RIVER RETREAT

If sitting by a gurgling river surrounded by forests is your kind of holiday, then drop in to Murti in Jalapaiguri. The small tourist town gets its name from the river it’s situated on the banks of.

Murti town is close to the river as well as two forests—Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Forest. Though the forests are closed during the monsoons as it is the mating season for animals, the view is enough to make up for missing the jungle safari. Just driving past the forests through tree lined roads is enough to forget the stress of the city life.

In the middle of the monsoons, driving under its lush green canopy can be quite a delight for road trip and driving enthusiasts.

Because it’s in the Dooars, tea gardens too are close by and you could plan a day visiting the ones near you; that is if just sitting by the river and enjoying the view isn’t enough for you.

Instead of an itinerary packed with activities, if want to meditate in the calm surroundings, we suggest you choose a spot on the banks of the river. The tourist lodges run by Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal and West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFD) are by the river and are known to offer superb views. If you prefer a slightly more upscale accommodation and don’t mind sacrificing the view, hotel Prime Murti is close by and its facilities include, among other things, a swimming pool.

We suggest, perch yourself on the rocks smoothed by the river for

an experience touched by nature. Let your children play by the banks, and have fun building pebble structures. Food here is simple, local Bengali fare, though you might just get an odd Chinese dish or two. GETTING THERE Murti is 70 km from New Jalpaiguri railway Station and roughly 80 km from Bagdogra. TARIFF Prime Murti Rs 3,000; WBFDC Murti Rs 2,000 and above; WBTDC Murti Rs 2,300 per cottage CONTACT Prime Murti 9163392713; WBFDC Banani 23358320; WB Tourism 09007995888