Henry's Island - The best kept secret of Sunderban

Crossing the hatania doania river @Namkhana - To reach Bakkhali one has to cross the river @Namkhana There is no permanent bridge to cross the river, we embarked on a berge with our car, and got to the other side. Namkhana jetty is a nondescript crowded place, but the riverscape was interesting with a couple of roving fishermen and a few ships in the distance. As soon as we reached the other side of the river, and drove a few kilometers, the beauty of rural bengal greeted us on both sides, with golden paddy fields, and sunflower cultivation. @ Henry’s island - We reached Henry's Island at around 12 o'clock. It took us almost 4.5 hours from Kolkata. Henry's island is a fisheries project. Once you leave the main road at jettyghat market, and enter the Henry’s island project area it’s a different world altogether. West Bengal fisheries department has set up decent accommodation facilities, and a watchtower, which gives a stunning bird’s eye view of the area. All around us, we could see hundreds of bherys (ponds) flanked only by deep mangrove forest. In the distance we could see the gentle waves of Bay of Bengal, making the whole scenery picture perfect. A place for the 'fishy' people - Henry’s island is a dream place for people who love fresh fish at their plate. Everyday close to 35 kilos of fresh catch is captured from the numerous ponds of Henry’s island. The tourists also get their share of fresh fish, comprising of bagda chingri, bhetki, and bhangan (like parshey). And after having my share, I admit I have never tasted a bhetki so fresh and soft before.

On a virgin beach - In the afternoon we went to the Henry’s island beach. A ten minute’s walk through the mangrove forest lead us to the beach. The beach is one of the best kept secrets of westbengal. It’s absolutely pristine, with no other tourists apart from the few boarders of Henry’s island resort.

The sea was calm, with gentle rolling waves; the white sand of the beach is very soft, ideal for a long walk along the sea with your loved one. We walked along the beach among the scampering crabs, and tweeting birds enjoying the mild afternoon weather.

White Sand Beach at Henry's Island

A stunning sunset - A stunning sunset was in store for us, when we returned to our resort. From the watchtower, we saw the setting sun, suffusing the acres and acres of placid water around us, in its golden hue.

Sunset at Henry's Island

A silvery evening - We sat on the watchtower as the evening set in. It was late spring, but the gentle breeze coming from the water body was cool enough for our comfort. The rippling waterscape all around us was looking ethereal in the silvery night, and the mystery of the surrounding mangrove forest made the whole atmosphere absolutely surreal.

Ferry to Jambudwip

Towards Jambudwip - The next morning we went to Frazergung fishing harbor, to board the ferry to Jambudwip - an uninhabited island, in the sunderban delta. We boarded a trawler which would sail 8 km on the Bay of Bengal, to reach Jambudwip. There is nothing much to see in the island itself, but it's the journey on the sea, which entices horde of tourists, throughout the year. The view of the estuary from the harbor, is really nice, we could see a lot of fishing boat anchored in the sand, waiting for their next trip into the deep waters.

Jambudwip by boat

Sailing on the sea - The journey was absolutely splendid. In no time, we crossed the river, and entered into the Bay of Bengal. As far as our eyes could see, we saw the warm blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. In the distance we could discern a few islands like sagardwip and kalashdwip. Glimpse of wildlife weren't missing either. Kingfishers were omnipresent, swooping into the water in search of fresh catch.

Embarking at Jambudwip

@Jambudwip and back - It took us hardly 40 minutes to reach jambudwip, the seashore was absolutely serene, and we landed on the beach, had a stroll, and sank into silence. After rambling half an hour on the beach, we returned to the boat, and started our way back to the main lands.

West Sikkim - The Road Less Travelled

Some moments from my west sikkim tour

Reached Kaluk Market - The first thing which caught my attention was the peace that prevailed everywhere. No one seemed to be busy there. No shouting shopkeeper, no heckling hotelier. This is where I wanted to come.

Kaluk Market

Verdant hill slopes - Kaluk

My first glimpse of Kanchendzonga in years - I had nothing much to do that day, so enjoyed the grand vista from my hotel balcony, until the setting sun, painted the majestic Kanchendzonga with its golden hue.

Kanchendzonga from Kaluk

On the way to Barsey- The next day was cloudy. I found Kaluk completely draped in cloud. The visibility was so poor; I couldn’t even see the valley in front of me, let alone the snow peaks. I decided to visit Barsey rhododendron sanctuary. It’s almost 10,000 feet from sea level, and perhaps a change in altitude could bring some luck for me. Approached via Soreng, The road was pathetic, but the scenery was magical. Saw this 'Lalpati' tree in full bloom in a serene corner @ Soreng.

Crossing Soreng

Gerethang Waterfalls - Met with this lovely waterfall near Sombaria. It's called 'Gerethang'. Spend a few minutes there. Gerethang is not as popular as Kanchanjungha falls, near pelling. Probably due to its remote location, but it certainly has the potential to be a crowd puller.

Gerethang Waterfalls

Into the wilderness of Barshey - Entered into the wilderness of Barsey rhododendron sanctuary. It was a thick forest of rhododendron, hemlock and bamboo, through which we trudged our way uphill. A strong wind was blowing through the forest, and on that wind the rustle of leaves sounded absolutely surreal.

Through the foliage of Barsey

@Barsey top - Within an hour I reached Barsey top. The view from Barsey top was absolutely ethereal. It’s a flat top at 10000ft, with thick rhododendron forest all around, providing a tantalizingly close view of the Himalayan snow peaks. In front of me was Mt Kabru. It was so close that I felt I could whisper in his ears.

Mt Kabru at Barsey top

@ Hilley - When we came out of the sanctuary, dusk was setting in. Hilley with all its serenity was looking surreal in the twilight and so were the snow peaks.






Rinchenpong Monastery - Next day walked 3 kms to Rinchenpong monastery ground. Got a sublime view of the snowpeaks from there.

Kanchendzonga from Rinchenpong Monastery

On a clear day - Just rambled around the nooks and corners of Kaluk, that day. Stunning views like these were with me all the time.

Scenic nooks and corners at Kaluk

Sunrise, the next morning- A stunning sunrise was the only thing that kept eluding me till then. But Sikkim didn’t leave my wish unfulfilled. The next morning I experienced a breathtaking sunrise. Slowly the snow peaks turned from pink to orange to gold and then the whole range came out in its dazzling white attire. It was my last day at Sikkim. So probably it was Mother Nature’s parting gift to me.

Sunrise at Kaluk

To read the complete travelogue please visit - http://kakaanirban.blogspot.com/2011/01/west-sikkim-road-less-travelled.html