Dooars Ecoviillege: Enjoy the Magnificent Views of South Raidak

The Raidak River also called Wang Chhu or Wong Chhu in Bhutan is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, and a trans-boundary river, flows through Bhutan. The Wang Chhu, or Raidak, rises in the Himalayas. In its upper reaches it is also known as the Thimphu Chhu. The main river is a rapid stream, running over a bed of large boulders.

The road leading to Raidak forest in North Bengal crisscrosses through densely carpeted tea gardens via Shamukkhola along side the swiftly flowing strong currents of the river Raidak. Amidst the lush green tea estates, you will come upon the settlements of the Rabha tribe. The forest shelters wild animal like the deer and elephants. A great number of birds such as lalmuniya, bulbul, tiya, shyam, koyal, phinge, etc., are found in abundance in this forest.

Places to See at Raidak:

Raimatang:

Raimatang is a small river in Western Buxa area in the Dooars area of West Bengal. There is a small village inside the forest known as Raimatang village. The village has gained prominence in tourism in the recent past.

Raimatang is a forest village. You have to travel through the river bed to reach here. The forest surrounding the village is famous for Elephants among other wild life. During the harvesting season, almost every night elephants come to the village during the night.

Bhutanghat:

Bhutan one side, India on the other. In between, runs the Raidak river. Many known and unknown trees on the hill and rapidly flowing river make it a dream-land. Elephants come here to drink water, and yu may see their bathing scene. During rains, the river is totally changed. A violent flow of water comes down from the hill. The tourist think that whatever may happen, we are not leaving this place. Then there is the sublime beauty of Pipingkhola. Bhuthanghat is about 45km. from Alipurduar. There is no place to stay at night. So must come back before night fall.

How to reach:

Kanchankanya and Uttarbanga Express are the best options. Get down at Alipurduar. If you take the bus, get down at Dangi Bazar and trek 3 km. A car will take you directly to the forest resthouse.