Travel

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The long weekend from August 15 to 17 is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle of city life and immerse yourself in the lap of nature. If you’re tired of overpopulated hill stations or noisy tourist hubs, Burikhola in Dooars offers a serene, offbeat alternative. Hidden in the lush greenery of North Bengal, this tranquil hamlet is located just a few kilometers away from Malbazar and serves as an ideal monsoon retreat for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking solitude.

Burikhola—literally meaning “Old Stream”—is a small riverside settlement tucked between dense forests and rolling hills of the Dooars region. To reach here, you’ll have to travel about 4 to 5 kilometers off the main road, navigating bumpy, muddy terrain, especially during the rains. But once you arrive, the sheer beauty and silence of the place will soothe your senses.

Imagine waking up to the sound of birds and flowing water, sipping hot tea while watching mist roll over green fields, and occasionally spotting wild elephants on the opposite bank. The monsoon transforms Burikhola into a lush green paradise, with swollen rivers, cloudy skies, and the earthy scent of rain making it a dreamy escape.

There are a few local homestays available, typically family-run, with basic amenities. These riverside cottages offer a raw and authentic experience—wooden floors, tin roofs, local food, and a natural ambiance that no city hotel can match. Since availability is limited, it's recommended to book in advance.

Start your journey from Kolkata by boarding the Kanchan Kanya Express to New Mal Junction. From there, hire a car or take a shared jeep to reach Burikhola via Malbazar. There are two common routes—one via Damdim and another through Shungachha Tea Garden. Both are scenic, especially in the monsoon, offering views of tea estates, rivers, and misty hills.

Burikhola doesn’t offer luxury, but it offers peace. There are no loud tourists, no commercial resorts—just the sound of nature. Though forest safaris are closed during monsoon due to breeding season and safety concerns, nature walks and riverside exploration are open. You can walk along the stream, sit on rocks and dip your feet in the cold water, or simply watch the clouds drift across the horizon.

If you're lucky, you might see a herd of elephants from a distance or spot colorful birds hiding among the tall sal trees. Nightfall brings a different charm altogether. Light drizzle, the chirping of crickets, and stories by the fire make it an unforgettable experience.

The timing couldn’t be better. With Independence Day on Thursday (August 15), you can take Friday (August 16) off and enjoy a continuous 3-day weekend through Saturday (August 17). It’s just enough time to travel, relax, and return refreshed. You don’t even need to apply for extended leave—perfect for working professionals and families alike.

This mid-August trip allows you to escape the city’s concrete heat and experience the green pulse of Bengal’s countryside. It’s particularly magical for those who love monsoon—rain-soaked leaves, muddy paths, and the rhythmic sound of raindrops on tin roofs.

Since Burikhola is a remote and relatively underdeveloped area, be sure to pack essentials:

• Raincoat or umbrella

• Waterproof shoes

• Power bank (network is weak and electricity can fluctuate)

• Flashlight

• Personal medication

• Light woollens (the rain can bring a chill)

Also, carry cash, as there are no ATMs nearby. Respect the locals and nature—avoid littering and disturbing wildlife.

Burikhola is not for everyone. If you're looking for nightlife, shopping, or fast internet, this isn’t your place. But if you’re someone who craves silence, raw beauty, and a deep connection with nature, this is your calling.

You’ll return from Burikhola not just with photographs, but with a calm mind, fresh air in your lungs, and memories of a monsoon well spent. In a world that is constantly on the move, this 3-day trip reminds you to pause, breathe, and just be.

So this August 15 to 17, skip the crowd. Pick your bag, book your homestay, and head to Burikhola—the riverside gem of Dooars that the world hasn’t discovered yet.