Reflections

    MarionBarrie Tea Estate If you take the Mirik Road from Siliguri, you can go via Khaprail or take the route via the Hill cart Road and then turn right across the Sukna Army Camp to the Mirik Road. The road to Rohini branches off to the left as you continue towards the looming hills. The Mirik Road passes through the village of Garidhura, which has a fairly busy market and a pitstop for cars that are either descending or ascending to the hills.   The road runs parallel though at a fair distance from the Balason River.   The Marion Barie Tea Garden occupies the space between the road and the Balason River, but not quite. Adjacent to the River there is a dense patch of forest the so called Balason Forest. This forest is home to myriad birds, hares, mongoose , the occasional leopard and, very importantly, it is a thoroughfare for elephants who intend to cross the Mechi river into Nepal. The afternoon was warm, unseasonably so, considering that it is just the thir...

  North Bengal is full of unexpected corners, partly forested, partly scrub, partly riverine which are rich in birdlife. They are mostly overlooked by serious birdwatchers who tend to converge in the major bird watching spots. However, some of these neglected areas can be excellent places to spend some profitable hours of birdwatching. One such area is the village of Mongpong. The Teesta as it enters the plains at Sevoke makes a sharp left turn towards Gazaldoba. The road link to the Dooars crosses the river at Coronation Bridge and hugs close to the hills of what is now the Kalimpong District. Between the road and the Teesta is Mongpong. A kutcha road leads down from the Sevok Road and ends near the railway bridge. There are several large trees, including some marvelous simuls. There is a grassland and the Teesta is, of course, close by. The Teesta River Bridge  Further east is the Montong forest proper. To enter this we must have permission, so it is best to stay confine...