Dhamakhali, an ideal weekend escape

                                                       From the roof top of the lodge

The email changed the string of my monotonous weekends last year. It was my doctor friend who first implanted the name into my psyche. “Let’s head for Dhamakhali” he said. “The bookings ought to be done over phone, and if we get it, this can quite be a memorable experience. We can have a glimpse of the Sundarbans”

The thought of visiting the mangrove delta once again was quite alluring. Naturally my consent went out instantly.

Dhamakhali is in in the Sandeshkhali block II in 24 Paraganas (N) district of West Bengal. You will have to drive for two to two and a half hour to reach this weekend jaunt.

The “Sundarban Paryatan Abash - Dhamakhali”

The eighty odd kilometers can take roughly three hours from the Esplanade Bus Stop from where CSTC buses ply at regular intervals to Dhamakhali. From Science City we headed East to take the Basanti Highway and drove past Bantala Leather Complex, Bhangar, Minakhan,Malancha and Sarberia, from where we turned left and at the end of the 10 km road we reached Dhamakhali ferry-ghat. On the opposite bank is the headquarters of Sandeshkhali Block II. Just 400 meters before the ghat is the “Sundarban Paryatan Abash - Dhamakhali”. We drove in through the gate and lo-and behold, a beautiful two storied lodge was waiting for us amid lush-green park and well-maintained garden. 

As soon as we reached the bungalow, I ran up to the roof to shoot with my canon cool-pix in whatever sunlight available. A medical launch was anchored in the middle of a river against the thatched huts. A floating health center in this rivery terrain.

                                                          The sunset from roof-top

. The sun was setting and the kids made most of the dying light - jumping and prodding each other. I turned back and clicked the sinking sun in the Rampur river. Dhamakhali, actually, is at the confluence of two rivers- Chhoto Kalagachhia and Rampur. The two rivers become the Kalagachhia river which in turn becomes the famous Raimangal after merging with river Dasha down south.

                                                                  A lonely lady
The manager, Dinabandhu Das,  arranged the Sundarbans Package. The 1 night 2 days package generally costs between Rs.1800/- to Rs.2000/- while the 2 day 3 night trip will be a thousand rupees more per head. He will arrange for the forest permissions, launch, food, stay at another lodge at Hemnagar Lodge (maintained by this NGO) at the entry point of the main forest. Forest Islands like Jigerkhali, Marichjhappi, Sojnekhali, Pakhirala, Sudhanakhali, Tiger project, Netidhopani (core area exclusive for 2N/3D package) can be visited. As a part of eco tourism he can arrange for folk open theatre(Bonobibir- Jatrapala) folk dance and songs ( Bhadu- Tussu, in local parlance) if you are interested in. These will be arranged in the nearby islands and will cost an additional Rs.2000/-.

                                        

                                                               A boatman crossing the river

Even if you are not interested in either the Sundarbans or the folk culture, I will implore you to take a trip between the islands in the starry night on a local country boat fitted with a diesel motor. It will be an experience in itself. Sitting upon the wooden planks and resting your back upon the gunwale below the star studded sky you can feel the pulse of India, which lives in these remote villages and not in the facade of the glittering city.

amitava chakrabarty

For Bookings: Mobile: 09732630178 / 09732586327

                        Email : jydc.ngo@gmail.com  & sgy2ydc@yahoo.co.in

Room Rents : 3 rooms at Rs 300/- 1 deluxe at Rs 400/- 12 bedded Dormitory ( ground floor) @1200/- and a 4 bedded ( ground floor) with attached bath room @ Rs 500/-.

For picnic parties 2 rooms at ground floor and a part of the campus at Rs 4000/-.