Globetrotter: 2020

“I traveled miles, for many a year,

I spent a lot in lands afar,
I’ve gone to see the mountains,
The oceans I’ve been to view.
But I haven’t seen with these eyes
Just two steps from my home lies
On a corn of paddy grain,
A glistening drop of dew”

Kodopal is so apt to remind the beautiful lines of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.

About Kodopal:

Kodopal - from the riverbanks of Dulung

Kodopal is a developed delta-land at the convergence of river Dulung and Subarnarekha and located near about 45kms from Jhargram. It is a pilot Agro tourism project of the Government of West Bengal developed around 400 acre of sandy fertile land. Local name of this delta is Majulir Char. The nearest locality is Rohini village of Sankrail block, Jhargram.

Life in Kodopal: River crossing to School

Formerly this area was totally remained unrevealed with many social taboos and malpractices. According to local sources, this little island of Dulung and Subarnarekha River was naturally formed around a hundred years ago. The area covered in a dense bushes and Maoist activities also reported long back. Now as the fear of Maoist has gone the area has developed as an agro-tourism center under a comprehensive project of production income eco-tourism continuum naming ' Kodopal Eco - Nest and Biological Fruit Basket’.

The Journey:

Lovely drive through country roades on the way to Kodopal

We started from heart of the city (Rabindrasadan) and it was around a 6hr long journey to Kodopal. On the way, we had our breakfast in Kolaghat & lunch at Rohini.

Crystal clear river water

A bullock cart on its way

On the way through the river streams

We reached the riverbank of Dulung by afternoon. There are options to ferry across the island or take a walk to the Eco Nest.
We preferred the second option through the ankle deep river stream. It was around two-kilometer pleasant walk. Our luggage carried through bullock cart to the stay.

Kodopal Eco-Nest:

Kodopal Eco-Nest : Entrance Gate

As we explored the Eco-Nest Park, we found there is a multi-purpose organic farming farm with various fruit and flower gardens supporting the name “Fruit Basket of Bengal”. Along with various fruit & flower gardens, seven luxurious double bed cottages that Eco Nest offers to its visitors.

These cottages well furnished with sufficient amenities and made in a beautiful environment.

Eco-Nest Cottages and Surroundings captured from watch tower

There is also a 40 feet high watchtower to see the pleasant surroundings around the cottage. The environment of larger landscape also captured from top of the watchtower.

Eco-Nest cottages : night view

On the island all meals provided by a caterer, whom we have contacted from Rohini. There are no food options or shops in the island. The caterer provides fixed menu and dynamic changes on food items are not possible as all ingredients are carried to the island from Rohini by crossing the river stream. However, I must say, the food quality was great and all of the preparations was finger-licking delicious.

The area has no electricity. There are solar options & a generator-set for power, which was available from 12noon to 1am but also had power breaks in-between. It was pitch dark after the lights go off.

Activities:

During the walk inside the Eco-Nest fruit garden

Here the urban tourists can engage in farming activities, experience the bullock cart, tractor ride, fly kites, eat authentic food, understand the local culture, enjoy the folk songs and dance, buy fresh farm produce fruits and vegies.

The area will also raise interest for bird-watchers. I had a good 2 hours birding and spotted quite a few feathered friends around. The following species recorded in an approx. two hours birding span-

· Indian Cuckoo

· Indian Roller Bird

· Green Bee Eater

· Small blue kingfisher

· White breasted common kingfisher

· White Wagtail

· Grey Heron

· Asian Pied Starling

· Black Drongo

· Red-wattled lapwing

· zitting cisticola

· Black winged kite
· Paddyfield Pipit