The Market of Bindu

1. Home
2. Articles
3. The Market of Bindu

My friends often mock me that I do not know any road in the world but Indian Highway N.H. 34 that takes me to the woods. I cannot say they are completely wrong because mountains and dark forest fascinates me much more than sea. Whenever I can manage a leave of two to three days from my hectic work schedule I prefer to take the train en route Dooars, North Bengal as it fits both my pocket and soul within the short time.

This time my actual destination was Malbazar, a small commercial town 65 kms from Jalpaiguri, North Bengal. I had a leave of three days and this was enough time to explore this small town and its surroundings. I was mostly excited about the Forest Safari but to my disappointment could not manage a ticket. I enquired the hotel manager and instead, he suggested me the famous weekend market of Bindu, the last village of India bordering Bhutan. The market is open every Thursday, which means tomorrow. From my repeated visits to the Dooars I had a fair idea about the popularity of Bindu market. Without wasting further time I started for Bindu market early next morning.

Bindu is a last hamlet in the Darjeeling District, North Bengal bordering Bhutan. It rest on the lap of Tendu hill with the Jaldhaka River flowing downstream. The three streams Ni Chu, Di Chu and Bindu Chu that originates in the Kupup Lake, Sikkim meets at Bindu to form the huge Jaldhaka River. The Jaldhaka hydro-electric Project, India's first hydro electric project was built here in 1967. With the streams forming into river, the surrounding hills and valleys, the great forests, the orchids and the beautiful flowers Bindu beholds a canvas beauty and attracts tourist all the year round. When seen from the top of Jaldhaka barrage the whole valley looks like a pieces of diamond sitting on the lap of Himalaya.

The way to Bindu is breathtakingly beautiful. From Shiliguri Mittal bus stand Bindu is 104 km. The bus leaves you till Chalsa from where you can take share jeep or hire a personal car, the later being better option as nature returns your money. From Malbazar you have to go to Ghunia more through chalsa. From Ghunia more we have taken south for Chapramari forest. It will be a wonderful journey through the forest.

The way to Bindu from Chalsa is splendidly scenic and interesting. From Chalsa the road diverts en route to Ghunia through the south of Chapramari Forest. Small hamlets of Orao, Munda and Rajbansi comes on the way. If you are lucky enough you can find a herd of elephant crossing the road along with the constant orchestra of the birds which makes this ride not only adventurous but also romantic. The first village after the forest is Gorkha or Gouribasi. It is famous for its medicinal plant. The local inhabitants farms plants like Cinchona, Ipecac and Sarpagandha that are treated in this plant to make medicines.

After crossing Gouribasi the vegetation becomes sparse and the land turns arid and stony. The driver gave halt at a village called Jhalong for some refreshment. With the Jaldhaka River flowing like silver thread downstream and the snow capped Himalayas standing in front, Jhalong looked impeccably tranquil. The Tista Hydro-electric project stands beside this river. To reach this village you have to go downwards 6 km. In between Jalong and Bindu is Pareen which is also popular for its scenic beauty. Many tourists halt for few hours in this village for sightseeing. After few hours we finally reached Bindu.

Bindu welcomed us with an atmosphere of festivity and joy. This immediately lifted our mood. The market was as expected. There was a huge crowd of village folks along with the tourists selling and buying merchandise from both sides of the border. Starting from the village entrance gate the shops are spread at both sides of the road as far as your eyes goes. The shopkeepers are mostly local inhabitants of Bindu and the customers come from 6 km of radius and far away to purchase their weekly necessities. Honestly, I was awed by the variety the market presents. From fish to groceries to winter garments, shoes, electronic goods to computers everything is available in the same radius. Honestly, I was surprised by the huge range of winter garments and variety of shoes bargained and sold at unimaginably low price and could not resist shopping for lifetime.

As already told, Bindu is known for its three rivers meet and Jaldhaka Hydro-electric project, which is India's first, is built here. The project is very near to Bindu market and it was our next destination. Official permission is required to roam around inside the project area. On the other side of the bridge can be seen the Royal Bhutan. One doesn't require a visa to enter Bhutan and thus it is an open border. Tendugram is the first hamlet on the other side just 6km from the bridge. We gave a short visit to the village and hours passed like seconds as we mingled with the local people, took photographs and listened to the whispering of the river downstream. All in all, Bindu is not only an interesting inter-border shopping hub but with its impeccable beauty it is a priceless diamond sitting on the lap of the great Himalaya. In my suggestion, it is a perfect place for a weekend retreat.

Place: Bindu Village, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India

Tourist Interest: Last village of India bordering Bhutan known for inter border market, panoramic beauty and conjunction of three rivers at Jaldhaka.

Route: From Siliguri Mittal bus stand buses, private cars and share taxis are available. Daily two buses leave for Bindu via Chalsa. For tourists share taxis are suggested as it is both time and budget friendly. The bus or a taxi drops you at Chalsa from where you get corresponding share taxi or a personal car. Personal Car Rental: Tata Sumo - RS.1800 to Rs.2000. Maruti Van - Rs. 1200.

Hotels: Sibaji Tourist Inn, Bindu Tourist Inn and Gahunbari Drukal Retreat are the best in Bindu. Many other lodges are also available.

Time: Bindu is open all the year round.

Marketing: Varieties of winter garments and ladies slipper are available at Bindu at very low price.

Krishnendu Palit

School Teacher
+919433436288
krishnendu_kpalit@rediffmail.com

Editing Information:
This article is originally written in Bengali. It has been translated to English by Soumen Dandapathak and edited by Anwesha Ghosh, Editor-in-Chief, Dream Wanderlust.