West Bengal's Forests - Picture File

Gorumara and Jaldapara National Parks

Bridge to paradise (Jaldapara National Park)

These old plank bridges, rickety but serviceable, litter the forests and inner roads of the eastern states of West Bengal and Assam. They blend in easily with the surroundings and add to the charm of the place. The forests, lush and densely wooded are intimidating and majestic and most of all....quiet.

A tiny settlement inside the Gorumara National Park, I imagine this would be a freaky place to live. Flimsy houses vulnerable to attacks by elephants and leopards and the like.

One of the houses. Picture taken from moving jeep so pardon the poor composition.

Herd of Elephants,  Gorumara forest

Generally on jeep rides inside a forest, because of noisy engines, the animals hear you coming from a mile. The one we were on was especially rattly and the engine, suspension and body were all working together to create operatic level music. Even so, it must have been a lucky day for us because at 6.30 am, we saw this herd of elephants moving in the jungle not more than 25 yards away. One of them comes up to a tree, gives it a hard kick and the entire thing comes crashing down! That was our cue to move because our jeep in the decrepit condition it was in, would never be able to out-run the jumbos if they decided to come after us.

Peacocks were everywhere!

                                                             

               Peacock in Flight        

                  Regal Pose

The woods are lovely dark and deep

Giant beehive at the resort we were staying in at Gorumara