Raimatang

RAIMATANG

Raimatang is a small offbit destination nestled within the region of Dooars, West Bengal. The nearest Railway station is Hamilton Ganj. Raimatang lies at a distance of about 16 km from Hamilton Ganj railway station amidst the lush green wilderness of Buxa Forest, hills and small streams. The route to Raimatang village is surpassed by BDO Office, Kalchini Police station, Kalchini Bazar, Bukinbari Tea Estate and Kalchini Tea Estate. In the recent past Raimatang has gained much prominence in the fields of tourism for being a scenically blessed forest village. The route continues by Kalchini Tea Estate to the right hand side that intersects with Rangamati, central Dooars and connects at Bhatpara Tea Estate. From Bhatpara Tea Estate the route again connects with Anchrapara Tea Estate, on the way one will come across few sightings like Bhatpara Tea Factory and Pana settlement and meets at Rajdhani Tea Estate. Situated very close to Bhutan border and due to its close proximity to Buxa. Raimatang is endowed with rich diversity of flora and fauna. Around Raimatang one may catch common sighing of untamed animals like Deer, Wild Elephants, Leopard and many more. From Bhatpara Tea Estate the route has again connects with SSB Camp via Bijaypur village. As one leaves behind Bijaypur village then comes the dry river bed of Goldung River. Throughout the year the river bed remains dry except in the monsoon, and makes it difficult to cross it. From Goldung River the route further connects to Raimatang village sited along the meandering Raimatang River. From Raimatang River bed the route further connects to the upward direction on the bridle path and reaches at Raimatang village. Though Raimatang forest village is spread over a large area but the number of houses to around 90 to 95 villagers. Among the locals of this village few are of “Mund Tribes” few are “Lamas” and the rest of the villagers are ‘Nepali’. Each and every house in this village is of single storey and made of wood and tin. Electricity and attached bathrooms are there in almost every house, the main source of livelihood of the locals are farming and renting their house in the form of homestay for accommodating tourists. Here at Raimatang village one will get to see several corn fields and betel nut trees spread throughout the village. Apart from these the locals at Raimatang also grows varieties of flowers and fruits those are seen all over the village. For bird watchers Raimatang is an ideal place as it is inhabited by numerous Himalayan birds like Myna, Hornbill, Wild Parrot, Verditer Flycatcher, Drongo, Peacock, Ibisbill, Migratory Goosander, Wagtails, Black Necked Crane, Large Whistling Teal and many more. The silence of Raimatang continuously gets debarred by the chirping sounds of these birds. The far end forest of Raimatang is densely populated with long trees like Shaal, Oak, Jarul, Tatar Maple, Indian Mahogany, Gamhar, Kumbhi, Akhrot, Katus (chinquapin) and many more. The area is known as ‘High Forest’. In this dense wilderness very frequently leopards, elephants are seen and it is recommended not to go around without a proper guide. Around the village one will get to see numerous mountain peaks, small log houses, check posts, BDO office, Mahakal Temple, Mandre Waterfalls. Several rivers and streams flows around Raimatang like Fushre Khola, Pana, Goldung, Gangutiya and Dima. So while planning for your tour in the Dooars, do not forget to include Raimatang in your travel check list.

Things to see and Do: From Raimatang Village on a day trip one can go around and visit the nearest Panbari Hilly settlement situated on a hilltop, here 5 to 6 families of the Dupka Tribe have grown up their own habitat perched on the green wilderness. At Panbari village 3 families are Christian and 2 families are of Buddhist religion. Panbari village is located with a distance of 2 km from Raimatang village. From Raimatang village another walking distance of 3 km is the watch tower; the route to the tower is through the wilderness of Shaal and Shegun. The watch tower is situated at prime location. From this watch tower to the far end there is a natural ‘Salt Lake’ emerged from the ground, where herd of elephants visit to drink the salt water. From Raimatang on a day trek one can visit the nearest spots like Adma, Chunabhati, Tashigaon, Lepchakha and Buxa. Raimatang can be an ideal base for trekkers. On a day trip by car from Raimatang one can go around few famous tourists spots like 30 Mile Watch Tower, Mahakal Temple, Rangamati, Central Dooars, Pasakha, Hashimara, Jaigaon and Phuntsholing. Within some distance from Raimatang village there are some other tourist spots like Rajabhatkhawa, Jayanti, 29 Mile Village, Santalabari, Chilapata, North Patkapara Ishtikutum and Mendrabari. One can take a walk along the village of Raimatang and get to know daily life of the locals. On different days of the week at different places the locals of the villages used to arrange market where they sale different items like groceries, local handmade foods, handlooms and handicrafts which are worth buying. These locals markets are arranged near railway lines, tea gardens, and open valleys. At Hamilton Ganj the market is arranged on Sundays, at Anchrapara on Saturday and at SSB Camp on Wednesday. One can take a stroll by the side of Raimatang River and witness the enthralling sight of hundreds of colourful butterflies. Raimatang is a haven for travellers who are in search of solitude far from the madding crowd amidst the nurturing soul of nature.

How to reach: From Sealdah by Kanchankanya Express upto Hamilton Ganj station. From Hamilton Ganj at a distance of about 16 km is Raimatang village. Means of communication is very good and is well connected with other circuits on that periphery. One can also take the route from Alipurduar or New Mal Junction. From Alipurduar at a distance of about 45 km is Raimatang Village.