🌄 Introduction
After coming back from my Meghalaya trip, life went straight back to routine — classes, studying, the same old days. December and January were that time of the year when almost everyone goes to their hometown. And like I always say…
I was born in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh… but my real hometown is Kolkata haha.
But this January, Kolkata suddenly felt empty. Everyone had left. And I was alone in my flat, counting the days with nothing to do.
Then one call changed everything.
📞 The Call From Ankit
My friend Ankit called.
Let me introduce him first.
He’s from Hasimara, West Bengal, almost the border area connected to Bhutan. We were in the same batch, and when I joined college, we used to hang out at the chai adda in Mukundapur. Later, we ended up sharing one flat — and lived together till graduation.
So on that empty January day, he told me:
“Why don’t you come home with me? You’ll travel a bit and time will also pass.”
I thought for a day.
Packed my bag.
And the next morning… I was on a train.
🚆 Kolkata to North Bengal — My Journey Begins
I booked a train from Sealdah to Siliguri — around ₹1000.
Next morning around 8 AM, I reached Siliguri.
Ankit told me he’d pick me up, but bhai… he said:
“Itni door kaise aaun? I’ll guide you. Tu aa jaise.”
So he told me to take another train from Siliguri to New Alipurduar.
Fare: ₹150
Travel time: ~3 hours.
I got down at Hamiltonganj station where he finally picked me up.
This was only my second time in North Bengal.
But what waited for me ahead… I wasn’t prepared for it.
🏡 Reaching His House — A Hidden Heaven
By evening around 7 PM, we reached his home.
And honestly… it felt like heaven.
So calm.
So quiet.
Pure nature everywhere.
His house was literally surrounded by Chilapata Forest.
The air felt different.
Even the silence felt beautiful.
That night, while trying to sleep, I kept hearing a soft sound… like water flowing.
But I ignored it, thinking it was just the wind.
Next morning, I realised the truth.
🌿 The Supari Jungle & The Hidden River
I woke up, had breakfast, and was about to take a shower when Ankit suddenly stopped me.
“Wait. Kuch der baad ja. Chalte hain kahi.”
We went to the backside of his house, crossing a huge supari jungle
(Areca Nut Plantation).
And then I saw it…
A river.
Flowing just behind his house.
Crystal clear water.
Perfect sunlight.
Cold, refreshing air.
And that’s when I realised…
This was the sound I heard last night.
We took a dip in the river.
Cold water + warm sunlight = pure magic.
After spending some time there, we returned home and had lunch.
☕ Evening Chai… in Bhutan!?
In the evening, he said:
“Let’s go for chai. Acchi jagah le chalta hoon.”
We took out his Bullet and started riding.
Suddenly, I saw mountains… huge ones… covered with clouds.
A big gate appeared.
He told me:
“Aadhaar nikaal.”
Army checked our IDs.
Then, I saw the board:
WELCOME TO BHUTAN
Whatttt!
One side: India (Jaigaon)
Other side: Bhutan (Phuentsholing)
And the difference?
Incredible.
Bhutan was clean.
Peaceful.
No traffic noise.
No honking.
Only greenery everywhere.
We had chai there, standing at the border, enjoying the fresh air.
We couldn’t go to Paro because we didn’t have the permit — but the border itself felt unforgettable.
🌅 The Daily Routine — River, Sunrise & Peace
Every morning we woke up, walked to the river, and just sat there watching the sunrise.
The peace I felt there… I can’t even describe it.
North Bengal has a different kind of magic.
🌳 BONUS: I Forgot to Mention
I also visited:
✔ Chilapata Forest
A dense forest full of wildlife, tall trees, and absolute silence.
✔ Dooars
Green tea gardens, rivers, mountains — one of the most beautiful places in Bengal.
If you’re planning more trips around this region, don’t miss my detailed guide on
👉 Hasimara – Everything you Need to Know
📞 The Call That Ended the Trip
After five peaceful days at Ankit’s home, our friend Chandrika called.
But her story…
That’s for the next blog.
Thank you for reading 🙂
Stay tuned for the next episode of No Map Story.
