The path least trod leads to the wild. Three childhood friends,
each who diverted to pursue different academic and professional interests- a
student of medicine, engineering and cartography, decides to take a ‘walk in
the wild’ after more than one and a half decades of hiatus.
Thursday, 1st May, 2014 (May Day) was a
thirst-thrust day for the nature-loving trio who to escape from the mundane
city life let their foot loose into the wild and the wilderness.
We zeroed in on Orang National Park, a haven for wildlife
amidst the sub-tropical vegetation. Orang encompasses parts of Darrang and
Sonitpur districts in Assam. The
national park, though under the tourist map is by far a less frequented
touristy destination compared to the world famous Kaziranga and Manas National
Parks; although it is closer to the nearest city- Guwahati, the transport and
communication hub in north-east India.
We commenced our journey at quarter to 8 in the morning and
from Jalukbari intersection we navigated to the right crossing the Saraighat
Bridge on the majestic river Brahmaputra and hit N.H. 15 on the north bank
crossing Baihata Chariali, Punia, Bhebarghat, Dhula, Kharupetia, Ghansimuti,
Burigaon, Dalgaon, Kopati Tea Estate. We halted in a roadside tea-stall for a
short break in Burigaon.
Since almost all national parks in Assam are closed to
tourists by 30th April, we took prior permission from the Department
of Forest, GoA to visit the park. Two hours of drive and we left the
hustle-bustle of urban life and entered into the park which gave us an
excellent 360° view of the sylvan sea of greenery.
We skirted the park in a jeep with our tour guide Abdul
Salam. Pink wild flowers lay strewn on both sides of the jungle track as if to
welcome the late visitors in spring. This was followed by strangler vineyard-type
trees, a vast field of tall sub-tropical grass, wild edible saag (herbs) to name a few. The
vegetation type changed in quick succession after a few kilometers within the
park. We spotted a flock of spot-billed pelicans near a beel (natural water-body). A sleepy rhino basking under the sun woke
up to greet us in the late morning, a mongoose crossed our path, deer stood
still for a photo shot, a mama elephant shielded her twin calves, a gui-xap (monitor lizard) made a rare
appearance in front of us while the sighting of a troop of monkeys just during
lunch time at Prashanti Tourism Complex in Silbori completed the jungle milieu.
Mid-way in the park we halted in a forest rest-house. From
atop the hillock we spotted a few rhinos from afar, wild orchids clinging to and
crowning equally wild trees. Our guide took us down to a rhino carved-out cave,
which looked like the handiwork of river erosion. We were informed that the
pachyderm frequents the place due to the presence of salt content mixed in the
soil (which is drained out from the kitchen guest house).
The lunch in the terrace of Prashanti Tourism Complex at
Silbori with plain rice-dal mixed with local kukura (fowl), matikanduri
saag (a type of locally grown herb) not only quenched our appetite but also
satiated our senses. The landscape, climate, the rich and varied flora and
fauna is what makes a visit to Orang NP a pleasant and a fulfilling experience.
The drive back home, as the three of us listened to popular
English hits of the 70s and 80s, germinated our plan for the next travel
destination to chill long - - -
Shillong.
Facts about Orang NP-
1.
The place where Orang NP now stands was once a thickly
settled village which became a ‘ghost town’ due to *Kalaazar (Black Fever, the word Kalaazar
is derived from Assamese language; Kala- Black, Azar-disease).
2.
The national park remains open to tourists from
November to April.
3.
Accommodation- Prashanti Tourism Complex, Silbori
(8 double bedded rooms and 2 cottages).
