Location of Hollong Bungalow:
Hollong Bungalow is surrounded by forest from all sides. There is a lawn in front of the bungalow. At the far end of the lawn runs a forest stream – Hollong River. On the other side of the stream is open flat grassland with a slat-pit. On the backdrop is the Jaldapara forest.
Full moon nights makes the scene surreal. Silver, bluish light struck the forest with rhinos and gaurs grazing at ease. Where in the world could you find this kind of play of nature?
Experiences with Hollong:
Recently I visited Hollong on 3rd March 2019. I reached Hollong and straightway headed for the salt-pit and took a comfortable seat under a neem tree. The scene was absolutely flat, no movement could be noticed and the silence was broken occasionally by the cacophony of the peafowl. I may not see any movement but there are eyes seeing me from the jungle and waiting for me to leave.
After having a sumptuous lunch, as I was discussing with the Range Officer about the nuances of the forest, a tusker interrupted us with its appearance. It stood like a king hardly bothered about our existence. It was there for a while and slowly disappeared into the woods.
A hornbill pair gave me a good company. The rhino would trespass the lawn as soon as the last light of the day dies out. Peacocks were calling from their evening perches on trees. A barking deer swiftly ran across to the other end of the forest. I sat in silence until dark.
You are not allowed at the lawn after its dark. The lawn is frequented by rhinos and gaurs and it’s laden with danger to be at the lawn after dark.
I got a salt-pit facing room but decided to go to the common room with my searchlight as it is advisable to keep the windows of the room locked as forest insects may enter the room.
As the night descends Hollong becomes the playground of rhinos, gaurs, elephants and sambars.
It took only a few minutes for a group of sambar to appear. The goliath made its appearance with a calf. The strength and composure of a rhino always mesmerize me.
Crickets, nightjars and fireflies added to the beauty of the place. A gaur crossed the stream and entered the lawn. I went late to bed and enjoyed the games unfolding in front of me.
Wake up at 5.00 am and went straightway to the Hollong river. A kingfisher was busy having its breakfast. Hollong river has a huge population of “Chepti” fish- the favourite food of kingfisher.
Suggestion – Check-out from Salkumar Gate:
I check out at 9.00 am. I decided to move out of Jaldapra through “Salkumar” gate instead of the main gate, as the road to this gate goes through deed jungle and chances of sighting wildlife is fairly high. Well, I was not disappointed. A sole jumbo was busy grazing. I spent some time with it, took a few photographs and moved on.
Spotlights
How to book Hollong Bungalow – Online through Department of Tourism, Govt. of West Bengal. Click the link below for booking of Hollong Bungalow
Railhead – Nearest railhead Falakata/Alipurduar/Coochbehar/Hasimara.
Best Rooms– Room no -5(Kingfisher) and 8(Hornbill). These are salt-pit facing rooms.
Elephant Safari– You will be given first preference for Elephant Safari if you are staying at Hollong. You need to simply inform at the reception and your seat will be reserved. Try to avail the first safari at 6.00 am, chances of a sighting are more.
Best time to Visit – Nov to April
Things to carry– Govt. ID Proof, Binoculars and Essential medicine.
Need suggestion how to book and get room at hollong bunglow and do elephant safary there.
What is cost? What are the facilities? What are do’s & don’ts