Sikkim Diaries

Throughout Sikkim such waterfalls cool the eyes, crystal clear, foamy water streams are to be seen at every two-three kilometers distance. If you are thirsty, don’t hesitate to get down from the vehicle and drink straight-away from the stream. Throw off your bought out water bottles. This place is a heaven on earth.

Dinesh a Nepali young man from Kalimpong was our driver in Sikkim. The young man was excellent guide too. He picked up us at Baghdogra airport to be driven to Jaldpara which is a wildlife sanctuary in West Bengal.

                                                  

We were at the pick-up point for an elephant ride at 6 am. A dense forest which had a rainfall earlier night, Jaldpara was covered by fog. Waiting for the elephant to take us inside the jungle, we sat by the river enveloped by the fog.





A rhino in the river Jaldpara ! we were lucky for the sight after an hours wandering on elephant back. The forest was so silent, elephant’s footsteps pressed the wet earth firmly, many a times  the elephant diverted in the direction of fresh grass-blades returning to the path only after the mahout’s  toes pricked at its ears.

November had just started, yet the forest maintained its monsoon mood. Shads of green everywhere and a single yellow leaf not to be seen, no wonder the elephant was not in the mood to carry us. It wanted to roam in the open grasslands which cover very large area of Jaldpara. Slowly evening set in while waiting for a tiger to arrive. We were unlucky. A beautiful, breathtaking sunset , though was a feast for the eyes.