.
A bend on the Road
The winding road from Ghoom creates a scenic beauty to the vast stretch of forest. In other words, the green pines add glory to the path that lies ahead.
I couldn't help but stop for a while on the few bends to embrace the unspoiled beauty of nature; to feel the earth on my feet and caress the wind on my hair.
Little Rangeet
A short distance away, another stream called the Little Rangeet, which too originates from the Singalila region, joins the Great Rangeet. The Little Rangeet flows through Bijanbari, making the land fertile and results in the vast stretches of farmlands in Bijanbari.
Embracing Nature
Bijanbari is the headquarters of the Darjeeling Pulbazar development block. For me, Bijanbari was just another town. When I got there the words of John Muir rang in my ears- "I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was going in.”
The swiftly flowing streams, the gushing waterfalls, the luscious green and tea gardens on the way to Bijanbari create a beautiful environment. The beautiful feeling that I felt then, I now realize, is what we call 'True Happiness.'
Go Organic
Staying in a proper town area would mean buying fruits and putting them in a beautiful fruit bowl to eat later. Here's what I did when I saw the trees laden with fruits. I jumped with joy and if you are a city dweller you would do that too.
There are many fruit orchards like apples, oranges, pineapple, etc. Paddy, potato cabbage, and tomato are also cultivated.
Once a week on Friday, Poolbazar, a place close to Bijanbari town, is flooded with buyers and sellers. On that day, the oldest and biggest market of Darjeeling district, runs selling vegetables and farm animals.
Apart from that, about 2km from Poolbazar, there is a sericulture farm that makes products out of mulberry bushes, and silkworms.
Generating power
Asia's second-largest hydroelectric power project, Rammam Hydel Project,in Lodhoma is located on the Rammam River. The valley is covered with fruit-laden orchards on one side and a slope on the other. The powerful force of water and orchards add beauty to this place.
Nearby hiking routes from Bijanbari
The best way to observe beauty is to go on a hike.Bijanbari had some great hiking routes. One can even take a short walk along the town.
Some of the hiking routes from Bijanbari are- Singla Bazar which is about 4km from Bijanbari. Relling is about 8km away and Som T.Estate is a walking distance of 4km. Other hiking routes are Kaizalay, Gok, Jhapi, Sumbuck and Rimbik
A Home away from Home
We long for a special place when we are away from home. Besides homestays, there are very few eateries in Bijanbari and they provide simple food. Good hospitality, a clean place, and homemade food are what make our stay a home away from home. There are homestays like Lamagaon Homestay, Baasbari Farm, Tin Tin Boutique Resort, Relling Rangeet Water Resort, Bizzu Valley, and Bamboo Village Retreat which provide good service.
It's not just a game; it's football
A 90-minute-long football match brings out the best, not just among those playing but also among those watching.
Somewhere in the hills, when there's a football match- with a mat in hand, a bag of eatables, a bottle of water, the ardent fan squeezes among the people and makes a place for himself.
The passion, persistence, team spirit, and sportsmanship can be clearly seen in the Amulya Moktan Phudup Memorial Cup and Dipawali Cup Football Tournament, Bijanbari. So, if you are a football lover you can enjoy the craze for football with many like us.
Experience the harmony of nature
Visiting Bijanbari will not just be a lifetime experience, but it will show a way to go back to nature. This wandering soul has experienced the harmony of nature and the wanderer.
Bijanbari is rich in both Flora and Fauna. It is home to several species of indigenous and migratory birds like Himalayan Thrush, Scarlet Minivet and many others. An experience of delight for the bird watchers.
When to visit Bijanbari?
The hills are always beautiful, be it any time of the year. Each season has its own flavor. Tourists flock most from April to June. Bijanbari shares similar weather as the Queen of Hills.
The best time to visit Bijanbari in the summer is from April to June and in the winter it is from October to December, depending on your preference of weather. During Summer the days are clear and sunny and though winter is often clear; the temperature drops down to near 0°C.
How to get there?
By air: -The nearest airport is Bagdogra. It is well connected to the rest of India. You can take a rented vehicle to reach your destination. To cover the distance it will take around four hours.
By Train: The railway station is New Jalpaiguri station. Outside the station, you can opt for a taxi or rent a car.
By Road: You can drive down to Bijanbari by taxi or avail bus services from Siliguri.