ESCAPE TO THE NEARBY STREAM OF PANIGHATA

View Of Panighata River from Panighata Bridge

It so happened that when entire Siliguri was indulged in the Asthami celebrations of Durga Puja. I and my friend decided to escape to some natural setting in the suburbs of Siliguri. We planned a visit to Dudhiya River but on reaching there we found it crowded with tourists. Therefore, I suggested that we go to Panighata instead of Dudhiya. 

Panighata is just 10 minutes ride from the Dudhiya River by car.It is clean and solitary river known to many but visited by few thanks to the popularity of Dudhiya River.The place is indescribable.When one sets eyes on a self-determining stream flowing at its independent will through a pastoral landscape then one is forced into contemplation. There is a connection established with the formless universe.It cannot be expressed, it can only be felt.Some boulders are indiscriminately distributed on the banks of the river.We sat on them brooding at the landscape for hours.Feeling the pleasure of living on planet earth.

There were some 'kash phool' beside the river.It enhanced the beauty of the landscape.

Panighata Bridge as seen from the riverside

View of Panighata Bridge from a Neighboring Hill

Mountains seen from Panighata

Kash Phool on the banks of Panighata

Suddenly, we felt hungry.There is a shop beside the bridge which sells interesting stuffs to eat like pakorey's,coffee,momo,wai wai,jhal muri and chips.We ate some aloo pakoreys alongwith a cup of coffee.This  dhaba serves you only veg momos there is are others opposite to it where you will get chicken momos, tea and some drinks to devour.

After satisfying our tummy we returned to the riverside.The current was high so we could not dare to step into the water.We sat on the boulders taking pictures contemplating on the mysterious power of Mother Nature.Moments of philosophical talks with a bestie is something which one relishes the most.

Current in the River

Mountain River Panighata

We started for Panighata late afternoon therefore it was sunset by 5:30 and we couldn't help thinking how magnificent could a sunset be beside a water body amidst the nature.We felt peaceful !Since the mountains were closer from this place therefore we could distinctly see the lights blinking on the hills.We wished the time would stopped and we never had to return to the worldly occupations.There was noone waiting for us and the ultimate reality of the world.Then suddenly, we heard a noise in a bush behind us ! Without looking back at the bush we rushed to the entrance of the river with all our might.We suspected it to be an insect or a snake as it was raining heavily for days !