Introduction
The Bengal Duars (or Dooars) is the gateway to
the North Eastern parts of India and stretches from Siliguri in the west to Buxa in the
east. This 150 km stretch of dense evergreen moist deciduous Himalayan foothills plays
host to some of the most sought after birds in the world.
The Duars are breathtakingly beautiful. The mostly flat
terrain is lush green with large patches of towering forests. The land is crisscrossed by
some great rivers like the Teesta and Torsa and by innumerable seasonal rivers whose broad
pebble dry beds add to the overall beauty of this unforgettable wilderness. Chapramari,
Gorumara, Jaldapara, Buxa Duars are all protected forests in this area and aside from
preserving nature, is home to Floricans, Cuckoo Doves, Bazas, Hornbills, Sultan Tits, Falconets and
many others. Large mammals include the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant,
Tiger, Leopard and Gaur. While the forests in the west resemble high rainfall type terai
vegetation, the Buxa area is very similar in bio-diversity to the Manas area and is close to
Manas National Park.
Birds
Jerdon's Baza
The area holds
some spectacular birds. From Green Cochoas to Sultan Tits, the
stretch from Mahanada to Buxa features amazing avian diversity. Listed birds
include Manipur Bush-Quail,
Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Pale-headed
Woodpecker,
Great and Wreathed Hornbills,
Blue-eared Barbet, Blyth's and
Ruddy Kingfishers, Asian Emerald Cuckoo,
Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Hodgson's Frogmouth,
Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Bengal Florican,
Black-tailed Crake, Ibisbill,
Black and Jerdon's Baza,
Oriental Hobby,
Collared Falconet,
White-bellied Heron,
Malayan Night Heron,
Lesser Adjutant, Blue-naped
& Hooded Pittas, Silver-breasted
& Long-tailed Broadbills,
Collared Treepie, Slender-billed Oriole,
Rusty-bellied Shortwing,
Vivid Niltava,
White-crowned Forktail,
Jerdon's Bushchat,
Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufescent Prinia,
Bright-headed Cisticola, Rufous-rumped
Grassbird, Rufous-faced Warbler,
both Necklaced Laughingthrushes,
Red-faced Liocichla,
Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Long-billed Wren
Babbler, Wedge-billed Wren Babbler,
Slender-billed Babbler, Cutia,
Grey-headed & Greater Rufous-headed
Parrotbills
and Scarlet Finch.
Malayan Night Heron - Juvenile
How to reach
Siliguri is the best start point. Siliguri
is connected by air (Bagdogra) from N Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata and by rail (New Jalpaiguri) from Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata. Siliguri is about 10 hours by road from Kolkata.
From Siliguri, Chapramari and Gourmet are an hour and half away. Jaldapara is a 3
hour drive and Buxa will take upwards of 4 hours to reach. Road and rail transport are
available choices. The National Highway is in very good condition and driving is
comfortable.
Duars Road Route
Siliguri > Sevok >
Coronation > Mangpang > Bagrakote > Oodlabari > Dam Dim > Malbazar > Chalsa > Gorumara/Chapramari
(70 km)
> Nagrakote > Bannarhat > Binnaguri > Dalagaon > Madarihat > Jaldapara (135 km)
> Hasimara > Buxa Duars (215 km)
Where to stay
Various resorts/lodges around Gorumara. The Forest department
has 2 rooms each at Chapramari and Gourmara. Great property, book well in advance and
carry your own food. The Sinclairs Group has a star property at Chalsa
(www.sinclairs.com), which is near Gorumara/ Chapramari.
Jaldapara has Forest Dept. accommodation both inside (Holong) and outside
(Maderihat). Holong is recommended. Buxa has very basic Forest Department bungalows.
Travel and stay arrangements:
Help Tourism at www.helptourism.com
Best time to visit
October to April
Places to visit:
Lava is a short drive
from Gorumara/Chapramari. The protected forests of
Chapramari /
Gorumara are
birding hotspots and provide the best opportunity to see many lifers. The
Buxa area presents the greatest challenge
due to the weak logistics, but some very rare birds are only to be spotted in
the tall and thick evergreen canopy which characterizes the area.
Sumit Sen
Kolkata, India
